In June, many seaside villages across the Riviera celebrate the festival of Saint Pierre, the patron saint of seafarers. In the past fishermen did not put out to sea for a full three days around the Feast of Saint Pierre, and took advantage of this time to paint their boats, dye their nets, and play boules.
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is one of the most beautiful spots on the Riviera; with exceptional architectural, botanical gardens with exotic plants, and well-preserved Mediterranean shoreline. It's a perfect place to enjoy water sports, luxury shopping or gambling at the Casino! Popular sights include the Sancta Maria de Olivo chapel, and the Villa Kérylos, a striking evocation of a sumptuous Ancient Greek home.
Many know it from the film "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" with Michael Caine & Steve Martin (a remake of the 60s film "Bedtime Story" with David Niven & Marlon Brando). However, the film was largely shot in neighbouring Villefranche-sur-Mer and the name was subtly changed to Beaumont-sur-Mer in the film:
Fête de la Saint Pierre - Beaulieu-sur-Mer 2022
The 2022 iteration gives you a good idea of the sorts of activities you can expect:
The Beaulieu Festival begins with an early-evening mass in the Church of the Sacred Heart (and prayers for those in peril on the sea), then continues with a procession, a sea outing and a wreath-laying tribute to sailors who have perished at sea. After these short formalities, the real business begins of aperitifs to music and yummy paëlla on the quays of the marina. It's a proper "harbour festival" and great if you like messing about on or near boats. As you can see, there is a local artisanal fishing heritage exhibition in the fishing section of the marina, which includes lots of lovely photos of local fisheries.
How to Get there
By train: Beaulieu-sur-Mer station is located a mere stone's throw from the Tourist Office and the central square (place Marinoni). It is served by local trains (on the Marseille–Ventimiglia railway) and timetables can be found here.
By car: Leave the A8 Autoroute at Exit 57 (La Turbie) if you are coming from the west or Exit 56 (Monaco-La Turbie-Eze) if coming from East. Follow signs to the centre of the town and use one of these to car parks: (a) Port de Plaisance (next to the Petite Afrique beach), or (b) Parking de la Batterie (Next to the town hall). You have to pay in-season, but the off-season is free
By bus: The area is served by two bus companies.
The first is Lignes d’Azur (Tel: 08 1006 1006). Timetables here. Main routes:
15 line - Nice Promenade des Arts / Port de Saint Jean
83 line - Baie des Fourmis / Eze-village / Eze-Plateau de la Justice
84 line - Baie des Fourmis / Nice Riquier
The second in ZOU! (Région Sud) (Tel: 04 13 94 30 50). Website here. Routes:
607 line (ex 100) Nice Square Normandie Niemen / Monaco St Roman MC
601 line (ex N100) Nice Square Normandie Niemen / Menton Bastion -Night bus on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and the night before bank holidays
Resources
The offical tourist office website of Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Accommodation
With stunning panoramic views, private pool, super-fast Internet and modern air-conditioning, the villa Haute Vue is a large Holiday House Rental in Montauroux; conveniently positioned for exploring both the interior of Provence and the highlights of the French Riviera. Sleeping 10/12 in 5/6 bedrooms, it is just four minutes walk from the main village square of Montauroux.
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