Nice beach, Côte d’Azur, France

Nice Beach is the famous urban coastline located along the French Riviera in the city of Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France. Stretching along the Promenade des Anglais, the beach is characterized by its pebbled shore, clear Mediterranean waters, and vibrant city backdrop. Since 2021 the promenade and the historic resort town have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera”.

Location & Setting

The beach runs for about seven kilometres around the Baie des Anges, from the airport to the port, beside the iconic Promenade des Anglais. Unlike sandy beaches, Nice Beach is covered with smooth pebbles, which keep the water clear and turquoise. Hotels, cafés and palm-lined boulevards give it a lively urban atmosphere, and the view from Castle Hill over the whole bay is one of the best on the Riviera.

How to Get There

By car: There are several parking options in central Nice, but street parking is limited. Paid parking garages near the Promenade des Anglais are convenient for beach access.

By public transport: Nice is well connected by buses and trams. Tram line 2 links the airport with the port and has stops close to the seafront, and many bus lines run along the Promenade des Anglais.

On foot or by bicycle: Many hotels and city areas are within walking distance, and the city offers bike rental services and dedicated cycle paths along the coast.

Water Temperature & Swimming Conditions

The Mediterranean waters at Nice Beach are generally calm but can have gentle waves, especially near the shoreline. Water temperatures vary seasonally:

• May–June: around 17–25 °C, warming up quickly in June.
• July–August: around 24–29 °C, ideal for swimming.
• September–October: around 20–26 °C, still pleasant for water activities.

The pebbles can make walking into the water uncomfortable without water shoes, and the beach shelves quite steeply after the first few metres, so children should stay close to the shore.

Facilities & Access Cost

Beach access: Public sections of Nice Beach are free to use.

Private beach clubs: Several sections along the promenade are run by private beach clubs with sunbeds, umbrellas and restaurants. A sunbed with umbrella costs from about €20 at simpler clubs to €55–70 per day at the most exclusive ones, such as the Negresco’s beach.