There’s something about Nice, France that instantly puts you in a relaxing mood as soon as you start to interact with its beach vibe. I’ve visited Nice more than 10 times for holidays and work events, and I would be happy to go as many times again in the future! I noticed many more beach towns running up and down the coast, and I’ve visited Monaco, Eze, and Cannes using Nice as a main hub spot. It makes me curious, what other beach towns near Nice, France are there?
What Are The Best Beach Towns Near Nice France?
So, what are the 13 best beach towns near Nice, France? Starting from the Northeast are the beach towns of Menton, Roquebrun-Cap-Martin, Monaco, Saint-Antoine, Eze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and Villefranche-sur-Mer all the way to Nice. From Nice going Southwest along the coast, are the beach towns of Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes, Cannes, Frejus, Sainte-Maxime, and Saint-Tropez.
Nice, a known beach city, is strategically placed in France, and remains the heart of the elegant French Riviera. Cannes, globally renowned for its film festival, exist as an important beach town. Another beach town, Saint-Tropez, draws in both artists and celebrities.
Antibes, located further to the east, captivates with a serene coastline. Monaco, the city-state, is situated right next to the Mediterranean sea.
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Closeby, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat personifies the tranquility of a less crowded beach town. Menton exhibits a fusion of Italian charm and French sophistication. Villefranche-sur-Mer, well positioned between Monaco and Nice, provides sprawling Côte d’Azur views.
Resting on a high hill, Eze looks over the Mediterranean Sea. Beaulieu-sur-Mer lure visitors with natural beauty, while Sainte-Maxime offers a worthwhile French Riviera experience, and Juan-les-Pins hosts an annual Jazz festival.
Cassis and Saint Raphael, both former fishing villages, distinguish themselves with clear waters and a rich history, respectively. Cap d’Ail fascinates with its botanical garden, and Frejus possesses a historical legacy. These beach towns collectively enhance the allure of Nice, France.
- The old town features pastel-painted buildings, narrow lanes and squares, and a grand-scale cathedral.
- Nice’s annual carnival is a major event two weeks before Lent.
- The Nice Jazz Festival in July and the Nice Flower Show in March are two of Nice’s major events.
I’ll cover these beach towns and a whole lot more. Stay tuned and keep reading. You won’t want to miss it!
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Best French Beach Towns Near Nice France Have Beautiful Views and Great Atmosphere
The Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera is quite an attraction. The best way to describe the beautiful beaches near Nice France is to say they are stunningly beautiful. There are so many places where you can go for a relaxing vacation. If you choose to stay in a hotel, there are plenty of options. However, if you prefer to stay in a villa, there are even more choices. The beach is close by, whatever your choice. Let’s take a look at 13 great options.
List of 13 Beach Towns Close to Nice
Here’s the list with a short description of each:
Menton Beach Town, France
Menton is a small town in the Alpes-Maritimes area of France. It has a mild climate that attracts tourists to its beaches, such as Promenade des Anglais and Cap Martin. The town’s port is also popular with yachtsmen and cruise ships.
Menton was once part of Monaco but became independent in 1860. Today, it’s one of the largest towns in the region. Its population is approximately 30,000 residents. Several museums include the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Beach Town, France
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It is a popular seaside getaway with pristine beaches. Its mild climate makes it a popular winter destination.
Roquebrune-Cap Martin is located just 15 minutes away from Nice Airport. It offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps Mountains. Plenty of hotels and restaurants are available if you’d prefer to spend your vacation here instead of going to the beach.
Monaco
Monaco is a tiny land-locked country in Europe. Monaco is a small country northwest of France, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. Monaco’s coast is 4.4 kilometers (2.7 mi) in length and is bordered by a 1.2 km (0.75 mi) wide sea barrier. Monaco’s city-state borders France on three sides and is surrounded by the French departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
This beach town and seaside resort in France on the Mediterranean coast is a playground for the rich and famous. Monaco boasts over 5 miles of beaches, 30 public parks and gardens, and several casinos.
Saint-Antoine Beach Town, France
Saint-Antoine beach town is located in the Somme department of the Picardy region. It is a town with 5 beaches. The main attraction of Saint-Antoine is the beach. There are three main beaches in the town. All beaches are sandy and consist of striped pebbles. Cliffs border the beaches. The beaches are great places to relax and swim. The beaches are also great for water sports such as surfing and sailing.
Eze Beach Town, France
Eze Beach Town is situated on the Cote D’Azur in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region. This French seaside resort is famous for its beautiful architecture and marble streets. Eze is situated between Nice and Monaco. This town offers more than 600 luxury villas and magnificent apartments. Visitors can enjoy swimming near the beach or participate in various sports like water-skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.
There are several beaches within walking distance of Eze. These include La Turbie, Cap Ferrat, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, Villefranche Sur Mer, and Cassis. Each one offers different activities and amenities. For example, La Turbie is known for its restaurants while Cap Ferrat is popular among celebrities.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Beach Town, France
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is one of the most beautiful cities in France and a popular tourist destination that is often called “the jewel of the Ligurian Rivieraâ€. The Mediterranean Sea flanks the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Peninsula and the Bay of Saint-Jean to the east. It is separated from the Gulf of Saint-Tropez by the Diocese of Saint-Tropez. The Cap-Ferrat peninsula is well-known for its luxurious villas. The Cap-Ferrat peninsula is located approximately 25 kilometers (16 mi) south-southwest of Nice.
Villefranche-sur-Mer Beach Town, France
Villefranche-sur-Mer, meaning city of freedom in French, is a coastal town located in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and abundance of fish restaurants.
There are plenty of things to see and do here including shopping, dining, and relaxing on the beach. For those who prefer water sports, there are several surf schools available. Other activities you can do on the beaches in Villefranche-sur-Mer include swimming, boating, and sunbathing.
Nice Beach Town, France
Nice is a seaside resort city on the French Riviera located on the southeast coast of the French mainland. The city’s residents are known as Niçois. Nice is the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes area and the seventh-largest city in France. Nice is the second-largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region after Marseille.
Several beaches are within walking distance of Nice, including Promenade des Anglais, La Croisette, and Plage du Levant. These beaches offer beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Cagnes-sur-Mer Beach Town, France
Cagnes-sur-Mer is a coastal town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France. It has a long stretch of sandy beaches overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is popular for water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, surfing, and scuba diving.
There are plenty of hotels near the beach if you’d prefer to stay overnight. You’ll find restaurants serving French cuisine, Italian food, seafood dishes, and even Chinese food. There are boutiques selling clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and other items for those who enjoy shopping.
Antibes Beach Town, France
Antibes is a beach resort town located on the Mediterranean Sea. The town has a rich history as a port and is home to the French Riviera’s most famous beaches. The Antibes Old Town features sights such as the Palais Lascaris, a 17th-century palace that is now a museum. The Old Town also offers shopping and dining. Other attractions include museums, art galleries, and gardens.
Cannes Beach Town, France
Cannes is a beach town held at the French Riviera, in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France. It is famous for its luxurious hotels, beaches, its annual film festival, and nightlife. Cannes is a traveler’s haven and offers the traveler various activity options such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, jet-skiing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and sailing.
Frejus Beach Town, France
Frejus is a city located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. It is the capital of the “département” of Var. Frejus is located 20 kilometers from Saint-Raphaël and 70 kilometers from Saint-Tropez.
Frejus has an excellent climate, with average temperatures of around 20C in July and August.
Sainte-Maxime Beach Town, France
Sainte-Maxime is a small coastal town in the Var department in southern France. The town located on the French Riviera is known for its mild climate and sandy beaches. Activities available at the beach include swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and water skiing.
Sainte-Maxime beach town is located just South of Nice on the French Riviera. Sainte-Maxime has two main beaches: the Plage de Saint-Tropez and the Plage du Château. The beaches offer many activities, including water sports such as scuba diving, water skiing, and sailing.
Saint-Tropez Beach Town, France
Saint-Tropez is a charming seaside village that’s become synonymous with luxury and glamour. This former fishing village on France’s Mediterranean coast is now a playground for the rich and famous, attracting A-listers such as Brigitte Bardot and Johnny Depp to its seafront villas and celebrity hangouts like the Eden-Roc Hotel.
The beaches in Saint-Tropez are world famous and frequented by the rich and famous.
Saint-Tropez is also known for its picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. Its main beach, La Plage des Anglais, is one of the largest sandy beaches in Europe and attracts visitors throughout the summer months. There are plenty of activities available here including surfing, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and kiteboarding.
Best Way to Explore the French Coast
The best way to explore the French coast is probably with a car. You can take in all of the beautiful scenery and stop for lunch at quaint, seaside towns such as Villefranche-sur-Mer while getting a good feel for local life.
What Are Some Coastal Cities in France? Port Towns on The Coast
A few coastal cities with a large population and history are the cities of Marseille, Nice, Bordeaux, Nantes, and Le Havre. These coastal port towns have a vibrant coast with beaches, hotels, water sports, and activities for all to enjoy.
What Can You Do in French Seaside Towns?
French seaside towns have their own charm, and there are many activities you can do. On sandy beaches, you can enjoy beach volleyball, or just relax. Water sports like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are possible. Off the beach, there are many cafes and restaurants.
-Take a walk along the beach
-Visit a local museum or art gallery
-Enjoy the local cuisine
-Explore the town’s history
Is Nice France a Beach Town
Nice France is a great place to visit for its sunny weather and picturesque architecture. The city has many fantastic beaches that visitors should check out, as well as French cuisine that includes some local favorites. Nice is also a great place to stay, with many attractions to offer and plenty of places to stay.
What Are the Best French Coastal Towns for Exploring the History and Culture?
1. Saint-Malo: Saint-Malo is a great place to explore the history and culture of France. The town is excellent for exploring the walls of the town and the Grand Aquarium. Saint-Malo is a great place to enjoy rock pooling and crabbing.
2. Antibes: Antibes is a beautiful coastal town in the French Riviera that is perfect for exploring the history and culture of France. The town has a beautiful old town that is perfect for strolling around and taking in the sights. There are also plenty of museums and galleries to explore in Antibes.
3. Nice: Nice is one of France’s most popular coastal towns, and it is easy to see why! The town has a beautiful beach, plenty of shops and restaurants, and a lively atmosphere. Nice is also a great place to learn about the history and culture of France as there are many museums and historical sites to visit in the city.
What Are the Beaches Like in Beach Towns Near Nice?
The beaches in the beach towns near Nice are a mix of sand and rocks (or rounded pebbles). The rocks on some beaches make it difficult to play sports like beach volleyball or frisbee. However, some beaches near Nice are known for their beautiful white sand and clear blue water. The weather is mild year-round, making it a perfect vacation destination to enjoy the beach in the summer.
Is Nice France a Beach Holiday
Nice has beautiful beaches that are popular with a cosmopolitan crowd. The shoreline is made of small pebbles, which can be uncomfortable on the feet. Nice beaches are popular for their luxurious amenities and natural scenery. Nice has many beaches that are safe for swimming. There are several upscale, private beaches in Nice.
What Beach Activities Can You Do on The Beaches Near Nice?
A beach is an amazing place for relaxation and fun. There are plenty of activities that you can do on the beaches near Nice. Keep in mind that not all the beaches are sandy, and many contain rocks and pebbles unfamiliar to American tourists. Do some research about the beach before deciding on a beach shore sport. Some ideas are:
– Go swimming
– Play volleyball
– Have a picnic
– Take a boat ride
– Watch the sunset
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Are There Any Sandy Beaches in The French Riviera
There are many sandy beaches on France’s Mediterranean coast, the beach towns described above – Cannes, Nice, Antibes, St Tropez, Monaco, and Menton on the Cote d’Azur. Additionally, the beach towns of Marseille, Toulon, Cassis, Juan les Pins, Saint Raphael, La Ciotat, Bandol, Vence, Cap d’Antibes, Deauville to name a few farther along the French Riviera coastline have sandy beaches.
The Cote d’Azur is a beautiful region with many sandy beaches. The Cote d’Azur has many beaches, from the dazzling Cote d’Azur to the wild Camargue. The region has a rich history and is full of artistry.
The South of France is a beautiful place with many different beaches to choose from. The French Riviera is known for its celebrity clientele and high-grade sandy beaches. Choosing which beach to visit is hard because they’re all great!
Parting Shot
So there you have it, tips on visiting the beaches near Nice. Traveling to these beach towns can be quite fun. I’ve covered a bit about each beach town and what there is to do at each place. Additionally, I gave some details on the beaches themselves and how to access them. I hope that this information helps you in your next vacation if you decide to visit these gorgeous beaches near Nice France.