If you’re looking for a more laid-back holiday destination, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a good choice. It packs a lot of attractions into its tiny territory – from beaches to squares, markets to museums.
You can get to Beaulieu-sur-Mer from Nice by train or bus. The tourist office is right next to the train station at Place Georges Clemenceau.
1. La Rotonde
If you’re looking to eat somewhere stylish while you’re in town, look no further than La Rotonde. Located within the Grand Marche Stalingrad, this iconic bar and restaurant has vintage decor that provides a warm and intimate atmosphere.
The place is also the home of a bar called Le Refuge, which offers an array of cocktails. In addition, it has a wide range of tapas that you can enjoy with your drink.
During your trip to Beaulieu, make sure you take in the village’s historical sights. The picturesque medieval heart of Simiane-la-Rotonde is a must-visit, as is the Agoult-Simiane castle with its XIIth century dungeon that boasts a famous rotunda.
The Agoult-Simiane castle is also the setting for exhibitions and an international festival of ancient music in August. The southern wing of the fortified castle was restored recently and has Medieval and Renaissance rooms.
2. La Plage des Fourmis
La Plage des Fourmis is a long stretch of sandy beach that's perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach is backed by a shady promenade and has plenty of places to enjoy a meal and drinks.
It also has a lot of activities, such as water sports, kayaking, and swimming. It's also a good place to spend some time with the family.
Another must-see in Beaulieu-sur-Mer is Villa Kerylos, a true-to-scale replica of an ancient Greek villa. Built by French archaeologist Theodore Reinach in the early 20th century, it has been visited by people from all over the world.
3. La Petite Afrique
There are plenty of things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, from visiting the town’s beautiful Belle Epoque villas to taking a stroll along the seaside promenade. But if you want to spend some time outdoors, the beaches at La Petite Afrique and the Baie des Fourmis are a must-visit.
In addition to the two large beaches, there’s also a port with a small harbour that’s ideal for sailing. You can rent a boat or just take the ferry to explore other parts of the French Riviera, such as Antibes.
Located in a small bay with golden sand and fine gravel, La Petite Afrique has a tropical beach vibe. Its infrastructure is excellent with toilets, showers and loungers available for rental. The beach is also supervised by lifeguards and offers access to people with disabilities.
4. The Casino
A small coastal town between Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer has a lot of charm. Its beaches are surrounded by lush green vegetation and it has a mild climate all year long.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to soak up the sun or a vibrant place to enjoy the nightlife, there’s something here for everyone. You’ll also find some dazzling Belle Epoque architecture to admire.
In the center of the village, you can discover the rotunda - a round 19th century building that now serves as an exhibition area and a small park. There are also a few 19th century townhouses with wrought iron balconies.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers plenty of cultural events throughout the year including summer festivals, such as Guitar Nights. During these events, you can attend music concerts of all genres.
5. The Berlugan Museum
Despite its minuscule size, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is a charming little town full of things to see and to do. From the luscious Mediterranean vegetation and century-old olive trees to the beautiful beaches at La Plage des Fourmis or La Petite Afrique, this French Riviera resort is a real treat.
- One of the most popular attractions here is The Berlugan Museum, which highlights the incredible history of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. It features photos, old postcards, roman ceramic, Belle Epoque anecdotes and many other surprises that will take you back to the past.
- It's also home to a daily produce market at Boulevard Marinoni, where vendors sell everything from ripe tomatoes to Italian olive oil. And on Saturday mornings, a Provencal market takes over Place Marinoni. And if you're feeling a little more energetic, try to catch a live music show at the cafe le Beaulieu.