We’ll be honest, summer is not the best time to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Nice and the French Riviera, but if you’re a tourist passing through Nice, the crowds and being packed in like sardines certainly shouldn’t bother you. Or, if you prefer comfort, there are plenty of private beaches in Nice and the French Riviera with all the facilities you’ll need to feel at ease: sunbeds, parasols and catering.
In this article, I’m not going to tell you about the calanques or wild coves with turquoise water in paradise mode like 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 public beaches that have been fitted out 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 the cliffs or hills in the distance, such as the passable beach or La Mala, and others are more “standard”.
In conclusion: the choice is yours!
10 beaches to discover in Nice and the French Riviera
1. La Réserve de Nice Beach
Situated right in the heart of the city, the beaches of the Réserve de Nice are characterised by their wild aspect, with rock formations, discreet coves and crystal-clear turquoise water. I love going there in the early hours of the morning to snorkel. Be careful, though, as the coves are flooded at the height of summer. Tip: go early to be sure of finding a spot!
2. The Beach at Villefranche sur Mer
I fell in love with the French Riviera over 10 years ago when I discovered the beach at Villefranche sur Mer. Situated between Nice and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche’s sandy and gravel beaches offer an idyllic seaside setting with crystal-clear waters. There are three beaches: Plage des Marinières (the best-known and largest of the three), Plage de la Darse and Plage de l’Ange Gardien. Access to the beaches is very easy: there is a large car park nearby and the train station is located just above.
3. La Plage Passable Beach at Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat
Situated on the west coast of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Plage de Passable is a real jewel on the French Riviera: set in a sheltered cove, it offers incredible views over the Villefranche harbour and gets plenty of sunshine, especially in the late afternoon. The beach is divided into two sections: a free public section with showers and toilets, and a private section managed by the ‘Plage de Passable’ establishment. The beach retains a wild and authentic charm, thanks in particular to the lush vegetation that surrounds it.
4. La Mala beach in Cap d’Ail
The Mala beach in Cap d’Ail is one of the most beautiful on the French Riviera, surrounded by steep cliffs and wild vegetation, and offers a truly exceptional natural setting with turquoise waters. It’s a real haven of peace, offering a unique experience on the French Riviera! The beach is around 200 metres long and is divided into two sections: a public beach to the west, which is wilder, and a private section to the east, equipped with deckchairs, parasols and restaurants. Access can be tricky due to the many steps and the lack of nearby parking, especially for people with reduced mobility. The beach is crowded at the height of the season, so I recommend arriving early to find a parking space and enjoy the beach to the full.
5. La Salis beach in Antibes
Unlike other beaches on the French Riviera, which are often made up of gravel and pebbles, Plage de la Salis in Antibes is a stretch of white sand with a sublime view of the Alps and the old town of Antibes. It’s a popular beach for families, with a shallow water level for safe swimming. A large car park is located close to the beach.
6. Juan les Pins beach
Located in the heart of the seaside resort of Antibes Juan-les-Pins, the Juan-les-Pins beach stretches along Boulevard Guillaumont as far as the town’s exit towards Golfe-Juan. It is around 250 metres long and is particularly popular for its fine sand and incredible sunsets. Parking is available all along the boulevard.
7. La Plage des Fourmis Beach at Beaulieu sur Mer
Plage des Fourmis, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, is a pretty gravel beach offering a peaceful setting and a magnificent view of the Villa Kérylos. It is also popular with families, as there are safe, demarcated swimming areas. There is a pay car park nearby, but there are very few spaces available. Public transport is recommended.
8. La Petite Afrique beach in Beaulieu sur Mer
Located at the foot of the cliffs and lined with palm trees and umbrella pines, it offers an exotic setting and a mild microclimate all year round. This fine gravel beach is comfortable for walking and relaxing. It’s also popular with families for its safe swimming areas. Perfect for children. The beach is divided into two sections: the public beach to the east and the private beaches to the west, including La Javanaise and La Baia Bella.
9. The beaches of Cannes and Cannes-la-Bocca
Cannes and Cannes La Bocca offer a variety of beaches that appeal to both relaxation and water sports enthusiasts. The beaches of Cannes are appreciated for their fine sand and their view of the Lérins Islands. They alternate between private establishments and public areas. Public beaches include Plage Macé, which hosts open-air screenings during the Cannes Film Festival, and Plage Zamenhof, also known as Plage des Gabres. Private beaches are usually owned by large luxury hotels offering premium services. To the west of Cannes, the Canne la Bocca district offers larger, less crowded beaches, perfect for those looking for a more relaxed environment. Parking is available all along the road.
What I love most about the beaches of Cannes are the incredible sunsets. For me, the beach in Cannes offers the most beautiful view of the French Riviera.
10. La Buse beach in Roquebrune Cap Martin
Plage de la Buse in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is one of the French Riviera’s hidden gems, set in the cove of Cabbé and surrounded by turquoise seas and incredible Mediterranean vegetation. The water is crystal-clear, offering truly ideal conditions for swimming. It’s perfect for people who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of seaside resorts. Access is only on foot via the customs path.
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!
