Cannes in August

You might not want to rent a car unless your accommodations come with a parking space. I would expect the southern coast of France to be absolutely mobbed during August. Consider even making restaurant reservations very early.

You can take the train to visit points along the Côte d'Azur, from Fréjus to Nice.

I would check with the Office de Tourisme for Nice to see what special summer events they have planned:

https://cotedazurfrance.fr/offres/office-de-tourisme-de-cannes-cannes-fr-2828398/

You would most likely need a car to visit some of the hill towns:

https://cotedazurfrance.com/discover/french-riviera-villages/the-most-beautiful-hilltop-villages-on-the-cote-dazur/

Train available from Cannes to Monaco, but not sure how appealing for kids.

How much time to you plan to spend at the beach?

Thanks for the information. That is very helpful. You are right it will be VERY busy but unfortunately that is when everyone is free. The beach is not too from our Air BnB so we will want to take the little boys there when we can.
Should we spend much time in Cannes or more in Nice and Monaco?

Also with that many people it may not be convenient to go out for dinner. Have you ever heard of a chef or talented cook who might like to come in and prepare some meals for our big group?

Chef at the apartment is always a good idea, it can cost less than going to a restaurant. You might want to search for chef à domicile. Here are a few options:

https://www.unchefchezvous.com/

https://labelleassiette.fr/chef-a-domicile/cannes

https://private-chef.fr/

Should we spend much time in Cannes or more in Nice and Monaco?

I was there working the film festival years ago, and the activities I observed were lounging at the beach, dining at the beach restaurants, strolling the Croisette, and spending money. The town becomes workaday rather quickly as you move inland. So you might want to plan a number of daytrips.

And you do understand that tops are optional on the beach?

Thanks for all of the excellent information. The hill towns sound interesting. Are there some that you would definitely recommend? And are Nice and Monaco worth the trip or should we just stay at our pool and beach in Cannes?

You can also hire a private driver and van if you have a large group. I suggest really only day trips inland or car rentals for a few days, rather than the entire 10. I like the loop of St. Paul de Vence, Vence (Matisse Chapel), Tourettes-sur-Loup and Gourdon. The more classic destination includes Eze, but with a car La Turbie is even better, with a lookout from the Trophee des Alpes, a roman ruin built to celebrate the conquering of the Alps. A very long day trip possible from Cannes is to the Gorge du Verdon but that is a lot of time in a car in hot August.

There is an excellent oceanographic museum in Monaco that the young ones may enjoy. There is also Parc Phoenix in Nice, reachable from the San Augustin station and a single tram stop further. There is a large central park in Nice, between old and new towns, called the Promenade du Paillon. There is a large playground and a mirror d'eau, a field of shooting water jets filled with kids in the summer. If the group splits up and some want to try better dining choices, you'll need to head out of Cannes. For example, there are zero Michelin star restaurants in Cannes and one Bib Gourmand. The top restaurants and best new ones are in Monaco and Nice, or in small villages. It is a weird anomaly of one of the priciest destinations on the coast.

From Cannes you can take ferry to St. Honorat, a island with an active monastery and a winery run by the monks. There is also a restored tower on the coast. Reserve lunch in advance if you intend to eat there or bring a picnic. There is also another of the Levant islands called Ste Marguerite, a more wild experience with secluded beaches.

If there are other specific interests?

Thanks so much. All of this information gives us lots to think about as we firm up our plans for summer.

With two boys consider a day or half day at Isle St Marguerite https://en.cannes-france.com/discover-visit/lerins-islands/sainte-marguerite-island/

It's an island a short ferry ride from Cannes with plenty of space to romp around and an old Spanish Fort. There is a room in the fort that is said to have been the prison cell for the real Man in the Iron Mask from Three Musketeers Fame