We once asked for access to the hotel pool next door to our apartment in winter, and were refused. Tho' it's always worth asking, you never know.

I don't know of an open air pool in Nice, but there is one in Monaco in the port. You could combine a day out in Monaco with a swim in the pool.

The Clarion Hotel Aston and the Meridien used to be open to non-residents for a fee to use their rooftop pools, might be worth enquiring. Or as Monaocabbie says, the huge lido in Monaco is only about 5 euros for the day. There's also the Holiday Inn at St Laurant du Var, nice day out there for a change. Or go to Water Splash World at Biot, hefty charge to get in.

The sea is nice and gentle at Villefranche and Antibes if your son doesn't like the steep shelf and pebbles/waves in Nice.

If your son is toddler age some of the private beaches in Nice have small swimming pools for toddlers, much safer than the sea, can't rememebr which ones still have them, Blue Beach was always good and Rhul too.

I would recommend taking the bus or train to St Laurent du var and paying for access to Cocody Beach for a day. This is quite expensive, but the three pools provide good entertainment for children and the adults can use the sun loungers. The beach also contains 'imported' sand and lunch time snacks are available at Bar Transat.

Many thanks for the tips, much appreciated

N

Le Meridien in the center by the Promenade has a roof top pool, which is open for non-residents for a fee, obviously. The roof terrace also has a nice lunch restaurant.