Are you ready to discover the French Riviera's most stunning coastal gems? Nice's beaches offer everything from glamorous private clubs to secluded pebble coves, each with its own distinct character.
Whether you're seeking Instagram-worthy spots along the Promenade des Anglais or peaceful corners away from the crowds, this curated guide reveals the perfect stretch of Mediterranean shoreline for your style. From family-friendly shores to local hideaways, we've created a guide about Nice's top 10 beaches to help you plan the perfect beach day on the Côte d'Azur. Let’s get started.
Popular Tourist Beaches
Opéra Plage
Location: Opéra Plage sits just steps from Nice’s Old Town (Vieux Nice) and a 20-minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Its central position makes it ideal for exploring the city’s markets, cafes, and opera house.
Opéra Plage is Nice’s oldest beach, operating since 1889, and blends retro charm with modern comfort. The shoreline features smooth pebbles and bright turquoise waters, though swimming here requires sturdy water shoes—waves drop off quickly, making it better for dipping than lounging.
The private beach section offers padded loungers and mattresses under crisp blue-and-white umbrellas, while the public area attracts sunbathers on towels.
What sets Opéra apart is its laid-back vibe. Unlike glitzier Riviera spots, it’s all about unfussy relaxation. The beach restaurant serves solid Mediterranean fare (think grilled seafood niçoise), and the family-run management keeps service warm. Don’t miss the occasional masseur offering seaside rubdowns.
The view? A postcard-ready mix of azure waves and pastel buildings from the Promenade.
Parking & Access:
Street parking is nonexistent, but Parking Sulzer (paid) is a 5-minute walk. Arrive early in peak season (July-August)—spaces fill fast. Better yet, take tram line 1 to Masséna or bus 12 to Albert 1er.
Things to do:
- Parasailing or waterskiing with Nikaia Glisse (rental hut on-site).
- Lunch at Opera Plage Restaurant—try their fresh Caesar salad or salmon filet.
- Stroll to Cours Saleya for flower markets and gelato.
- Book a beachside massage while listening to waves.
- Explore Old Town’s winding streets and baroque churches.
Tips:
- Wear water shoes—the pebbles get HOT and are tricky barefoot.
- Reserve loungers ahead for prime front-row spots (€25-30/day).
- Visit before 11 AM to snag public beach space in summer.
- Pack a swim noodle for easier floating in deep waters.
- Pair your beach day with dinner in Old Town’s cobblestone alleys.
Ruhl Plage
Location: Situated at 1 Promenade des Anglais, Ruhl Plage lies just 7 km (15-minute drive) from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and a 10-minute walk from Nice-Ville train station. Its central position near Jardin Albert 1er makes it easily accessible from most city hotels.
This iconic private beach delivers the full Nice package - think pebbled shores meeting turquoise waters, backed by the city's signature blue chairs and striped parasols.
Operated by the same family since 1920, Ruhl Plage balances historic charm with modern comforts. The beach restaurant serves Provençal specialities like salade niçoise (€21), while lounge areas offer cocktail service. Though compact, it features a swimming pontoon and premium sunbeds (€30/day).
You can expect a lively yet sophisticated atmosphere with French vacationers and international visitors mingling against yacht-dotted Mediterranean views.
Parking & Access:
Limited street parking is available near Le Méridien hotel, with paid underground parking at the hotel (€4/hour). The beach offers wheelchair access via ramps.
Things to do:
- Try the signature Salade Niçoise at the beachfront restaurant.
- Swim from the private pontoon ladder into clear waters.
- Enjoy sunset aperitifs in the elevated lounge section.
- People-watch along the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
Tips:
- Reserve restaurant tables 2-3 days in advance during summer.
- Bring water shoes - the pebbles can be uncomfortable barefoot.
- Use tram line 2 (Masséna stop) to avoid parking headaches.
- Visit May-June for warm weather without peak crowds.
- Check seasonal hours - dinner service is only available from mid-June to mid-September.
Family-Friendly Beaches
Plage des Ponchettes
Location: Located steps from the Old Town and a 15-minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (6.8 km), Plage des Ponchettes blends accessibility with Mediterranean charm.
This beach offers families a lively yet convenient beach experience in the heart of Nice. Plage des Ponchettes dazzles with its pebble shoreline and vibrant atmosphere. Framed by the iconic Promenade des Anglais and Castle Hill, this beach features a sandy volleyball court that becomes a hub for friendly matches in summer.
While the water deepens quickly, lifeguards patrol during peak months, ensuring safe swimming for families. Kids will love building pebble castles, and parents will appreciate the proximity to Old Nice’s ice cream shops and cafes.
The beach’s compact size and lack of waves make it manageable for young children, though water shoes are recommended for comfort on the stones. With showers and portable summer toilets nearby, it balances urban convenience with coastal relaxation.
Parking & Access:
Parking near the beach is limited, so opt for paid garages like Sulzer or Saleya (5–10 mins walk). The beach is accessible via a 20-step descent, which may challenge strollers.
Things to do:
- Play beach volleyball on the sandy court.
- Explore Old Nice’s colourful markets and gelato spots.
- Swim in lifeguard-supervised turquoise waters (summer only).
- Stroll the Promenade des Anglais for sunset views.
- Picnic on the pebbles with treats from Cours Saleya market.
Tips:
- Bring water shoes for rocky entry points.
- Use trams (Line 1, Opéra-Vieille Ville stop) to avoid parking hassles.
- Pack snacks—beachside dining options are limited.
- Visit early to secure a spot near the volleyball court.
- Combine beach time with Old Nice sightseeing.
Blue Beach
Location: Situated along Nice's iconic Promenade des Anglais, Blue Beach is just 15 minutes from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and a short walk from the city centre.
Blue Beach charms families with its soft, golden sand and shallow, turquoise waters, perfect for toddlers to splash safely. Framed by palm trees and pastel-coloured beach huts, the shoreline slopes gently into the Mediterranean, creating natural paddling pools at low tide.
Lifeguards patrol during peak seasons, and amenities like showers, shaded loungers (€10–15/day), and a beachside snack bar make full-day visits stress-free. The vibe is lively yet relaxed, with enough space for sandcastle-building competitions and beach games.
What sets Blue Beach apart is its blend of accessibility and local flavour. The promenade behind the beach buzzes with ice cream vendors, souvenir shops, and casual eateries serving socca (chickpea pancakes) – a Nice speciality. While mornings are tranquil, afternoons bring a cheerful mix of laughter from kids and the clinking of rosé glasses at nearby cafés.
Parking & Access:
Limited paid parking (€3/hour) is available along Promenade des Anglais, but spaces fill by 10 AM in summer. The tram line T2 stops 500m away, offering a stroller-friendly route to the sand.
Things to do:
- Build sand sculptures in the velvety damp sand near the water’s edge.
- Rent paddleboards or transparent-bottom kayaks to spot fish.
- Join free beach volleyball games, organised daily at 4 PM.
- Explore the Cours Saleya flower market (10-minute walk) for picnic supplies.
- Take a sunset stroll to Castle Hill for panoramic views.
Tips:
- Arrive before 9:30 AM to secure a prime spot during July/August.
- Pack water shoes – some areas have pebbles mixed with sand.
- Buy a €5 daily tram pass for stress-free city access.
- Try “pain bagnat” (tuna sandwich) at nearby Boulangerie Marcel.
- Check tide charts – low tide reveals tide pools teeming with crabs.
Hidden Gems
Coco Beach
Location: Tucked along Nice’s eastern coastline, Coco Beach lies just 15 minutes from the city centre and 30 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Coco Beach feels like a local secret—a compact, pebbly stretch of shoreline where the Mediterranean glows in shades of turquoise. Unlike Nice’s bustling main beaches, this spot retains a laid-back, unpolished charm.
The water here is crystal-clear, perfect for a refreshing dip after a coastal run or a lazy afternoon sunbathing. Backed by rugged cliffs and dotted with weathered fishing boats, the beach offers a raw, natural vibe. Runners and walkers often pause here to soak in views of yachts bobbing near Cap Ferrat while the sound of waves drowns out the city buzz.
Though small, its seclusion makes it ideal for travellers seeking quiet moments away from crowds. Bring a towel and a book, or just wade into the calm waters where sunlight dances on the seabed.
Parking & Access:
Street parking is limited and competitive during peak season (June–August). Free spots exist on nearby residential streets but arrive early. Public transit (Bus #15) stops a 10-minute walk away.
Things to do:
- Head east on the Promenade des Anglais toward Villefranche-sur-Mer, passing Coco Beach, and enjoy the scenery.
- Look for small fish and crabs in the clear waters near rocky outcrops while swimming and snorkelling.
- Capture the sunrise over the cliffs or the "I ❤️ Nice" backdrop when taking photographs.
- Take a 30-minute walk to Villefranche-sur-Mer to explore the colourful fishing village.
- Relax on the pebbles with a picnic.
Tips:
- Wear water shoes—the pebbles can be uncomfortable barefoot.
- Pack snacks; no vendors are directly on the beach.
- Visit early in the morning for solitude and parking ease.
- Combine with a run/hike for fuller coastal immersion.
- Check tides—low tide reveals hidden tidal pools.
Castel Plage
Location: Tucked beneath Nice's iconic Colline du Château, Castel Plage offers an exclusive escape just 20 minutes from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and a 10-minute stroll from the Old Town.
Castel Plage feels like a VIP section of the Riviera, blending natural charm with boutique luxury. Unlike Nice’s pebbly public beaches, this hidden cove features a mix of smooth stones and imported golden sand, making it easier on the feet.
The water here dazzles in unreal shades of turquoise, so clear you can spot small fish darting between rocks. What really sets it apart? The beach club’s retro-chic vibe – think striped loungers, navy umbrellas, and waiters delivering Aperol spritzes to your cabana.
Sheltered by cliffs, the bay stays calmer than open stretches like Plage Publique Beau Rivage, creating ideal swimming conditions. For a touch of drama, climb the staircase carved into the cliffside for Insta-worthy panoramas of the Baie des Anges. The beach’s compact size (just 100 meters) keeps crowds manageable, though midday sunbathing still feels blissfully communal.
Parking & Access:
Street parking near Quai Rauba Capeu fills up by 10 AM in summer. Opt for the nearby Promenade des Arts garage (€3/hour) or arrive via tram (Line 1 to Vieille Ville). Wheelchair access is limited due to uneven stone pathways.
Things to do:
- Swim in the sheltered bay’s calm, transparent waters.
- Snorkel around the rocky western edge for marine life sightings.
- Book a massage at the beachside wellness cabana.
- Dine at Les Bains du Castel’s cliffside restaurant (try the bouillabaisse).
- Catch golden-hour views from the cliff staircase.
Tips:
- Reservations for loungers/restaurants open 3 days prior – book via their website.
- Bring grippy sandals; the mix of sand and stones can be tricky barefoot.
- Visit pre-11 AM or post-4 PM to snag prime loungers sans crowds.
- Skip the €25 daybed fee by claiming free spots near the water’s edge.
- Pair your beach day with a sunset walk up Colline du Château (5 minutes away).
Natural Beaches
Plage de la Réserve
Location: Nestled along Nice’s coastal path between Port Lympia and Cap de Nice, this beach sits just 2.5 km from the city centre.
Plage de la Réserve feels like a hidden slice of wilderness carved into the city’s coastline. Unlike Nice’s pebbly main beaches, this spot features small, smooth stones and natural rock terraces that create intimate coves.
The water dazzles with crystal-clear turquoise hues, though waves can pick up due to its proximity to the port. Steep, narrow stairs add to its adventurous charm, while the lack of crowds preserves a tranquil, almost secretive vibe.
The beach’s raw beauty lies in its contrast: black volcanic rocks frame the shoreline, and tide pools reveal tiny marine ecosystems. While there’s no sand, the rocky outcrops double as natural loungers, and showers are available for rinsing off.
Ideal for travellers seeking an unfiltered Mediterranean experience, it’s a place to unwind without the buzz of tourist hubs—just don’t expect umbrellas or lifeguards.
Parking & Access:
Street parking is limited near the beach, with closer spots filling quickly during peak hours. For guaranteed parking, opt for nearby paid lots like Parking du Vieux-Nice (~€3/hour). The steep staircase access makes this beach challenging for strollers or wheelchairs.
Things to do:
- Swim in the clear, refreshing (but unsupervised!) waters.
- Snorkel around the rocky coves to spot small fish.
- Explore tide pools at low tide for natural surprises.
- Photograph the dramatic coastal landscape at sunset.
- Relax on the terraced rocks with a picnic.
Tips:
- Wear water shoes for comfort on the stones and rocks.
- Arrive before 10 AM to claim a prime rocky perch.
- Pack snacks and drinks—no bars or restaurants nearby.
- Avoid swimming during rough seas or strong winds.
- Keep an eye on tides when exploring tidal pools.
Plage de Sainte-Hélène
Location: Plage de Sainte-Hélène lies in central Nice, just east of the private Regence Plage and opposite the Radisson Blu hotel. It’s a 20-minute drive from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and easily accessible from the city centre via public transport.
This 100-meter stretch of golden sand and smooth pebbles serves as a chill spot for both locals and travellers. While compact, the beach packs a punch with its clear, calm waters framed by volcanic rocks and the Mediterranean’s iconic blue hues. The vibe here is laid-back, with ropes along the shoreline to help you navigate the pebbles.
Though nestled between urban developments, Sainte-Hélène retains a natural feel. You’ll see families setting up near the water’s edge and snorkelers exploring the gentle seabed. The absence of bustling commercial stalls keeps the focus on the scenery: think sunlit waves, rocky outcrops, and the occasional sailboat drifting by. Just across the street, palm-lined avenues and cafes add a touch of Riviera charm without overpowering the beach’s simplicity.
Parking & Access:
Limited free parking is available on Promenade des Anglais, but spaces fill quickly during peak season. Paid underground parking at the Radisson Blu Hotel offers a reliable alternative. The beach is wheelchair-friendly via the paved promenade.
Things to do:
- Swim or snorkel in the calm, turquoise waters.
- Sunbathe on the pebble-sand mix while enjoying Riviera views.
- Grab a snack at Chez Vero café or the Elf service station across the street.
- Visit the Radisson Blu’s rooftop terrace for sunset cocktails.
- Stroll along the promenade to neighbouring beaches like Fabron.
Tips:
- Arrive early to snag free parking spots during busy months.
- Wear water shoes for comfort on the pebbly sections.
- Use the Elf station’s restroom—there are none directly on the beach.
- Pack a picnic; nearby dining options are limited.
- Check lifeguard availability (mid-June to mid-September).
Local Favorites
Plage de Carras
Location: Nestled near Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (a 5-minute drive) and just 0.7 km from the city centre, this beach serves as an easily accessible retreat without the downtown crowds.
This pebble-strewn stretch spans 350 meters, featuring crystal-clear waters and panoramic Bay of Angels views. What makes Carras special? It’s a fully accessible handiplage with amphibious wheelchairs, audio-guided swim buoys for the visually impaired, and summer lifeguards. Unlike most Nice beaches, it welcomes dogs year-round - pups splash freely in designated areas.
The laid-back vibe attracts families and sports enthusiasts, with a beach volleyball court and the quirky Cabane Bleu beach library lending books. In the morning, visitors might catch local fishers selling their catch at the tiny harbour market. While pebbles dominate, the organised western section offers smoother stone arrangements.
Parking & Access:
A small free lot near La Lanterne and roadside parking exist, but spaces fill quickly by 10 AM in summer. Better options: Tram line 2 (Carras stop) or bus 128 - both stop beachside.
Things to do:
- Ride jet skis through the designated motorised zone (May-Sept).
- Spike balls at the volleyball court.
- Borrow novels/kids’ books from Cabane Bleu.
- Shop for fresh catch at the morning fish market.
- Let dogs socialise in the off-leash swim area.
Tips:
- Pack water shoes - pebbles get hot!
- Bring picnic supplies - limited nearby restaurants.
- Avoid swimming near orange buoy markers (jet ski lane).
- Visit before 9 AM for parking and fish market bargains.
- Use tram/bike rentals to bypass parking hassles.
Lido Plage
Location: Nestled between Blue Beach and Ruhl Beach, Lido Plage sits in the heart of Nice’s urban coastline, a short walk from iconic landmarks like Hotel Negresco and the Palais Mediterranée.
This 400-meter stretch blends public accessibility with upscale vibes. The golden pebbles (a Nice signature) and turquoise waters create a postcard-ready scene, while the last remaining pontoon adds a dash of Belle Époque history—perfect for diving into the Mediterranean.
Locals love the mix of laid-back public space and the adjacent Bocca Mar private beach restaurant, where you can splurge on cocktails or rent plush loungers.
Families appreciate the summer lifeguard presence and shallow waters, though the compact public area fills quickly with both tourists and Niçois regulars. Mornings here are serene, ideal for sunrise yoga or coffee with a sea view, while afternoons buzz with volleyball games and sunbathers soaking up the Riviera sun. The backdrop of pastel-hued buildings and swaying palms keeps the atmosphere unmistakably French Riviera.
Parking & Access:
Street parking is scarce – opt for the Palais Mediterranée’s paid underground lot. Public transport proves wiser, with tram/bus stops adjacent to the beach.
Things to do:
- Try adrenaline-pumping water sports: wakeboarding, waterskiing, or parasailing.
- Dive from the historic pontoon into deep turquoise waters.
- Savor seafood platters at Bocca Mar with beachfront tables.
- Stroll the promenade for gelato or apéritifs at casual snack bars.
- Rent loungers post 2 pm for discounted rates.
Tips:
- Arrive before 10 am to claim prime public spots in summer.
- Wear water shoes for comfort on pebbles.
- Use tram line 2 to avoid parking headaches.
- Check Bocca Mar’s restrooms if using public beach facilities.
- Visit weekdays for quieter experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches in Nice
Where are most of Nice's beaches located?
Most beaches cluster along the 6.5 km Promenade des Anglais, framing the Baie des Anges from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to the Old Town. This iconic coastal strip mixes public pebble shores with private beach clubs offering loungers and watersports rentals.
Which are the best months for beach visits in Nice?
Prime time runs April–October, with July/August bringing peak crowds (book beach clubs ahead). For quieter visits with warm seas (avg. 22°C), target June or September—locals’ secret for balancing sun and space.
Which Nice Beach accommodates wheelchair users?
Plage Carras, near the airport, provides disability access with lifeguard-assisted beach buggies and adapted entry points. It’s one of few Riviera beaches with dedicated facilities beyond basic ramps.
Are there nude beaches near Nice?
Nice itself has no official nude beaches, but Cap d’Agde (a 3-hour drive) offers Europe’s largest clothing-optional resort with mixed tourist/local crowds. Closer options include secluded coves east of Villefranche-sur-Mer, though swimwear is customary on main beaches.
Conclusion
Your Riviera beach day isn’t just about sand and sea; it’s about lazy lunches under striped parasols, cliff jumps that quicken your pulse, and sunsets that melt into apricot skies.
Now that you’ve got the insider map to Nice’s best beaches (including those family-friendly shores and hidden gems), it’s time to craft your perfect coastal day. The Mediterranean’s sparkling. Your beach bag’s waiting. Allez-y!
