Beaches near Nice

Exploring hotspots like Nice’s Old Town should be at the top of your list, but you’ll doubtless want to hit the beach as soon as you arrive in town. You’ll have your pick of dozens of Nice beaches along the French Riviera. There are private beaches for glitzy experiences, but there’s nothing wrong with a public beach as you'll get to enjoy the same gorgeous Mediterranean weather. 

Many of the top beaches near Nice are situated within a short walk of the city center, so you'll be able to head there on a travel day. If you have some gear you need to stash before hitting the beach, you can quickly stop by a Bounce luggage storage location in Nice and we'll handle everything until you need it again. 

Here are our picks for the best beaches near Nice

The Mediterranean climate couldn't be more comfortable for swimming and sunbathing. During the summer months, it can get very warm (bordering on hot), but that's what the sea breeze and taking a dip are for. Even during autumn and winter, you'll find the climate to be pleasant at worst, and the crowds will be smaller. 

Along the splendid Cote d'Azur, expect well-groomed sandy stretches in between the naturally pebbly shoreline. The swimming conditions are impeccable as the waters tend to be calm when the beach is sheltered, especially during summer. Certain beaches will offer reasonable surfing conditions when there are wind swells. 

Treating yourself to a cabana at one of Nice’s private beach clubs is a great way to spend an afternoon, but don’t sleep on public beaches. Some well-kept sandy beaches are perfectly fine on the same picturesque coastline and completely free. 

Ruhl Plage

Set along the Promenade des Anglais, Ruhl Plage is one of the oldest beaches in Nice. With a beautiful pebbly location in the Baie des Anges, it’s a comfortable place for swimming and there are lifeguards onsite. The private beach club has showers along with a swimming pool, making it a great choice for families.

Le Coin Lounge overlooks the beach and is well-regarded for its Niçois cuisine and vintage decor. If you’re planning a splashy (pun intended) vacation, Ruhl Plage is not a bad place to treat yourself. You can head to the Promenade des Anglais right from the Nice Airport and leave your bags with Bounce. That way, you can poke around or even hit the beach on a travel day.

Castel Plage 

Home to both a private beach club and a public beach, this Eastern stretch of pebbles is situated in the shadows of the beautiful Castle Hill overlooking the port and city center. The private beach offers sun loungers and luxury experiences like delicious cocktails (more often than not an Aperol spritz) and food from the stylish Art-Deco Ascenseur du Château restaurant.

The public beach is slightly more crowded but offers comfortable swimming conditions on the Baie des Anges and the same exact views as the private beach club. This is a quick walk off the main stretch, so if you want to leave your gear closer to Old Town before exploring the Castel, Bounce makes drop-off simple and you’ll be able to lighten the load to explore and swim.

Plage des Ponchettes

One of the top public beaches in Nice, Plage des Ponchettes is well-situated next to Old Town (Vieux Nice) and epitomizes your preconception of what a beach on the French Riviera will look like. Lined with palm trees and historic buildings, this picturesque stretch of sand is perfect for taking in the scenery while enjoying a dip. If you show up early enough, you'll be able to grab a beach volleyball court or join in on a pickup game. Due to its proximity to the promenade and flower market, Ponchettes is perfect for cooling off after sightseeing. 

Plage Publique De l’Opéra

Named for the Nice Opera House, this well-placed public beach (there’s also a small private beach club) is centrally located but uncrowded. The public beach features a pebbly shoreline that is comfortable for swimming and enjoying views of the city, but the facilities are slightly limited compared to other spots. Trying to visit the Opera House? You can store your beach gear with Bounce so you won’t have to worry about bringing it through security or checking it with the cloakroom.

La Réserve

La Réserve may sound like an exclusive beach club, but it's actually a go-to public beach serving both Nice locals along with well-researched travelers. Located within a 20-minute walk from the city center, La Réserve is surprisingly intimate and uncrowded. The nearby Boulevard Franck Pilatte is perfect for doing some shopping or stopping at a café before or after the beach. There’s also the Grotte du Lazaret cave network featuring an archaeological site dating back to the prehistoric settlements in the area. This is a great area to drop the bags off at a luggage storage facility so you can explore. 

Blue Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in all of France, this is where hotel guests staying at renowned Nice resorts tend to frequent. Situated right on the Promenade des Anglais, this beach features premium amenities like watersports, kayaking, boat rides, and a luxurious beach club for dining and drinking near the water. There is a dedicated swimming pool for families with young children, but the conditions at the beach are comfortable enough for anyone to enjoy. 

If you feel saddled by your luggage, our luggage storage service can be a key tool for making your trip more efficient and enjoyable. The Bounce mobile app is especially useful for a day at the beach as you can effortlessly book your reservation and drop your bags off on your way to the water. Unlike lockers, you'll have expanded size capacities for larger bags or specialty items, and Bounce facilities are situated near all the top travel destinations in Nice. 

Coco Beach

La Plage de Coco is a rocky beach accessed via a walking path. You’ll find Coco Beach located off the beaten path, which gives it a more naturalistic feel than the beaches along the Promenade des Anglais. Functions almost more as a diving pier than a traditional beach as it consists of rocky ledges where you can jump into the water. It's popular with local teenagers and advanced swimmers who don't want to contend with the crowds of tourists.

It's only a short walk from the port, but hanging out here will have you feeling like a local in no time. La Plage de Coco is not recommended for families with small children due to the rock ledges. There are basically no facilities at this beach, so you'll want to leave any excess bags and belongings with a luggage storage service like Bounce. Luckily, there are locations throughout Nice so you'll be able to drop the bags off on your way!