Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
Plage Beau Rivage sits at the hinge point between Nice's two identities: the ochre-walled Vieux Nice to the east and the grand hotels of the Promenade des Anglais stretching west toward the airport. The beach itself is a crescent of gray-blue pebbles that clatter underfoot and radiate heat by midday, uncomfortable until you surrender to the texture and rent a padded chaise from the beach club. The water is that particular Mediterranean sapphire, clear enough to see the stones on the seafloor five meters out, warm enough from June through October that you can swim without a wetsuit and without the breath-catching shock of the Atlantic. The beach club—also called Beau Rivage—plants rows of navy-and-white striped mattresses and umbrellas that echo the Belle Époque aesthetic of the hotel behind it. You'll pay twenty-five euros for the privilege, which includes a shower, a locker, and proximity to a bar that serves Aperol spritzes in actual glassware. The public beach stretches north and south, free and democratic, where locals spread towels directly on the stones and tourists attempt the same before giving up and migrating to the paid sections. By noon, the beach is a mosaic of bodies, conversations in six languages, and the smell of monoï oil mixing with salt air. Evening transforms the scene. The sun drops behind the hills west of town, the water takes on a platinum sheen, and the pebbles cool enough to walk barefoot. Joggers and rollerbladers claim the Promenade, while swimmers float in the calm water, watching the lights of the old town blink on against the darkening sky. The beach clubs pack up their furniture, and for an hour the strand belongs equally to everyone again.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Plage Beau Rivage.
Photos
Swimming at Plage Beau Rivage is generally safe, with professional lifeguard supervision during the summer season. Water quality is regularly monitored and meets Mediterranean standards. Like all Nice beaches, it features pebbles rather than sand, with a relatively steep drop-off into deeper water. Flag systems indicate daily swimming conditions based on currents and weather. The central location means rescue services are readily accessible. Families should supervise children on the pebbly surface and in the water. Water shoes make entry more comfortable and are widely used by locals and visitors alike.
The beach is accessible year-round, though May-June and September-October offer optimal conditions with warm weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. July-August brings warmest water temperatures and full beach club operations but maximum visitors and premium prices. Early mornings provide the most peaceful atmosphere and best opportunity to secure prime beach club spots. Sunset hours offer stunning light along the Promenade des Anglais. Even off-season visits reward you with the quintessential Nice beachfront experience and access to nearby dining, though water may be cool for swimming.
Plage Beau Rivage sits on the Promenade des Anglais in central Nice, near the old town, making it extremely accessible. From Nice Ville train station, take the tram toward the port or walk approximately 15-20 minutes. Multiple bus lines serve the Promenade. The beach is walkable from most central Nice hotels. If driving, parking is available at paid lots near the old town or port, though spaces are limited and expensive. The iconic Promenade des Anglais makes the beach impossible to miss, and its central location serves as a perfect orientation point for exploring Nice.
The beach features its own prestigious beach club with restaurant service, while the adjacent Beau Rivage hotel is a landmark establishment. The Promenade des Anglais and nearby old town offer countless dining options from casual cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. Accommodation ranges from the luxury hotels lining the Promenade to boutique properties in the old town, all within walking distance. Cafés, ice cream shops, and traditional Niçoise eateries abound. The central location provides unparalleled access to Nice's complete hospitality infrastructure, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury options.
Plage Beau Rivage represents the epitome of Nice's glamorous beach culture, positioned at the heart of the famous Promenade des Anglais with proximity to the old town. The beach club offers refined service and atmosphere characteristic of the Côte d'Azur lifestyle. Its central location makes it the most convenient beach for combining sunbathing with urban exploration, shopping, and dining. The vibrant atmosphere and beautiful people-watching embody Nice's distinctive beach scene. While Nice has many beaches, Beau Rivage's combination of accessibility, prestige, services, and quintessential Riviera ambiance makes it a flagship destination.
