As everyone knows, Nissa la bella is not really famous for its fine sandy beaches. Yet, at the foot of the castle hill, three well-known establishments among the locals manage to stand out on the pebbles.
Starting from the port, the first private beach one encounters is the unmissable “Castel.” Nestled significantly below a sometimes noisy Promenade des Anglais (over nine meters of elevation difference between the sidewalk and the pebbles), Ali Abdhelafidh welcomes you to his little corner of paradise. “I’m starting my twenty-first season here, and it’s pure bliss,” shares the happy manager. In his establishment, almost everyone knows each other. The clientele is 90% locals, particularly those living nearby. “Local folks and many celebrities like to gather here, as well as a significant gay community,” explains Ali. “The water is clean thanks to the cape that protects us from the current, the view is magnificent, with a panorama over the entire bay of Nice, and despite the decor we’ve aimed for, the atmosphere remains relaxed. People meet up here.” Besides the sunbed-umbrella package, priced at 10 euros for half a day, Castel offers traditional cuisine served at any time, under the sprays that have become essential facing the high temperatures…
Continuing the walk towards the west of the city, one reaches “Opéra plage.” A true institution since it was created in 1888, it is indeed the oldest beach in France! Michel Maifret and his wife Chantal run the establishment with enthusiasm and pride. “My family has been managing this beach for four generations,” the owner testifies. “I’ve been here since I was old enough to work…” Here, too, the clientele is mostly local, although foreigners from all over the world also enjoy the setting. Once again, a variety of quality cuisine is offered at any time of the day. Noteworthy are the notable presence of two beach volleyball courts, and a 24-euro package that includes a deckchair, cabin, daily special, and drink.
A little further still lies the “Beau Rivage” beach. Located below the four-star hotel of the same name (the only one in Nice to have its private beach), it is primarily intended for its guests. Here the clientele is very cosmopolitan, with foreigners and tourists slightly in the majority. A 19-euro package for a day by the water is offered, service included. The “largest beach on the Promenade des Anglais” can accommodate up to 1,200 people, over more than 600m² of decking. A restaurant and a snack bar also offer their menus, at any time of the day. The ideal place for ceremonies, private dinners, or cocktails.
From now on, no more excuses for shunning the beaches of Nice, here are three quality establishments that will make you have a pleasant time and forget the harshness of those darn pebbles!
Nicolas Pelazza