Travel clinic: The French Riviera

The French Riviera is delightful in September. Antibes makes a great base for a car-free break with its bustling old town, dazzling yacht marina and some of the best beaches on the Côte d'Azur all easily reached on foot or by public transport. Stay at the charming Hotel La Jabotte with just 10 bedrooms around a flower-filled courtyard, and you will be 50m from a sandy beach and a 15-minute walk into the town centre (doubles from €91; jabotte.com). If you want to be closer to the action, rent a beautifully restored fisherman's cottage in the heart of the old town (holiday-rentals.co.uk/reviews/p666950a). The two-bedroom house has availability from mid-September (€950 per week). The hotel and cottage are within walking distance of the station with regular trains along the coast to Cannes, Villefranche, Nice, Monaco and Menton. Buses run between Antibes and Nice Airport 20km away, or a taxi will cost approximately €45–€60.