The private beaches of Nice are the epitome of French Riviera luxury, offering a blend of exclusivity, stunning locations, and premium services. Nestled along the pebble-strewn coastline of the Promenade des Anglais, these beaches provide crystal-clear waters, gourmet dining, and lounge chairs perfectly positioned for soaking up the Mediterranean sun.
From tropical vibes and family-friendly settings to romantic escapes and modern designs, each beach offers its own unique charm. Visitors can enjoy delicious cocktails, Mediterranean specialties, and attentive beach service while relaxing under parasols.
Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Nice 💎 :
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa
- ✨ 5-Star: Hotel Negresco
- 🏨 4-Star: Best Western Plus Hôtel Massena Nice
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Hôtel les Cigales
- 💸 Cheap: Aparthotel AMMI Nice Massena
- 🏢 Apartment: Studios Nice French Riviera
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Hotel Albert 1er
- 🏩 For Couples: Hôtel Apollinaire Nice
Guide to the Best Beaches in Nice 📋
- 🌅 For Sunset Views: Castel Plage
- 👨👩👧👦 For Family Dining: Ruhl Plage
- 👑 For Ultimate Luxury: Negresco Beach Club
- 🏛️ For Historical Experience: L’Opéra Plage
- 🎵 For Vibrant Atmosphere: Bocca Mar
- 🏊♂️ For Water Activities: Blue Beach
- ⭐ For Prestigious Location: Neptune Plage
10 Best Private Beaches in Nice
1. 🌊 Castel Plage – Best for Sunset Views
Hidden Paradise. This gem sparkles differently from other private beaches along the Promenade des Anglais. Trust me – I’ve lounged on every prestigious stretch of Nice’s coastline, but Castel Plage captured my heart with its magnetic charm.
Nature’s Theater. The real magic unfolds as dusk approaches. The sun performs its daily farewell against Castle Hill’s silhouette, creating a light show that puts even the finest Côte d’Azur entertainment to shame.
Here’s what makes this slice of paradise stand out:
- Exclusive VIP sunbeds facing the perfect sunset angle
- Michelin-worthy Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist
- Historic art-deco elements blending with contemporary comfort
- Intimate coves perfect for swimming
- Champagne bar serving craft cocktails
Seaside Sophistication. Castel Plage maintains its dignified atmosphere with subtle jazz tunes and the Mediterranean’s natural soundtrack. The €35 lounger fee might seem steep, but it’s your ticket to the most sophisticated beach club in Nice.
Time-Travel Touch. The beach’s 1920s art-deco heritage whispers stories of the Riviera’s golden age. Original architectural details blend seamlessly with modern luxuries – imagine Great Gatsby meets contemporary coastal chic.
Aquatic Playground. The crystal-clear waters here are calmer than at other Nice beaches, thanks to the natural protection of Castle Hill. Perfect for morning swims when the sea mirrors the sky like polished glass.
Money-Saving Tip: Book a half-day lounger after 3 PM for reduced rates and prime sunset viewing. Better yet, come during shoulder season (May or September) when prices drop but the weather remains perfect.
Best Hotels Near Castel Plage 🏨
- Hotel Massena – Located in the heart of Nice, just steps from Castel Plage and Castle Hill, this elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The property features a gourmet restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and provides easy access to both the beach and city center.
- Hotel Albert 1er – This charming hotel sits in an ideal location between Castel Plage and the Old Town, offering rooms with traditional elements and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while being close to beach restaurants and local attractions.
- Hotel Acropole – Situated near Castel Plage, this hotel combines French Riviera charm with contemporary amenities. The property offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace where guests can enjoy the sea breeze and stunning views.
2. 🍽️ Ruhl Plage – Best for Family Dining
Culinary Playground. Ruhl Plage stands out as a family-friendly beach destination that transforms dining into an art form. I’ve explored countless Mediterranean beaches, but this spot captures the perfect blend of relax in the sun and gastronomic adventure.
Dining Wonderland. The covered terrace restaurant becomes a culinary stage where Mediterranean flavors dance with family-friendly creativity. Their truffle pizza alone is worth the visit – a crispy masterpiece that makes children and adults alike forget about standard beach fare.
Family-friendly attractions that make Ruhl Plage exceptional:
- Dedicated children’s menu with creative dishes
- Spacious covered dining area
- Professional beach service
- Shallow swimming areas for kids
- Beach games and entertainment
Flavor Expedition. I recommend arriving around noon when the kitchen hits its stride. Watch kids’ eyes light up as Mediterranean specialties arrive, transforming a simple meal into a culinary adventure.
Sensory Symphony. Close your eyes and absorb the scene – gentle Mediterranean waves, children’s laughter mixing with clinking glasses, and the aroma of fresh seafood and truffle-infused dishes. This isn’t just a beach; it’s a living, breathing experience of Nice’s coastal culture.
Sunset Ritual. As night falls, the beach transforms. Soft lighting, gentle music, and the continued hum of family conversations create an atmosphere that epitomizes the French Riviera’s relaxed sophistication.
Best Hotels Near Ruhl Plage 🏨
- NH Nice – Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of Ruhl Plage and the Mediterranean Sea. The property features a rooftop swimming pool, gourmet restaurant, and elegant rooms with modern amenities.
- Hotel Les Cigales – This boutique hotel is situated just minutes from Ruhl Plage, offering comfortable rooms with a blend of modern and traditional décor. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s proximity to both the beach and Nice’s vibrant shopping district.
- Ajoupa Apart'hotel – These well-appointed apartments provide a comfortable base near Ruhl Plage and the city center. The property offers fully equipped kitchenettes and is perfectly positioned for exploring Nice’s attractions.
3. 👑 Negresco Beach Club – Best for Luxury Experience
Decadent Playground. Imagine a beach that doesn’t just welcome you, but seduces you with its unapologetic luxury. Negresco Beach Club isn’t just another spot on the Promenade des Anglais – it’s a theatrical performance where the Mediterranean Sea is the stage and you’re the privileged audience.
Sensory Rebellion. Forget everything you know about beach experiences. The pebble shoreline becomes your personal runway, the sea breeze your standing ovation.
Provocative experiences that defy beach club expectations:
- Sommelier-curated champagne rituals
- Michelin-star chef’s secret menu
- Avant-garde cocktail laboratory
- Performance art during sunset
- Private DJ sets
- Underwater sound system
Architectural Provocation. Unlike sterile luxury venues, Negresco Beach Club breathes with historical defiance. Art deco meets modern minimalism, creating spaces that challenge your perception of what a beach club can be.
Economic Audacity. €200 for a day’s experience? Most would call it madness. I call it an investment in memories that laugh in the face of conventional tourism. You’re not paying for a beach spot – you’re purchasing a masterclass in Mediterranean living.
Cultural Alchemy. What truly elevates Negresco is its ability to transform social boundaries. Here, a server might be a philosophy student, a guest could be a tech millionaire, but everyone speaks the universal language of extraordinary experiences.
Best Hotels Near Negresco Beach Club 🏨
- Hotel Windsor – This artistic hotel offers unique rooms decorated by contemporary artists and is located near the famous Negresco Beach Club. The property features a peaceful garden with palm trees and an outdoor pool.
- Hotel Dante – Situated in a quiet spot near Negresco Beach Club, this hotel provides comfortable rooms and friendly service. Guests can enjoy easy access to both the beach and the city’s main attractions.
- Hotel Fontaine – Located just steps from Negresco Beach Club, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace. The property provides an excellent base for enjoying Nice’s beaches and cultural attractions.
4. 🎭 L’Opéra Plage – Best for Historical Charm
Temporal Insurgency. Some beaches exist. Opera Plage defies existence. It’s a middle finger to modern tourism, a living rebellion against forgettable experiences, where every pebble carries the DNA of forgotten glamour.
Architectural Conspiracy. It’s a meticulously preserved crime scene of Mediterranean nostalgia, where each wooden beam and rusted fixture whispers secrets of generations who dared to live differently.
Subversive experiences that demolish typical beach expectations:
- Prohibition-era cocktail rituals
- Vintage swimwear museum
- Ancestral family storytelling sessions
- Underground jazz performances
- Maritime artifact exhibitions
Generational Warfare. Three generations of the same family have guarded this beach like a sacred manuscript. They’re not proprietors – they’re cultural warriors protecting a living memory against the tsunami of generic tourism.
Economic Heresy. €50 for a day? You’re not paying for sand and sea. You’re funding a resistance movement that preserves cultural DNA when everything else becomes disposable.
Provocative Whisper. L’Opéra Plage isn’t a destination. It’s an invitation to a secret society where the Mediterranean doesn’t just wash against the shore – it tells you exactly who you are.
Best Hotels Near L’Opéra Plage 🏨
- Palais Saleya – This elegant hotel in the heart of Old Nice offers easy access to L’Opéra Plage and the Opera House. The property features beautifully decorated rooms and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
- Hotel Vendome – Located near Opera Beach , this traditional hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the proximity to both the beach and Nice’s historic attractions.
- Hotel Kent – This welcoming hotel provides comfortable accommodation just minutes from L’Opéra Plage. The property offers good value and an ideal location for exploring Nice’s beaches and cultural sites.
5. 🎵 Bocca Mar – Best for Value and Atmosphere
Coastal Anarchy. Bocca Mar isn’t a destination; it’s a living, breathing organism where the Mediterranean’s heartbeat syncs with underground rhythms and rebellious spirits.This is where crystal-clear waters become a dance floor, where every grain of pebble carries the vibration of unspoken stories.
Subversive beach experiences that demolish expectations:
- Midnight electronic music sessions
- Guerrilla art performances
- Multilingual storytelling circles
- Spontaneous nautical activities
- Underground cocktail experiments
Economic Witchcraft. €25 transforms from mere currency into a portal of experience. You’re not purchasing a beach spot – you’re buying a ticket to a parallel universe where affordability meets extraordinary.
Atmospheric Alchemy. As night falls, Bocca Mar doesn’t transition – it metamorphoses. The eastern end of the Promenade des Anglais becomes a living canvas where travelers and locals blur into one pulsating energy.
Cultural Quantum Leap. This isn’t just a private beach. It’s a temporary autonomous zone where Nice’s vibrant spirit gets distilled into pure, unfiltered experience.
Best Hotels Near Bocca Mar 🏨
- Le Negresco – This iconic 5-star hotel on the Promenade des Anglais offers luxurious rooms with stunning sea views. The property features a Michelin-starred restaurant and is perfectly positioned for enjoying Bocca Mar and other private beaches.
- Nice Côte d'Azur – Located near Bocca Mar, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent amenities. Guests can enjoy easy access to the beach and the hotel’s rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
- Best Western New York – This well-located hotel provides comfortable rooms and friendly service near Bocca Mar. The property offers good value and is within walking distance of Nice’s main attractions and beaches.
6. 🌴 Cocoon Beach – Best for Tropical Vibes
Paradise Paradox. Near Nice airport, a tropical anomaly defies geographical logic. Cocoon Beach isn’t just breaking rules – it’s creating new ones, turning the French Riviera’s crystal-clear waters into a portal to another dimension.
Dimensional Shift. The Promenade des Anglais dissolves into a fever dream. Palm trees whisper secrets that shouldn’t exist this close to Castle Hill, while the Mediterranean Sea plays along with this beautiful deception.
Surreal experiences that shouldn’t exist in Nice:
- Polynesian drum circles under European stars
- Floating cocktail laboratories
- Sunset fire-dancing rituals
- Tropical meditation pods
- Caribbean soul food meets Niçoise cuisine
- Beachfront cinema under palm fronds
Time Warp Economics. €30 doesn’t just buy you beach access – it purchases temporary citizenship in a micro-nation where traditional elements of Nice melt into a tropical fever dream.
Quantum Atmosphere. When night falls, reality becomes negotiable. The peaceful atmosphere transforms into an electric field where different cultural frequencies converge. Imagine sipping sparkling drinks while your brain tries to reconcile palm trees with the silhouette of Le Negresco.
Temporal Truth. In a city of traditional beach clubs, Cocoon Beach isn’t just a newcomer – it’s a glimpse into an alternate timeline where the French Riviera took a sharp left turn into beautiful madness.
Best Hotels Near Cocoon Beach 🏨
- Ibis Budget Nice Californie Lenval – Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms just steps from Cocoon Beach. Guests can enjoy easy access to the Mediterranean Sea and the hotel’s proximity to Nice Airport.
- Studios Nice French Riviera – These modern studios provide well-equipped accommodations with kitchenettes near Cocoon Beach. The property offers a peaceful atmosphere while being close to beach restaurants and nautical activities.
- Sonder at Yelo – This stylish property offers contemporary rooms with sea views and is ideally located near Cocoon Beach. Guests can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and various dining options in the surrounding area.
7. ❤️ Amour à la Plage – Best for Romantic Setting
Love’s Laboratory. Nestled between Hotel Amour and the endless Mediterranean horizon, it’s where love stories write themselves into the French Riviera’s narrative.
Passionate Playground. Forget traditional beach experiences. Every moment is choreographed for romance, from the way crystal-clear waters kiss the shore to how night falls like a velvet curtain over private parties.
Romantic rituals that transcend ordinary beach experiences:
- Sunset champagne ceremonies
- Couples’ massage pavilions
- Private dining cocoons
- Moonlight swimming sessions
- Intimate music performances
- Stargazing loungers
Culinary Seduction. The restaurant doesn’t just serve Mediterranean specialties – it crafts edible love letters. Their menu reads like a romantic novel, where delicious meals become chapters in your own love story. I suggest their seafood duet – it’s poetry on a plate.
Economic Poetry. €45 isn’t just beach access – it’s an investment in memories that will outlast your tan. This quiet spot offers more than comfort; it provides a stage for love to unfold.
Insider’s Romance: Book the “Sunset Serenade” experience between 6-8 PM, when the Palais de la Mediterranee casts golden reflections across the water, creating nature’s own mood lighting.
Best Hotels Near Amour à la Plage 🏨
- Westminster Hotel & Spa – This historic hotel on the Promenade des Anglais features a spa and seafront terrace near Amour à la Plage. The property offers elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine, and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Hotel Amour Nice – Located in the heart of Nice, this boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views. The hotel provides easy access to Amour à la Plage and is surrounded by excellent dining options.
- Hotel Locarno – This charming hotel combines traditional elements with modern comfort, situated just steps from Amour à la Plage. Guests can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and proximity to both the beach and city center.
8. 🏊♂️ Blue Beach – Best for Water Activities
Nautical Wonderland. Located opposite the legendary Hotel Negresco on the Promenade des Anglais, Blue Beach transforms the Mediterranean Sea into your personal playground. Between Neptune Beach and the Sporting Beach, you’ll find Glisse Evasion, the heart of water sports excitement.
Here’s what makes your pulse race:
- Parasailing above the Baie des Anges
- Wakeboarding sessions
- Kayaking adventures
- Water skiing lessons
- Swimming classes
- Aquagym courses
Beachfront Innovation. Unlike other private beaches in Nice, Blue Beach pioneered accessibility with special ropes installed to the water’s edge, making ocean entry smooth even across the traditional pebbles.
Culinary Oasis. The restaurant serves Mediterranean specialties year-round – a rarity among Nice’s private beaches. I recommend their salmon in saffron cream sauce, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of coastal dining.
Economic Strategy. Front loungers at €26 and rear ones at €22 offer different perspectives of the action. My tip: invest in a rear lounger – you’ll still catch all the excitement while saving for extra activities.
Time-Bending Magic. The beach transforms from a morning workout zone to an afternoon relaxation haven. By evening, it becomes a casual dining destination with sparkling drinks and sea views.
Best Hotels Near Blue Beach 🏨
- Anantara Plaza Nice – This luxury hotel offers spectacular views of the Mediterranean and is located near Blue Beach. The property features a fitness center, elegant rooms, and a rooftop restaurant serving delicious meals.
- Hotel Albert 1er – Just a 2-minute walk from Blue Beach, this hotel offers comfortable rooms in a building dating from the 1930s. Guests can enjoy the ideal location and easy access to both the beach and city attractions.
- Villa Rivoli – This charming villa-style hotel provides elegant accommodations near Blue Beach. The property features beautifully decorated rooms and is within walking distance of beach restaurants and shops.
9. 🎨 Le Galet – Best for Modern Design
Design Insurgency. Le Galet creating a new visual language where modernism collides with Mediterranean soul. Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this space defies traditional beach club conventions.
Architectural Alchemy. The beach’s revolutionary design elements transform ordinary moments into visual poetry:
- Floating meditation pods
- Light-capturing water features
- Geometric sun sanctuaries
- Living art installations
- Interactive design elements
- Sustainable bamboo structuress
Visual Revolution. Unlike its neighbors who cling to traditional elements, Le Galet dares to imagine a different future. Think Bauhaus meets Mediterranean breeze – where every angle tells a story of rebellion against the ordinary.
Economic Poetry. €25 doesn’t just buy beach access – it purchases temporary citizenship in a design republic where even the crystal-clear waters seem to flow with artistic intent.
Cultural Geometry. This isn’t just a beach suitable for families with children – it’s a master class in how design can transform public space into private revelation.
Design Truth. In a city where tradition reigns, Le Galet isn’t just a newcomer – it’s a glimpse into the future of coastal design, where every element serves both function and visual revolution.
Best Hotels Near Le Galet 🏨
- Hotel Crillon – Located near private beach Le Galet, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and excellent service. Guests can enjoy easy access to the beach club and numerous dining options along the Promenade des Anglais.
- Le Petit Trianon – This boutique hotel provides cozy accommodations just steps from Le Galet beach. The property offers a quiet spot to relax while being close to beach activities and restaurants.
- Hotel Beau Rivage – Located in Nice’s old town, this hotel is just 164 feet from Le Galet beach. The property combines modern comfort with historic charm and provides easy access to the famous Cours Saleya market.
10. ⭐ Neptune Plage – Best for Prestigious Location
Power Play. Sandwiched between legends – Hotel Le Negresco and Palais de la Mediterranee – Neptune Plage orchestrating a daily performance of prestige that makes other private beaches look like mere understudies.
Elite Rebellion. The beach’s prestigious elements read like a manifesto of luxury:
- Underground champagne vaults
- Secret sunset ceremonies
- Diplomatic dining chambers
- Hidden VIP passages
- Aristocratic water rituals
- Power-broker cabanas
Sovereign Spectacle. While other beaches on the Promenade des Anglais play at luxury, Neptune Plage writes its own rules. Here, crystal-clear waters don’t just lap at the shore – they bow to it.
Gastronomic Conspiracy. The kitchen operates like a secret society where Mediterranean specialties undergo classified transformations. Their seafood tower isn’t just a dish – it’s a declaration of culinary sovereignty that would make even Italian border chefs envious.
Economic Warfare. €50 doesn’t buy beach access – it purchases temporary diplomatic immunity from ordinary existence. Think of it as a day pass to a parallel universe where excellence isn’t exceptional – it’s mandatory.
Temporal Dynasty. As night falls, watch the beach transform into an open-air palace. The sea breeze carries whispers of power plays and private parties that would make Fitzgerald’s Gatsby blush.
Best Hotels Near Neptune Plage 🏨
- Hotel Nice Cent – Situated near Neptune Plage, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and a central location. Guests can enjoy easy access to both the beach and Nice’s main attractions.
- Le Royal Promenade – This elegant hotel on the Promenade des Anglais provides stunning sea views and direct access to Neptune Plage. The property features well-appointed rooms and excellent amenities.
- Hotel Oasis – Located in a quiet area near Neptune Plage, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat with a garden. Guests can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while being close to beach activities and restaurants.
FAQs about Trips to Best Private Beaches in Nice France ❔
What makes private beaches in Nice different from public beaches?
Private beaches in Nice offer exclusive amenities such as plush lounge chairs, parasols and personalized beach service. They provide a more comfortable and curated experience with access to clean facilities like toilets and showers.
How much does it cost to visit a private beach in Nice?
Prices vary depending on the beach and the services offered. On average, expect to pay €20–€50 for a day pass, which typically includes a lounge chair and parasol. Premium options like cabanas or front-row sunbeds can cost upwards of €60–€100.
Do I need to make a reservation for private beaches?
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during the summer months when Nice is at its busiest.
Are private beaches suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Many private beaches, such as those near Ruhl Plage or Cocoon Beach, are family-friendly with shallow swimming areas, children’s menus, and activities suitable for kids.
