On the beach trail
Fine sandy, rocky, or pebbled, hidden at the foot of a cliff or stretching for miles, party or child friendly... this July, COTE explores the beaches along the coast between Monaco and Nice, then continues to Théoule-sur-Mer in our next summer issue.
By Raphaëlle Elkrief
Monte-Carlo Beach Hôtel
For an exclusive experience.
It’s where the princely elite and tourists in search of luxury and elegance meet. Spread out in three rows from the water's edge are 179 tents, chic striped canvas cabins and 30 solariums designed as private terraces with showers and washbasins. A meticulous catering service managed by the Les Cabanas restaurant offers a healthy menu based on organic products, gourmet suggestions, and wood-fired pizzas. Along with a glacier bar.
Avenue Princesse Grace, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Tél. + 377 98 06 41 51 - montecarlosbm.com
Naos Beach
For tele transporting yourself to Greece .
Just walk up to his macramé tents, and you'll feel you're somewhere else. A day at Naos Beach (meaning literally “temple” in Greek) is a timeless moment in an intimate white setting, where you lie and watch time passing from a thick charcoal grey mattress on a wood recliner. The furniture is authentic and has been made ecologically from recycled materials. The journey continues with the food: horiatiki salad, spaghetti with Kalamata olives, and wood-fired grilled octopus tentacles.
Plage Marquet, Cap-d'Ail
Tél. 04 93 21 06 74
naosbeach.com
Uvita
For a relaxed approach.
“The Pearl of the Pacific” is the nickname given to the small town of Uvita in Costa Rica. Those who have been there described it as a small paradise on earth. An atmosphere that Philippe Cannatella of the Gusto Family (Carmela, Boccaccio, Ambrosia) wanted to import to the Mediterranean. Natural decoration, wooden sunbeds, and sandy tones: decor that is conducive to relaxation.
Plage Marquet, Cap-d’Ail
Tél. 04 92 10 70 75
uvita-plage.com
Baïa Bella
For the planet.
An ecological approach and child friendly. Baïa Bella opened in 2021. It became the first green beach by becoming 100% carbon neutral, with water recycling systems, rain collection, and solar panels playing a part. This beach supports two 'carbon offsetting' actions by participating in eco-friendly projects: sourcing furniture within Europe and handmade decorations by local artists. You'll find a slow-food menu in the restaurant offering local and seasonal products.
Plage de la Petite Afrique, Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Tél. 04 93 01 11 00
baiabella.com
Cala Pulpo
For the Love Boat spirit.
Just opened, a couple of miles from the Italian border, attentive hospitality is its leitmotiv. Whether you are ferried there by boat or arrive by terra firma, a tray furnished with a slice of watermelon, a small smoothie, and a refreshing jasmine-scented towel will be on hand when you arrive. In a natural setting, with wood panelling, rattan, and bamboo, you’ll be seduced by another attention: your very own personalised cocktail creation.
Plage du Golfe Bleu, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Instagram : @cala.pulpo
Paloma Beach
For a siesta in the shade of pine trees.
A mythical beach since the 50s that has aged with panache (named after Pablo Picasso's daughter, Paloma, who used to hang out there), appearing not so long ago in the Top Ten photos posted on Instagram. The place, it must be said, has everything to get social media in a tizzy. A 15-minute walk and steps down to it. Small coves hidden by trees. A menu featuring grilled fish and local specialities. Give the paddle + breakfast and paddle + aperitivo combos a try. Perfect for the end-of-day story
1 chemin de Saint-Hospice,
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Tél. 04 93 01 64 71
paloma-beach.com
Le temps d’un été
For oversized desserts.
People with a sweet tooth are flocking to it. And with good reason: the patissier can do wonders. Like these oversized cookies that gourmets will be happy to share. On the menu are other gargantuan desserts for you to enjoy, including Nutella babka, fruit platters and eclairs. A menu 100% compatible with summer bodies.
25 promenade des Anglais, Nice
Tél. 04 83 66 02 49 - letempsdunete-plage.fr
Beau Rivage
For a lively summer.
An unmissable spot on the Riviera, the largest on the Promenade des Anglais has a festive programme planned that transforms it into a location of distinction. It's all about conviviality as soon as the sun's rays start to fade. Live or clubbing evenings are organised from Monday to Saturday with DJs accompanied by percussionists.
107 quai des Etats-Unis, Nice
Tél. 04 92 00 46 80 - plagenicebeaurivage.com
La Vela
For gastronomy lovers.
After Marcel Bistrot Chic, Boulangerie Jeannot, and Grand Balcon (all three in the Nice old town), the restaurateur has opened La Vela on Nice's pebbles, a private beach with an attractive menu. Burrata (250 g), salad niçoise, salad of small purple artichokes and Parmesan chips, beef tartare with dried niçoise tomatoes, raw courgettes and panisse (Italian chickpea fries) and a seafood menu. For dessert there’s champagne tiramisu, an imposing fruit platter including watermelon, and the house ice cream sundae. They taste all the better for being eaten sitting on a large blue beach recliner.
58 promenade des Anglais, Nice
Tél. 04 93 57 17 95 - lavela-plage.com
Le Galet
For ambience.
In winter and summer, Sunday breakfasts at Le Galet have turned into veritable rituals. The beach has a musical programme every Sunday starting at noon this summer season and a new stage for local music groups to perform. On the menu are Italian dishes: pizza and focaccias, starters to share, the famous Rigatoni du Galet, a half-cooked salmon Fregola Sarda, beef tagliata with seasonal mushrooms, and homemade mashed potatoes.
3 promenade des Anglais, Nice
Tél. 04 93 88 17 23 - galet-plage.fr
Côteweb 2021, création de site Internet sur Nice