How Nice's beaches work
The whole Promenade des Anglais is lined with beaches, from the airport to the foot of Castle Hill. There are two kinds, one after another.
- Public beaches: free, put your towel wherever you like. Some have showers and toilets.
- Private beaches: you rent a sunlounger and parasol, with a restaurant and service to your spot. The boundary is marked by a line of buoys and the change of furniture.
Either way, they are pebbles. Bring water shoes and a cushion or thick mat.
Central beaches
Ponchettes
The first beach on the Promenade, at the foot of Castle Hill and a step from the Cours Saleya, with Old Nice as a backdrop. It is also the busiest: come early.
Beau Rivage
Half public, half private. The public part has showers and toilets; the private part is for lunch with your feet in the water.
Castel Plage
A well-known private beach at the foot of Castle Hill. People come mainly for lunch facing the sea.
Quieter beaches to the west
Centenaire and Lenval
Public beaches popular with locals, with shady lawns just behind them, perfect for a picnic.
Carras and Magnan
Further towards the airport, they stay calm even in midsummer, especially on weekdays. Nearby restaurants are often cheaper than in the centre.
Our tips
- Best time: before 10 am or after 5 pm. The light is lovelier and the pebbles cooler.
- In July and August, book your private-beach sunlounger the day before.
- Pebbles get hot: keep your sandals on until the water's edge.
- After the beach, an ice cream in Old Nice is a must. Our ice-cream guide.
Where to stay near the beaches
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée
Outdoor pool, with the beaches just across the Promenade.
Hôtel West End
Sea views and direct access to the central beaches.
Hôtel La Pérouse
Above Ponchettes beach, with the whole bay in view.
Affiliate links: if you book, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Are Nice's beaches sandy?
No. All the city's beaches are pebble beaches. They are less comfortable barefoot, but the water is often clearer. Water shoes make getting into the sea much easier.
How much is a sunlounger on a private beach in Nice?
Expect about 20 to 35 euros for half a day outside July and August, and more in high season or in the front row. Book the day before in summer.
Which beach is best with children?
The western beaches, such as Carras, are calmer and less crowded, with a gentler entry into the water. A private beach can also be handy: sunloungers, shade and a restaurant on site.
Do public beaches have showers and toilets?
Only some. Central public beaches such as Beau Rivage have them. Check on site before settling in for the day.
