Hi, we are going to Cote-dAzur at the end of August and would like suggestions on which city is the best place to stay. Our choices so far are Nice, St. Tropez and Cannes. We would like to relax by the beach, walk around the town and enjoy nice meals/drinks. We would also like to drive out to other places for a day trip. Many thanks for any recommendations!

What is your budget ?

Those are 3 very different cities --

where are you flying into?

If you stay in Nice, it is a short drive to St. Paul de Vence and Vence. Both cities have wonderful art and the most amazing walled cities up on the hillsides.
Don't miss the Fondation de Maeght for contemporary art, and the Matisse chapel.

I was not remotely impressed with Cannes. I found Nice lovely and charming. It's also easy to jump on the train and visit other towns on the coast in a very short time. I'd skip Cannes even for a visit. (can you tell that I was unimpressed? ;+) )

I love St Tropez, but it's a nightmare to get in and out of in August; if you opt for St Trop, stay there and enjoy the beach, forget about daytrips.

Nice is a large city, lots to see and do, with a pebble beach, easy access to other places for daytrips. Major roadworks going on in the center of town, but not in Vieux Nice.

Cannes is more of a glitzy resort type place; lots of expensive shops, expensive restaurants. I like to go to the beach there; some great beaches with good restaurants, good people watching. The old town is nice too. Not everyone's cup of tea though, and especially in the evenings on the Croisette you see some odd people and lots of young girls looking for rich guys.

Antibes might be a good compromise; sandy beaches, nice old small town, easy access to other places by train or road.

Everywhere will be busy in August though.