Looking for a pretty pebble beach on the Côte d’Azur? Plage Petite Afrique in Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers an intimate setting, protected from the wind. This small cove nestled between the rocks enjoys an exceptional microclimate.
In this article, you’ll find our photos and tips for making the most of your visit to Plage Petite Afrique.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Plage Petite Afrique worth it?
Oh yes! Especially if, like us, you’re looking for a quiet, sheltered beach with a well-kept setting and a relatively family-friendly clientele. In summer, it can be very busy, but is less crowded than some of the better-known nearby beaches. We enjoyed the panorama, the lush vegetation in the background and the services available. Plage Petite Afrique is one of our must-see beaches in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Type of beach
Sand or no sand?
The beach is covered with fine gravel and coarse sand. It’s not the soft sand of Pampelonne, but we found it quite passable in bare feet. However, a beach mat or water shoes can make the experience more comfortable. In some areas, especially on the eastern side, we found more pebbles.
Swimming conditions and supervision
Swimming is easy and entry into the water is gradual, thanks to the fairly flat bottom. We really appreciated thesouth-facing aspect of the beach. It’s well protected from the wind, which limits waves. During the season, lifeguards are on duty in a designated area.
We found the water clean and clear. The area is well defined for bathers, but you must remain vigilant outside the supervised perimeter.
Installations
Showers and public toilets are available on the beach. There’s a children’s playground, a beach volleyball court and a water sports centre offering paddle and kayak. We noticed that part of the beach was equipped with deckchairs and a beach restaurant. But there’s still plenty of space to put your towel down free of charge.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
Access to Petite Afrique beach in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Where to find Petite Afrique beach
- The beach is located at theeastern end of Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
- Below the cliffs of Cap Roux
- Next to the marina
- It’s easy to spot on a map: it’s the last beach before Eze-sur-Mer.
Access by car and parking
- We were able to park in the immediate vicinity of the beach, as there are parking spaces in the street above the beach.
- there are also 2 parking lots on the port side.
- Parking is charged in season, and spaces are limited and quickly taken up, especially in the middle of the day. It’s best to arrive early or late afternoon.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- 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.
Access from the city
From the center of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, it’s a ten-minute walk along the harbor.
Public transport access
- The Beaulieu-sur-Mer train station is a 15-minute walk away.
- Regional buses also serve the city center.
- It’s a bit of a walk after that, but a pleasant route along the seafront.
- It’s a good option for avoiding parking problems in summer.
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
Special features
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the high season (May to September). In low season, their presence is tolerated on a leash, but this is at the discretion of the Mairie.
Reduced mobility access
The beach is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility. We were able to see a conveyor belt. On the other hand, we found access to the sea difficult without assistance or an amphibious wheelchair.
With children
The environment is family-friendly:
- Part of the beach is supervised, the slope is gentle and the bathing area well defined.
- We found a shaded play area in the small park just above the beach.
Naturism
Plage Petite Afrique is a family beach, where swimwear is de rigueur.
Other restrictions: camping, fire…
- Camping, campfires and barbecues are strictly prohibited. Signs remind you of the regulations.
- There’s no picnic area either.
- You can bring your own lunch, but please make sure you don’t leave any garbage behind.
Eating out
We spotted the Baia Bella Restaurant on the water’s edge, literally on the beach. You can eat there or simply rent deckchairs and umbrellas, while enjoying table service.
Hotels
There are several hotels nearby, some with sea views. TheHôtel Carlton, just a few minutes’ walk away, is one of our selection of the best hotels in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. In high season, we strongly advise you to book in advance, as capacity is limited in this area. See prices, photos and availability.
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
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
