Best Beaches in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: Where to Swim
Beaulieu-sur-Mer has two free public beaches: Baie des Fourmis, a small family beach below the Villa Kérylos, and Petite Afrique, a longer, pine-fringed beach east of the marina. Both are fine-shingle beaches with lifeguards from June to August.
Don't expect miles of sand here: Beaulieu-sur-Mer is all about small, human-scale beaches, tucked between a Greek-style villa, a marina and cliffs. The upside is that you can walk to them from the train station. Here's how to choose yours.
Two public beaches, two moods
In a nutshell:
- Baie des Fourmis: central and sheltered, with views of the Villa Kérylos and Cap Ferrat. Ideal for a swim between sightseeing stops.
- Petite Afrique: longer, shaded by a pine grove, at the foot of the cliffs. Ideal for a full beach day.
Both are fine-shingle beaches, free and open to all, with lifeguards from June to August. Dogs are not allowed.
Baie des Fourmis beach
Why go
This is the town-center beach, on avenue Fernand Dunan, just below the casino gardens and the Rotonde. The tourist office describes it as a family beach sheltered from the wind. The backdrop is stunning: the Villa Kérylos on its headland on one side, the Cap Ferrat coastline on the other. A pine-shaded promenade runs along the beach.
Facilities
- lifeguard station in season, supervised swimming from June to August;
- showers and restrooms;
- in season, a beach restaurant and sunbed rentals from Anao Plage .
Getting there
The TER train station is less than 500 m (about a quarter mile) away, and the "Baie des Fourmis" bus stop is served by Lignes d'Azur lines 15, 84 and 600. The little Port des Fourmis harbor is right nearby.
The beach pairs perfectly with a visit to the Villa Kérylos and the start of the Promenade Maurice Rouvier coastal walk to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Petite Afrique beach
Why go
East of the marina, on the road to Monaco, Petite Afrique ("Little Africa") stretches out beneath the cliffs that tower over Beaulieu. Its pine grove provides precious shade in high summer and an almost exotic feel — hence its name, according to local tradition . It's the most spacious beach in town.
Facilities
- supervised swimming from June to August;
- children's playground and beach volleyball court;
- in season, private beach clubs with dining and sunbed rentals: Baia Bella and La Javanaise .
Getting there
Bus stops and public transport within 500 m. If you're driving, the marina parking lot next to the beach is free from mid-September to May 1 outside the blue zone; conditions change in summer .
Private or public beaches: how to choose
Beaulieu's private beach clubs take up part of the shoreline in season, offering sunbeds, umbrellas and lunch with your toes in the sand. They're handy for a lazy day, but budget accordingly . The rest of each beach stays public and free: just bring your towel.
Our advice: Baie des Fourmis for a quick dip in town, Petite Afrique for a proper beach day with kids, thanks to the shade and the playground.
Practical swimming tips
- Water shoes: they make getting into the water over the shingle much more comfortable.
- Arrive early in July and August: both beaches are small and fill up fast.
- Shade: only Petite Afrique has natural shade; at Baie des Fourmis, bring an umbrella.
- Car-free: the train and bus drop you a few minutes' walk from both beaches; parking is limited in summer.
- Respect the zones: swimming areas are buoyed in season; kayaks and paddleboards must use the marked channels.
Feel like exploring the coast next door? The coves of the peninsula are covered in our guide to the beaches of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Our partners in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Frequently asked questions
Are the beaches in Beaulieu-sur-Mer sandy or pebbly?
Both public beaches, Baie des Fourmis and Petite Afrique, are fine-shingle beaches. Water shoes are recommended.
Do the beaches in Beaulieu-sur-Mer have lifeguards?
Yes, Baie des Fourmis and Petite Afrique have lifeguards from June to August, according to the tourist office. Outside that period, you swim at your own risk.
Can I bring my dog to the beaches in Beaulieu?
No, pets are not allowed on Baie des Fourmis or Petite Afrique.
Which beach is best with kids?
Petite Afrique, for its shade, playground and summer lifeguards. Baie des Fourmis, sheltered from the wind, also works well for families.
Kayak with Azurkay
From the beach, the Cap Ferrat coastline looks close enough to touch — and that's exactly where our local tour goes. The Azurkay Beaulieu-sur-Mer tour offers 4 hours of guided kayaking along the coast between Beaulieu and Cap Ferrat, in a small group (16 people max) with state-certified instructors. Meeting point and price : all the details are on the Beaulieu-sur-Mer tour page.
