Cannes

Cannes is one of the most renowned cities that can be found along the French Riviera. Best known internationally for its annual film festival, it welcomes scores of visitors every year, and they don't just come for the main annual event. In the summer, the Cannes beaches beckon, and in the historic Le Suquet district, restaurants provide sumptuous dining options. This is a destination that impresses on many different levels, with shopping being just one more way to pass the time.

Many of the Cannes beaches are found along La Croisette. This waterfront avenue is a major strip, and in addition to beaches, it features boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that you can duck into. The beaches actually form one large beach that is known as Plage de la Croisette, and hotels control most of the sand. This means that you must pay to access the various sub-beaches of Plage de la Croisette, which is fair provided that beach mattress, chaise lounge, and parasol rentals are included in the fee. Access to a freshwater shower is also part of the deal, and there are outdoor eateries to take advantage of if you so desire.

If you don't require beach equipment and don't want to pay to use a beach during your Cannes escape, then Plage du Midi and Plage Gazagnaire are worth keeping in mind. Families with kids like to frequent these beaches, and they can certainly make for good places to chill out for a while.