What to see and do on a Côte d’Azur getaway to Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
A privileged site on the Côte d’Azur, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a small commune to the east of Nice, amid lush vegetation and an explosion of vibrant colors. Spanning 1 km² and with just 3,745 inhabitants, it’s one of the charms of Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes, just a stone’s throw from the famous Cap-Ferrat.
Visiting Beaulieu-sur-Mer means seeing magnificent palm-fringed beaches of fine sand, a dreamy year-round climate, a typically Mediterranean atmosphere and activities along a preserved shoreline: water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, boats moored for deep-sea fishing. Here’s an overview of what to see when you visit Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
1. The Greek Villa Kerylos
Photo credit: Flickr – Genlab Frank
Built between 1902 and 1908 by Théodore Reinach (1860-1928), Villa Kerylos is a reconstruction of a Greek villa from the second and first centuries B.C. Significant traces of Graeco-Roman occupation were discovered when the town’s buildings were constructed in the 19th century.
Bronze, ivory, Carrara marble… Built with luxury materials, it attracts a luxury clientele! Villa Kerylos is a prime site for business tourism, but you’re sure to enjoy a pleasant visit even if you’re not on a business trip. In the gardens, ask for a guided tour to learn more about the ancient Greek style.
2. Petite Afrique beach
Photo credit: Flickr – Christina
Nestling against the cliffs, the Petite Afrique beach adjoins the marina. When visiting Beaulieu-sur-mer, don’t miss this beach, where you’ll enjoy a magical setting: protected from the wind by the limestone cliffs, the beach seems to be coiled up, embedded in a green setting with dense vegetation.
With its exotic species that have grown here, its chic, authentic and breathtaking setting. You’d almost think you were in another country.
3. Village lanes
Photo credit: Flickr – haselton68
If you’re into high-end shopping, gourmet dining and urban walking, a visit to Beaulieu-sur-mer and its village will be just what you’re looking for. The village boasts every aspect of the upscale Côte d’Azur: luxury shops, a Casino, luxury hotels – such as the Carlton Hotel – and gourmet restaurants.
Walk along Boulevard Edouard VII, climb to the heights and enjoy breathtaking views of the cliffs plunging into the sea. Take a leisurely stroll along the Plateau Saint-Michel path or the Maurice-Rouvier promenade.
In the center of town, don’t miss the gardens adorned with Mediterranean flowers, palm trees and century-old olive trees. You’ll see the Santa Maria de Olivo chapel – now a renowned exhibition venue – high-end boutiques, restaurants and, last but not least, the Provencal market with its typical Midi colors and fragrances.
4. The casino and the Bay of Ants
Photo credit: Flickr – Jean
The Beaulieu-sur-mer casino offers slot machines, concerts and shows, as well as a wide range of entertainment: all the luxury of the Côte d’Azur. Opposite, a world-renowned marina – in fact, it’s one of the busiest on the entire coast – with space for up to 800 boats.
Take a stroll along Baie des Fourmis if it’s not too crowded, and you’ll have the chance to take to the sea for a romantic cruise, family waterskiing, jet skiing or windsurfing with friends! Plage des Fourmis is a family beach with a good view of Villa Kérolys. Relax on the adjacent private beach, La Calanque, if it gets too crowded!
5. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Julia Tsokur
If you’re visiting the Mediterranean coast, there’s one thing you shouldn’t miss: boat trips!
In fact, Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers some lovely excursions along the Mediterranean Sea, such as those leading to the famous Kerylos and Ephrussi de Rothschild villas, as well as the emblematic La Réserve and Le Royal Riviera hotels.
It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and miss out on this magnificent setting!
Find a boat to rent in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
How do I get to Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is only a few kilometers from Nice, so you can get there both by car and by bike. To find a cheap flight to Nice, you can do your research on the website of our partner Ulysse.
Where to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
For your vacation on the Côte d’Azur, Beaulieu-sur-mer offers a wide range of accommodation. There are comfortable establishments ranging from 2 to 5 star hotels, and furnished apartments from studios to 3 rooms (which you can find on Airbnb). You can find a cheap hotel in Beaulieu-sur-Mer by searching on this hotel comparator.
Getting around Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the surrounding area
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a seaside resort offering a wide range of activities, particularly in the water. But above all, it’s an excellent base from which to visit the surrounding area, and in particular the surrounding nature parks such as the Préalpes d’Azur regional nature park and the Mercantour national park. Monaco andItaly are also not far away.
If you don’t have your own car, it’s best to rent one either by the day or by the week. If you’re a group of 4 or 5, it won’t cost you much. You can book a rental car in advance and collect it on arrival at Nice airport, by comparing prices on Rentalcars.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Nice,fr