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Beausoleil

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Beausoleil

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Beausoleil is built on a steep slope with many staircases; wear very comfortable shoes for navigating the streets.
Parking here is notoriously difficult and expensive; consider taking the bus from Nice or Menton instead of driving.
Accommodation here is a smart, budget-friendly alternative to staying directly in Monaco, while being just a short walk away.
Don't miss the exterior of the Riviera Palace; its winter garden and Belle Époque architecture are dramatic.

🍽 Food

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Barbajuan

Try this savory fried pastry stuffed with Swiss chard and ricotta at local bakeries near the Monaco border.

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Socca

Look for this traditional crispy chickpea pancake at local street food stalls or the covered market.

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Fresh Seafood

Enjoy the catch of the day at Mediterranean restaurants offering panoramic views over the bay.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Gustave Eiffel Market

Visit this beautiful daily covered market to buy fresh produce, fish, and local Niçois specialties.

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Herbes de Provence

Purchase aromatic local spice blends and herbs from specialized vendors in the market.

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Chemin des Révoires

Walk near the highest point bordering Monaco for spectacular, quiet views of the Mediterranean.

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Parc du Devens

A hilltop park above the city offering a peaceful retreat and panoramic vistas over the sea.

Highlights of 2026

Fridays 07:00

Port Market - Friday morning

A charming morning market located right in the port of Beausoleil, perfect for a coastal stroll.

Beausoleil is a distinctive French commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department, established only in 1904 following its separation from La Turbie. The city is geographically unique due to its position on the steep slopes of the Mont des Mules, directly overlooking the Principality of Monaco. This proximity has led to its popular nickname, the 'balcony of Monaco,' as it provides some of the most striking panoramic views of the Mediterranean coast. The urban landscape of Beausoleil is characterized by its late 19th and early 20th-century Belle Époque architecture, featuring ornate facades and grand staircases that navigate the significant elevation changes. Economically, the town functions largely as a residential hub for people working in the neighboring tax haven, blending the high-energy environment of the Riviera with a more traditional French community feel. Its local market and central squares retain a provence charm that contrasts with the luxury skyscrapers of Monte Carlo just meters away, making it a crucial yet distinct part of the urban fabric of the French Riviera.

Location: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Top sights: Riviera Palace · Saint-Joseph Church · Mont des Mules
Nearby: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (4 km)
Population: ~14.144

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	11	12	14	17	21	24	24	22	18	15	12
Rain mm	55	53	62	56	48	29	17	23	47	88	123	81

Geography

Population

13,376

Coordinates

43.74190, 7.42360

Facts

Official foundation date: April 10, 1904.
The highest elevation point is 560 meters above sea level.
The population density exceeds 5,000 inhabitants per km².
Formerly considered for the name 'Upper Monte-Carlo'.
Home to the historic Riviera Palace, a former luxury hotel.
The city acts as a primary residential area for Monaco's workforce.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Beausoleil Hill<1 km · SEExplore →

Princess Grace Rose Garden2 km · SExplore →

Tête de Chien (Dog's Head)2 km · WExplore →

📍Roquebrune-Cap-Martin4 km · NEExplore →

Èze Village5 km · WExplore →

Lemon Groves of Menton7 km · NEExplore →

📍Drap8 km · WExplore →

📍La Trinité9 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Beausoleil (6)

Riviera Palace

A former Belle Époque luxury hotel featuring a spectacular winter garden designed by Gustave Eiffel and views over Monaco.

Saint-Joseph Church ⛪ religious

Built in the late 19th century, this central church is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and peaceful atmosphere.

Mont des Mules 🌿 nature

A scenic viewpoint hosting the remains of an ancient Celto-Ligurian fortified camp, overlooking the Principality of Monaco.

Beausoleil Market 🍽 culinary

A lively open-air market where local vendors offer fresh produce, lively flowers, and traditional specialties from the French Riviera.

Beausoleil Staircases 🏺 historical

The city's iconic stairs provide direct pedestrian links between the upper districts and Monaco, offering unique urban vistas.

Jardin Des Enfants 👨‍👩‍👧 family

Jardin Des Enfants is a playground in Beausoleil, providing a dedicated outdoor space for family activities.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Beausoleil called 'Little Monte Carlo'?

The town directly borders Monaco and shares its magnificent architecture and steep streets overlooking the sea.

What is the Riviera Palace?

A former Belle Époque luxury hotel with a famous winter garden designed by Gustave Eiffel.

Are there good viewpoints?

From the upper streets of the town, you have a spectacular panoramic view of the Principality of Monaco and the Mediterranean.

Can you reach Monaco on foot?

Yes, many stairs and steep paths lead directly down to Monte Carlo, taking only a few minutes.

Which market should I visit?

The daily market at Place du Marché has a wide selection of fresh food and local specialties.

Beausoleil: where is it located?

Beausoleil is located in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.

Beausoleil: what is there to see?

Highlights include Riviera Palace, Saint-Joseph Church, Mont des Mules.

Beausoleil: when is the best time to visit?