Where to Go Kayaking in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
In Beaulieu-sur-Mer, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard at the Yacht-Club de Beaulieu on quai Whitechurch, or join a guided trip toward Cap Ferrat. The most beautiful scenery lies between the Baie des Fourmis, Villa Kérylos and the eastern shore of Cap Ferrat.
Tucked between the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the cliffs of Petite Afrique, the bay of Beaulieu is a natural playground for sea kayaking. You set off from a harbor or a beach, glide past Belle Époque villas and, a few paddle strokes later, find yourself face to face with a Greek villa. Here's where and how to paddle.
Why Beaulieu Is Great for Kayaking
It all comes down to the shape of the coastline. The Baie des Fourmis, below Villa Kérylos, is described by the tourist office as a family beach sheltered from the wind. Directly opposite, the eastern side of Cap Ferrat offers an indented, garden-lined shore that you can follow close in. And east of the harbor, the cliffs of Petite Afrique close off the bay toward Èze.
In practice, this makes for short, varied outings without straying far from the coast — exactly how recreational sea kayaking is meant to be done.
Renting a Kayak or Paddleboard on Your Own
The main rental outlet listed by the Metropolitan Tourist Office is the Yacht-Club de Beaulieu, on quai Whitechurch in the marina. The club offers sailing lessons year-round, courses during school vacations, and rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, windsurfers, dinghies and catamarans.
- Indicative prices (listed for 2024): single kayak €10, double kayak €15, paddleboard €15 per person .
- Opening hours: vary by season; outside summer, the club is listed as open Tuesday to Saturday during the day .
In season, paddleboard rentals are also reported on the Baie des Fourmis beach .
The Classic Route: From the Bay to Cap Ferrat
From the harbor or the Baie des Fourmis, the most natural outing is to round the point at Villa Kérylos and then follow the eastern shore of Cap Ferrat toward Saint-Jean. From the water, you'll see:
- Villa Kérylos, its columns and terraces stepping down to the sea;
- the gardens of the villas lining the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, the coastal path linking Beaulieu and Saint-Jean;
- the approach to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat harbor, with Pointe Saint-Hospice as a backdrop.
In the other direction, the cliffs of Petite Afrique make for a wilder, rockier setting. Whichever way you go, stay close to shore and keep out of the buoyed swimming zones, which are reserved for swimmers.
Fancy dipping your head underwater along the way? Our tips are in the article snorkeling at Cap Ferrat.
Safety Rules You Should Know
A recreational kayak rented on the beach is generally classed as a beach craft: it may only be used during daylight and must stay within 300 meters of a shelter — meaning a spot on the coast where you can land and set off again without help. Beyond that, the craft has to be registered and properly equipped .
Within the 300-meter coastal strip, the rules are set by the mayor: access channels, swimming zones, temporary bans. Ask the rental outlet or the harbor master's office.
Good habits:
- always wear a buoyancy aid, even when the sea is glassy;
- check the marine forecast before setting off, and call it off if the wind picks up;
- tell someone your route and when you expect to be back;
- sunscreen, a hat, water and a dry bag for your phone;
- water shoes for launching from pebbly beaches.
When to Go
Summer brings the warmest water, but also the busiest bay in terms of boat traffic. Spring and early fall are often more pleasant for a peaceful paddle. As for the time of day, mornings are usually calmer, before the wind gets up. To pick the best period, see our article when to go kayaking on the French Riviera.
Getting There Without a Car
Beaulieu-sur-Mer's TER train station and Lignes d'Azur buses 15, 84 and 600 (Baie des Fourmis, Kerylos and Gare stops) drop you a few minutes' walk from the harbor and the beach. If you're driving, the marina parking lot is free from mid-September to May 1, outside the blue zone .
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I rent a kayak in Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
At the Yacht-Club de Beaulieu on quai Whitechurch, which rents single and double kayaks, paddleboards and small sailboats. Call ahead to check opening hours, as they change with the seasons.
Can you kayak from Beaulieu to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat?
Yes, by following the eastern shore of Cap Ferrat, close to the coast. It's the most popular route from Beaulieu.
Do you need to be able to swim to go kayaking?
Being able to swim is strongly recommended, and wearing a life vest is essential. Requirements vary depending on the rental outlet or guide .
Can you kayak in Beaulieu out of season?
The Yacht-Club says it's open year-round, with shorter hours outside summer. The day's weather remains the deciding factor.
Go Kayaking with Azurkay
Rather than heading out alone, you can join our local tour: Beaulieu-sur-Mer is one of Azurkay's four departure points. It's a 4-hour guided trip between Beaulieu and Cap Ferrat, in groups of 16 people max, led by state-certified instructors. Exact meeting point and price : book directly from the Beaulieu-sur-Mer tour page.
