I just returned from an incredible 4 days in Nice, France – and I have to say, out of all the stunning beaches along the French Riviera, Paloma Beach in Jean Cap Ferrat was hands down my favorite. Tucked away in a picturesque cove with crystalline turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, it’s easy to see why this heavenly place has attracted celebrities and jet-setters since the 1950s. If you’re dreaming of your own luxurious escape to the Côte d’Azur, here are my top tips for making the most of your visit to Paloma Beach.
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Paloma Beach in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, France: The Most beautiful beach in Côte d’Azur south of France
No time to read it all? Here are the highlights:
- Paloma Beach features both a public beach area and exclusive private beach club with gourmet restaurant, changing rooms, showers and more
- To get there from Nice, drive (20 min, ~€3 parking), take bus 81 (€1.50, 1 hr), Private or s
hared Boat tour , or taxi boat (€25+/person, 15 min); beach club offers free shuttle from parking lots - Book sun loungers (€50/day, umbrellas €7, towels €8, cabins €15) in advance, especially on summer weekends
- Fresh seafood, pastas and Salade de Chèvre Chaud are must-tries at the restaurant, open lunch and dinner
- Pack water shoes, sun protection, change of clothes and cash/card; lifeguard on duty in high season
- Don’t miss a ride on the free calessino shuttle around Cap Ferrat and visit to picturesque Villefranche-sur-Mer nearby
Now let’s dive into all the dreamy details…
where is paloma beach located?
Paloma Beach is located in the picturesque town of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera, in the department of Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France.
More specifically, it can be found on the western side of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, a narrow promontory that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea between the cities of Nice and Monaco. The peninsula is known for its luxurious villas, exclusive hotels and stunning natural beauty.
The address of Paloma Beach is:
1 Chemin de Saint-Hospice 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) east of Nice and 10 km (6 miles) southwest of Monaco. The town is easily accessible by car via the M6007 coastal road or by bus from nearby cities like Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer and Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Pristine Pebbles and Turquoise Tides in Paloma beach saint jean cap ferrat
As soon as you round the bend and Paloma Beach comes into view, you’ll be awestruck by the stunning setting. Fine white pebbles give way to shallow, crystal clear waters in striking shades of turquoise and sapphire, all tucked into an idyllic cove surrounded by lush greenery and pastel villas clinging to the cliffs. No matter how many photos you’ve seen, it’s even more breathtaking in person.
While part of the beach is public access (bring a towel to lay on the smooth stones), the real VIP experience is at the Paloma Beach Club. For €50, you can rent a plush mattress-style sun lounger for the day, complete with towels, umbrella, and food/beverage service from the restaurant. Changing rooms and showers are available for customers. Private lockers can also be rented for €15 to stash your belongings while you swim. It’s pricey but absolutely worth the splurge for a special occasion.
Can anyone go to Paloma Beach?
Yes, Paloma Beach is open to the public and anyone can visit! The beach itself is divided into two sections – a public area that is free to access, and the private beach club which requires a paid reservation for sun loungers and umbrellas.
Is Paloma Beach worth it : Paloma beach review
In my opinion, Paloma Beach is absolutely worth a visit and is hands down one of my favorite beaches on the French Riviera. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that this is no ordinary stretch of sand. The setting alone is stunning, with the fine pebble beach nestled in a picturesque cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs and luxury villas. The water is a mesmerizing shade of turquoise and so crystal clear you can see straight to the bottom.
But what really sets Paloma Beach apart is the elevated, glamorous vibe. This is a place to see and be seen, where you might spot a celebrity or two lounging under the iconic blue-and-white striped umbrellas. The beach club itself is chic and stylish, with a gourmet restaurant serving up fresh Mediterranean fare and a breezy terrace perfect for sipping rosé with a view.
Even if you don’t spring for a sun lounger, you can still lay out your towel on the public section of the beach and soak up the Riviera atmosphere. I love that Paloma Beach feels exclusive and special, yet is still accessible to everyone. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but feel like you’re living the high life, even if just for a day.
Of course, that air of luxury does come at a price. Sun loungers at the beach club cost a steep €50 per day, plus extra for umbrellas and towels. The restaurant, while delicious, is also on the pricier side. But for a once-in-a-lifetime splurge or a special occasion, I think it’s well worth it. After all, how often do you get to experience such a perfect slice of the French Riviera?
Even if you opt to stick to the public section, I highly recommend making the trip to Paloma Beach. Pack a picnic, bring your own umbrella and beach blanket, and spend the day alternating between dips in the crystalline water, sunbathing on the smooth pebbles, and people-watching against the backdrop of the Côte d’Azur. Take a stroll along the shore, snap some photos of the incredible scenery, and soak up the pinch-me-I’m-on-the-Riviera feeling.
It truly embodies everything that makes the French Riviera such a legendary destination – the stunning natural beauty, the old-school glamour, the joie de vivre
Paloma beach reservations
Make reservations online for sun loungers and dinner. The sun cabanas often book up on summer weekends, so be sure to call Paloma Beach +33 4 93 01 64 71 and reserve yours at least a few days in advance. The friendly English-speaking staff is happy to assist.
How to get to Paloma beach France
There are several options for reaching Paloma Beach from Nice, depending on your budget and preferences:
| Option | Directions | Duration | Book | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive east along the coast to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | ~20 min | Reserve a Rental Car in Nice | ~€3 parking | |
| How To get To Paloma Bus | Take #81 from Nice Port to St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat port, then walk 10 min to beach | ~1 hr | €1.50 | |
| How To get To Paloma Boat | Catch a private boat from Nice port to Paloma Beach | ~15 min | $$$ |
You can rent a car which is an easy 20 minute drive from Nice. Street parking near the beach is limited but public lots are available for about €3.
Insder Tip: The real gem is that Paloma Beach Club offers a complimentary electric shuttle service from the parking areas if you have a reservation – just call to arrange when you book your sun lounger.
Helpful tip: Look out for “La Calessino”, a charming blue-and-white electric tricycle that provides free hop-on, hop-off transport all around St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat! It runs about every 15 minutes during high season and is a fun, eco-friendly way to get to the beach or explore the area. You can also call the beach club and request it to pick you up.
Restaurant at paloma beach cap ferrat
After you’ve worked up an appetite swimming in the sparkling cove or paddle boarding on the calm waters (rentals €15/30 min), head to the chic Paloma Beach restaurant for a taste of Riviera living. The menu focuses on fresh, local ingredients prepared with Mediterranean flair – think grilled fish, zesty salads, homemade pastas and more.
standout at Paloma Beach Club Restaurant
- Catch of the day, simply grilled and served with seasonal vegetables
- Salade de Chèvre Chaud with warm goat cheese, honey, pine nuts on mixed greens
- Seabass ceviche with citrus, avocado and piment d’Espelette – so bright and refreshing
- Creamy saffron risotto with plump shrimp – a decadent favorite
- Nutella pizza or île flottante with caramel and toasted almonds to finish on a sweet note
Enjoy your meal on the breezy beachfront terrace or have it delivered right to your sun lounger – chilled rosé in hand as you watch the superyachts cruise by. La dolce vita indeed!
Helpful tip: The restaurant doesn’t take reservations for lunch (12-4pm), but you can walk up to put your name on the list. For dinner (8-10:30pm), reserve on their website or by phone to snag a coveted beachside table.
Facilities at Paloma beach nice france
In addition to the restaurant, changing cabins and sun lounger rentals, Paloma Beach offers a variety of facilities and services to ensure a comfortable, relaxing day:
- Toilets, changing rooms and rinse-off showers for beach club guests
- Lifeguard on duty during high season (July-August)
- Standup paddleboard rentals (€15/30 min, €25/hr) and other watersports bookable through nearby Cap Ferrat Watersports
- Complimentary shuttle between beach and peninsula parking lots for customers with sun lounger reservations
What to pack for Paloma Beach France
- Water shoes or sturdy sandals to navigate the pebble beach in comfort
- High-SPF sunscreen, hat and sunglasses – the sun reflects intensely off the water
- Swimsuit and change of clothes if you plan to explore the area afterwards
- Camera or phone to capture the amazing memories (outlets available at restaurant to recharge)
- Cash and card for beach club rentals, restaurant, parking, etc.
Don’t Miss the Colorful Cliffside Charm in Villefranche-sur-Mer
Since you’re already on the glamorous Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, be sure to carve out some time to visit nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer before or after your beach day. Just a 10 minute drive or ride on bus #15 away, this enchanting cliffside village is a riot of color, with narrow cobblestone alleys winding between brightly painted houses draped with bougainvillea.
Spend an hour or two strolling the medieval streets, popping into art galleries and boutiques, and admiring the 14th century Chapelle de Saint-Pierre des Pêcheurs, whimsically decorated by Jean Cocteau. For a fantastic view over the bay, climb up to the 16th century Citadelle and wander the gardens. It’s one of the most colorful towns in South of France and one of my favorites.
If you’re looking to stay overnight in the area, the Welcome Hotel is a lovely choice, with airy rooms and amazing sea views at a relatively reasonable price point for this exclusive stretch of coast. From here you can easily walk to Villefranche’s charming old port and beach.
I hope this ultimate guide has inspired you to plan your own trip to Paloma Beach and the French Riviera! Between the unparalleled natural beauty, old-school glamour, gourmet delights and wealth of attractions all around, it’s truly a feast for the senses and a place that will linger in your memory long after the summer ends.
With a little advance planning and these insider tips, you too can experience la belle vie in one of the world’s most iconic seaside playgrounds. Just be warned – one visit to Paloma Beach and you may find yourself hooked on the Riviera lifestyle! Bon voyage!
