Plage de la Gravette, Antibes

A gorgeous town beach, facing south-west, sheltered from the sea waves by a breakwater. It's absolutely wonderful to swim round the enclosed bay - take your goggles, as there's plenty of marine life. Also worth a visit is the hidden pebbly beach reached by walking over the headland. The beaches are located on the other side of the old wall from Port Vauban, the home of several opulent mega-yachts.

It can be very busy in summer, so arrive early, then adjourn for lunch to one of the many great cafés and restaurants in the charming old town just a couple of minutes walk away.