20 best beaches and beach clubs in Nice

As you plan your next trip to the Côte d’Azur, you’re likely looking for the best beaches and beach clubs in Nice to relax and soak up the sun.

Fortunately, Nice boasts a range of beautiful beaches and luxurious beach clubs that cater to every preference and budget.

Whether you are looking for a lively atmosphere or a peaceful retreat, Nice has a beach for you.

Each has its own unique charm and amenities, so discover what makes these beaches stand out from the crowd.

For those seeking a more luxurious beach experience, Nice has a range of beach clubs to choose from.

From elegant beachfront restaurants and bars to chic and stylish lounges, you can enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence. 

No matter what your preferences are, Nice has something to offer for everyone looking to enjoy a day at the beach.

Public beaches in Nice

If you’re looking for a gorgeous beach in Nice that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of public options to choose from.

Here are some of the top choices:

La Réserve

Best for: Rugged and secluded

Located just a stones throw from the port, La Réserve is a lesser known spot for swimming and sunbathing.

The beach is small and rocky, but that’s part of its charm! Make camp nestled into the slabs of rock and watch locals and tourists enjoy this slice of Niçois beauty.

The rocks and high walls turn to diving boards for the adventurous, and the clear water is great for snorkelling.

Nearby, you’ll find two wonderfully luxurious restaurants, La Réserve and Le Plongeoir.

There are other shops and cafés on the promenade above, but you’ll have to dry off and change clothes before heading there. 

Good to know: Pebbly beaches are abundant in Nice, but La Réserve is much more wild and rugged than other beaches.

Bring your swimming shoes to protect yourself and enjoy this beach carefree. 

Plage des Ponchettes

Best for: Beach volleyball

One of the closest beaches in Nice to the historic old town, Plage des Ponchettes is a crowd-favourite – so don’t expect a quaint and quiet beach.

Both tourists and locals alike flock to this beach to sunbathe and soak up the lively atmosphere. 

There’s a sandy beach volleyball court here, so try your hand and get in some exercise while having some fun.

It’s lifeguard-monitored during the summer months and a no smoking beach all year round.

Plage des Ponchettes is one of the best beaches in Nice to lay down your towel and soak up some rays. 

Le Voilier Plage

Best for: Welcoming atmosphere

Le Voilier Plage is a relatively small pebbled beach located near the Promenade des Anglais.

It’s a popular spot for families as well as couples and solo travellers due to the great water quality and nearby amenities. 

It’s worth noting that this beach is actually split in two – the public beach and private beach.

Over on the private side, you’ll find comfortable day beds to lounge on, and a top-quality restaurant. 

Good to know: There’s no lifeguard on duty at Le Voilier Plage, so take extra care if you go for a dip in the sea. 

Plage du Centenaire

Best for: Wheelchair accessibility

By far one of the best beaches in Nice for wheelchair accessibility, Plage du Centenaire is an inviting beach near the iconic blue chair sculpture on the Promenade des Anglais. 

With stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Côte d’Azur coastline, it’s no wonder why this beach is so popular.

Soak up some sun and breathe in the fresh sea air at this wonderful Nice beach. 

Plage de la Plateforme

Best for: Pebble-free beach

Close to the lovely town of Villefranche-sur-Mer – one of the best day trips from Nice – is the unique Plage de la Plateforme beach.

As the name suggests – Platform Beach – this beach gives sunseekers a flat stone platform to lay their towels on, rather than the usual Niçois pebbles.

A popular swimming spot, this beach is located on a well-loved walking trail.  

Good to know: This beach is sometimes frequented by naturists – so if that’s not your style, you’ve been warned! 

If you plan to stay in the town, read my guide to the best hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Coco Beach

Best for: A quick dip

Coco Beach is a small, rocky beach located near Nice’s historic old town.

This beach is somewhat off the beaten track and more popular with locals than tourists. 

The rocky outcrops don’t leave too much room for sunbathing, which is why it’s become a haven for those who are just looking for a quick refreshing dip in the sea.

A wonderful spot for watching the sun set over Nice and the Côte d’Azur, this beach is definitely worth a visit. 

Good to know: There are ladders leading into the sea at this beach to help swimmers get in and out of the water with ease. 

Forum Beach

Best for: Beachside strolls

Another of Nice’s pebbly beaches, Forum Beach offers a peaceful place for tourists and locals alike to relax and unwind.

Close to the infamous Negresco Hotel, this popular beach is a great spot for sunbathing and swimming.

With a lifeguard on duty in the summer months and a first-aid station at the beach, this is one of the best beaches in Nice for families.

The beach’s central location means there are plenty of amenities and facilities around, from shops and cafés to restaurants and bars. 

Carras Beach

Best for: Jet skiing

One of the only public beaches in Nice to allow jet skiing, Carras Beach sets itself apart from the abundance of Niçois beaches to choose from.

If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity, this may not be the beach for you as the thrill of watersports lingers in the air.  

Another wheelchair accessible beach, Carras Beach is often buzzing with people wanting to soak up some sun, enjoy activities on the water or play beach volleyball.  

Villefranche-sur-Mer

Best for: Sandy beaches and snorkelling

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a small, picturesque town located just a short distance from Nice.

It’s home to several beautiful beaches, including Plage des Marinières and Plage de la Darse.

One of the only sandy beaches in the Niçois area, Plage des Marinières is a popular choice for those fed up with the pebbly beaches. 

Hidden away just a short walk from Plage des Marinières is Plage de la Darse, a pebble beach off the beaten track.

With crystal-clear water that’s calm and inviting, this beach is the perfect option for snorkelling. 

Plage d’Èze

Best for: Watersports

A charming town with breathtaking views, Èze-sur-Mer is another wonderful day trip from Nice as it’s only a short distance away.

Here, you’ll find the public beach Plage d’Èze which is popular among swimmers, sunbathers and watersports enthusiasts. 

The beach itself is public, but there are two private beach clubs located on the pebbly stretch with their own restaurants, sun loungers and parasols.

Private beaches and beach clubs in Nice

If you’re looking for an exclusive and luxurious beach experience, Nice has plenty of private beaches and beach clubs to choose from. 

Castel Plage

Best for: Views of the Bay of Angels

Address: 8 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France

Opening times: 

• Beach: 09:00 to 18:00 daily 
• Restaurant: 12:00 to 16:00 and 19:30 to 21:30 daily

Prices: 

• Deckchairs: €30
• Parasols: €5
• Towel rental: €5

Castel Plage is a popular private beach in Nice located just a few short steps away from the old town.

Enjoy soaking up the sunshine on deckchairs and seeking shade under parasols at this luxurious section of beach. 

Here, you’ll get a simply stunning view of the Bay of Angels as you take a dip.

Deckchairs and parasols aren’t all that’s on offer at Castel Plage, with the Castel Beach restaurant serving up delightful dishes and the Bains du Castel offering scrumptious seafood. 

Plage Beau Rivage

Best for: Sustainable tourism

Address: 107 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France

Opening times: 

• Beach: 10:00 to 18:00
• Restaurant: 10:00 to 00:00

Another top-rated private beach in Nice, Plage Beau Rivage is located near the Promenade des Anglais.

It was awarded the Green Key International Ecolabel in 2023.

For beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, visiting this beach club is a must. 

This Nice beach club features a restaurant serving mouth-watering plates, a bar for refreshments, and a lounge area where you can relax and enjoy the sun.

You can also rent comfortable sun loungers, parasols, and towels.

La Plage du Negresco

Best for: Ultimate luxury

Address: 37 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

Opening times: 

• Sunbeds: 09:00 to 18:00
• Lounge: 09:00 to 23:00
• Restaurant: lunch from 12:00 to 15:00 and dinner from 19:00 to 22:00

Prices: 

• €45 per day per person
• Front row: €55 in the front row
• Double sunbed: €150 

The Negresco Beach Club is a luxurious private beach located in front of the iconic Negresco Hotel.

Abundant green foliage and whitewashed furniture meets the turquoise water at this beach club, offering the perfect setting for relaxing the day away. 

The beach club restaurant offers scrumptious surf and turf inspired dishes.

Overseen by Michelin-star chef Virginie Basselot, grab a bite to eat to round off a day well-spent at this luxury beach club. 

Good to know: You can find out more about my stay at Le Negresco in my hotel review. Or discover more of the best hotels in Nice.

Le Galet

Best for: Ultimate comfort

Address: 3 Promenade des Anglais, 06200 Nice, France

Opening times: 

• Le Galet: Sunday to Thursday, 09:30 to 22:30; Friday & Saturday, 09:30 to 23:00
• Lunch: 12:00 to 15:00 daily 

Prices: 

• Sun lounger: €22
• Front row sun lounger: €25
• Double bed: €55 (two people maximum)
• Parasol: €6
• Towel rental: €6
• Sun cream: €25

Le Galet is a trendy private beach located on the famous Promenade des Anglais.

It offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding cliffs, while bringing a touch of luxury to your day spent at the beach. 

With comfortable sun loungers and enticing double beds, this beach is the perfect spot for a day of reading or listening to your favourite podcast.

The beach club features a restaurant, a bar, and a lounge area where you can relax and soak up the sun. 

Ruhl Plage

Best for: Private cabins

Address: 1 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

Opening times: 

• Low season: 09:00 to 19:00
• High season: 09:00 to 00:00

Prices: 

• Double bed with parasols and towels: €90 
• Sun beds: €23
• Parasols: €7
• Towels: €7

Situated in the heart of the Bay of Angels Ruhl Plage is a private beach and beach club in Nice.

Boasting a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea and French Riviera coastline, this beach club is a true gem. 

With 40 private cabins and a range of sun loungers to choose from, there’s a real sense of luxury at Ruhl Plage.

Whether you want your own peaceful haven away from other visitors or somewhere to warm up after a dip in the sea, this beach club has it all. 

Blue Beach

Best for: Beachside restaurant

Address: 32 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

Opening times: 09:00 to 22:30 daily

Blue Beach is a private beach located near the Promenade des Anglais which offers a beautiful view of the sea.

Sun seekers and foodies alike will love it here, as the beachside restaurant serves up delicious dishes. 

Sun loungers and parasols line the stretch of beach, offering guests the perfect way to relax and unwind, soaking up some vitamin D. 

Opéra Plage

Best for: Flexibility

Address: 30, Quai des Etats Unis 06300 Nice, France

Opening times: 09:00 to 20:00

Prices: 

• Front row with parasol and cabin: €30
• Half day with parasol and cabin: €19
• Day with parasol and cabin: €25
• 12 day pass: €250

Opéra Plage is a private beach located near the famous Opéra de Nice.

Here, you’ll be greeted with a picture-perfect view of the Bay of Angels and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Choose from different pass options for the beach club to suit your plans – if you’re busy in the afternoon, you can simply opt for a half day to get your hit of sunbathing and swimming in.

The restaurant’s menu features delectable seafood dishes and traditional Niçois cuisine that is sure to get your mouth watering. 

Paloma Beach

Best for: Paddleboarding

Address: 1 Chem. de Saint-Hospice, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France

Opening times: 

• Beach: 10:00 to 19:00
• Restaurant: lunch from 12:00 to 16:00 and dinner from 20:00 to 22:30

Prices: 

• Sun loungers: €50
• Parasols: €7 
• Towels: €8
• Private cabin: €15
• Paddle rental: €15 per 30 minutes; €25 per hour

Located in the charming village of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat close to Nice, Paloma beach is a private beach and beach club.

You’ll discover a beautiful view of the sea and the surrounding Villefranche-sur-Mer landscape.

The beach club features a restaurant serving up traditional favourites as well as modern takes on classics, a bar for refreshments, and a lounge area where you can relax and enjoy the sun. 

Beach Club à Saint-Laurent-du-Var

Best for: Family-friendly atmosphere

Address: 2 Promenade des Flots Bleus, 06700 Saint-Laurent-du-Var, France

Opening times: 

• Beach: 10:00 to 18:00 in season
• Lounge: 14:00 to 00:00
• Kitchen: 12:00 to 22:30 with reduced menu between 14:30 and 19:00

The Beach Club à Saint-Laurent-du-Var is a private beach located near Nice airport.

This sandy beach is a change from most of the pebbly beaches in the region, meaning it’s more suitable for those with little ones. 

One of the main perks of this beach club is dining on the shore to the tune of the lapping waves.

Choose from scrumptious traditional dishes or modern Mediterranean-inspired plates.

Passable Beach

Best for: The complete package

Address: Chemin de Passable, 06230 Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France

Opening times: 10:00 to 00:00

Prices: 

• First row: €100 (includes €40 of consumption)
• Second row: €60
• Third row and others: €50
• Towels: €10

Facing the bay of Villefranche, Passable Beach is a private beach located in the exclusive peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

This beach club has far more to offer than the standard sun lounger – think massages, watersports and boat cruises.

Passable Beach features a restaurant serving Mediterranean-style dishes from fresh seasonal ingredients.

You can also watch the sun set from the Sunset Bar, cocktail in hand – what’s not to love? 

Planning a trip to the French Riviera? Discover the my Nice travel guide, the best things to do in Nice or my guide to visiting nearby Antibes.