The Promenade des Anglais concentrates many paying private beaches — but between them, 15 entirely free public beach sections allow everyone to enjoy the Mediterranean without spending a cent. Here is our selection of the finest.
The Best Free Beaches
Plage des Ponchettes (facing Cours Saleya, Old Nice) — the most central and most animated, ideal for observing Niçois life. Plage du Castel (at Castle Hill's foot) — the most wild and photogenic, crystal-clear water but no facilities. Plage Carras (Nice West, after the airport) — the largest public beach, clean water and uncrowded outside season. Plage Lenval (Fabron quarter) — calm and family-friendly, public showers available.
What You Need to Know
Nice's beaches are pebble, not sand — bring a beach mat or rent one from adjacent private beaches (from €10). Free public showers are installed on most public beaches. Nice's Mediterranean water is rated Excellent quality by health authorities.
VIP Tip
Before 9am, private beaches haven't yet set up their loungers and the entire beach is freely accessible — the ideal time for a solitary morning swim facing the Bay of Angels.
