Yes the Cote d’Azur is undergoing a massive heatwave along with the rest of France. Time to hit the beach! The sea is a balmy 27°C which is unseasonably warm for early summer but the water is clear and calm as a lake.

Riviera beaches are notable for their exceptional beauty and variety but if you’re staying in Nice why go further? Nice beaches afford gorgeous views of the baie des anges even though the beaches are composed of pebbles (galets), not sand. At least  the largest portion of Nice’s coast is free and open to the public.

Those of us who live here are well-equipped with padded beach mattresses, parasols and special water shoes to make our beach experience comfortable on the galets but for visitors the cash outlay may not be worth it for a few beach days.

The solution is to rent a lounger and parasol at a private beach club/restaurant. But how much does it cost? Prices vary wildly without any noticeable increase in amenities. Generally the most centrally located beach clubs are more expensive. For any rental you’ll get the lounger and most often the parasol is included. Also included is an indoor shower and restroom. A beach towel costs an extra €6 or €7. The bamboo runners leading down to the water’s edge make getting in and out of the water a lot easier on the feet.

Here’s what to expect when planning your day at a private beach club:

1. Bringing your own food and drink is absolutely forbidden. Some clubs provide a small bottle of water but that’s it. All of the clubs have restaurants, mostly of good quality.
2. There’s often a difference in price between the first and rear rows. Want an unobstructed sea view? You may need to pay extra.
3. Some clubs offer a special half-day price. Hotel Amour Plage has a half-day offer that starts at 9am. The rest offer the discounted price only from 2 or 3pm until closing hour at 6pm.
4. All of the clubs have private lifeguards which can be a comfort to parents of small children.
5. Some clubs don’t take telephone or online reservations and those that do may require a credit card guarantee in case of a no-show in high season. Don’t hesitate to stop by early in the morning or the evening before.

Following are the latest prices for a basic lounger and parasol on Nice beaches. Some beaches offer beds which are even more comfortable but also more expensive.

Want to get out of Nice? Check out my selection of the Best Beaches on the Riviera