Lounging on Nice’s beaches are a luxurious and time-honored way to spend a sun-drenched day. But be warned: they are more pebbly and rough than meets the eye. Water shoes are highly recommended when walking along the beach, and its tough to get comfortable if you have nothing but a towel to nap on (unless, that is, you don’t mind stones poking your spine).
Private vs. Public Beaches in Nice
The public beaches are broken up by 15 private beaches that alleviate this problem — for a cost. You know those blue lounge chairs that have come to embody the French Riviera? Private beaches provide them, and they’ll lift you away from the hard pebbles for a cost of about 10 to 18 euros a day, plus extra if you’d also like towels and a parasol for shade.
Another pro of private beaches: they provide restrooms and showers while most public beaches do not. But, con: you can’t bring outside food onto the private beaches; you must purchase from their quite pricey concessions. Public beaches do not have this restriction.
If you don’t mind incurring an extra cost – you’re on vacation, after all – try the private beaches. If you’re visiting in July or August, you might want to call ahead of time to secure your spot.
Or, if the idea of prepping a picnic basket with fresh ingredients and having lunch by the sea is more your style, tote along a padded beach mat as well and enjoy a public beach for free.
