Whatever the season and whatever the length of your Provence getaway, there’s plenty to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, and we urge you to make a stopover.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a pearl of the Côte d’Azur, nestled near Cap-Ferrat, between Nice and Monaco. This seaside resort offers golden beaches, crystal-clear waters and a unique Belle Époque atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on warm sand,cultural exploration or gastronomic delights, Beaulieu-sur-Mer promises an unforgettable experience where the charm of Provence meets contemporary luxury.
In this article, you’ll find a list of 12 ideas for things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, our reviews in pictures and suggestions for organizing your trip.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Succumb to the charm of Belle Époque villas
Why visit?
French Rivera is renowned for its prestige and rich architectural heritage. From Saint Tropez to Menton, iconic villas lurk all along the coast. Most were built in the late 19th century. To the Belle Époque!
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is no exception to the rule. The coastal setting is breathtaking, between the Mediterranean Sea and the foothills of the Alps. All we had to do was look up to marvel at theexceptional architecture of the villas above Baie des Fourmis and Petite Afrique beach.
We loved the Moorish charm of the Villa Andalousia and the opulence of the former Hôtel Bristol building with its rotunda. It is now home to Restaurant Le Circé, one of our top addresses for dining in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours for the walk.
- Explore the streets and seafront at random, taking the time to stop and observe the architecture.
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer is very easy to walk around, but some of the passages at the foot of the mountain are very steep. They sometimes cross the railroad line between Marseille and Ventimiglia, so be careful!
- There are many cafés and restaurants in the town center.
2. Visit Villa Kérylos
Why visit?
Villa Kérylos is a masterpiece of architecture and decoration, a unique place of its kind. No other reconstruction of an ancient Greek dwelling of this quality exists. Visiting it gave us an insight into the art and culture of Ancient Greece.
The view of the Mediterranean Sea from the villa’s windows is breathtaking, as is the magnificent garden which boasts all the essences of the Mediterranean. In our opinion, this is one ofthe most beautiful places to visit in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
In fact, we have devoted an entire article to the Villa Kérylos.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 to 2 hours to visit the villa.
- There’s gravel in the driveways. A ramp gives access to the first floor, but you have to take the stairs down to the basement and up to the first floor.
- Access to the site is easy, it’s all flat. It takes 10 minutes from the center of Beaulieu.
- Picnicking is not permitted in the villa grounds, but there are plenty of restaurants in the town center.
- Villa Kérylos is open from 10am to 6pm in summer. It closes at 5pm in winter. Find out more here.
- Avoid the queues, take your ticket.
WHERE TO STAY IN Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Option 1: Waterfront
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Hotel La Réserve de Beaulieu – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Royal Riviera – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Downtown
The town is not far from the seaside, but the views won’t be the same. We recommend..:
- Hotel Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Select – see prices, pictures and availability
- Havre Bleu Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: Villefranches or Cap-Ferrat
Right next to Beaulieu, around Cap Ferrat, you can also enjoy lively Villefranches, or the peace and quiet on the cape.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Welcome in Villefranches – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel du Cap Ferrat – prices, pictures and availability
3. Lazing on the Plage de la Petite Afrique
Why visit?
In our opinion, this is the most pleasant beach in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It’s also the biggest! Located just beyond the Marina, on the way to Monaco, it enjoys an exceptional setting between sea and mountains. Not to mention the magnificent umbrella pines and palm trees, typical of the Mediterranean coastline, which provide particularly pleasant shaded areas.
The Petite Afrique beach is 400m of gravel and is extended by a second cove, slightly smaller than the first, but also quieter. You’ll also find a private area and a special children’s area, shaded by umbrella pines. An absolute dream. On the downside, parking is very difficult in summer.
Practical advice
- Allow 30 minutes to several hours, or even a whole day, to enjoy the site and its facilities: playground, shower and WC, private beach, mattress rental.
- Located in the heart of Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Supervised gravel beach in summer
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Two restaurants on the beach, open from April to September: Restaurant Baia Bella, more info here, and Restaurant La Javanaise, more details here.
- The Petite Afrique parking lot is subject to a charge and quickly sells out in summer. Find out more here.
4. Lunch at the Restaurant des Rois
Why visit?
Awarded a Michelin star, this restaurant is our favorite in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. The setting is exceptional: it’s that of the 5-star Hôtel La Réserve, one of our top places to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Created in 1880 by Nice-born restaurateur Pierre Lottier, the Restaurant des Rois owes its name to a gastronomic critic of the time. And that’s saying a lot! The view is splendid and the cuisine daring. The Belle Époque-style main dining room is chic and luxurious, but we preferred to dine on the terrace, to enjoy the panoramic views.
The graphic, precise cuisine of chef Julien Roucheteau, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2019, trained in Paris (restaurant at the Hôtel Lancaster…), won us over! We really enjoyed the floral, invigorating aspect of our dishes. We also found the desserts succulent. To extend the experience, why not stay at this superb establishment and its impressive wellness center? See prices and availability.
Practical advice
- Located between the Port and Villa Kérylos
- Type: gastronomic starred.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: dishes from €70, menu from €165 per person (drinks not included).
- Mediterranean specialities: yes, but revisited
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations highly recommended here.
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- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Spend an evening at the Casino
Why visit?
Monaco is not far away, and venturing into the atmosphere of a casino on the Côte d’Azur is a bit like experiencing legendary scenes from cult films. The Casino de Beaulieu-sur-Mer is no exception. We had the impression of running into Sean Connery in Jamais plus jamais, Daniel Craig in Casino Royale or Jeanne Moreau in La Baie des Anges.
Recently renovated, this establishment will charm all those for whom Côte d’Azur rhymes with elegance and pleasure. Beneath the high ceilings of its Belle Époque architecture, you’ll find everything that makes a casino: slot machines, Roulette, Black Jack, Punto Banco, Poker… And, of course, a discotheque: the Sky Beach, outdoors from June to September.
Practical advice
- Located above Plage des Fourmis
- To enter the Casino, you must be at least 18 years old and present valid proof of identity. Find out more here.
- Appropriate dress required.
- Open daily from 10am to 3am, gaming tables open at 9pm.
- Restaurant Le Baccara, inside the Casino, is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Find out more here.
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6. Explore the Bay of Ants
Why visit?
We loved thefamily atmosphere of this little bay at the foot of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, with views of Cap-Ferrat to the west and Villa Kérylos to the east. It comprises a beach of very fine gravel, the Plage des Fourmis, located just a few meters from the Casino gardens. The beach extends for 250m and offers private beaches with restaurants and mattress and parasol rental.
In the bay, at the foot of Villa Kérylos, there’s also a picturesque and charming little port, which mainly welcomes local pleasure fishermen. Life there seems so sweet that we just wanted to sit on the stone wall above the beach for a whole day, looking out at the sea. As in Alain Souchon and Laurent Voulzy’s song La Baie des Fourmis.
This is also where the Promenade Maurice Rouvier starts. It will take you along the coast to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat town hall. Completely paved and stairless, this promenade is accessible to baby carriages and people with reduced mobility.
Practical advice
- You can spend the day watching the sea or enjoying the crystal-clear waters of the bay.
- La Baie des fourmis is close to downtown.
- The beach is supervised in season, and shower and WC facilities are available. Find out more here.
- The private beach Anao Plage offers a restaurant and a rental service for mattresses and parasols. Find out more here.
- The Baie des Fourmis parking lot is subject to a charge and quickly sells out in summer. Find out more here.
- Allow 40min round trip for the Promenade Maurice Rouvier. Find out more here.
7. Diving in the Pelagos Sanctuary
Why visit?
The Pelagos Sanctuary is an 87,500 km² marine area covered by an agreement between Italy, Monaco and France for the protection of marine mammals. This area is particularly popular with many species of cetacean. The marine area from Cap-Ferrat to Cap-d’Ail is also part of the Natura 2000 network. The marine biodiversity thus preserved is exceptional.
We were eager to admire the coastline from the deck of a silent sailboat, but also to discover the marine flora and fauna. And who knows, maybe you’ll come across one or more dolphins? The choice is yours: introductory freediving, scuba diving or snorkeling on the surface or underwater. You’ll be accompanied by a state-certified instructor.
Practical advice
- Allow 4 to 7 hours
- From the port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Find out more here.
- For occasional sportsmen and women aged 8 and over
- You must be able to swim.
- See prices, photos and availability
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8. Don’t miss the Villa Ephrussi de Rothshild at Cap-Ferrat
Why visit?
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is famous for its multi-influenced architectural beauty. Built in the early 20th century, it brilliantly blends different styles: Italian Renaissance, Baroque and French Classicism. With its 9 extraordinary gardens, it attracts visitors from all over the world to its 7-hectare estate. In our opinion, its gardens are among the most beautiful on the Côte d’Azur.
We were impressed by the pink villa’s panoramic location. Perched on a hill in Cap Ferrat, overlooking the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the house and gardens offer splendid views of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding countryside. Finally, we were fascinated by the villa’s history. It is the fruit of the taste and imagination of an extraordinary woman, Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, a wealthy heiress with a passion for art and beauty.
We devoted an entire article to the Villa Ephrussi de Rotchild.
Practical advice
- Allow between 3 and 3h30 to visit the site. The villa is vast and rich, and the gardens extend over 7 hectares.
- While the villa is accessible to people with reduced mobility, some staircases and passages in the gardens are not. Nevertheless, it is possible to enjoy much of the beauty of the outdoors.
- Restaurant Le Béatrice (tea room) on site
- The villa is open every day of the year: from February 1 to October 31, from 10am to 6pm; in July and August, from 10am to 7pm and from November 6 to January 30, weekdays from 2pm to 6pm, weekends and school vacations from 10am to 6pm.
- Book your ticket today.
9. Spend 1/2 a day aboard a pointu
Why visit?
A pointu is a fishing boat typical of Provence. Listed as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage, it owes its name to its distinctive shape. He is said to have been born in Marseille in the workshops of an Italian-born carpenter. Since then, he has been magnifying the Côte d’Azur coastline with charm and poetry.
We found one moored to the quayside in the port of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, lulled by the lapping of the waters. Her name is Léonie. It dates back to 1936 and is listed as a maritime heritage site. The 8m-long boat will take you on a tour of the coastline and turquoise waters around Beaulieu and Cap-Ferrat. Its huge awning guarantees shade for most of the deck. Ready to embark?
Practical advice
- Half a day
- Access is from the fishermen’s stand on the landing stage of Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s main marina.
- Not recommended for travellers with back problems
- From €500 per group of up to 6 people
- Numerous restaurants nearby
- See prices, photos and availability
10. Discover the Chapel of Sancta Maria de Olivo and the Church of the Sacred Heart
Why visit?
We loved the distinctive architecture of Chapelle Sancta Maria de Olivo. It is now an exhibition space. It was built in the 11th century on the ruins of a pagan temple. It was the heart of religious life in Beaulieu-sur-Mer until theChurch of the Sacred Heart was built next door in 1899.
Indeed, in the 19th century, the population of Beaulieu-sur-Mer (known as the Berlugans) grew rapidly, and more and more tourists arrived, attracted by the relaxed lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur. The chapel was no longer large enough to accommodate so many worshippers. The French and foreign guests who wintered in the village helped finance the new church, with its more Belle Époque look.
Practical advice
- The Chapel of Sancta Maria de Olivo and the Church of the Sacred Heart are located side by side, near the seafront and port.
- Allow 10-30 minutes to visit.
- Sacré-Coeur Church is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Find out more here.
11. Cool off in the shade of the Jardin de l’Olivaie
Why visit?
For those of us who love trees, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a paradise. We admired the umbrella pines and palm trees, but it was the olive trees above all that enchanted us. They are magnificent with their grey foliage and gnarled trunks. The Jardin de l’Olivaie covers 6,000m2.
Until the end of the 19th century, Beaulieu was a vast olive grove stretching right down to the sea. Gradually, the olive groves became large estates with opulent villas. Fortunately, the town has managed to preserve this area of 100 hundred-year-old olive trees, just a stone’s throw from the sea. A pure marvel that invites you to take a meditative stroll through this timeless place.
Practical advice
- Count on 10min to much more if you feel as good as we do.
- 1-3 rue Jean Bracco in Beaulieu-sur-Mer (06310)
- Access via a wide staircase
- Nearby restaurants
- Free admission
- Open daily from 8am to 6pm in winter and 8am to 7pm in summer. Find out more here.
12. Pushing on to Villefranche-sur-Mer
Why visit?
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a prestigious harbor on the Côte d’Azur, offering a breathtaking panorama. We loved the sloping streets leading down to the sea, the warmly-colored churches, the picturesque harbors, the citadel with its 3 museums and green theater, the Belle Époque villas…
The old town nestles at the foot of a vast amphitheatre of hills. Thus protected, it benefits from a very mild climate that favors exuberant vegetation and sumptuous blooms. If you’d like to find out more, we’ve devoted an entire article to the must-see places in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Practical advice
- Villefranche-sur-Mer lies between Cap-Ferrat and Nice
- Allow a day for the tour
- It’s a small, craggy town. Some passages are not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- There are plenty of restaurants in town and by the sea.
- But to really soak up the atmosphere, we recommend an overnight stay. We chose theWelcome Hotel, where the famous writer Jean Cocteau stayed, for its history and view over the bay – See prices, photos and availability
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Where to stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Best hotels
- Best restaurants
- Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
- Villa Kerylos
- Villa Eprhussi
- Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: other ideas
Attend the Beaulieu-sur-Mer music festivals
In addition to its coastal charm, Beaulieu is also renowned for its music festivals. Every year, this seaside resort hosts prestigious musical events that attract music lovers from all over the world. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to attend a concert, but here are the 2 festivals we selected:
- The Beaulieu Classic Festival, classic…but not only! Find out more here.
- Beaulieu-la-Nuit (ex. Nuits Guitares), 3 days of music in the heart of the Jardin de l’Olivaie. Find out more here.
Wander through the city’s narrow streets
The city’s alleyways are very elegant, and if you like high-end shopping, you’ll love them. The town is a concentration of everything that makes up the Côte d’Azur: luxury shops, casino, gourmet restaurants and luxury hotels. If, like us, you prefer a more picturesque atmosphere, we recommend the Place Marinoni Market:
- Fruits and vegetables, every morning. Find out more here.
- Provencal market, Saturday mornings all year round. Find out more here,
- Italian market, 1st Sunday of the month, all year round. Find out more here.
Take a botanical tour of Jardin Verdun
Jardin Verdun is populated bysplendid trees (we love them!) and a wide variety of exotic plants. We liked the statues scattered around the garden, giving it the feel of a private villa garden. It was once the property of the Hôtel Bristol, the flagship of Belle Epoque palaces. A playground is available for children. Find out more here.
Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer with children
IF you’re coming to Beaulieu with children, here’s what we think they might enjoy:
- La Petite Afrique beach, where a play area has been set up for them
- The Maurice Rouvier Promenade starting from Plage des Fourmis
- A trip out to sea on a pointu
- Play in Jardin Verdun, a landscaped area too
- The Villas Ephrussi and Kérylos can be visited like castles, and the gardens are fantastic.
- Watch the boats in the port of Beaulieu and Port des Fourmis
Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer when it rains
It rarely rains on the Côte d’Azur, but it does happen. On these days, we advise you to:
- Go to the Cinéma de Beaulieu, more info here
- Spend a few hours at the Casino
- Drive to Nice to visit one of the great museums of the capital of the Côte d’Azur
- Visit Villas Ephrussi and Kérylos, even if you can’t take full advantage of the gardens… And soon the Villa Santo Sospir in Cap-Ferrat, which is currently being restored. Find out more here.
Excursions around Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Why not take advantage of your stay in Beaulieu-sur-Mer to visit the surrounding area? French or Italian Riviera, sea or mountains, the choice is yours. Nice and Monaco are about 20 minutes away by car, and Èze less than 15 minutes.
A getaway in the Valley of Wonders
And why not take the train? And what a train! A panoramic train, the Train des Merveilles. Departing from Nice, it will take you on a full-day tour of the Alps, all the way to the Mercantour National Park. You’ll visit the region’s picturesque villages and cross the breathtaking landscapes of the Roya Valley. See prices, photos and availability.
A trip to Monaco
Monaco is just 2 steps away. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover its sumptuous palaces, legendary casinos and spectacular panoramic views of the Mediterranean. We recommend you take a stroll through the area, accompanied by a local guide who will introduce you to the 1001 treasures of this small sovereign state on the Côte d’Azur. See prices, photos and availability.
A walk in Èze
We warmly invite you to discover the charming village of Èze, a real jewel on the Côte d’Azur, which amazed us. Nestled on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this village offers a medieval ambience, cobbled streets, lush gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. We’ve devoted an entire article to it.
You can also combine a visit to Èze with one to Menton in a single day, with the accompaniment of a guide. See prices, photos and availability.
A visit to Nice
Discovering Nice will enrich your stay considerably. There’s so much to see in Nice! Elegant buildings, the Promenade des Anglais, the narrow streets of Vieux Nice, museums… You name it, we’ve got it:
- Follow our tips to visit Nice in 1 day.
- Accompany a guide – see prices, photos and availability.
If you’re looking for a more playful experience, there are 2 options:
- by electric bike – see prices, photos and availability.
- by Segway – see prices, photos and availability.
Is Beaulieu-sur-Mer worth a visit?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer deserves more than a detour. Its beaches, turquoise waters and picturesque landscapes make it an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries on the Côte d’Azur. Its Belle Époque architecture and lush gardens add a historical and aesthetic dimension to its appeal. Finally, Beaulieu offers music festivals that guarantee an enriching experience. So yes, Beaulieu is definitely one of our favorite destinations on the French Riviera.
Useful tips for visiting Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Where is Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
- Beaulieu is located on the Côte d’Azur, between Monaco and Nice.
- Nice to Beaulieu: 20min drive
- Monaco to Beaulieu: 18min drive
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
The easiest way to get to Beaulieu is by car.
But you can also come by train. The line linking Marseille to Ventimiglia passes through Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Find out more here.
Parking in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Most parking in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is chargeable, especially during the summer months. The Parking de Plaisance (next to the Petite Afrique beach) is free, outside the blue zone, from mid-September to May 1. Find out more here.
Getting around Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a small commune stretching between sea and mountains, making it easy (and very pleasant!) to get around on foot.
But you can also take the bus. Find out more here.
Or rent a bike. Find out more here.
Where to eat in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
The senses are always on alert on the Côte d’Azur, and good addresses abound in this upmarket seaside resort. A small selection of our favorites:
- Restaurant Panao for its bistronomic cuisine and view of the marina.
- Baia Bella Restaurant on Petite Afrique beach, with its waterfront terrace and wood-fired grills.
- Restaurant Le Circé for its sublime rotunda and Sunday brunch terrace.
If you’d like even more suggestions, we’ve devoted an article to our top restaurants in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Visiting Beaulieu-sur-Mer in winter
The climate on the Côte d’Azur is very pleasant, even in winter. Apart from swimming and water sports, you can enjoy much the same activities as in summer:
- Belle Époque architecture
- Visit villas, museums and churches
- Enjoy the best gastronomic addresses
- Even the gardens stay green on the Mediterranean!
- The bravest can even try their hand at the famous Christmas bath…
- During the holiday season, the festivities are just as festive. Find out more here.
Nevertheless, it can rain during this period and storms are frequent. Check the weather forecast before you leave. Find out more here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
