Hotel in Nice, France
Villa Saint Exupéry Beach
Hostel in former monastery near Nice beach offers pool, bar, garden, and organized activities. Mix of dorms and private rooms.
Villa Saint Exupéry Beach is a budget hostel occupying a converted former monastery at 6 Rue Sacha Guitry in the Libération neighbourhood of Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, on the French Riviera. The property is approximately 500 metres from Nice's central train station (Gare de Nice Ville) and roughly a 20-minute walk from the seafront Promenade des Anglais. The hostel takes its name from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the aviator and author of Le Petit Prince, who was born in Lyon and had strong ties to the Mediterranean region.
The setting within a converted monastery gives Villa Saint Exupéry Beach a distinctive character unusual among budget accommodation in Nice: vaulted ceilings, original stone walls, and a large interior courtyard contrast with the practical furnishings typical of modern hostel design. The outdoor swimming pool, garden, and bar terrace make it a social hub, particularly in summer when the terrace is active from mid-afternoon through the evening.
Accommodation ranges from dormitory beds — in both mixed and female-only configurations — to private en-suite rooms, appealing to solo travellers, pairs, and budget-conscious couples. All guests have access to a self-catering kitchen, useful for preparing meals with ingredients from the nearby Marché du Libération or the covered Marché de la Libération et de Nice. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
The bar runs a programme of organised activities including city walks, pub quizzes, and group excursions to Monaco, Cannes, and the Gorges du Verdon, making Villa Saint Exupéry Beach a well-regarded option for solo travellers seeking connections. Staff are experienced at directing guests to the Riviera's main attractions: the Marc Chagall National Museum, the Baroque churches and colourful market of Vieux-Nice, and day-trip destinations along the Côte d'Azur.
Tram Line 1 connects the Libération district to Place Masséna and the beach within 10 minutes. Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport is accessible by bus from nearby stops. For backpackers and inter-railing visitors using Nice as a Riviera hub, the hostel provides competitive pricing and a strong social environment in a location with excellent transport links.
Amenities
- pool
- bar
- kitchen
- garden
- free WiFi
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +33 4 93 16 13 45
Location
6 Rue Sacha Guitry, 06000 Nice
43.6951, 7.2758 — View on map
Highlights
- Former Carmelite monastery setting with original vaulted ceilings and stone courtyard in Nice's Libération neighbourhood
- Outdoor swimming pool and garden bar terrace open through the summer season
- Mix of dormitory and private en-suite rooms with shared kitchen access, 500 m from Nice's central train station
- Organised group excursions to Monaco, Cannes, and the Gorges du Verdon run from the hostel
- Tram Line 1 stop nearby provides 10-minute access to Promenade des Anglais and Vieux-Nice
Tips
- Book private rooms at least two weeks ahead in July and August; they sell out faster than dormitory beds
- The Marché du Libération operates Tuesday–Sunday mornings approximately 300 metres from the hostel — ideal for self-catering breakfasts
- Take Tram Line 1 from the Libération stop rather than walking to the beach; the journey takes about 10 minutes
- Bring a padlock for dormitory lockers; the hostel supplies lockers but not locks
- Check the noticeboard at reception for that week's organised excursions — popular trips to Monaco fill quickly
FAQ
What accommodation types are available at Villa Saint Exupéry Beach?
The hostel offers mixed and female-only dormitory beds and private en-suite rooms. All guests have access to a shared self-catering kitchen, bar, garden, and outdoor pool regardless of room type.
How far is the hostel from Nice's main train station?
The hostel is approximately 500 metres from Gare de Nice Ville, about a 7-minute walk. From the station, trains connect to Monaco (25 minutes), Cannes (40 minutes), and other Riviera destinations along the SNCF coastal line.
Is breakfast included in the hostel rate?
Breakfast is not included in standard rates. Guests have access to the self-catering kitchen, and the nearby Marché du Libération provides fresh produce for self-prepared meals at low cost.
Are there age restrictions at Villa Saint Exupéry Beach?
The hostel primarily targets the 18–35 age group and typically applies a maximum age policy that can vary by season. Confirm the current age policy directly with the hostel before booking.
Accessibility
The converted monastery building has multi-level architecture with stairs throughout its historic sections. Full wheelchair access is not available in many areas of the property. Guests with mobility requirements are advised to contact the hostel before booking to discuss options.
When to visit
Late spring through early autumn (May–October) is the primary tourist season on the French Riviera, with July and August being the busiest and most expensive months. May, June, and September offer warm weather with smaller crowds and lower rates.