The first winter tourists didn’t come to Nice for the sea. In fact, they came for the dry climate at a time of the year where elsewhere the weather was terrible, and to benefit from the 300 days of sunshine. Sunbathing and physical activities by the sea didn’t become a full-blown facet of the city until much later. Now there are 20 public beaches and 15 private beaches stretching out over 7 km. European regulations confirm the outstanding quality of our bathing waters, the Famille Plus label is a testimony to the supervised play facilities for children, while parents can enjoy the pétanque grounds.

The Mediterranean (Mare Nostrum) is a constant, but the coastline varies to give each beach its own special touch. The majority offer a wide range of different services, such as 80 private bathing cabins with showers on Ruhl, the eclectic restaurant at Plage Le Galet (preferential day rates for guests at our hotel), and the special arrangements for people with limited mobility to access the sea on the Centenaire and Carras beaches (the latter having “Audioplage” services for the hard of hearing). Plus there’s also the venerable Opéra Plage (the oldest beach in Nice) - either way, you’re sure to find the right beach for you!

If sunbathing isn’t your thing and you’d rather not just look at the waves, you’ll be able to engage in strong sensations nearby.Parasailing, fly-fishing, stand-up paddling, water skiing, underwater diving and sea kayaking along the coast are just some of the many possibilities of exploring Nice's maritime environment. If you prefer wheels to water, the Roller Station with its bikes, skateboards and more for hire will be up your street, while the covered pools such as the Piscine Jean Médecin is perfect if you prefer swimming in stiller, less salty waters.