Beaches from Nice are not limited to the Promenade des Anglais. Within less than 40 kilometers, the French Riviera offers fine sand coves, preserved beaches, and discreet diving spots. Many remain accessible by direct train from the Nice-Ville SNCF station in under 30 minutes. This article brings together the 10 most beautiful beaches from Nice with distances from the city center, modes of access, and our tips for enjoying the coastline without a car.
How to get around to reach the beaches from Nice
The center of Nice is ideally located for exploring the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. The Nice-Ville SNCF station serves Cap-d’Ail, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Villefranche, Cap-Martin, Menton to the east and Antibes, Cannes to the west via frequent regional trains. The L1 tramway and bus 100 complete the offer towards the coast. For beaches within Nice itself (Blue Beach, Plage du Centenaire, Plage des Ponchettes), walking remains the simplest option from the Carré d’Or.
The 10 most beautiful beaches to discover from Nice
1. Marinières Beach (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
Probably the most iconic beach near Nice. Golden sand, crystal-clear water, and a spectacular panorama of the Villefranche bay and the Cap-Ferrat peninsula. Beachfront restaurants, parking. Access from Nice: 15 minutes by direct train from Nice-Ville SNCF station to Villefranche station, then a 5-minute walk. Regional train every 30 minutes in season.
2. Mala Beach (Cap d’Ail)
A legendary secret cove on the French Riviera. Fine sand, turquoise waters, and spectacular cliffs. Access via a staircase descending from the coastal path or by boat. Expect 200 steps to reach it, which filters the crowds. From Nice: 30 minutes by train to Cap-d’Ail, then a 15-minute walk. Book at La Réserve de la Mala restaurant to spend the day.
3. Passable Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
Pebble beach on the Cap-Ferrat peninsula. Direct view of the Villefranche bay and the port of Saint-Jean. Calm water, bohemian-chic atmosphere. Access from Nice: 30 to 40 minutes by bus 81 from Le Port. Nearby Paloma Beach remains another jewel of Cap-Ferrat, accessible via the coastal path.
4. Petite Afrique Beach (Beaulieu-sur-Mer)
One of the most beautiful public beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Sand and small pebbles, swimming in a sheltered cove, overlooking restaurants. Access from Nice: 20 minutes by direct train to Beaulieu station, then a 10-minute walk. The village of Beaulieu-sur-Mer is worth a visit for its Belle Époque atmosphere, echoing the history of the Busby Hotel.
5. Garoupe Beach (Cap d’Antibes)
Fine sand beach ranked among the most beautiful in France. Shallow water, ideal for families. Several private beaches and high-end restaurants. Access from Nice: 30 minutes by train to Antibes, then 15 minutes by bus to Cap d’Antibes. Allow a full day to fully enjoy the site.
6. Sablettes Beach (Menton)
Imported sand beach, one of the few real sand beaches on the Riviera. Menton offers a charming setting between France and Italy, with its Provençal market and gardens. Access from Nice: 35 minutes by direct train. Ideal for a day off the beaten track, with an Italian lunch at the border.
7. Paloma Beach (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
Small protected beach on the peninsula, accessible via the coastal path or by boat. Intimate setting, exceptionally clear water. The Paloma Beach restaurant attracts an affluent clientele. Access from Nice: 30 minutes by bus 81 to the village of Cap-Ferrat, then a 20-minute walk along the coastal path.
8. Centenaire Beach (Nice)
Public beach accessible on foot from the center of Nice. Typical pebbles of the Baie des Anges, water that gets deep quickly, and lively all summer. Ideal for quick swims between activities. Access from the Busby Hotel: 10 minutes on foot via the Promenade des Anglais. This is also the starting beach for Ironman Nice.
9. La Buse Beach (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin)
Small pebble beach nestled between Monaco and Menton, with a panoramic view of the Principality. Clear water, moderate crowds even in high season. Access from Nice: 25 minutes by train to Cap-Martin Roquebrune, then a 10-minute walk. Ideal for combining Monaco and a swim in the sea on the same day.
10. Maupas Cove Beach (Saint-Raphaël)
Further from Nice but spectacularly beautiful. Typical red cove of the Estérel, turquoise waters, accessible only on foot or by boat. For lovers of raw landscapes. Access from Nice: 1 hour by train to Saint-Raphaël, then bike rental or water taxi. Day trip recommended.
Summary table of distances from Nice
| Beach | Town | Distance / Access | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centenaire Beach | Nice | 10 min walk | Pebbles, city |
| Marinières Beach | Villefranche-sur-Mer | 15 min by train | Sand, cove |
| Petite Afrique Beach | Beaulieu-sur-Mer | 20 min by train | Sand/pebbles, cove |
| Mala Beach | Cap d’Ail | 30 min train + walk | Sand, secret cove |
| Passable Beach | Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | 40 min by bus | Pebbles, peninsula |
| Paloma Beach | Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | 40-50 min bus + walk | Pebbles, secret |
| La Buse Beach | Roquebrune-Cap-Martin | 25 min by train | Pebbles, Monaco view |
| Sablettes Beach | Menton | 35 min by train | Sand, border town |
| Garoupe Beach | Cap d’Antibes | 30 min train + bus | Fine sand, family |
| Maupas Cove | Saint-Raphaël | 1 hr by train | Red pebbles, secret |
How to make the most of a beach day from Nice
A central base in Nice changes your strategy. You can visit two beaches in the same day, walk back to the hotel for a nap before heading out again in the evening. You avoid falling asleep with salt on your skin, searching for parking, or having to rent a car. The Busby Hotel offers an ideal location for exploring the beaches, 450 meters from the Promenade des Anglais and 800 meters from the Nice-Ville SNCF station. Discover our 7 room categories in Nice to plan a stay of 3 to 7 nights, the ideal duration to tour the most beautiful beaches.
Practical tips for a successful beach day
- Bring a thick towel for pebble beaches (the majority on the Riviera)
- High SPF sunscreen: the Mediterranean sun is strong from 10 AM
- Water sandals or beach shoes are useful on stony beaches
- Reusable water bottle: few free water points on the beaches
- Round-trip train ticket purchased in advance: savings and speed
- Plan for dining: most beaches have at least one snack bar or restaurant
Beaches to avoid or less recommended depending on the season
Not all beaches are equal depending on the period. In July and August, very popular beaches (Mala, Marinières, Paloma) become crowded quickly after 11 AM. Arrive early (8 AM or 9 AM) or come at the end of the day. Off-season (May-June, September-October), the crowds drop, temperatures remain pleasant, and the water is still swimmable. This period remains ideal for exploring the beaches from Nice without the crowds.
Combining beach and cultural visits
Each beach destination can be combined with a cultural visit to optimize the day. Villefranche-sur-Mer, its medieval village and the Saint-Pierre chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau. Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the Villa Kérylos, a reconstruction of an ancient Greek dwelling. Cap-Ferrat and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Antibes and the Picasso Museum. For tight budgets, check out our affordable 3-star hotel in Nice center which allows you to keep a margin for outings.
Frequently asked questions about beaches from Nice
What is the most beautiful sandy beach near Nice?
Marinières Beach in Villefranche-sur-Mer remains one of the most beautiful sandy beaches accessible from Nice. Golden sand, clear water, and a spectacular view of Cap-Ferrat. Access by direct train in 15 minutes from Nice-Ville SNCF station. Sablettes Beach in Menton (35 minutes by train) also offers real sand, which remains rare on the Côte d’Azur where pebble beaches dominate.
Are there beaches in Nice itself or do you have to go further?
Nice has several public beaches along the Promenade des Anglais: Blue Beach, Plage Bocca Mar, Plage Cros deï Pin, Centenaire Beach, and Plage du Voilier. These are pebble beaches, accessible on foot from the center. For sandy beaches, you must leave Nice (Villefranche, Menton, Antibes). The Busby Hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais.
What are the secret coves and beaches around Nice?
Four discreet coves are worth the detour: Mala Beach in Cap d’Ail (200 steps to access), Paloma Beach on Cap-Ferrat (access via coastal path), the coves along the coastal path in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (to be explored on foot between Villefranche and the port of Cap-Ferrat), and Maupas Cove in Saint-Raphaël (limited access by boat or bike).
How to get to Mala Beach from Nice?
Mala Beach can be reached in 30 to 40 minutes from Nice. Take the SNCF regional train to Cap-d’Ail station (15-minute journey). From the station, walk for 15 minutes along the path that descends the cliff (about 200 steps). Wear proper shoes for the descent. The return via the same path is more difficult in the heat, so bring water.
Which beach to choose for a family day with children?
Garoupe Beach in Cap d’Antibes remains one of the best family options: fine sand, shallow water, and a safe beach. Petite Afrique Beach in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is also well-suited for families, with easy access from the station. To stay close to the Busby, Centenaire Beach in Nice allows for a half-day at the beach with a quick return to the hotel.
Book your stay at Busby Hotel Nice to explore the beaches
A stay of 4 to 7 nights in Nice allows you to tour the most beautiful beaches of the Côte d’Azur. Our team can advise you on the best beaches according to your profile (family, couple, athlete).
- Phone: 04 93 88 19 41
- Address: 38 rue Maréchal Joffre, 06000 Nice
- Direct booking with a 15% discount on hotelbusby.fr
- A 10-minute walk from the Nice-Ville SNCF station to reach all the beaches
24h luggage storage · Seaside 6 min away · Concierge for your outings
