Baie des Anges, Mediterranean bay between Antibes and Nice, France
The Baie des Anges is a bay along the French Riviera that stretches between Antibes and Nice, bordered by several coastal municipalities. Multiple rivers flowing from the Maritime Alps feed its waters, shaping both its ecosystem and the character of this Mediterranean coastline.
The bay took shape through geological processes that formed the French Riviera coastline and created river deltas over time. The construction of Pont Napoleon at the Paillon river mouth during the 19th century marked a major phase in how settlements developed along these shores.
The bay's name comes from angel sharks that once lived in these waters, their wing-shaped fins inspiring comparisons to celestial creatures. Local people have woven this origin into their connection with the sea, and the story remains part of how residents and visitors think about the place.
You can enter the bay at multiple points along the Promenade des Anglais, with different beach sections offering various facilities throughout the year. Walking along the coast in sections lets you explore different parts and discover how the shoreline changes as you move between towns.
The bay inspired the 1963 film La Baie des Anges by Jacques Demy, which captured gambling culture on the French Riviera and brought the region into the spotlight. This cinematic portrayal shaped how visitors thought about the coast for years afterward.
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