Historically Nice was not a city that has a great sea going heritage, it was once describes as a city with it's back to the sea. It was small wonder when the greatest dangers that the tiny ancient city of Nikaia faced mostly arrived from the seaward side.
Nice Promenade changed the city's relationship with the Mediterranean sea and slowly turned to face the greatest aspect that the city had to offer, it's greatest asset.
Nice architecture
The ancient city of Nikaia might have been destroyed by King Louis XIV in the 1700's but Nice is still famed for its beautiful architecture and Nice Promenade des Anglais is where you will find some of the most remarkable land mark buildings of the city of Nice. As the European Royals and worlds aristocracy took to the region and adopted it as their own they brought with them their architecture and grand style and built palaces and hotels that befitted their stature.
Start your tour at the relatively lowly but highly desirable, La Ponchettes, a row of cottages that lie between the Old Town of Nice and the sea front. Most of them are private residences but two of them were converted into a Gallery where you can see the vaulted interiors and get an idea of the space.
A walk along the Promenade des Anglais reveals the face of Nice as it was constructed in the 1800's, beautiful Belle Epoch era buildings, architecture and style. The most famous being the landmark hotel the Negresco. The largest privately owned 5 star hotel left in existence, this sugar candy building with it's pink dome, icing sugar exterior and graceful dimension mark the centre spot of Nice Promenade and forms a distinguishing spot on the grand sweep of the Promenade.
The very first of the Grand Hotels in Nice is also to be found on the Promenade des Anglais, The Hotel Westminster started the trend that has defined Nice ever since. Casino Ruhl is number 1 Promenade des Anglais and is built in a modern Hollywood style.
A stroll along the Promenade des Anglais will showcase all that Nice has to offer from an architectural point of view, from the Grand Opera House, to the Palais de la Mediteranee, from the modern style of Casino Ruhl to buildings that have frescoes , murals, 1920's art deco tiling and unique statues and gargoyles a plenty.
Nice Beaches
Nice may not have always been a city focused on the sea, as history reports it, but nowadays it is a city that is all about the beach, beach, beach. It doesn't matter if it is Summer or Winter, Nice Promenade is used to its full 7 kilometre extent by local residents and visitors to the town.
The beach itself is famously pebbled, lined with beach clubs, restaurants, water sports and volleyball. To help you decide which part of Nice beach to hang your towel on or what beach club is right for you then we have prepared a guide to Nice beach to help you choose.
The first thing that you can expect on Nice beach is the pebbles. It is a pebble beach, there are sandy patches here and there, some laid down for Volley ball, but it is a pebble beach and no mistaking the fact. A pebble beach requires a little bit of dedication in order to get the best out of it and a pair of jelly shoes/crocs or reef walkers should be the first item on the agenda, especially for little feet who want to dance in and out of the water all day long.
A pair of sea going shoes renders unexpectedly sharp stones completely powerless to ruin your day. There are plenty of shops in Nice that sell them cheaply, along with padded, roll out beach mats and parasols. Take these three items with you and you are sure of a totally relaxed day on the beach.
Nice beach is also lined with restaurants, bars and beach clubs which can cause some consternation and hesitancy for new timers on Nice beach who are not sure what the beach clubs do exactly and if they are private or not and, more importantly, how much it is all going to cost?
The beach clubs are simply restaurants and bars that lay out sunbeds and parasols and offer a range of facilities. They are either independent businesses or are attached to some of the Nice Promenade hotels. They have premises on the beach and their sunbeds are for hire but the shoreline is entirely public and accessible for everyone to use, so don't worry about passing through or swimming in front of them even if you have decided not to go to one of them.
The prices do vary but they are required to display their tarifs publicly so you can see before you commit to entering. You can also choose which of their facilities to avail of, for example, you can just dine at the restaurants, have a drink at the bar or just hire a sun bed without having to use and pay for everything that is on offer. It is an ideal way to spend a day at Nice beach, relaxing on the comfort of a sun lounger with waiter service to your side.
There is some competition however, for the best sun loungers and the best thing to do is call and reserve what are called the 'front line' beds, this will give you uninterrupted views of the sea. Each beach club has it's own vibe and feel so do have a good look at them to see if the one you have chosen suits you.
You may be more interested in great food, be looking for lively music, or taking your children in with you in which case some of the beach clubs are better suited to you than others. Walk along the Promenade and have a good look or read on below to get an idea of which club is the one for you.
Castel Plage. Castel is the first beach club on Nice beach from the eastern edge of the beach, just before it rounds the headland into Nice Port. It titles itself 'a beautiful beach for beautiful people'. It is one of the most stylish beach clubs with a great bar and restaurant. The theme is modern but it still has a hint of old time Nice glamour about it. A 'rainbow' plage, it welcomes all clientèle but is probable more suited to a mature crowd rather than children as the sea drops away quite deep here.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, showers, toilets, sun beds, parasols, waiter service.
Opera Plage Opera Plage is, as the name suggest opposite Nice Opera House. It is not connected to the Opera house and has just been inspired to use the name. It is one of the oldest beach clubs, dating back to 1889. Opera plage has a huge indoor area and tends to be open long into the close of the season when others are not. The food is simple pasta and salad dishes with an emphasis on fish. it has a relaxed feel and is in a good spot, opposite the Old Town and close to shops and other restaurants so it can be a good place to base a family if everyone is not interested in doing the same thing at the same time.
Facilities include, restaurant, bar, sun beds, parasols, showers, toilets and waiter service.
Plage Beau Rivage This beach club is attached to the Hotel Beau Rivage which is situated across the street from it. It is, like the Hotel, a modern stylish affair with teak floors and white cushions. You can expect good food and they also offer reasonable rates with sunbeds available at half day tarifs if you arrive after 2.30pm. Parasols are included in the price and you can hire towels if required.
Facilities include restaurant, bar, sun beds, parasols, towel hire showers, toilets and waiter service.
Plage Galion Plage Galion is opposite the Old Town and the Hotel Mercure. The food is simple omelettes, steaks and pasta dishes that are inexpensive and quick.
Facilities include, restaurant, bar, sun beds, parasols, toilets and waiter service.
Ruhl Plage Ruhl Plage is opposite the Meridian Hotel and the Casino Ruhl on Nice Promenade and has been in operation since the 1920's. While it doesn't belong to one specific hotel it does collaborate with several. Style and décor is elegant, expect white linen table cloths and good service. The food is a little higher in standard and expense with a good selection of fish dishes. It has private bathing boxes, hot indoor showers and a swimming pool on the beach for children.
Facilities include; gourmet restaurant, bar, sun beds, parasols, lounge area, private bathing boxes, swimming pool, function room for large catering and swimming tutors for children.
Blue Beach Blue beach is opposite the famous Negresco Hotel which is one of the prime locations on Nice Promenade. It is a self heralded 'gastro'plage' concept with an emphasis on fish and salads. It is relatively inexpensive and the location couldn't be better.
Facilities include; childrens menu, table tennis, volleyball, water sports, on duty lifeguard, sun beds, parasols, restaurant, bar and waiter service.
Hi Beach Hi Beach is a new concept beach. It is associated with Hi hotel and Hi nightclub on the Promenade des Anglais. It has a young modern feel and is decorated as such. It is also part of a Green Global Benchmark label and uses ecologically sound products, recycles refuse, solar showers and uses mostly organic produce in the restaurant. It is wired for sound, wifi and TV. It has large communal family area, lounging chill out zones with magazines and newspapers and has an area dedicated to massage and yoga. Food is in the same modern vein with sushi and fusion food as well as more standard burger and chips.
Facilities include; bar, restaurant, childrens activities, private family areas, sun loungers, hammocks, parasols, music, TV, internet, magazines and books, catering for large groups.
Florida Plage Florida Plage is well known to a younger crowd and brings a hint of Saint Tropez Nicky beach to the Promenade des Anglais. With a 'zen' decor, Florida beach club focus' on chilling out and relaxing to the max. Restaurant, bar and hydro massage tub, otherwise called a hot tub, are all on offer to help the champagne go down.
Facilities include; bar restaurant, sun loungers, double sunbeds, hot tub, DJ's, music, waiter service, showers, toilets, massage, changing area.
Lido plage Lido plage is a good family beach club as they feature the only pontoon on Nice Promenade and also water sports on site such as parascending. Food is basic pizzas, pastas and seafood and prices are medium.
Facilities include; bar, restaurant, sun beds, sun loungers, water sports, showers, toilets, pontoon, wifi, waiter service reception or function rooms.
A beautifully appointed large studio in a gated art deco haven with direct access to the Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy al fresco dining on the balcony with sea views overlooking the private gardens.
Lovely one bedroom apartment with super sea views on the Promenade in Nice. With a lovely balcony on which to relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best locations on the Riviera.
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Bedrooms: 2
