Cannes

‘So, where’s the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?

–Christina Aguilera

Cannes sunset

So, where’s your holiday going to be this year?

Take the aqua blue sea road past pine tree covered hills and sandy beaches to one of the most exquisite destinations in the south of France –or in the world for that matter -Cannes.

La Croisette Promenade

Armed with Gucci sunglasses, wander down La Croisette Promenade. 3km of pristine lawns, blooming flowers and palm trees line this coastal boulevard with intermittent boutiques de luxe, swanky restaurants, trendy bars and an odd palace. In times past, it was just a dirt road that pilgrims took to reach the port and on to the Lérins Islands. Today, watch Ferraris go by and board the boat yourself to discover the charming Sainte Marguerite Island just 20 minutes away.

Sainte Marguerite Island

Yatchs, Cannes

There are a couple of restaurants here but we packed a pick-nick and a bottle of rosé and plonked ourselves down on the beach with the entire city of Cannes, across the sea, looking back at us. If you are a little bit more adventurous, there is a botanical trail which leads you to the Batéguier lake (where you can witness various migratory birds), to the Fort Royal (where the man in the Iron mask was imprisoned) and on to the Maritime Museum.

Palais des Festivals

Back on the mainland, head towards the old port where you can observe the Palais des Festivals; a contemporary building holding 4 casinos, classical music concerts, dance, theatre, the MIDEM congress and yes, we got there- Cannes Film Festival.

The Old Port

Thanks to the influx of world famous international clientele over the past century, Cannes has grown from insignificant fishing village to ritzy city in a blink of an eye. Now, the old port hosts luxury yachts next to fishing boats and an array of restaurants occupy the charming little houses.

Old port, Cannes

Visit in the last weekend of June and join the party… Tables sprawl out onto the terraces; children ride the Ferris wheel, nautical clubs set up their stands and a variety of shows and concerts are performed on the Esplanade Pantiero. Visit in September and witness the departure of the Régates Royales.

Now let’s get a feel for what Cannes used to be like…

Use the steep medieval streets to climb the hillock, Mont Chevalier, up to Suquet and pop into the little boutiques along the oldest street in Cannes, Rue Saint-Antoine, admire the churches and chapels and round the day off with dinner at le Maschou.

Cannes Checklist:

• Take the ‘walk of fame’ down the Allée des Stars.
• Spot celebrities along La Croisette
• Visit the old port and the original village
• Sip cocktails at the Carlton Hotel
• Try your luck in a casino
• Sail to the Lérins islands
• Show off your bikini on the beach
• Admire the 18^th century Notre Dame du Bon Voyage church and other chapels and churches dotted around the city
• Educate yourself in a museum: Jean Gabriel Domergue, Musée de la Castro, Musée de la mer
• Attend a performance at the Palais des Festivals
• Shop at the antique sale (3 times a week, all year long)
• Wander the stalls of the Forville Market
• Attend Les Nuits Musicales in Suquet, young talent and famous musicians share the open-air stage at Place de la Castre.

A bit further afield:

• Le Vieux Cannet: with its rich cultural, architectural and artistic heritage
• La Californie: Cannes’ version of Beverly Hills
• Golfe Juan: Sandy beaches where Napoleon I landed after his exile
• Head to the town of Grasse – famous for perfume manufacturing. An insightful tour is given in the functioning factory at Perfumerie Fragonard.

Parfumerie Fragonard, Grasse

Nearest villages

Nearby Restaurants

• Cannes
• Grasse
• Antibes
• La Colombe d’Or, Saint-Paul de Vence

How to get there

• Train: Cannes centre
• Plane: Nice: (30 mins)
• Car: See map

Fancy staying here?

Valmasque park manor, Cannes

Contact us for more details or take a look at some other stunning villas in Provence.