Palm Beach, Cannes

Cannes isn't only about glitz and glamour, it's also the region’s favourite in easterlies. On good days everyone congregates at Palm Beach – you need to get there early to find space to park and on the water. The wind whips up decent ramps, and there's even a rideable break on a shoal 300m offshore. But it's not just for experts, as launching is pretty easy here despite the current, and kiting is allowed year-round (at the southern end of the car-park). In south-west to westerly winds it’s easy to walk upwind to launch around the headland. It’s relaxed on the water – if you want to explore, head to the offshore Îles de Lérins (you could tack upwind for half an hour, but it’s easier to get there by ferry). There's a really nice reef-break off the western point at Sainte Marguerite, although the coast is rocky. The sister island of Saint-Honorat also beckons, with another reef overlooked by an ancient abbey on south coast.