DESCRIPTION

Set between the sea and mountains, Beaulieu-sur-Mer delights visitors and is regarded as one of the most beautiful towns on the Côte d’Azur. The tangible proof of this is that from the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, crowned heads flocked here. Beaulieu-sur-Mer is very sought after by celebrities and has become the quintessential holiday destination in winter. Gradually, tourists arrived in their turn and the seaside resort is a roaring success in the summer season.

HISTORY

As with many sites in the region, vestiges of human occupation dating back to prehistory have been excavated at Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Archaeologists also confirm the existence of the ancient Greek port of Anao. The city then grew, thanks to the Roman occupation. A series of destructive events and rebuilding followed: in the Third Century, the town was completely razed. In the Sixth Century, the monastery founded by Abbot Saint Hospice two centuries earlier was destroyed by the Lombards. At that time, the people took refuge in the hills near the large ledge.
Around the Twelfth Century, people came down from the hills and rebuilt the town of Beaulieu which had just been annexed to France. However, it was still linked with the district of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Napoleon Bonaparte was won over by the beauty of the town and confirmed the name of Beaulieu in 1860. It was also at this time that the first high status tourists started to visit, seeking warmth in the depths of winter. These visitors were of renown and amongst them were most of the great figures of European royalty: the first Prince of Wales, Leopold the II, the Queens of Italy and Portugal, Guillaume the II, Empress Eugenie, and others, not forgetting many another celebrity of the epoch, including Gustav Eiffel, Tolstoï, the archaeologist Théodore Reinach to whom we owe Villa Kerylos, etc.

ENTERTAINMENT

The town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer is home to several interesting museums and historic buildings, such as la Rotonde, le Bristol, le Casino, le Palais des Anglais, le Kiosque à Musique (Bandstand) and la Chapelle Santa-Maria-de-Olivo (Chapel). However, a real ‘must’ to visit amongst the town’s buildings is the Greek Villa Kerylos. This neo-Greek villa and its gardens are one of Beaulieu’s marvels. Treasure hunts are also organised there, so you can enjoy the site fully. Beaulieu is also renowned for its two ports and international marina, its beaches, second-hand markets and Provencal market. In high season, Beaulieu also hosts some events, including "Nuits Guitares" (Guitar Nights) and the Festival Beaulieu-sur-Fête. The region also gives you the opportunity of going golfing thanks to its many courses.

LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS

The town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer is located between Nice and Monaco, just next to the towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer, Eze and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
By air :
Nice Côte d’Azur International is the closest airport.
By road :
The D98 secondary road links Toulon and Menton and goes through the town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
You can also take the A8 motorway.
By train :
Beaulieu-sur-Mer railway station is linked to the regional TER network.

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