The best beaches in Nice to visit in 2025

What is it? A local favourite, tiny La Réserve is a lesser-known public beach tucked away to the east of Nice town in the port area.

Why go? Just strolling distance from the centre of Nice, La Réserve may get crowded thanks to its diminutive dimensions, but its seclusion from the main stretch lends it a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The famed diving boards that crazed local teens have long leapt from have been renovated as part of a restaurant serving great food with views to match.

Address: Pilatte, 122 Bd Carnot, 06300 Nice, France

What is it? Pristine white parasols and lush greenery greet guests at Le Negresco Beach Club, designed to be a tiny paradisiacal garden by the sea.

Why go? An offshoot from the postcard-pretty hotel just across the street, the beach club offers the same sense of luxury just steps from the sea. Master chef Virginie Basselot has designed a killer menu (think fresh-caught seafood, a touch of summer truffle, and you must try local favourite, chickpea panisse!), and the service? Attentive and warm – parfait!

Address: Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

What is it? Long a Nice hotspot, this private beach at the foot of the Old Town is the largest in the French Riviera and has five-star amenities to match.

Why go? You have to go glam at least once on each visit to the Côte d’Azur, and there are few better places than the Plage Beau Rivage. Take a table at the gourmet restaurant not 30 feet from the shore, sup a sundowner at the luxe lounge bar or just stretch out on a striped lounger for a well-earned snooze. 

Address: 107 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice

What is it? The latest addition to Nice’s famous stretch of peddles, Bocca Mar is the beach-front sibling of the rooftop restaurant Oasis in Nice’s old town.  

Why go? An exceptional cocktail and mocktail menu, food to rival their shoreside restaurant, and summer vibes no matter the weather, Bocca Mar is the cool younger sister everyone wants to be seen with. Plus, with a resident DJ playing from 8pm until 2am, and plenty of guest DJs all summer, the beach bar doubles as a seaside nightclub. Dip your toes in the Med, then dip low on the dancefloor—this spot has it all.

Address: 15 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

What is it? Nice’s oldest private beach and former opera house pavilion have been serving locals and vacationers alike since 1889 under the watchful eye of the Maiffret family.

Why go? One hundred and twenty-seven years of dedicated service has allowed the Maiffrets to hone their skills to provide some of the best hospitality in Nice. Whether you ‘need’ a massage in your sun lounger or a new swimming costume from their collection, no demand is too over the top. 

Address: 30 Quai des États-Unis, 06300 Nice, France

What is it? A short drive from Nice centre, but well worth the effort for a spot of seclusion, calm waters and some of the best swimming on the French Riviera.

Why go? The public beach has excellent amenities, loads of water sports to try your hand at in the Club Nautique from scuba to sailing, and tranquillity in the elegant Papaya Beach and ramshackle tasty restaurant in Anjuna Bay. The public beach is braced at each end by private beach clubs.

Address: 06360 Èze, France

What is it? Keep wandering past the port and La Réserve beach, and with a keen eye, you will spot this tiny slice of rocks and pebbles – sometimes heaving with locals, sometimes completely deserted.

Why go? It is public, free, has lifeguards on duty in summer, offers showers to wash away that crystal clear salt water and a single restaurant that may be closed. So bring a picnic, drape your towel over one of the big rocks (trust us, they are comfier than the pebbles) and settle in for some serious sunning.

Address: Avenue Jean Lorrain, 06300 Nice France

What is it? Another family-run affair along the Promenade des Anglais dating back a century, Ruhl Plage is a great choice for families.

Why go? Distinctly vintage in theme, it’s like stepping into an idyll from the French Riviera’s golden age. A wooden platform with steps into the sea saves pebble-worn feet, a saltwater pool with a lifeguard keeps the kids entertained, 80 private cabins with hot showers maintain your modesty, and Le Coin Lounge serves fresh Niçois dishes and an array of fabulous local wines. What’s not to like?

Address: 1 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

What is it? A private beach open year-round that is only steps away from some of Nice’s best hotels like the Negresco and Palais de la Méditeérranée on the Promenade des Anglais.

Why go? Often referred to as gastro plage, thanks to its excellent restaurant, the beach and restaurant are a boon for anyone willing to pay for entry. Vacationing with the family? The kids will love the beach swimming pool, trampoline and well-curated watersports activities, as will you!

Address: 32 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France

What is it? The easternmost private beach along the Baie des Anges, Castel is nestled under the headland and chateau and feels far removed from Nice’s throbbing crowds. 

Why go? Castel offers awesome facilities for a price and rolls friendly service into the mix – not something Nice establishments are famed for! Sun loungers are tightly packed but comfy, the restaurant serves fantastic Niçois food and ice-cold Provençal rosé to your table or lounger, and the Med is only a pebble’s throw away.

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