Plage du Ponteil
A beautiful sandy beach on the French Riviera, known for its warm, shallow waters and proximity to luxurious villas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Quieter beach, perfect for relaxation
Plage du Ponteil
Best Time
Quieter beach, perfect for relaxation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful sandy beach on the French Riviera, known for its warm, shallow waters and proximity to luxurious villas.
"One of the best beaches in the region with finer sand and warm water, great for kids."
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Municipal parking lot behind the beach is reasonably priced.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Waters
The sea gradually deepens, making it safe and fun for children.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fine Sand & Gentle Waters
Plage du Ponteil
Enjoy soft, fine sand and shallow, warm waters perfect for swimming and families. Fish swim near your legs!
Billionaires Bay Views
Along the coastal path
Stroll past opulent villas and stunning coastal scenery on your way to this idyllic beach.
Convenient Amenities
Plage du Ponteil
Lifeguard, free restrooms, and showers make for a comfortable and hassle-free beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to Billionaires Bay
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Municipal parking lot behind the beach is reasonably priced.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Waters
The sea gradually deepens, making it safe and fun for children.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy the scenic walk past luxurious homes to reach the bay.
☕ Beachside Refreshments
A small shack offers cappuccino and ice cream right on the beach!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking Available
Municipal parking lot behind the beach is reasonably priced.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Waters
The sea gradually deepens, making it safe and fun for children.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Views
Enjoy the scenic walk past luxurious homes to reach the bay.
☕ Beachside Refreshments
A small shack offers cappuccino and ice cream right on the beach!
🌊 Seaweed Note
Some seaweed can be present, giving off an iodine scent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plage du Ponteil is praised for its fine sand, warm, shallow waters ideal for families, and convenient amenities like free showers and restrooms. While some note a slight iodine smell from seaweed, the overall experience is highly positive, with easy parking and nearby dining options enhancing its appeal as a relaxing beach destination.
"There's a reasonably priced municipal parking lot behind the beach. I paid 4 euros for 4 hours.
The beach has a lifeguard and free restrooms and showers. However, it's a bit seaweedy, causing an iodine smell.
The beach is sandy, and the sea doesn't get too deep, which is good for families with small children."
Seyit Gokmenoglu
"One of the best beaches in the region as the water was warm and contrary to many others has finer sand which is more comfortable. Easy to find parking at low price. Has free toilets and showers. Good choice for people with kids as the water is not deep for the first few meters. Really easy to swim far out as well.
Good location with good restaurants nearby."
Daniel Sousa
"Very nice beach! Much better than the one closer to the harbor/city centre. Great with SPAR nearby!"
Naturligt Vis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take a train from Nice to Antibes. From the Antibes train station, an Uber or taxi is recommended as it's about a 10-minute ride and too far to walk. +1
It's a bit of a walk from the main Antibes harbor/city center, and an Uber is a more convenient option.
Yes, there is a municipal parking lot directly behind the beach, though it can fill up quickly.
The beach is often referred to as Billionaires Bay. An Uber will drop you near the entrance to a private road, followed by a short walk.
The train to Antibes is the primary public transport, with local transport like Ubers or taxis needed for the final leg to the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plage du Ponteil is a public beach and is free to access.
As a public beach, it's accessible at all hours, though lifeguards are typically present during daylight hours in peak season.
No advance booking is necessary as it's a free public beach.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions, but always be mindful of local regulations.
Yes, there is a reasonably priced municipal parking lot behind the beach.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The beach features fine, soft sand, which is more comfortable than rocky shores.
Yes, the water is clean and warm, with a gradual depth increase making it good for swimmers of all levels, including children.
Yes, there are free restrooms and showers available along the shoreline for rinsing off.
Yes, the beach has a lifeguard, adding an extra layer of safety.
The water in this bay is noted to be warmer than in many other areas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are good restaurants located nearby, and a SPAR supermarket is conveniently close for snacks.
There's a small shack on the beach that sells cappuccino and ice cream.
While not designated picnic areas, you can bring your own food and enjoy it on the sand.
You'll find a range of dining options nearby, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
While there are showers, a public water fountain would be a welcome addition.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the clear turquoise waters, the fine sand, and the luxurious villas lining the coast. The walk towards the bay offers great scenic shots. +1
Early morning or late afternoon light offers beautiful, soft lighting for photography, with fewer people around.
The contrast between the natural beauty of the beach and the opulent architecture of the surrounding villas makes for striking photos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal views, while a standard zoom can capture details of the villas.
Drone regulations vary; check local rules before flying. The stunning views are certainly drone-worthy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing along beach toys and snacks is easy, especially with the nearby SPAR supermarket. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with the gentle sea conditions, ensures a stress-free and enjoyable beach day for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are restaurants nearby, you can save money by packing your own picnic or grabbing supplies from the SPAR supermarket. The presence of free showers and restrooms means you don't need to pay for these essential facilities, making it an ideal spot for an affordable day out on the French Riviera.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The real photographic draw, however, is the juxtaposition of this natural beauty with the luxurious villas that give the bay its nickname. Capturing the golden hour light over the Mediterranean, with these grand homes as a backdrop, offers unique and stunning shots. The coastal walk to the beach also presents numerous scenic viewpoints.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Antibes and Beyond
Many travelers find Antibes a perfect base for exploring the French Riviera. The coastal path leading to Plage du Ponteil itself offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the area, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and impressive architecture. This scenic route is a highlight for many visitors, providing a beautiful prelude to the beach experience.
When planning your itinerary, consider the ease of travel between these locations. The train is highly recommended for its efficiency and scenic routes, connecting you to the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Whether you're seeking relaxation on the beach or cultural immersion, Antibes and its surroundings offer a well-rounded French Riviera experience.
The Allure of Billionaires Bay
The beach itself offers a more accessible and public experience compared to the exclusivity suggested by its nickname. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the Mediterranean sun and sea. The fine sand and clear, warm waters make it a popular spot for families and those seeking a comfortable beach day without the crowds often found at more central Antibes beaches.
While the name evokes images of extreme wealth, the reality of Plage du Ponteil is a beautiful, public beach with excellent amenities. It's a testament to how natural beauty can coexist with luxury, offering a slice of the Côte d'Azur dream to everyone who visits.
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