The beaches of Nice: which one to choose?
23 public beaches and 14 private ones line the Baie des Anges, all pebble beaches. We help you choose according to your mood: family, atmosphere, budget, dogs, accessibility.
Nice's shoreline stretches over 7 kilometres along the Baie des Anges, between the airport and Cap de Nice. Local particularity: all the beaches are pebble beaches, as all along the French Riviera. Here is how to choose between the 23 free public beaches and the 14 equipped private ones.
Public or private beaches: what's the difference
The 23 public beaches are free and accessible from the Promenade des Anglais. You lay your towel on the pebbles with direct access to the sea. They are supervised in season and some offer public showers and toilets.
The 14 private beaches (also called equipped or "de contrats" beaches) offer sun loungers, parasols, a restaurant and sometimes changing rooms or hot showers. Count €20-30 per day for a lounger (parasol extra, €10-15), more in the chicest spots such as the one at the Hôtel Negresco. Perfect for a full lazy day without any gear.
The public beaches to know
From east to west, the main public beaches are: Ponchettes (Old Nice), Opéra, Beau Rivage, Centenaire (in front of the Promenade), Ruhl, Neptune, Florida, Magnan, Bambou, Sainte-Hélène, Carras and La Lanterne in the west.
In the east, the plage de la Réserve, between the port and Cap de Nice, offers a wilder setting of coves and large pebbles, much loved by locals but unsupervised.
Blue Flag label and smoke-free beaches
Nice has held the Blue Flag label since 2009. For the 2026 season, 7 beaches carry the label: Bambou, Carras, Castel, Forum, Poincaré, Sainte-Hélène and Galion.
Since summer 2024, 100% of public beaches are smoke-free. Centenaire beach was the first smoke-free beach in France, as early as 2012.
Bathing season and lifeguards
In 2026, bathing supervision runs from Saturday 6 June to 13 September on the beaches of Carras, Forum, Centenaire and Ponchettes, then from 1 July to 31 August (every day from 8:30 am to 7 pm) on six more beaches: Sainte-Hélène, Bambou, Magnan, Poincaré, Blue Beach and Beau Rivage.
Outside the season, bathing remains possible but without lifeguards: be careful and respect the flags (green, yellow, red). Emergency numbers: 18 (fire brigade), 112 (European), 196 (at sea).
Accessible beaches
Two beaches are labelled Handiplage 3 bouées, with free access: Centenaire beach (1 Promenade des Anglais) and Carras beach (285 Promenade). Access ramps, amphibious wheelchairs, qualified assistants and adapted toilets are provided, with a lifeguard post less than 60 metres away. In 2026, open from 13 June to 30 August, from 10:45 am to 6:15 pm.
Dog-friendly beaches
Dogs are forbidden on all the beaches of Nice, except on two dedicated beaches open all year round: La Lanterne and Lenval (Promenade des Anglais, between No. 137 and 147). Category 3 dogs are allowed off-lead, category 2 on a lead and muzzled.
Water temperature
The sea warms up quickly from June. Ten-year averages: 24.7 °C in July and 25.4 °C in August. Bathing stays pleasant until October, and even the bravest locals rarely swim before May.
Where to stay near the beaches?
The hotels closest to the beaches are concentrated along the Promenade des Anglais, around the Centenaire and the Negresco. Browse our selection of hotels in Nice near the sea and all the hotels in Nice.
To reach the beaches by tram or bus, lines run along the Promenade in the west; from the centre, it's a short walk from Old Nice or Place Masséna.
FAQ
Are the beaches in Nice sandy or pebbly?
All the beaches in Nice are pebble beaches, public and private alike. The nearest sandy beaches are at Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cagnes-sur-Mer or Saint-Laurent-du-Var.
Are there free beaches in Nice?
Yes, the 23 public beaches are free. Private beaches cost around €20-30 for a day lounger.
Can I bring my dog to the beach in Nice?
Yes, but only on La Lanterne and Lenval beaches, open to dogs all year round.
Are the beaches in Nice supervised?
Yes, in season: from 6 June to 13 September 2026 on the main beaches, every day from 8:30 am to 7 pm in July and August.
What is the water temperature in Nice in summer?
On average 24.7 °C in July and 25.4 °C in August, with pleasant bathing from June to October.
Are there beaches accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes: Centenaire and Carras beaches are labelled Handiplage 3 bouées, with free access and adapted facilities in season.
