Cannes
Famous for its film festival that brings out the stars of the acting world, Cannes is so much more and serves as a veritable playground with sun and luxury.
Cannes in a nutshell
Iconic not only because it’s home to the legendary Cannes Film Festival, the resort town of Cannes in the south of France has a jet set atmosphere and an idyllic setting in the midst of the French Riviera.
Postcard-perfect, with luxury yachts, gorgeous sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and azure sea, Cannes has it all – sophistication, beauty, chic and allure. Believe it or not, Cannes is small, but it makes up for its lack of size with its glamor and glitz.
The French Riviera is known for its glorious weather, and Cannes is no exception. When you’re not relaxing in the sun on one of Cannes’ glorious beaches - either a private hotel beach or from one of the excellent public beaches - you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained.
Explore the charming Old Town, Le Suquet, with its winding cobbled streets lined with medieval buildings, home to some of Cannes’ most iconic sights including the Eglise Notre-Dame d’Esperance, a charming church with stained glass windows and superb sculptures.
Shopping, dining and nightlife activities are all exceptional, filled with that special cachet that sets Cannes apart. Whether you’re eating simple food or dining in a Michelin-starred eatery, the food is delectable.
Whether you’re bar hopping or partying in a sophisticated nightclub, you’ll have the time of your life. And the shopping? From high fashion and designer labels to charming souvenirs, Cannes literally offers the best of the best.
The boats moored within the port in Cannes are a symbol of the highlife that you can sample on a trip there.
Best time to visit: Summer is peak season, but if you visit in the shoulder seasons – spring (May and June) and fall (September and October), it’s less crowded and a tad less expensive. Remember – Cannes is a jet set haven, so it’s always more pricey than other destinations. The annual Cannes Film Festival, held in late spring/early summer, is always hectic. So avoid it if you can.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Le Suquet Cannes Old Town is a great place to explore and get lost in. Climb the 109 steps to the Musee de la Castre, a tower at the top of the neighborhood with a great collection of art that tells the story of the town. The view from there is astounding. Then head for the charming church, Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, before discovering hidden gems in the cobbled streets, including boutiques and great places to stop for a bite.
Shopping in Cannes: Just outside the Old Town is stunning Marché Forville, an indoor market where you can pick up delectable cheese and other delights. It’s a great spot to enjoy some breakfast before shopping up a storm. There’s every type of shop imaginable in the compact city center, including designer names on La Croisette and more affordable spots on the long shopping street, Rue d’Antibes.
Food & Restaurants in Cannes: For reasonably priced, authentic dishes, head for one of the markets (see Shopping in Cannes, above) or any of the street food stalls. Boulangeries (bakeries) are all over the place, so pick up a baguette and buy some cheese – that’s breakfast sorted. Of course, there are plenty of excellent eateries, from tiny bistros serving traditional dishes to Michelin-starred spots in luxury hotels (the most famous is the Palme d’Or, with 2 Michelin stars, housed in the Martinez Hotel. Scour the Old Town, Le Suquet, for traditional bistros and some gems, including Table 22, run by a chef who trained with the legendary Alain Ducasse.
Nightlife: Cannes’ Promenade de la Croisette is a lively place after dark, whether you’re just planning to walk along the 3km promenade or stop off at one of its sophisticated bars and restaurants. This is a jet set haven, lined with luxury hotels, but people-watching is free, and the Promenade offers plenty of that. For less expensive fun, and lots of it, stop off at the cool bars and eateries surrounding Rue Commandant Andre, just off La Croisette.
Beaches: Cannes’ beaches are superb, and notoriously so. If you’re staying in a beachfront hotel, you have the luxury of lazing on its private beach. If not, there are some gorgeous public beaches you can visit, including the popular Plage de la Bocca, Palm Beach and Plage du Midi.
Things to do in Cannes:
- Explore the Old Port of Cannes, with its luxury yachts coming in to town.
- Visit the Musee de la Castre, situated in a medieval castle with fascinating ancient artefacts and unusual artworks.
- Right next to the Musee de la Castre is the iconic Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, with its panoramic views of Cannes.
- Take a ferry to the 4 Lérins Islands off the main coast. On Île Sainte-Marguerite, you can visit the Abbey of Lerins, a fortified monastery built in the 11th century where monks still live.
- Visit the lavish Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a rose-colored villa with exquisite gardens and extravagant interiors.
Best way to get around: Cannes is small enough to explore on foot, but it you’re planning to go further afield, you can use the excellent bus service.
Best Area for Families: La Bocca With its own beautiful beach, some beach clubs and more affordable accommodation options, this neighborhood is ideal for families. It also offers a selection of apartment and villa rentals for self-catering vacations.