Places to Visit - page 5
Beaches
Nice with over 5 miles of beaches is an ideal vacation destination for anyone who wants to spend time soaking up the sun, although most bathers are covered, like most of the Riviera, the beaches around Nice are topless optional. Do not feel intimidated, feel free, you will find every age shape and weight enjoying the beach. Nice Retreat is just a 10min stroll to the sea. At the end of the port you can enjoy deep water swimming when it is calm and spectacular surf sprays went the wind is up. Not for novice swimmers though.
The popular beaches are around the headland to the right ( past the war memorial). Choose your spot from a variety of locations. The main length of the beach is stony...flat grey stones that store considerable heat throughout the day so sturdy foot wear is recommended. There is a sandy section of beach mid way down the promenade for those who prefer the soft stuff.
Showers are placed strategically in the shelter of the beach wall and if you wish to rent a lounger they can be found at the port end of the promenade and at some other spots along the sea front. Most swimmers however make do with a mat or towel to lie on. You can play volley ball, paraglide, use the trampolines. If you can’t resist the temptation of the smooth glide offered by the miles of wide pavement ahead you can get yourself some rollerskates from the hire shops on the town side of the road.
The Mediterranean is a natural playground for water sports enthusiasts. There are numerous places along the beach where you can rent equipment for jet skiing, parasailing, sea kayaking and canoeing. There are also guides willing to take scuba enthusiasts out on diving and snorkeling excursions.
There are several restaurants on the beach and one or two of them open right up until early October. A favourite pastime of mine in autumn is to settle at a table with a good book and work my way through chapter after to chapter refreshed by the odd soft drink, coffee, then lunch with wine, another coffee..... all the time bathed in the sound of the ocean and it's ever changing colours.
No matter what the hour, there will be people at the beach sitting and chatting, playing boules or just looking out to sea and dreaming. This beach is a place for night time sea gazing as well. At times an impromptu party may start up or a driftwood fire will be lit to the accompaniment of guitars and drums.. Together or alone...you are free to be as you are, and welcome to immerse yourself in this ongoing impressionist ocean-scape.
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