© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
© Ali Shayler
Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Alpes-Maritimes
An old-fashioned Riviera town between Nice and Monaco
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is filled with Belle Époque buildings, cafés and restaurants.
One of the many beautiful towns dotted along the Riviera sea front between Nice and Monaco, it's easy to get to by train or bus, both of which run regularly up and down the coast. It's a quiet, sophisticated kind of a place that has attracted many celebrities over the years looking for a tranquil haven in which to soak up the sun without getting hassled. The seafront, beaches and ports are its main points of interest, but there is also a good market that takes place in the town centre every day where you can browse fresh local produce, as well as the occasional bric-a-brac market.
Sandwiched between Nice and Monaco it attracts a wealthy crowd and its two marinas make it very popular with the yachting set. There are around 800 boats permanently moored here, meaning that there is plenty going on around the two ports.
Backed by sheer cliffs, you can also drive or hike high above the town and enjoy magnificent sea views.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer is home to Villa Kerylos, an impressive replica of an Athenian villa that was built in the early 20th century. An homage to ancient Grecian architecture, it's richly decorated with murals and elegant furniture; explore the house and its beautiful gardens with a guided audio tour.
There's not much remaining of the old town of Beaulieu-Sur-Mer, but the 12th century chapel of Santa Maria de Olivo is worth a look and often hosts art exhibitions.
If you take a walk around the town or along the coastal path you'll see many fine examples of Belle Époque architecture and grand villas.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaulieu-Sur-Mer has two lovely beaches, Les Fourmis and La Petite Afrique, fringed with palm trees and with both private and public stretches.
The beaches are both family friendly with calm waters and sandy shores, and there is the chance to try watersports such as paddle-boarding and jet-skiing.
See our Beach Guide for more information on Beaulieu and other beaches.
Events in [locality]
The seafront and ports are its main points of interest but there is also a good market that takes place in the town centre every day where you can browse fresh local produce, as well as the occasional bric-a-brac market.
Things to do in [locality]
If you go to the main port you can hire boats for fishing trips or sightseeing tours and there are plenty of shops where you can rent nautical equipment. You can also try your hand at waterskiing, jet skiing or paddle boarding at either of the beaches.
Local hikes are a great way to escape the summer crowds and Beaulieu-Sur-Mer has some nice ones, from the coastal Promenade Maurice Rouvier to the more hilly Petite Afrique circuit.
Dining in [locality]
There are plenty of excellent places to eat, but for something less formal there are plenty of great places down by the port serving everything from fresh seafood to pizza.
Nightlife in [locality]
The port area is where you'll find the majority of the bars; Beaulieu isn't a wild nightspot as such, it attracts a more refined crowd, but if you enjoy sipping a fine wine or a cocktail whilst watching the sun go down over the harbour then you're in the right place. There is also a large casino, recently extensively refurbished, that as well as having all the usual game tables, has a restaurant and brasserie.
Hotels in [locality]
There are a number of two and three star hotels in this seaside resort that welcome budget travellers and families. The grander, more luxurious hotels tend to be clustered towards St Jean Cap Ferrat.
