Beaches — Along Nice’s seafront, beaches extend uninterrupted for more than 7km (4 1/4 miles), going from the edge of Vieux-Port (the old port, or harbor) to the international airport. Tucked between the public areas are several rather chic private beaches. Many of these beach bars provide mattresses and parasols for around 20€ to 25€ per day. The coolest club, Castel Plage (; tel. 04-93-85-22-66), is a celebrity hangout in summer.

Scuba Diving — Of the many diving outfits in Nice harbor, Nice Diving, 13 quai des Deux Emmanuel (; tel. 06-14-46-04-06), offers bilingual instruction and baptêmes (dives for first-timers) around Nice and Cap Ferrat. A dive for experienced divers, equipment included, costs around 50€; appropriate diver’s certification is required.

Beach Club Babylon


The beach clubs of Cannes are seriously showy. Those of St Tropez promise sand-in the-toes (and boobs-in-your-face) hedonism. Nice’s beach clubs are for topping up your tan, not touting your wares. Simply pitch up, hand over between 15€ and 20€, then recline on a soft mattress next to the lapping waves for the day. Most outfits offer waiter service, beach toys, and fixed-price menus no more expensive than those offered at restaurants in town.

Our favorites include Hi-Beach (; tel. 04-97-07-26-26). It promises organic shakes, sushi lunches, and four-person swing chairs by the sea. It also boasts an architecture library, weights room, and children’s play area. Florida Beach (tel. 04-93-44-72-86), is gourmet chic, although waiters are sometimes too cool to take your order. Beau Rivage Plage (; tel. 04-42-00-46-80) is a beach stalwart. The largest and most professional of les clubs, it offers white sun loungers shaded by white linen drapes. For solid dining, Castel Plage (; tel. 04-93-85-22-66) combines fine food, a party atmosphere, and old-school glamour in equal measure.

Not feeling flush? Pitch up to almost any beach club at sunset to order a 20€ bottle of rosé on a seashore table to share between your friends.

