Beaches around Nice that are worth the trip
Yes, some beaches around Nice are prettier than the beaches in Nice. The city will cope.
Nice beaches are convenient. The beaches around Nice can be prettier. The compromise is that a better beach may require twenty minutes on a train, a bus or some stairs. Beautiful places have rarely been designed by logistics departments.
No car : Marinières or Baie des Fourmis. For scenery : Petite Afrique or Mala. For something quieter : Fossettes. For late sun : Passable.
Plage des Marinières
The easiest from Nice.
The largest beach in Villefranche, right inside the bay and easy to reach by regional train. Lifeguarded in summer. Considerably simpler than the scenery suggests.
Baie des Fourmis
For getting off the train and nearly being there.
A gravel beach facing Villa Kérylos, less than 500 metres from the station and supervised June to August.
Petite Afrique
For pine trees and a proper beach day.
East of the port beneath the cliffs, with children’s play area, beach volleyball, watersports and seasonal private beach clubs. Supervised June to August. More equipped than secret, which may be exactly what you need.
Les Fossettes
For the quieter side of the peninsula.
The tourist office describes it as one of the most preserved and discreet beaches on Cap-Ferrat, appreciated for its underwater life. Small and not wheelchair accessible.
Passable
For afternoon sun and the view across Villefranche bay.
On the western side of the peninsula, open all year with both public and concession areas. Its exposure keeps the sun later into the afternoon, a detail that becomes surprisingly important around 5:30 pm.
Plage Mala
The dramatic one. It charges partly in stairs.
A cove below the cliffs with fine sand and small pebbles, reached by the coastal path or Mala steps. The setting is magnificent. Your calves will also remember it.