Plage du Centenaire, Nice - WC Publics
1 / 10

Plage du Centenaire Nice

4.4
·160 reviews·Nice, France

A serene pebble beach on Nice's Promenade des Anglais, renowned for its stunning blue waters and exceptional accessibility.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning

Gatorade blue water!

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Plage du Centenaire, Nice - WC Publics

Plage du Centenaire Nice

Best Time

Early Morning

Gatorade blue water!

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene pebble beach on Nice's Promenade des Anglais, renowned for its stunning blue waters and exceptional accessibility.

4.4
(160 reviews)

"Such a cool and peaceful beach! The serene atmosphere, smooth pebbles, and the lively promenade make it a perfect spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Bring Water Shoes!

Essential for walking on the pebbles and entering the water comfortably. Protect your feet!

♿ Fully Accessible Beach

Enjoy the sea with ramps, aquatic wheelchairs, and dedicated staff for a seamless experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Blue Glow

The Blue Glow

Water

Experience the mesmerizing, glowing blue water that looks like Gatorade. Perfect for an early morning dip or a refreshing swim.

TikTok
Accessible Aquatic Fun

Accessible Aquatic Fun

Beachfront

Enjoy the Mediterranean with specialized aquatic wheelchairs and dedicated staff, making swimming accessible for all.

Instagram+1
Pebble Play & Waves

Pebble Play & Waves

Shoreline

The sound of pebbles and the rhythm of the waves create a unique sensory experience. Fun for kids and adults alike!

InstagramReddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Pebbles (and Bring Water Shoes!)

Plage du Centenaire is a pebble beach, not sand. Many visitors recommend bringing water shoes for comfort when walking and entering the water, especially with larger waves. The unique pebble texture is part of its charm, offering a different beach experience than sandy shores. InstagramReddit

Accessibility is Key Here

This beach is recognized as a 'handiplage,' offering excellent accessibility for people with disabilities. Features include ramps, designated areas, aquatic wheelchairs, and accessible facilities, making it a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy the Mediterranean. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early Morning
Why
Gatorade blue water!
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

its GLOWING blue???🦋🌊 #nicefrance #europeansummer #oceandip
@brynley.joyner
3.4M likes • 31.6M views

👟 Bring Water Shoes!

Essential for walking on the pebbles and entering the water comfortably. Protect your feet! InstagramReddit

♿ Fully Accessible Beach

Enjoy the sea with ramps, aquatic wheelchairs, and dedicated staff for a seamless experience. Instagram+1

Wheelchair accessible beach in Nice, France! Beautiful France!!! There are two beaches in Nice, France that are fully adapted for people with disabilities. One is Plage du Centenaire & Plage de Carras. -This beach has ramps. -An assign place for people with disabilities. -Beach wheelchairs or hippocampe word (French) best known as a aquatic wheelchair. -Accessible bathrooms. -Accessible shower...
thejourneyofabravewoman
0 likes • 70.2K views
Pendant mon séjour à @villedenice j’ai découvert qu’il y avait deux « handiplages » le long de la promenade des anglais (plage du Carras et plage du Centenaire) avec du personnel pour s’occuper des personnes en situation de handicap et du matériel pour nous permettre de nous baigner. La @villedenice est vraiment très accessible et c’est un plaisir de se balader en fauteuil dans cette ville sans ...
yann_favelas
720 likes • 17.6K views

🌊 Watch the Waves

Waves can be significant; be mindful when swimming, especially with children. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Combine your beach visit with a walk along the lively Promenade des Anglais. TikTok

Premier bain de la saison, à 18 degrés, avec ce bruit des galets 💦 C’était au mental, fraîche mais ça fait du bien. C’est parti pour quelques mois ! Cap de te baigner à 18 ? Il te faut quelle température toi pour aller dans l’eau ? #mer #sea #beach #baiedesanges #promenadedesanglais #nice #plage #letempsdunete #etam #galets #cotedazur [mer côté d’azur plage baignade bain etam nice promenade des ...
maudinettte
2.2K likes • 69.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Bring Water Shoes!

Essential for walking on the pebbles and entering the water comfortably. Protect your feet! InstagramReddit

♿ Fully Accessible Beach

Enjoy the sea with ramps, aquatic wheelchairs, and dedicated staff for a seamless experience. Instagram+1

🌊 Watch the Waves

Waves can be significant; be mindful when swimming, especially with children. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Combine your beach visit with a walk along the lively Promenade des Anglais. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(160 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Plage du Centenaire for its serene atmosphere, beautiful blue waters, and the lively promenade. The beach's exceptional accessibility for people with disabilities is a significant highlight. However, the pebble shore can be uncomfortable without water shoes, and some find the waves quite strong.

"Such a cool and peaceful beach! The serene atmosphere, smooth pebbles, and the lively promenade lined with shops make it a perfect spot to relax or take a stroll. Great place to unwind and enjoy the view."

Clinton Thomas

"Beautiful beach, but very rocky, definitely bring water shoes! It’s quite hard to get in and out. The waves were pretty big too, so keep that in mind. Still a lovely spot overall."

ema

"It’s overrated to go to any French Rivera Beach i couldn’t even touch the beach because the stones and the cold water, on the other side of the Mediterraneans beach is super incredible."

Samah Farag

What People Like

Beautiful blue water
Accessible facilities
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Rocky pebble shore
Strong waves

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plage du Centenaire is conveniently located along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. You can easily reach it by foot, tram, or bus. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the city center or Old Town. TikTok

Yes, it is very accessible. Several bus lines stop along the Promenade des Anglais, and the tram system also has stops nearby, making it a convenient option for travelers. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a scenic walk along the Promenade des Anglais, taking about 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point in Old Town. TikTok

Street parking can be challenging, but there are several paid parking garages along the Promenade des Anglais. Consider public transport for a hassle-free arrival. Reddit

The beach is designed for accessibility. Public transport like trams and buses are generally accessible, and the beach itself has ramps and dedicated areas. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plage du Centenaire is a public beach and is free to access. You only pay for any services you might use, like chair rentals if available. Instagram

As a public beach, it's generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The accessible facilities and staff presence might have specific operating hours, usually during the day. Instagram

While not always strictly required, it's advisable to check with the local Nice tourism office or the beach management for any specific booking procedures for the aquatic wheelchairs or dedicated assistance, especially during peak season. Instagram+1

Generally, there are no major restrictions for public beaches. However, always be mindful of local regulations regarding noise, pets, and waste disposal. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own towels, umbrellas, and beach gear. The beach is open for personal enjoyment. Instagram

🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience

Plage du Centenaire is a pebble beach, not a sandy one. Many visitors recommend wearing water shoes for comfort. InstagramReddit

The water is generally considered clean and is known for its beautiful blue hues, especially in the early morning. TikTokReddit

Yes, the waves can be quite significant at Plage du Centenaire, offering a lively experience for swimmers and beachgoers. Reddit

It's designated as a 'handiplage' with ramps, accessible bathrooms, showers, and specialized aquatic wheelchairs (hippocampe word) available, supported by staff. Instagram+1

Amenities include accessible facilities, and the beach is adjacent to the bustling Promenade des Anglais with shops and cafes. TikTokInstagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there aren't restaurants directly on the pebble beach itself, the adjacent Promenade des Anglais is lined with numerous cafes, snack bars, and restaurants offering a wide variety of food and drinks. TikTok

Yes, picnicking is generally allowed on public beaches in Nice. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the seaside. Remember to take all your trash with you. Reddit

You'll find everything from classic French Riviera fare like socca and salade niçoise to international options, ice cream, and coffee along the Promenade des Anglais. TikTok

Yes, numerous small shops and kiosks are located along the Promenade des Anglais, perfect for grabbing a quick drink, ice cream, or a light snack. TikTok

Prices can vary. While some beachfront establishments can be pricier, you can find more affordable options by walking a block or two inland or opting for takeaway snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning offers the best light and the mesmerizing blue water. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light along the promenade. TikTok

The unique blue of the water, the texture of the pebbles, the iconic Promenade des Anglais, and the accessibility features offer diverse photographic opportunities. TikTokInstagram

The entire stretch of the Promenade des Anglais offers great vantage points. For a different perspective, consider walking towards the lighthouse area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and promenade. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blue of the water and reduce glare. TikTok

Drone usage is often restricted in urban areas and near coastlines. It's best to check local regulations with the Nice authorities before flying a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plage du Centenaire offers a unique beach experience for families. While the pebbles can be a bit challenging for little feet, water shoes are a must for everyone! The waves can be fun for older kids to play in, but always supervise closely. The accessible facilities are a huge plus, ensuring that all family members can enjoy the water. InstagramReddit

Bring buckets and spades for pebble collecting – it’s a great activity! The adjacent Promenade des Anglais has plenty of space for kids to run around, and there are numerous ice cream shops and casual eateries nearby for quick snacks and meals. TikTok

♿ Visitors with Disabilities

This beach is a fantastic choice due to its 'handiplage' status. You'll find ramps, accessible bathrooms, and showers. The availability of aquatic wheelchairs and dedicated staff assistance means you can truly enjoy swimming in the Mediterranean. It's one of the most accommodating beaches on the Riviera. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

As a public beach, Plage du Centenaire is free to access, making it an excellent budget-friendly option. Pack your own picnic and drinks to save on food costs, as there are many spots along the Promenade des Anglais perfect for a seaside meal. TikTokReddit

While water shoes are recommended, they are a one-time purchase that can be used at other pebble beaches. The main expense will be transportation to get there, but public transport options are generally affordable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Pebble Experience

Unlike many sandy beaches, Plage du Centenaire is covered in smooth, rounded pebbles. This unique characteristic creates a distinct soundscape as waves recede and offers a natural exfoliation for your feet. However, it can be challenging to walk on barefoot, especially for extended periods. Many visitors strongly advise bringing water shoes or sturdy sandals to make walking and entering the water more comfortable. The pebbles also mean that the beach can feel warmer underfoot than sand on cooler days. InstagramReddit

This pebble composition also influences the water clarity. While the water is generally clean and known for its striking blue color, the movement of pebbles can sometimes stir up sediment, particularly after storms. Despite this, the overall water quality is good, and the visual appeal of the blue Mediterranean against the pale pebbles is a major draw. TikTokReddit

For those who enjoy the tactile sensation of pebbles or are looking for a different beach environment, Plage du Centenaire offers a memorable experience. It’s a reminder that not all beautiful beaches are made of sand, and sometimes the unique textures are part of the charm. Instagram

Commitment to Accessibility: The 'Handiplage'

Plage du Centenaire stands out for its exceptional commitment to accessibility, earning it the designation of a 'handiplage.' This means the beach is thoughtfully equipped to welcome individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can fully enjoy the seaside experience. Key features include ramps for easy access from the promenade, a designated area for those with mobility needs, and crucially, aquatic wheelchairs (known locally as 'hippocampe word'). These specialized wheelchairs allow individuals to safely enter and navigate the water. Instagram+1

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the beach is supported by dedicated personnel who assist visitors. This human element is vital, providing confidence and support for those who might otherwise find a beach day challenging. Accessible bathrooms and showers further enhance the convenience and comfort for all visitors. This inclusive approach makes Plage du Centenaire a truly welcoming destination on the French Riviera. Instagram

The presence of these facilities and staff transforms the beach from a potentially inaccessible place into a vibrant community hub. It’s a testament to Nice's efforts to be an inclusive city, allowing everyone to experience the joy of the Mediterranean Sea. Instagram

The Allure of the Promenade des Anglais

Plage du Centenaire is intrinsically linked to the iconic Promenade des Anglais, Nice's famous seaside walkway. This broad, palm-lined avenue stretches for kilometers along the Baie des Anges, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It's a vibrant hub of activity, perfect for leisurely strolls, cycling, or simply people-watching. TikTok

The promenade provides easy access to the beach and is dotted with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. Visitors can easily transition from a relaxing day on the pebbles to enjoying a meal with a view or browsing local boutiques. The energy of the promenade complements the more serene beach experience, creating a dynamic atmosphere. TikTok

For photographers, the Promenade des Anglais offers endless opportunities. From capturing the sweeping coastal vistas to the architectural details of the grand hotels and the lively street scenes, it’s a photographer's paradise. The combination of the beach and the promenade makes Plage du Centenaire a well-rounded destination for both relaxation and exploration. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2