Nice Beaches

Sun, sea - but not a lot of sand
Noteworthy for: If you're visiting during Carnival, don't miss the elegant "flower battles" performed on the beachside Promenade des Anglais.

Word to the wise: If you're planning to visit a private beach in the summer months it's best to phone ahead as sun loungers fill up fast.
Formed entirely of smooth, grey pebbles, Nice's beaches aren't the world's most comfortable for sunbathing but hey, at least you won't get grains in your cocktail. Stretching all the way to the airport, Nice's main beach is divided into several private and public areas. In private spaces (such as Castel Plague and Plage Beau Rivage), expect to pay around EUR 15 for a sunbed, and sometimes up to EUR 4 extra for an umbrella and towel (on top of your snack bar bill).

There are plenty more beautiful beaches punctuating the coastline east towards the Italian border that provide respite from Nice's crowds, but most have rocky beaches - try picture-perfect Plage Mala at Cap d'Ail or La Paloma at Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat. There's one sandy beach east of Monaco in Menton, but real sand-seekers are best headed half an hour west by train to the turquoise shores of Mandelieu.