It takes only a few minutes to walk from the center of Nice to the seafront. The resort has 15 private and 22 public (free) beaches. It’s hard to say which one is the best.
The Best Public and Private Beaches in Nice
Public beaches in Nice are clean and well-maintained, though they lack changing cabins and other facilities. Centenaire and Carras are equipped for people with disabilities. There are both non-smoking (Centennial, Lenval) and smoking beaches. Tourists most often visit the plage publique de Beau Rivage near the Quai des États-Unis, as it offers hot showers and toilets for a modest fee.
If you prefer having a sun lounger, umbrella, and a mat protecting your feet from the large pebbles, head to the commercial beaches such as Ruhl, Lido, and Hi Beach, or Castel, Opéra, Neptune, Régence, Sporting, and others. Don’t forget to prepare at least 30 EUR for the services. Relaxation at such spots, unlike public beaches, is usually time-limited (typically from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00–8:00 p.m.).
Which beach should you choose in Nice? Take a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais: private beaches have information boards listing services and prices, while public ones can be evaluated at a glance.
Pebble and Sandy Beaches: Tips
The beach strip in Nice is narrow (30–40 meters) and covered with pebbles. You’ll need special shoes for walking. Lying directly on a towel is uncomfortable, so it’s worth buying a foam or straw beach mat (around 10 EUR). To find sandy beaches, head towards Cap d’Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer. The seabed near city beaches is rocky and slopes steeply, but it’s thanks to the stones that the sea in Nice remains so clear.
How to Read the Flag Colors
If a blue flag is flying — the water quality is excellent; yellow — not great, many jellyfish; green — swimming is unrestricted; orange — swimming is allowed at your own risk; red — swimming is prohibited.
