in French Riviera, France
Hotel Belles Rives
Updated 1 July 2026
- Toddler
- Kid
- Teen
This is the hotel where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote parts of Tender is the Night, and it still runs its own water-skiing school on the little private beach below, said to be the birthplace of the sport in Europe. It is a proper Riviera palace, formal in places, but the private beach, pontoon and water-ski lessons for children from age three give it a genuinely family-friendly side most palaces don't have.
Our verdict
Book this for the setting and the water-skiing, not for a pool. Take the family suite, put the kids in ski lessons in the morning, and enjoy a proper Riviera lunch on the terrace.
The rooms
Art Deco rooms with a genuine sense of history, the best with private balconies over the bay. Two-bedroom family suites have a separate lounge and two bathrooms, a real plus for families of four staying more than a couple of nights.
At a glance
- Water skiing
- Lessons from age 3
- Beach
- Private beach and pontoon
- Dining
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Family rooms
- 2-bedroom suites, 2 bathrooms
How the KidProof Score works
Every hotel is rated on eight things families actually care about, then weighted by how much each one drives your choice. Room setup counts the most. The little touches break the ties.
Sleeps how many? Connecting rooms, family suites, a real extra bed?
Clean travel cot, high chair, bottle warmer, changing table, kit to borrow.
Shallow pool or paddling area, playground, kids club (free or paid).
Quick breakfast, kids menus, allergy options, snacks on hand.
Secured windows, protected corners, watched pool, well kept grounds.
Laundry, in-room fridge, stroller access, parking, reliable Wi-Fi.
Close to family attractions, easy transport, park tickets or access.
Welcome gift for the child, staff who talk to kids, themed rooms.
Why families love it
- Private beach and pontoon at the foot of the hotel
- Water-skiing school for children from age 3
- Michelin-starred La Passagere restaurant
- Free access to the heated pool at sister hotel Juana
🗓️A day here with kids
- 9:00
Breakfast on the terrace
Ask for a table on the sea side, it fills up by 9:30.
- 10:30
Water-ski lesson
Kids head to the club while parents relax on the private beach deck nearby.
- 19:30
Sunset drink at the bar
The bar terrace over the water is spectacular at golden hour, book an early dinner for younger children.
Family things to do nearby
Water-ski lesson
The hotel's own water-ski school, running since the 1930s, teaches children from age three on the calm bay.
Pedalo and paddleboard
Calm waters off the pontoon are ideal for a first paddleboard attempt with a parent close by.
Walk to Cap d'Antibes
The pine-shaded Sentier du Littoral coastal path starts nearby, a scenic short walk for older kids.
Is it right for your kids?
Baby
0 to 1 yr
Doable with a travel cot on request, but this is a historic building without lifts everywhere and no dedicated baby facilities, better suited to slightly older children.
Toddler
1 to 3 yrs
The private beach is small and calm, easy to supervise, though the hotel itself is more elegant than toddler-proofed.
Kid
4 to 11 yrs
Water-ski lessons and the private beach make this age genuinely happy here, not just tolerated.
Teen
12 yrs and up
The history, the water sports and the short walk into buzzy Juan-les-Pins suit teens well.
Plan your stay
Check prices & bookWe compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Live prices & availability
Stays near 33 Boulevard Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Juan-les-Pins, France
We compare Booking, Expedia, Hotels.com and more so you book at the best price. Prices update in real time.
Parents also ask
Is there really no swimming pool?
Correct, there is no pool on the Belles Rives site itself, but guests get free access to the heated pool and health club at the sister hotel Juana, a short walk away.
What age can children start water skiing?
The hotel's water-ski club takes children from age three, with instructors experienced in first lessons for young beginners.
Is the family suite worth the extra cost?
For two nights or more with two children, yes, the separate lounge and two bathrooms make mornings much calmer than a single standard room.
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