Picture this: you're stepping off your cruise ship in Cannes, and within 30 minutes, you're sipping rosé on a pristine beach with the Mediterranean sparkling before you. The French Riviera's beach clubs aren't just places to sunbathe—they're your gateway to living like a celebrity for the day, complete with gourmet cuisine, premium service, and that unmistakable Côte d'Azur glamour.
After visiting dozens of these clubs across multiple cruises, I can tell you that choosing the right beach club can make or break your port day. Here's everything you need to know about pricing, what's included, and how to maximize your limited cruise ship time.
When your ship docks at Cannes Old Port, you're perfectly positioned for the Riviera's most famous beach club scene along La Croisette. The walk from the cruise terminal to most clubs takes just 10-15 minutes.
Z Plage at Hotel Martinez remains my top pick for cruise passengers. This art-deco stunner charges €45 per person for a full day lounger with umbrella in 2026, but the people-watching alone is worth it. During my last visit, I watched film executives making deals three loungers over while enjoying their signature tuna tartaki (€38). The club opens at 9 AM—arrive by 8:45 if you want prime real estate.
Hyde Beach on La Croisette offers a younger, more energetic vibe with day passes starting at €40. Their DJ sets begin around 2 PM, which works perfectly if you're on an evening departure. However, the music can get loud—not ideal if you want quiet relaxation.
Nammos Cannes, part of the famous Mykonos franchise, opened in 2024 and charges premium prices (€65-80 for prime loungers). The Greek-Mediterranean fusion menu is exceptional, but reservations are nearly impossible during cruise season.
What's Included: Your day pass covers umbrella, two loungers, changing facilities, and beach towels. Food and drinks are separate—expect €15-25 for cocktails, €50-70 for lunch with wine.
Insider Tip: Most Cannes beach clubs don't take advance reservations during peak season. Arrive 30 minutes before opening, and have cash ready—many prefer cash for day passes to avoid credit card fees.
Share your Cannes beach club experiences in our dining and entertainment forum!
Most cruise ships anchor in Villefranche-sur-Mer's stunning bay and tender passengers to shore. From there, you can walk to local beach clubs or take the 10-minute train ride to Nice proper.
Castel Plage sits right at the foot of Rauba Capeu cliff in Nice—the views are absolutely breathtaking. Day loungers cost €35 in 2026, making it one of the better values. Their bouillabaisse (€42) is authentic and generous, though service can be slow during lunch rush.
Plage Beau Rivage offers the most polished experience in Nice with loungers at €38 per day. The club provides complimentary Wi-Fi (crucial for staying connected to your ship), clean facilities, and attentive service. Their rosé selection is outstanding—try the local Côtes de Provence (€12 per glass).
Blue Beach markets itself as "affordable luxury" with €28 day passes, but you get what you pay for. The loungers are older, and the restaurant service is inconsistent. However, if you're budget-conscious and just want beach access, it works.
Local Gem: In Villefranche itself, the public beach area near the tender dock offers stunning views without beach club prices. You can rent loungers from local vendors for €15-20 and grab lunch at nearby restaurants.
Transportation Tip: The train from Villefranche to Nice Centre takes 8 minutes and costs €2.10. Trains run every 30 minutes, but factor in walking time to/from stations—allow 45 minutes total each way.
Reaching Monaco from your cruise port requires commitment—it's a 90-minute train journey from Cannes or 45 minutes from Nice. Only attempt this if you have a late departure (6 PM or later) and want to celebrate something special.
Nikki Beach Monte Carlo sits on the Fairmont Hotel's rooftop with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Day passes start at €80, but you're paying for exclusivity and Instagram-worthy scenery. Their signature white beds and teepees create that quintessential Riviera atmosphere.
La Note Bleue, established in 2001, offers a more relaxed Monaco experience at €55 per day. The club sits on Larvotto Beach with actual sand (rare in Monaco), and their seafood platter (€85 for two) showcases local catches beautifully.
Reality Check: Monaco beach clubs are expensive and crowded. You'll spend €150-200 per person for a full day including food and drinks. The train connections eat up 3+ hours of your port day. Unless you're celebrating an anniversary or have been to the other options multiple times, skip Monaco for your first French Riviera cruise.
For cruise passengers willing to venture beyond the obvious choices, Cap d'Antibes offers spectacular beach clubs with fewer crowds.
Plage Keller at La Garoupe is famous for its yellow umbrellas and crystal-clear waters. Day passes cost €42, and their Le César restaurant serves some of the best seafood on the Riviera. The 25-minute bus ride from Cannes is scenic but infrequent—check return schedules carefully.
Eden Plage Mala in Cap d'Ail offers a unique experience with its colorful, eclectic décor and Asian-Mediterranean fusion menu. At €38 per day, it's reasonably priced for the quality. However, reaching it from cruise ports requires a taxi (€40-60 from Nice) or complex bus connections.
Important Note: Several online guides still mention Paloma Beach Club, but it's been closed for cliff repairs throughout 2026. Don't make the trek to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat expecting to find it open.
Here's what you'll realistically spend per person for a French Riviera beach club day in 2026:
Standard inclusions: umbrella, two beach loungers, changing facilities, basic towels, and Wi-Fi (usually). Premium clubs add welcome drinks, better towels, and beach service.
Not included: food, drinks beyond welcome offerings, premium lounger locations, cabanas (add €100-300), and gratuities (10-15% is standard).
Money-Saving Tips:
After dozens of French Riviera beach club visits, here's my foolproof approach:
For First-Timers: Stay in your cruise port city. If docking in Cannes, hit Z Plage or Hyde Beach. If tendering in Villefranche, try Castel Plage or stay local.
For Repeat Visitors: Venture to Cap d'Antibes or take the Monaco splurge if your departure is after 6 PM.
Time Management:
Booking Strategy: Most clubs don't accept reservations during cruise season. Plan Beach Club A and Beach Club B options, then walk the waterfront to see availability and crowds before committing.
Weather Backup: Check forecasts the night before. Many clubs close or offer limited service in rough weather, and you don't want to discover this after a 90-minute train ride to Monaco.
The French Riviera beach club experience delivers exactly what it promises: a taste of Mediterranean luxury that'll have you planning your next cruise back before you even return to the ship. Yes, it's expensive, but sometimes the best port days are worth the splurge.
Planning your French Riviera beach club adventure? Get more dining and entertainment tips from fellow cruisers in our dining forum!
After visiting dozens of these clubs across multiple cruises, I can tell you that choosing the right beach club can make or break your port day. Here's everything you need to know about pricing, what's included, and how to maximize your limited cruise ship time.
Cannes Beach Clubs: Your Closest Luxury Option
When your ship docks at Cannes Old Port, you're perfectly positioned for the Riviera's most famous beach club scene along La Croisette. The walk from the cruise terminal to most clubs takes just 10-15 minutes.
Z Plage at Hotel Martinez remains my top pick for cruise passengers. This art-deco stunner charges €45 per person for a full day lounger with umbrella in 2026, but the people-watching alone is worth it. During my last visit, I watched film executives making deals three loungers over while enjoying their signature tuna tartaki (€38). The club opens at 9 AM—arrive by 8:45 if you want prime real estate.
Hyde Beach on La Croisette offers a younger, more energetic vibe with day passes starting at €40. Their DJ sets begin around 2 PM, which works perfectly if you're on an evening departure. However, the music can get loud—not ideal if you want quiet relaxation.
Nammos Cannes, part of the famous Mykonos franchise, opened in 2024 and charges premium prices (€65-80 for prime loungers). The Greek-Mediterranean fusion menu is exceptional, but reservations are nearly impossible during cruise season.
What's Included: Your day pass covers umbrella, two loungers, changing facilities, and beach towels. Food and drinks are separate—expect €15-25 for cocktails, €50-70 for lunch with wine.
Insider Tip: Most Cannes beach clubs don't take advance reservations during peak season. Arrive 30 minutes before opening, and have cash ready—many prefer cash for day passes to avoid credit card fees.
Share your Cannes beach club experiences in our dining and entertainment forum!
Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer: Tender Port Beach Paradise
Most cruise ships anchor in Villefranche-sur-Mer's stunning bay and tender passengers to shore. From there, you can walk to local beach clubs or take the 10-minute train ride to Nice proper.
Castel Plage sits right at the foot of Rauba Capeu cliff in Nice—the views are absolutely breathtaking. Day loungers cost €35 in 2026, making it one of the better values. Their bouillabaisse (€42) is authentic and generous, though service can be slow during lunch rush.
Plage Beau Rivage offers the most polished experience in Nice with loungers at €38 per day. The club provides complimentary Wi-Fi (crucial for staying connected to your ship), clean facilities, and attentive service. Their rosé selection is outstanding—try the local Côtes de Provence (€12 per glass).
Blue Beach markets itself as "affordable luxury" with €28 day passes, but you get what you pay for. The loungers are older, and the restaurant service is inconsistent. However, if you're budget-conscious and just want beach access, it works.
Local Gem: In Villefranche itself, the public beach area near the tender dock offers stunning views without beach club prices. You can rent loungers from local vendors for €15-20 and grab lunch at nearby restaurants.
Transportation Tip: The train from Villefranche to Nice Centre takes 8 minutes and costs €2.10. Trains run every 30 minutes, but factor in walking time to/from stations—allow 45 minutes total each way.
Monaco: Worth the Splurge for Special Occasions
Reaching Monaco from your cruise port requires commitment—it's a 90-minute train journey from Cannes or 45 minutes from Nice. Only attempt this if you have a late departure (6 PM or later) and want to celebrate something special.
Nikki Beach Monte Carlo sits on the Fairmont Hotel's rooftop with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Day passes start at €80, but you're paying for exclusivity and Instagram-worthy scenery. Their signature white beds and teepees create that quintessential Riviera atmosphere.
La Note Bleue, established in 2001, offers a more relaxed Monaco experience at €55 per day. The club sits on Larvotto Beach with actual sand (rare in Monaco), and their seafood platter (€85 for two) showcases local catches beautifully.
Reality Check: Monaco beach clubs are expensive and crowded. You'll spend €150-200 per person for a full day including food and drinks. The train connections eat up 3+ hours of your port day. Unless you're celebrating an anniversary or have been to the other options multiple times, skip Monaco for your first French Riviera cruise.
Cap d'Antibes and Hidden Gems
For cruise passengers willing to venture beyond the obvious choices, Cap d'Antibes offers spectacular beach clubs with fewer crowds.
Plage Keller at La Garoupe is famous for its yellow umbrellas and crystal-clear waters. Day passes cost €42, and their Le César restaurant serves some of the best seafood on the Riviera. The 25-minute bus ride from Cannes is scenic but infrequent—check return schedules carefully.
Eden Plage Mala in Cap d'Ail offers a unique experience with its colorful, eclectic décor and Asian-Mediterranean fusion menu. At €38 per day, it's reasonably priced for the quality. However, reaching it from cruise ports requires a taxi (€40-60 from Nice) or complex bus connections.
Important Note: Several online guides still mention Paloma Beach Club, but it's been closed for cliff repairs throughout 2026. Don't make the trek to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat expecting to find it open.
Pricing Reality Check and What's Actually Included
Here's what you'll realistically spend per person for a French Riviera beach club day in 2026:
- Basic day pass (lounger + umbrella): €25-45
- Lunch with wine: €50-70
- Cocktails/drinks: €20-40
- Transportation from ship: €5-25
- Total per person: €100-180
Standard inclusions: umbrella, two beach loungers, changing facilities, basic towels, and Wi-Fi (usually). Premium clubs add welcome drinks, better towels, and beach service.
Not included: food, drinks beyond welcome offerings, premium lounger locations, cabanas (add €100-300), and gratuities (10-15% is standard).
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book half-day passes (usually available after 2 PM) for 30% savings
- Share appetizers and order lunch specials instead of à la carte
- Stick to house wine and local rosé—imported bottles carry huge markups
- Bring your own water bottles (refills are usually free)
Cruise Passenger Success Strategy
After dozens of French Riviera beach club visits, here's my foolproof approach:
For First-Timers: Stay in your cruise port city. If docking in Cannes, hit Z Plage or Hyde Beach. If tendering in Villefranche, try Castel Plage or stay local.
For Repeat Visitors: Venture to Cap d'Antibes or take the Monaco splurge if your departure is after 6 PM.
Time Management:
- Arrive at beach clubs by 9 AM for best lounger selection
- Set phone alarms for 2 hours before all-aboard time
- Have taxi apps downloaded as backup transportation
- Keep ship contact info handy in case of delays
Booking Strategy: Most clubs don't accept reservations during cruise season. Plan Beach Club A and Beach Club B options, then walk the waterfront to see availability and crowds before committing.
Weather Backup: Check forecasts the night before. Many clubs close or offer limited service in rough weather, and you don't want to discover this after a 90-minute train ride to Monaco.
The French Riviera beach club experience delivers exactly what it promises: a taste of Mediterranean luxury that'll have you planning your next cruise back before you even return to the ship. Yes, it's expensive, but sometimes the best port days are worth the splurge.
Planning your French Riviera beach club adventure? Get more dining and entertainment tips from fellow cruisers in our dining forum!
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