Best for pieds-dans-l’eau: Juan les Pins

The area around the marina and port of Old Antibes has some spectacular beaches, from La Garoupe in Cap d’antibes to the long pebble beach between Antibes and Villeneuve-loubet, and many smaller ones in between.

One of the best for sandy toes and glamour gazing is at Juan-les-pins. Once known as a slightly seedy second cousin to Cap d’antibes, the town is now up and coming, according to local agents, and boasts an annual international jazz festival. It’s perfectly placed for access to Cannes, which is five miles away and it’s 16 miles from Nice and its international airport.

Parc du Cap is perfect for those looking for a fully equipped home within stumbling distance of the beach. Just 650ft from the Pinède and Juan-les-pins, this new-build development has a spa, concierge and parking—a rare beast on this stretch of coastline. €599,950. Savills (020–7016 3811)