My fiance and I are trying to decide whether we should go to the French Riviera as part of our two week honeymoon in France. We were wondering what the beaches were like down there, which ones were the best, and last what the weather is like in late September. Do you think we will be able to sit out on the beach or is it too cold or rainy during this time of year. Suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

These beaches aren't what you think. There's no sand, just pebbles or rocks. So, I'd go elsewhere if that's a big thing to you, like Greece. Also, it's not warm enough at end of Sept., either. I was in Nice at beginning of Sept and it was very pleasant for walking, traveling, and general tourism--but it was about 70-75 degrees in mid-day. It wasn't hot and it rained some, but not a whole lot. I think there were a few people still braving it out on the "beach" in Nice, and it could get warm I suppose in direct sunlight if there was no breeze, but it would be too cold for me. You could sit out there in a beach chair, if you wanted, though, probably <BR>--may not want to walk anywhere, though, if you do, you need heavy-duty sandals because of the rocks. <BR>

We just returned and spent 5 days in Cannes (10/11 - 10/16). Personally, I did not care at all for Cannes, too modern, too much traffic, nothing particularly charming or distinctive about it and way over-inflated prices. The weather was nice, but just a little cool for laying out right on the beach Isle St. Marguerite was wonderful. Sun on the patio of our room was just right for a tan. Cannes and St. Tropez have sandy beaches. Nice has rocks and is not the town it once was. My recommendation: skip Nice entirely, perhaps 1 day in Cannes or nearby to see Grasse, Vence, St. Paul. Then hightail it south to St. Tropez. Note: it's a bit of a drive in and out of St. Tropez (on a penninsula). Also loved Arles! My general opinion is (with the exception of Paris) -- the smaller the town, the better! <BR>