One of the main reasons to take a French Riviera vacation is to enjoy the beach. Some resorts stake out some private sand for their patrons, but you can also visit several beaches for free even if you're not staying at a seaside resort. Both the Plage du Ponteil and Plage de la Salis are very popular (read: very crowded) shorelines. From Old Town, you'll simply veer toward Port Vauban.

Recent visitors say the Plage du Ponteil beach is great for sunbathing and swimming with soft sand. Plage de la Salis also earns high praise for its soft sand, but both beaches can get crowded, according to recent sunbathers.

For a little more seclusion (and pebbles rather than sand), head south to Cap d'Antibes. For a party atmosphere, you can visit the beaches in Juan-les-Pins.