Between the private hotel beaches that front the Croisette there are several stretches of free public beach, and these are perfectly good — sandy, cleaned daily, and with the same backdrop of sea, palms, and grand hotels. The beaches fill quickly on summer weekends; arrive early to find a good spot.
The private hotel beaches charge between €15 and €25 for a lounger and parasol, which includes showers and usually a minimum food or drink order. For a special occasion, one of the hotel beach sessions — particularly at the Carlton or Martinez — is an enjoyable splurge. The sea here is the same Mediterranean blue regardless of what you pay to sit next to it.