beach etiquette along Cotes de Azur

Most beaches are free, or accessible only to specific people like guests at a hotel or members of a club. I don't think there are many, if not any, beaches that are open to the general public but charge for access. There are public toilets close to most beaches but most French public toilets do charge for access, usually somewhere between 50 cents and 2 euros. (If no charge is posted, you should tip the toilet attendant at least 50 cents as you enter.) You can change in a restroom but a lot of people just wear their bathing suit under their outer clothing and strip down to it. Note that on the south coast of France women of practically all ages frequently go topless on the beach, so don't worry if you want to but do worry if you'd be shocked. :-)

If I remember correctly, most public beaches will have lounges or chairs that can be rented. They are laid out in rows and you find an empty set in a good spot. Or you can just sit in the sand for free.