Discover the Best Public Beaches in Nice, France, with ibis
Of the many beaches in Nice along the famous Promenade des Anglais, more than 20 delightful public beachfronts are free to visit.
Nice is the perfect destination for affordable beach holidays. Here on the French Riviera, days spent on the beaches, from lively stretches of sand to peaceful coves, live long in the memory. Best of all, many of the finest beaches in Nice are public, so they are free and open to everyone. Unlike private beaches, which are generally exclusive to homeowners or hotels, public beaches exist for all to enjoy, making them a highlight of your budget-friendly holiday in Nice.
1. Plage Publique de Beau Rivage - a lively public beach in Nice
Adjacent to a private beach that shares the same name, the public section of Beau Rivage has a lively atmosphere and is one of the most popular beaches in Nice. It's central – just a few minutes' walk from Old Nice (Vieux Nice) – which makes it convenient for city-centre hotels like ibis Nice Centre Notre-Dame. The ideal spot to absorb the area's history, French Riviera culture, and sun during your stay in Nice, this free beach is also close to ice cream kiosks and snack bars. Spread your towel out on this pebbled beach and relax under bright blue skies. Remember to bring sunscreen because many public beaches in Nice don't have parasols to rent.
- Paid parking is available nearby
- One-minute walk from Albert 1er / Phoceens bus stop
2. Plage du Centenaire - an inclusive city-centre beach in Nice
You'll find Plage du Centenaire across the street from the leafy Albert I Garden in the shadow of palm trees along the Promenade des Anglais. Like many public beaches in Nice, this is a pebbled beach, so you'll want a pair of surf shoes or sturdy sandals for paddling and strolling. There are lifeguards on duty in summer, and Plage du Centenaire is a designated 'handiplage' beach with excellent access and facilities for people with disabilities, including accessible changing areas. Families, couples and local people all enjoy this wide stretch of beach in Nice.
- Paid parking is available nearby
- Three-minute walk from Albert 1er / Phoceens bus stop
3. Ponchettes - a place for history and vistas
Spend time at this thriving beach to soak up Nice's history and beauty. This part of the shoreline at the eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais offers views of Castle Hill and is very close to the restaurants, shops and winding alleyways of Vieux Nice. Rue des Ponchettes, where small 17th-century houses are now hip bars, has always been a popular spot for locals to wander the streets and appreciate their city. Today, locals and visitors mingle as they play on the beach-volleyball court on Ponchettes Beach. You might even be lucky enough to find a spot for your towel on the soft sand around the court. There are lifeguards in summer, as well as ropes to make getting in and out of the sea easier.
- Paid parking is available nearby
- Three-minute walk from Cours Saleya bus stop
4. Plage de Lenval - where dogs and dog-lovers enjoy the coast
A famous Nice mascot oversees the fun at Lenval Beach. Two sculptures of Totor the dog by artist Stéphane Bolongaro symbolise the fact that this beach welcomes dogs; look out for one standing on a surfboard and one sitting on a lifeguard's chair while wearing shades. Along with the famous pooch, Lenval is known for watersports, particularly windsurfing. At the western end of Promenade des Anglais, the beach is quieter than some but it still has toilets and showers.
Good to know: Most public beaches in Nice have public showers and toilets close by.
The beach is across the street from ibis budget Nice Californie Lenval, which means you can be back in your brightly lit room while you're still fresh from the sea.
- Paid parking is available nearby
- Two-minute walk from Lenval Hôpital tram stop
5. Carras - the beach for jet skis and plane spotting
With its dedicated dog area, Carras is another pet-friendly public beach in Nice. It's also a handiplage with good access for people with reduced mobility. Being at the western end of Promenade des Anglais, it is further from the city centre but this gives you a bit of peace beside the turquoise sea. There are still plenty of local eateries to enjoy, as well as shops and a supermarket to pick up supplies for a picnic on the pebbles. For a little high-octane fun, jet-ski rentals and tours are available at Jet Evasion beside the beach. Carras is near the airport so you'll see planes taking off as you sunbathe or ride your jet ski, and ibis Nice Aéroport Promenade des Anglais is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk away.
- Paid parking and limited free parking are available nearby
- Three-minute walk from Carras tram stop
6. Sainte-Helene - a tranquil public beach in Nice
Between Lenval and Carras, Sainte-Helene is another shingle beach that's perfect for memorable days of sea and blue skies. Just outside the city centre, it's less crowded than some public beaches in Nice, but it's still a very convenient option as it's close to a tram stop and has restaurants within 10 minutes' walk. There are ropes to help you get in and out of the warm water, and there are lifeguards on duty in summer. If you're looking for a quieter beach in an authentic residential area of Nice, Sainte-Helene is a great choice. Nearby, Parc Carol de Roumanie is a gem amongst free things to do in Nice for families. It has an outdoor playground, mini-golf and inflatables for kids to bounce around on.
- Paid parking and limited free parking are available nearby
- Three-minute walk from Sainte-Hélène tram stop
7. Coco Beach - a place to picnic on the rocks
When you're planning an itinerary of free things to do along the French Riviera, it's good to know that you don't have to pay for many of the beaches in Nice. Coco Beach is a classic example of a free public beach where you can spend hours just soaking up the sun in a natural coastal setting. The gleaming white rocks contrast beautifully with the sparkling blue Mediterranean, and there are plenty of flat areas to lay out your towel or blanket. Local people love to meet for picnics on the rocks. You'll find Coco Beach on the eastern side of Nice near Parc du Mont Boron. With its walking trails and stunning views, the rocky shore is a popular swimming and snorkelling spot.
- Limited street parking is available nearby
- Next to Théodore de Banville / Lorrain bus stop
8. Villefranche-sur-Mer - experience a soft sandy beach in Nice
The very fine pebbles along the Villefranche-sur-Mer shoreline are almost like sand, so this is as close as you'll get to a sandy beach in Nice. To find the beach, you'll need to head out of town and explore further along the coast. You'll find the fishing town of Villefranche-sur-Mer on the other side of the Cap de Nice headland, and you'll then need to continue past Coco Beach. You can take a scenic 15-minute drive around the headline or go straight across from central Nice by tram in around 10 minutes. You're then rewarded with crystal-clear waters and glorious harbour views. There are several beaches in the area, including Plage des Marinières. With its delightful softness underfoot, the beach sweeps around a large portion of the harbour. Lifeguards are on duty in summer, when you will also find sunbeds, mattresses and parasols to rent.
- Paid parking is available at the western end of Plage des Marinières
- The western end of the beach is three minutes' walk from Villefranche-sur-Mer train station
9. Plage du Voilier - a beach for family days out
With its colourful play area and central location, Plage du Voilier is one of the best public beaches in Nice for families to relax and play together. This wide beach has both public and private areas, plus plenty of space to enjoy for free. Restaurants and cafés line this section of Promenade des Anglais, and there are supermarkets selling tasty treats for family picnics. Nearby, the Massena Museum and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nice are both included in the city's four-day pass for 10 museums, which provides entry to all municipal museums and galleries for just €15. This is a great way to add a spot of culture to your beach time during your affordable holiday in Nice.
- Limited hourly parking is available along the Promenade des Anglais
- Three-minute walk from Gambetta Promenade bus stop
10. La Réserve - the wilder side of natural Nice
Spend a few blissful hours at the compact La Réserve beach to experience the wilder unspoilt side of the Nice coast. Picture clear turquoise water that beckons you in. In fact, plenty of locals like to jump in from diving boards, and while that might not be your cup of tea, it does provide a spectacle from the restaurant overlooking the beach. Near Coco Beach to the east of central Nice, La Réserve is in the port area and is popular with Nice's residents. The economical design hotel ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port is conveniently located between this appealing beach and the city centre, and the hotel bar is the ideal spot to reflect on your day at the beach over a cold drink.
- Limited street parking is available nearby
- Two-minute walk from Villa la Côte bus stop
