The French Riviera is known for its endless amounts of beaches with crystal clear waters, charming old towns and glamorous harbours filled with private yachts, no wonder why it’s a quintessential playground for the wealthy. Nice itself, is one of the few cities in France that has beautiful beaches right on its doorstep. To be precise, it has four miles of them, stretching as far as the eye can see. So, if you’re lucky to be living in France where restrictions have eased, (as borders for the rest of us aren’t quite open just yet.) then now, is the time to grab your sun cream, bathing suits, beach bags and head on down to the gorgeous Côte d’Azur, just in time for summer!
Things in France are almost back to the ‘new normal’ (although we can’t really say the same for the UK.) More and more businesses such as hairdressers, private beaches, bars and restaurants have finally started to re-open their doors after months without business.
Social distancing measures are of course still in place and may well be for quite some time. That’s why, if you’re planning a trip down to the French Riviera, we’ve rounded up some of the best private beaches. There has never been a better excuse to get away from all the crowds and hustle and bustle.
The Opera beach
Did you know? The opera beach is one of the oldest in Nice, since 1889. It is run by the Maiffret family since it opened and has been passed from generation to generation ever since. The beach is located on the famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’ and is aptly named after the ‘Opera de Nice’ house which sits directly behind it. Here, you can also benefit from easy access to Nice’s key attractions and of course the cobbled narrow streets of the old town.
This family – friendly haven is one of the most affordable you will get along the French Riviera, but this does not mean its quality is anything less than superior to its competitors! The décor seamlessly blends tradition with modern amenities. Did we mention? There is an outdoor terrace restaurant on the waterfront which can seat 250 people to dine, there is comfortable sofas and armchairs to sit back and relax on. Usually during the summer season, visitors can enjoy the beach’s themed parties, live bands and DJ’s!
The restaurant is open daily from 09:00 until 20:00 and from June through the summer months they open until midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They also serve good food and the menu is accompanied by an excellent wine list. Prices for their sun bed chairs & umbrella is €18 and a Opera Plage towel is €4
Check out their Facebook page here
Address – 30 Quai des États-Unis, 06000 Nice, France
Les bains Deli Bo
The only private beach in Ville franche sur mer! We highly recommend getting booked in advance here. Even on weekdays, the place is always fully booked by loyal customers and those just passing by. You may already know that the owners of this private paradise– Pascale Ciamos and Jeremy Barge also own Deli Bo on rue Bonaparte in Nice – this one too is almost always guaranteed to be fully booked.
The magical setting of Les bains deli bo is on one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. Big boats and giant liners dock nearby. During the day, the sun beds and parasols lead right up to the water’s edge with a gorgeous view of the Bay of VilleFranche. Prices for sun beds are €20 and with an umbrella an extra €8. In the evening, it’s an even better setting. Watch the sun begin to set with rich hues of crimson reds blended with oranges while enjoying a delicious gourmet meal. To name a few, some of our favourites on the menu include truffle pasta, sushi pizza (sounds weird, we know, but once you try it you won’t be disappointed) and if you’re looking for a lighter option their traditional Niçoise salad is also a favourite.
They have also recently expanded out to Juan les pins too, so if you’re in the area, be sure to check them out!
Check out their Facebook page here
Address – Prom. des Marinières, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
Le Plage Keller and its restaurant Le Cesar
Located in Cap d’Antibes is this exclusive beach club perched above the sand with breathaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, in the far distance you will see the summit of the often-snow-capped Alps. The restaurant area is open all year whilst the beach area with sun loungers and deck chairs is only open daily during the spring and summer months. The beach season in the French Riviera often starts in mid-March! The price for renting a sun bed for the day and having access to all facilities is €23 per person.
Dining here in the evening is a culinary delight. Chef, Olivier Condat, captivates you with his culinary creations based on fresh products. We’ve heard the octopus salad and his terrific soup made of Breton Lobster is ‘to die for.’ This classic and elegant restaurant terrace extends over two floors, half of it being upstairs surrounded by glass panels and the other half is right down on the beach, your feet resting on the sand.
Check out their website here
Address – 1035 Chemin de la Garoupe – Cap d’Antibes 06600 Antibes
Exclusive Holiday Villas in Nice