Cannes has several kilometres of sandy beach along the Croisette and continuing west toward the Pointe de la Croisette. The beach is split between public sections (free, equipped with showers and changing rooms) and private concessions run by the grand hotels and independent operators. The private sections rent sunbeds and umbrellas for significant sums and provide waiter service; the public sections are narrower but usable.
The beaches on the Croisette face south and catch the sun all day. The sand is imported and maintained — the natural coastline here is rockier. For more natural swimming, the Lérins Islands have rocky coves and clear water that the mainland cannot match.