Ten minutes from Monaco by train, Beaulieu-sur-Mer cultivates the Belle Époque art of living between Villa Kérylos, its sheltered beaches and its marina. Follow our complete guide to plan your escape from the Port Palace.
Halfway between Nice and Monaco, Beaulieu-sur-Mer has cultivated the Belle Époque art of living for more than a century. This small town of 3,700 residents, nestled in a sheltered bay beneath the foothills of Cap Ferrat, enjoys a microclimate so mild that locals nicknamed it "Little Africa". Just twenty minutes from Port Hercule, Beaulieu-sur-Mer offers one of the most beautiful Mediterranean escapes you could imagine from Monaco: palm groves, a Greek villa, a marina and beaches of pale pebbles. Here is our complete guide to discovering this confidential jewel of the French Riviera.
Why Beaulieu-sur-Mer is worth the trip from Monaco
Of all the possible stops between Nice and the Principality, Beaulieu-sur-Mer is perhaps the most singular. The town owes its name to an exclamation attributed to Napoleon, struck by the beauty of the site as he passed through in 1814. In the 19th century, the British aristocracy made it one of its favourite winter retreats: Gustave Eiffel owned a villa here, King Leopold II of Belgium stayed regularly, and the archaeologist Théodore Reinach built the extraordinary Villa Kérylos on its shores.
Today, Beaulieu has preserved this heritage without falling into the trap of mass tourism. The Maurice Rouvier promenade, the Mediterranean gardens, the Belle Époque Rotunda and the pastel facades of the old buildings compose an authentic setting, light years away from the bustle of some neighbouring resorts. For our guests staying at the Port Palace, it is the perfect half-day escape, with the comfort of returning to Monaco in the evening.
💡 Concierge's tip
"To enjoy Beaulieu-sur-Mer without rushing, leave Monaco by train before 10am, visit Villa Kérylos in the early morning when the light enhances the mosaics, then walk the Maurice Rouvier promenade to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. You will be back at the Port Palace in time for an aperitif at sunset."
Things to do in Beaulieu-sur-Mer: the essentials
Villa Kérylos, a journey into ancient Greece
It is impossible to visit Beaulieu without stepping through the doors of Villa Kérylos. Built between 1902 and 1908 by the architect Emmanuel Pontremoli for Théodore Reinach, a passionate Hellenist, this residence is a faithful recreation of a Greek house from the 2nd century BC. Marble mosaics, frescoes inspired by Delphi, citron wood furniture and private baths: every room tells a fragment of the ancient art of living.
The villa overlooks the Mediterranean from the Fourmis headland. The visit takes about an hour and a half if you take the time to explore the gardens planted with olive trees, pomegranates and papyrus. Art lovers will appreciate the works of Gustav Jaulmes, the symbolist painter who created the murals.
The Maurice Rouvier promenade, the seaside path
This two-kilometre pedestrian promenade links Beaulieu-sur-Mer to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat along the Mediterranean. The path offers a natural balcony over the bay, with views of the Baie des Fourmis, the yachts anchored offshore and the outline of Cap d'Ail in the distance. Flat, shaded in places and entirely free of traffic, it is one of the most beautiful walks on the Riviera coastline.
Allow around thirty minutes each way at a leisurely pace. The path starts right next to the harbour and arrives directly at the marina of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. A perfect loop before lunch facing the sea.
The marina and the Belle Époque Rotunda
The harbour of Beaulieu is one of the oldest on the Côte d'Azur. Built at the end of the 19th century, it now shelters around 750 berths and welcomes traditional sailing boats as well as visiting yachts. All around, café terraces offer an ideal vantage point over the ballet of boats and the silhouette of the Rotunda, a Belle Époque masterpiece listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments.
Designed in 1899 by the Danish architect Tersling as the dining room of the former Bristol Hotel, the Rotunda and its light-filled cupola bear witness to the town's golden age, when Beaulieu attracted European high society. The Beaulieu casino, open daily from 10am, keeps this worldly tradition alive just a few steps from the harbour.
Little Africa and the Baie des Fourmis
Nicknamed for its exceptionally warm microclimate, Little Africa is an enclave sheltered from the wind by the limestone cliffs that tower above the town. This is where tropical vegetation thrives: palm trees, banana trees, century-old olive trees and mimosas in winter. The Petite Afrique beach, a pebble beach lined with umbrella pines, stretches for around 400 metres and remains the largest in the resort, complete with a children's playground.
On the other side of the harbour, the Baie des Fourmis offers a more intimate beach, with turquoise waters and an unobstructed view of Cap Ferrat. Ideal for a swim in the late afternoon, when the light gilds the hillside villas.
How to get to Beaulieu-sur-Mer from Monaco
Proximity to the Principality is one of Beaulieu-sur-Mer's greatest assets. Several options are available to visitors staying at the Port Palace.
By train: the fastest and most scenic option
The SNCF TER line connects Monaco to Beaulieu-sur-Mer in just 10 minutes. Trains run every 20 to 30 minutes during the day, for just a few euros each way. Beaulieu-sur-Mer station is in the heart of town, 200 metres from the harbour and a 5-minute walk from Villa Kérylos.
From the Port Palace, Monaco railway station is a 5-minute walk away. The train journey offers spectacular views of the coastline, the coves of Cap d'Ail and the bay of Èze.
By car: for flexibility
Allow around 20 minutes by car via the Basse Corniche (D6098), a coastal route that hugs the sea through Cap d'Ail and Èze-bord-de-mer. The Moyenne Corniche, higher up, offers broader panoramas but takes a few minutes longer. Paid parking in the town centre (mainly the Port and Eiffel car parks).
By boat or electric bike: for enthusiasts
For a more original approach, some companies offer boat-taxi connections between Monaco and Beaulieu in high season. Allow around 30 minutes for the crossing and 80 to 120 EUR depending on the package. The electric bike is also an excellent option for the sporty: 25 km round trip along the Basse Corniche, moderate elevation, breathtaking views guaranteed.
💡 Concierge's tip
"The train remains the most practical option: you avoid the sometimes tricky parking in the town centre, and you can enjoy a long lunch with wine without worrying about the drive back. Buy a TER Monaco-Beaulieu return ticket right on the platform, validate it at the machine, and enjoy one of the most beautiful train rides in Europe."
Where to eat in Beaulieu-sur-Mer
The local gastronomy draws on Niçoise tradition and Mediterranean produce. Beaulieu has around twenty restaurants, from harbour terraces to gourmet tables.
Tables overlooking the harbour
The harbour quay is home to the liveliest addresses. Le Marsala serves Italian cuisine in an elegant setting, with a terrace facing the boats. African Queen, a local institution since the 1970s, is known for its wood-fired rotisserie and has welcomed stars such as Mick Jagger and Bono. Pissaladières, fish soups and bouillabaisses feature prominently on the menus.
For a gourmet experience
Lovers of refined cuisine will head to the Restaurant des Rois, the gourmet table of La Réserve de Beaulieu, the iconic seafront palace hotel. Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, exceptional produce and a remarkable wine cellar. Booking is essential, especially in season.
To round off the day in Monaco, your dedicated concierge can also arrange a table on the terrace of La Môme restaurant, on the sixth floor of the Port Palace, with views over Port Hercule and the Prince's Palace. A beautiful conclusion to a day of discovery on the Riviera.
Markets and gourmet addresses
The Beaulieu-sur-Mer food market is held Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 1pm, on Place du Général de Gaulle, which locals also call Place Marinoni. Local growers, cheesemongers, butchers and fishmongers offer their produce, and an Italian market sets up there on the first Sunday of the month. It is the perfect opportunity to taste socca, Niçoise barbajuans or artisanal pissaladière.
Port Palace Monaco
Explore the Riviera from Port Hercule
Our suites overlooking the harbour place Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Èze ten minutes from your room. Concierge service included to arrange each of your escapes on the Côte d'Azur.
Book your stayWhat to see around Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Beaulieu is an excellent base for exploring the French Riviera. A few minutes away by car or train:
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: the famous cape with its legendary villas, including the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and its themed gardens. Discover it in our complete guide to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- Èze: a medieval village perched 429 metres above the sea, whose exotic garden offers one of the finest views on the Côte d'Azur. See our guide to the village of Èze.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer: its semi-circular bay, colourful old town and the Saint-Pierre chapel decorated by Cocteau are well worth the detour. All the details in our guide to Villefranche-sur-Mer.
- Monaco: just 10 minutes away by train, the Principality offers its museums, its Rock and its legendary harbour.
A well-planned day combines Villa Kérylos in the morning, lunch on the harbour of Beaulieu, a walk to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat in the afternoon, and a return to Monaco for sunset.
When to visit Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
The mild microclimate makes Beaulieu pleasant all year round, but each season has its charms.
Spring (April-June): the ideal season. Mild temperatures (18-25°C), vegetation in bloom, reasonable crowds. It is also the period when the Côte d'Azur comes alive with its major events, from the Monte-Carlo Masters to the Monaco Grand Prix.
Summer (July-August): high season. The beaches fill up, and so do the harbour terraces, but the atmosphere remains family-friendly, far from the frenzy of some seaside resorts. Booking is essential for waterfront restaurants.
Autumn (September-October): a confidential period. The sea is still warm (22°C in September), the hotels less crowded, and the days still long. A perfect season for coastal hiking.
Winter (November-March): mild but quiet. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. Villa Kérylos remains open, and the gardens bloom from February with the mimosas. The ideal period to enjoy the heritage without the crowds.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer: a natural extension of your stay in Monaco
The advantage of staying at the Port Palace lies largely in its strategic position on Port Hercule. Five minutes on foot from the railway station, a stone's throw from the Grand Prix circuit and ideally placed to explore the whole Riviera, the hotel is the perfect base for discovering Monaco as well as its neighbours, including Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Our guests benefit from a concierge service that can organise their outings along the coast: restaurant reservations, tickets for Villa Kérylos, private transfers in a Mercedes S-Class or a boat taxi for a more scenic approach. All our exclusive services are designed to turn each day into a bespoke experience, without giving up the tranquillity of returning to a suite overlooking Port Hercule.
FAQ: your questions about Beaulieu-sur-Mer
How far is Beaulieu-sur-Mer from Monaco?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is around 12 kilometres from Monaco via the Basse Corniche, that is 20 minutes by car or 10 minutes by train from Monaco station. It is one of the quickest excursions to organise from the Principality.
On which days is the market held in Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
The food market is held Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 1pm, on Place du Général de Gaulle (Place Marinoni). An Italian market joins it on the first Sunday of each month, and a market of local artisans sets up on the square in the warmer months.
Which towns are close to Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is framed by Villefranche-sur-Mer to the west, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to the south and Èze to the east. Nice is 9 kilometres away and Monaco 12 kilometres. All these towns are connected by the same TER line, which makes day trips particularly easy.
How far is Nice airport from Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
Nice-Côte d'Azur airport is around 18 kilometres from Beaulieu-sur-Mer, that is 25 to 35 minutes by car depending on traffic. A regular shuttle links the airport to Nice-Ville station, from where a direct train reaches Beaulieu in 12 minutes.
Can you swim in Beaulieu-sur-Mer?
Yes, Beaulieu-sur-Mer has two main beaches: the Petite Afrique beach and the Baie des Fourmis. Both are fine-pebble beaches, supervised in season, with particularly clear waters thanks to the sheltered configuration of the bay.
Is Villa Kérylos open all year round?
Yes, Villa Kérylos is open all year round, except on a few public holidays (1 January, 1 May, 1 and 11 November, 25 December). Opening hours vary with the season: 10am-6pm from 2 May to 31 August, 10am-5pm the rest of the year. Admission is 13 EUR, audioguide included.
