Beaches around Nice that are worth the trip
Yes, some beaches around Nice are prettier. Nissa will recover. So will you, assuming your calves survive.
Mametas CheckedPractical information checked · October 2026
A better beach may require twenty minutes on a train, a bus or some stairs. Mèfi (watch out): if your “hidden gem” has 1.8 million views on Instagram, pichoun, you are no longer an explorer. You are following a queue.
No car: Marinières or Baie des Fourmis. Scenery: Petite Afrique or Mala. Quieter: Fossettes. Late sun: Passable. And if you demand dégun around at 3 pm in August, we can no longer help you.
The beaches, one by one
Plage des Marinières
The easiest from Nice.
The largest beach in Villefranche, right inside the bay and easy to reach by regional train. Lifeguarded in summer. Considerably simpler than the scenery suggests.
Baie des Fourmis
For stepping off the train and being almost there.
A gravel beach facing Villa Kérylos, less than 500 metres from the station and supervised June to August.
Petite Afrique
For pine trees and a proper beach day.
East of the port beneath the cliffs, with a children’s play area, beach volleyball, watersports and seasonal private beach clubs. Supervised June to August. More equipped than secret, which may be exactly what you need.
Les Fossettes
For the quieter side of the peninsula.
The tourist office describes it as one of the most unspoilt and discreet beaches on Cap-Ferrat, appreciated for its underwater life. Small and not wheelchair accessible.
Passable
For afternoon sun and the view across Villefranche bay.
On the western side of the peninsula, open all year with both public and concession areas. Its exposure keeps the sun later into the afternoon, a detail that becomes surprisingly important around 5:30 pm.
Plage Mala
The dramatic one. It charges partly in stairs.
A cove below the cliffs with fine sand and small pebbles, reached by the coastal path or the Mala steps. The setting is magnificent. Your calves will also remember it. Hu! Beauty never promised a lift.