On June 22, the 2026 season of accessible Nice beaches was launched by Éric Ciotti, mayor of Nice, and Sébastien Philippini, deputy responsible for disability issues. These beaches, which have existed since 2004 for Centenaire Beach and 2014 for Carras Beach, allow people with disabilities to swim safely thanks to personalized assistance.
The accessible beaches are a free service without reservation 7 days a week, including public holidays. It is available for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, mobility difficulties, or balance disorders. According to the City of Nice, «The two beaches benefit from the Handiplage “3 buoys” label, a distinction attesting to the quality of equipment, facilities, and reception offered to people with disabilities.» The Handiplage label identifies beaches accessible to people with disabilities. According to the website “Mon Parcours Handicap”, it has four levels:
- «Level 1 Label: supervised beach, lifeguard station nearby, disabled parking spaces, accessible path from parking to swimming, “platforms” on access sidewalks, reception area, free access facilities, disabled-adapted restrooms.
- Level 2 Label (in addition to level 1): adapted shower, trained beach assistants for swimming assistance.
- Level 3 Label (in addition to levels 1 and 2): adapted changing room or disabled-adapted changing cabin, sun shelter.
- Level 4 Label (in addition to levels 1, 2, and 3): specific guidance system for the “blind” for swimming, audio information and guidance posts, tactile guidance strips from parking to beach.»
Speeches by Sébastien Philippini and Éric Ciotti
During the launch at Carras accessible beach, the two officials spoke about the initiative and its objectives for this season. A sign language interpreter was present so deaf and hard of hearing people could understand the announcements.
Sébastien Philippini stated: «Water entry is work carried out by professionals. And we can truly thank them from the bottom of our hearts because it’s thanks to them that many people can enjoy swimming, go in the water, and that is priceless.»
He added that it is difficult to go to the beach alone when you have a disability, and that Carras Beach, opened since June 15, will remain available until August 31. As for Centenaire Beach, it will be in service from July 17 to September 13. The deputy also promised to come «four times to Carras beach and four times to Centenaire beach, take a chair, sit next to you, chat […]» in order to find possible «areas for improvement».
Éric Ciotti, for his part, began his speech by thanking the deputy: «Thanks to our deputy Sébastien Philippini. He does tremendous grassroots work, listening, and we are building a genuine program for people with reduced mobility»
Later, he stated that access to the sea was more than a right and that several facilities allow people with disabilities to enjoy the sea. He spoke of «specific and identifiable signage», «reserved parking spaces», «mats facilitating movement on pebbles», «amphibious wheelchairs»…
Mr. Ciotti also specified that the beach is close to the «lifeguard station staffed by our firefighters with a team of 11 beach assistants, holders of the national aquatic safety and rescue certification: BNSA.»
Results, innovations, and inclusive ambition
The mayor recalled the success of the 2025 season, which welcomed 4,491 people at the two sites (including 2,851 users with disabilities or loss of autonomy and their relatives). For summer 2026, staffing has been increased at Carras, and a consultation process has been launched to improve the service. Additionally, a budget of 170,000 euros has just been approved to support partner organizations.
This initiative is part of a broader plan aimed at making Nice a fully inclusive city. Among the dozen objectives set by the municipality, there is accessibility of all public buildings, improved transportation through the adapted Mobil’Azur service, free parking for AESH assistants, and mandatory disability awareness training in schools.
Beyond the figures and political ambitions, this service takes on its full meaning on the ground, thanks to the daily commitment of beach assistants who accompany users from 10:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. Far more than a simple surveillance task, this experience proves to be a profoundly moving human adventure. As one of them confesses, this work goes well beyond the professional framework: «It’s very enriching […] it helps us put things in perspective about our [situations], plus they’re really nice people, it’s a nice change». A fine testament to the fact that inclusion ultimately benefits everyone.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
