The Best Things to Do in Nice, the Jewel of the Côte d’Azur

If you’re heading to the South of France, chances are that you’re looking for some lovely beaches on which to park your blanket and soak up some sun. The long stretch of pebble beach along Nice's scenic Promenade des Anglais is split into smaller named sections like Plage de l’Opera, which sits right in front of the Opéra de Nice, naturally.

Among the public beaches, Haslett of French Promise says, “Plage de Castel is just outside the old town of Nice and always popular.” (It’s named after the nearest landmark, the château atop the old towns hill). He also recommends Coco Beach “for a quieter, more local feel, but it’s more of a rock than a beach.” Of the latter, it’s a good option to get away from the beaches near the Promenade, and there are bathrooms and parking along the street.

Keep in mind, Davidson of Red Savannah says, that beaches in Nice distinguish between the private and free-to-the-public options. Choose free public beaches for the no-frills approach; they have no loungers, umbrellas, or restaurants. If you want those options, Davidson suggests paying to spend the day at a beach club: “All of the beach clubs will charge admission with fees scaled according to the best to worst locations—front-row on the sand or jetty positions are the most coveted and thus charged accordingly. Alongside loungers and towels, clubs will usually offer a restaurant or bar, with music playing and perhaps a DJ in-house with waiter service to your lounger throughout the day.”

Many of the best hotels in Nice along the Promenade will have a beach club and offer complimentary access or reduced rates to guests. Of the private clubs, Haslett recommends Plage du Negresco: “It's all-new and has become the place to be in town.”

“If you’re just in Nice for the day and don’t have a hotel to lean on, Blue Beach and Ruhl Plage are both lovely options,” Davidson says. “They have great seafood menus and amazing views of the Baie des Anges.”