Opera Plage

Opera Plage is the oldest and largest of the private beaches in Nice, at 91 Quai des Etats-Unis directly below the opera house, with more than a century of continuous operation behind it. Scale is its defining feature: around 400 loungers spread along the shingle, which means it absorbs crowds better than the smaller beaches further west and rarely feels like it is turning people away. The pricing is straightforward, charged per person with the parasol included, a small premium for the front row and a double bed rate for two. Towels are extra. Sunbeds cannot be reserved in advance under any circumstances; spots are handed out on arrival, so early is better in July and August. The restaurant is a proper operation rather than a snack counter, with a wood-fired pizza oven, a wine list that changes regularly, and separate lunch and dinner services. It stays open all year and seven days a week, which is unusual on this coast. Practicalities are all covered: showers, toilets, parking, wifi, massage, lifeguard supervision, wheelchair access and live music. The location puts you a two-minute walk from Cours Saleya and the old town, which is the main argument for choosing it over the Promenade beaches.