Top Beaulieu-sur-Mer activities
Explore by category
Beyond Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Tours in nearby places
Explore French Riviera tours
Tours in similar places
Beaulieu-sur-Mer trip ideas
There are lots of things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which translates to "beautiful place by the sea"—and few could deny this French Riviera resort its title. Soaring sea cliffs, palm-fringed sands, and azure waters welcome sunseekers to the Mediterranean, while sandy shores provide plenty of space for swimming, water-skiing, or stand-up paddleboarding. En route from Nice to Monaco, Beaulieu also makes a popular stopover for travelers exploring the Côte d'Azur. Here, drive along the Cap Ferrat coastal road, cruise into the marina, and take in the views from the Greek villa of Kerylos.
The beaches of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and neighboring Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat are a magnet for sun-seekers through summer, and July and August are by far the busiest months. Come in late spring or early fall for the best ratio of sun-to-crowds—the cooler weather is ideal for coastal hikes and water sports. Music lovers won’t want to miss genre-spanning Les Nuits Guitares in July and Beaulieu Classic Festival in September.
The leafy lanes and seafront promenades of Beaulieu-sur-Mer provide a scenic backdrop for walking or cycling, but you’ll need wheels—or a boat—to explore further afield. Local buses and shuttles run to the nearby beaches and towns in season, or else rent a car or moped to discover the Cap Ferrat peninsula or follow the coastal corniche, or cliff road, to Monaco.
Beaulieu’s two sandy beaches—Plage des Fourmis and Plage Petite Afrique—both have private and public sections. If you don’t want to pay, head away from the beach restaurants and rentable parasols, and lay your beach towel out on the sand. To the west of the port of Beaulieu, the Baie des Fourmis has shallower waters ideal for young kids.
Attractions 1 | Tours 15 | Reviews 273 |
Beaulieu-sur-Mer means beautiful place on the sea—and Beaulieu-sur-Mer lives up to its flattering name. This little seaside town is nestled part way between Nice and Monaco, and it is a popular holiday destination, though its permanent population numbers less than 4,000.
...MoreThis pint-sized seaside town packs a punch in activities. Beaches are the obvious attraction, but drag yourself away from sun-worshiping to check out the opulently decorated Villa Kerylos. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it’s perched on a rocky outcrop with ocean panoramas.
...MoreBeaulieu-sur-Mer is on the French Riviera, roughly halfway between Monaco and Nice. Beaulieu-sur-Mer has a train station, so it’s easy to reach on public transport. It’s a 20-minute drive from Nice’s city center, and it’s also convenient to Èze, a scenic, medieval village perched on the clifftop.
...MoreYes, it is quite posh, although it’s positively laid-back in contrast with its flashier neighbor Monaco. Like Monaco, it has a casino (although much smaller!). Hotels here can cost a premium, but stay further back from the waterfront to save a few pennies. The small, intimate town never feels snooty.
...MoreThe best time to visit the French Riviera is in summer, when long, languid evenings are made for sipping a chilled rosé al fresco. This is also when Beaulieu-sur-Mer is most crowded. Visitors in winter profit from quiet streets and a comparative lack of tourists, although many businesses are closed.
...MoreBeach bums could spend all summer in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, but for a relaxing break, spend a week. Beyond the town itself, there’s plenty to explore. You’ll want a day for Monaco’s casinos and marina, a few days to soak up Nice’s art and markets, and time to coast crawl.
...More