Discover Bains Militaires Beach in Nice
Located at the entrance to the Port of Nice, the Bains Militaires beach is a well-known spot among locals. Every summer, this small, discreet beach attracts swimmers seeking tranquility. Discover this authentic corner of the French Riviera.
Features and facilities
- Public beach
- Pebble beach
- Easy access
- Unsupervised beach
- Dogs not allowed
- Showers
A Discreet Beach Well-Known to the People of Nice
Quiet and peaceful, Bains Militaires Beach contrasts with the bustling Promenade des Anglais. Every summer, regular visitors come to enjoy this hidden gem, largely unknown to the general public. Nestled at the foot of the Nice Nautical Club, just below the road, this small pebble beach charms visitors with its intimate atmosphere. Equipped with showers, it also features concrete platforms with ladders for easy access to the water.
A Pleasant Swim in a Unique Setting
The exceptional setting of Bains Militaires Beach makes swimming especially enjoyable. However, as it is not monitored, it is slightly less secure than other nearby beaches. The seabed consists of a mix of sand, pebbles, and scattered rocks, with a depth that increases rather quickly. From time to time, waves created by the comings and goings of ferries to Corsica may catch you by surprise. This harmless phenomenon adds to the unique charm of the place.
The Legendary Plongeoir of La Réserve
From the beach, it’s impossible to miss the legendary Plongeoir of La Réserve, perched atop its rocky islet. Originally built in the late 19th century, this spot first served as the base for a restaurant terrace shaped like a boat. After the restaurant closed, the site was transformed to host the famous diving platform. For many years, it attracted swimmers seeking thrills. In 2015, the location found new life with the opening of Le Plongeoir restaurant, whose terrace now occupies the space. Today, the daring divers of the past have been replaced by a statue, frozen mid-dive from the highest platform.
Plage des Bains Militaires: Origins and On-Screen Appearance
As its name suggests, the Plage des Bains Militaires was once a private beach, exclusively reserved for the military. It served as a secluded retreat where soldiers could relax away from the public eye. Today, the beach is open to all.
Another notable aspect of this location is its appearance in several scenes of the iconic film Brice de Nice. It is from this very beach that Jean Dujardin, portraying the legendary Brice, launches himself with unwavering optimism, waiting for the wave of his life. Unfortunately for him, that long-awaited wave never comes, humorously reinforcing his role as the ultimate “surfer loser.”
How to Get to Plage des Bains Militaires
- By bus : line 98, stop “La Réserve”.
- By tram and on foot : take tram line 2 or 3 to the Port Lympia terminus, then walk about 15 minutes along the seafront via Boulevard Franck Pilatte.
- By car : parking spaces are available along the road (paid parking except on Sundays and public holidays).
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a beach in Nice away from the hustle and bustle of the Promenade des Anglais, Plage des Bains Militaires could be a great option. Discreet and intimate, this spot, well known to locals, offers a simple yet enjoyable swimming experience. Made famous by its appearance in several scenes of the film Brice de Nice, it also boasts a view of the legendary Plongeoir de la Réserve.