Explore Nice’s Iconic Beachfront: Gem of the French Riviera

Nestled between bustling Monaco and the cultural capital of Cannes, Nice has drawn tourists to its shores for centuries, with its stunning architecture, breathtaking views and dramatic cultural landmarks. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a quick afternoon trip, Nice’s glamorous beachfront embodies the essence of this historic town.

Named after the wealthy British tourists who financed its construction in 1820, the Promenade des Anglais stretches 7 kilometres along Nice’s glittering shore. The Promenade quickly became a staple of Niçoise life in the 1800s, with glamorous casinos, hotels, ballrooms and concert halls built along the seafront to accommodate the affluent European tourists spending their winters on the French Riviera. This convergence of cultures resulted in a singular mix of architecture and design that still survives today in the historic listed buildings dotted along the Promenade.

Today, the palm tree-lined walkway, running from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to the Colline du Château (Castle Hill), is a national landmark of this World Heritage city and offers the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of luxury, culture and a splash of that fabled Riviera sun.

Along the magnificent four-mile stretch of the Promenade des Anglais, you’ll find 15 private and over 20 public beaches carpeted with Nice’s signature galets, the large flat pebbles brought to the coast by the surrounding alpine rivers. From a casual picnic on the rocks to gourmet seafood in a private cabana, the beaches of Nice are a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to this sun-kissed city.

If you’re looking for luxury, convenience and a splash of pampering, spend a few hours at one of Nice’s private beaches. Those signature pebbles are far more comfortable when you're lying on a private sunbed, enjoying oceanside service from premier beachfront restaurants. You can even pre-book your lounger to ensure you nab the best spot.

Beau Rivage is the largest private club along Nice’s beachfront, offering renowned gourmet dining and pampering spa facilities. This elite beach club comes alive after dark, serving tapas and live music well into the night, and is one of the waterfront’s liveliest spots. Castel Plage, often named the best private beach in Nice, is at the eastern end of the Promenade and hosts a world-class seafood restaurant for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean. Ruhl Plage, one of the oldest beaches in Nice, is a family favourite, boasting a swimming pool, private lounge and iconic blue-and-white-striped parasols. You’ll even get a discount if staying in a partnered hotel, such as the Mercure Nice Promenade des Anglais.

Top private beaches

• Beau Rivage: 
  • Open 10am to 6pm
  • Sunbed rental €28 Double €75 Parasol €5 Towel €5 Locker €7
• Castel Plage: 
  • Open 9am to 6pm
  • Sunbed rental €30 Parasols €5 Towel €5
• Ruhl Plage: 
  • Open 9am to 7pm
  • Sunbed rental €23 Double €90 Parasol €7 Towel €7

No, there are also free public beaches in Nice. These tend to be busier in summer, and most don’t have restaurants or lockers, but they’re the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying beachfront life as the locals do.

Coco Beach is a favourite for avoiding crowds and an excellent spot for snorkelling. La Reserve is a tiny beach nestled amid rocks and often overlooked by tourists. Look out for the classic diving boards, which are now part of Le Plongeoir’s fine dining restaurant. Plage de Carras is another local highlight and the only dog-friendly beach along the Promenade.

While all of Nice’s beaches are pebbles, Villefranche-sur-Mer has multiple public beaches located only 15 minutes along the coast. While it’s not technically sand, the pebbles there are much smaller, making them far more comfortable for a few hours spent lazing in the sun. It’s extremely popular in the summer, though, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Lined with palm trees and greenery, and alive with the buzz of locals enjoying the Côte d’Azur life, a leisurely stroll along the Promenade des Anglais is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Nice. Soak in the sun as you pass the architectural wonders and panoramic views that put this city on the map.

Our first stop along the Promenade is Esplanade Georges Pompidou, a small square beside the 4-star Mercure Nice Marché aux Fleurs hotel. Open 24/7, this park is home to the imposing Neuf Lignes Obliques, a 30-metre-high steel sculpture by French artist Bernar Venet, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the old town of Nice becoming part of France. Here, you’ll also see one of the best examples of trompe-l’œil in the city, the painting technique using optical illusion to depict three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. Check out the walls surrounding the square and see if you can spot the fake façade.

You’ll likely have noticed the iconic blue chairs lining the Promenade. These, too, have a fascinating history. In 1948, Jacques Ballanger commissioned local furniture maker Charles Tordo to replace the rundown wicker chairs of the Promenade with something a little sturdier. Later painted their signature blue to represent the glittering waters and clear blue skies of the Riviera, these chairs have since become a symbol of Nice and even have their own sculpture, La Chaise Bleue de SAB by Sabine Géraudie, which you’ll find in front of Jardin Albert 1er, created as a homage to this iconic piece of Niçoise history.

Created in 1852, Jardin Albert 1er is one of the oldest public gardens in Nice, boasting three hectares of manicured lawns, extravagant fountains, sculptures, palm trees and shaded benches – a lush oasis for a break from the sun. Connecting the Promenade with the historic pedestrian square of the Place Masséna, this luxuriant garden hosts open-air concerts, cultural festivals and even a traditional painted carousel.

Further along the Promenade, opposite Lido public beach, you’ll find the impressive structure of the Nice Palais de la Méditerranée. Built in 1929 by architects Charles and Marcel Dalmas, this dazzling art-deco masterpiece epitomises the height of 1930s extravagance, complete with a cocktail bar, theatre, roaring casino and international art exhibitions. While it has since been refurbished inside, the façade was classified as a historical monument in 1989, protecting this storied Niçoise landmark.

Right beside the Villa Masséna, home to a museum with Riviera art and Belle Époque artefacts, you’ll find the Negresco, with its famous pink domed roof and stately neoclassical architecture. Founded in 1912 by Henri Negresco and designed by architect Édouard-Jean Niermans, this building has seen downturns and upturns, becoming a military hospital during WW2 and now home to the Michelin Star restaurant Le Chantecler. Its famed crystal chandelier was initially commissioned by Czar Nicholas II, and can still be seen hanging beneath intricate stained glass amongst the eclectic art installations that decorate the historic listed building. Look out for the porters on duty, who still dress in 18th-century attire, complete with red feathered hats and sharp blue and red uniforms.

Within walking distance of the Promenade, you’ll find numerous beachfront hotels where you can experience the famed Côte d’Azur hospitality. For the ultimate sea views, try the Mercure Nice Promenade des Anglais or the Marché aux Fleurs Hotel, located directly on the Promenade, only a stone’s throw from the water. At the gates of the old city sits Mercure Nice Centre Grimaldi, offering rooftop views of the glittering ocean, and in the heart of Nice’s cultural downtown, you’ll find Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame Hotel.

Nice’s beachfront is also dotted with gourmet restaurants that showcase the famous Niçoise cuisine this region is known for. Splash out at the 5-star Le Chantecler, enjoy a romantic dinner at Le Plongeoir, or try any of the 15 private beach club restaurants for the ultimate open-air, fine dining experience. Top of the list are Le Galet, the Beau Rivage and Opera, located opposite the famed Nice Opera House.

This dramatic town’s unique mix of Provence, Alpes and Côte d’Azur heritage is displayed proudly along Nice’s spectacular beachfront, making it the perfect destination for those looking to experience the glamour of this unique part of the French Riviera.