We’ll be honest, summer isn’t the best time to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Nice and the Côte d’Azur, but if you’re a tourist passing through Nice, the crowds and being packed in like sardines certainly shouldn’t bother you. In this article, I’m not going to tell you about the calanques or wild coves with turquoise water in paradise mode like those you can find in the calanques of Saint-Raphael (with a special mention for the sublime calanque of Saint-Barthélémy). I’m mainly going to introduce you to beaches that have been equipped with showers, easy access (especially if you have children) and parking not far away.
Each beach has its own VIBE: some are sandy beaches like Antibes or Cannes and others are gravel or pebble beaches (don’t forget your aquashoes!). Personally, after 11 years in the south, I much prefer pebble beaches (much more hygienic, no more sand in the car!). Some beaches offer pretty views of cliffs or hills in the distance, like the passable beach or the Mala, and other beaches are more ‘standard’.In short, the choice is yours!
10 beaches to discover in Nice and the Côte d’Azur
1. The Nice Reserve
2. The beach at Villefranche sur Mer
3. A fair beach at Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat
4. La Mala beach in Cap d’Ail
5. La Salis beach in Antibes
6. Juan les Pins beach
7. The ant beach at Beaulieu sur Mer
8. La petite afrique beach in Beaulieu sur Mer
9. The beaches of Cannes and Cannes-la-Bocca
10. La Buse beach in Roquebrune Cap Martin
My favourite water sports at sea
There’s a whole range of water sports on the French Riviera to discover! That’s what living by the sea is all about. Between kayaking, rafting, diving etc… Sometimes you’d like to do it all, but here are my two favourite water sports:
1. Snorkelling
I discovered snorkelling on the French Riviera a few years ago and I haven’t been able to get enough of it since. I used to hate putting my head under the water, but this activity has totally convinced me. It brings me serenity and wonder and lets me switch off my brain.
My favourite snorkelling spots: the calanque of St-Jean Cap Ferrat, Eze beach, Cap d’Antibes..
2. Stand-up paddle
The other very popular activity in the south of France is stand-up paddling! I bought my first board 3 years ago and it’s a real pleasure to paddle on the French Riviera, which has some incredible spots: the Plage des ondes beach, the Villefranche-sur-Mer harbour as far as St-Jean Cap Ferrat, the Calanques of St-Raphaël… Special mention for the Gorges du Verdon!
