Nestled on the sun-kissed French Riviera, Cannes embodies the essence of Mediterranean glamour and sophistication. This coastal gem, renowned for its world-famous film festival, offers a captivating blend of cultural richness, culinary excellence, and timeless elegance. From its iconic promenade to hidden cultural treasures, Cannes invites you to explore a world where cinematic heritage, luxury, and Provençal charm converge in perfect harmony.
La croisette: glamour and architectural splendor
La Croisette, Cannes' legendary seafront promenade, serves as the city's pulsating heart. This palm-lined boulevard stretches for 2 kilometres along the azure Mediterranean, offering a mesmerising panorama of the Bay of Cannes. As you stroll along this iconic thoroughfare, you'll be enveloped by an atmosphere of refined elegance and vibrant energy that defines the essence of Riviera chic.
Art deco gems: carlton InterContinental and JW marriott
The architectural splendour of La Croisette is perhaps best exemplified by its grand Art Deco hotels. The Carlton InterContinental, with its distinctive twin domes, stands as a testament to the Belle Époque era. This architectural marvel has been a backdrop for countless films and a preferred haunt of Hollywood royalty since the 1950s. Just a stone's throw away, the JW Marriott Cannes (formerly the Palais des Festivals) boasts a sleek, modernist façade that contrasts beautifully with its more classical neighbours.
Palais des festivals et des congrès: heart of cannes film festival
At the western end of La Croisette stands the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès , the epicentre of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival. This modernist structure, with its iconic red carpet, transforms each May into a dazzling showcase of global cinema. Even outside festival season, the Palais hosts numerous events and exhibitions, making it a year-round cultural hub. The adjacent Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma, Cannes' own Walk of Fame, pays homage to film luminaries who have left their mark on the festival.
Luxury boutiques: chanel, dior, and louis vuitton
La Croisette is synonymous with haute couture shopping. A parade of flagship stores from the world's most prestigious fashion houses lines the boulevard. Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton showcase their latest collections in stunning boutiques that are as much about the shopping experience as the products themselves. These temples of style attract fashion enthusiasts from around the globe, eager to indulge in the latest Riviera trends.
Cannes' cinematic heritage: beyond the red carpet
While the Cannes Film Festival may be the city's most famous cultural export, the cinematic spirit of Cannes permeates the city year-round. From open-air screenings to permanent exhibitions, Cannes offers film enthusiasts myriad ways to engage with the seventh art beyond the glitz of the red carpet.
Cinéma de la plage: Open-Air screenings on macé beach
During the film festival, Macé Beach transforms into the Cinéma de la Plage , offering free open-air screenings of classic and contemporary films. This magical setting, with the gentle lapping of waves as a backdrop, provides a unique cinematic experience that captures the essence of Cannes' love affair with film. Even outside festival season, various events and pop-up screenings continue this tradition, allowing visitors to enjoy cinema under the stars.
La malmaison: year-round film exhibitions
Housed in the former games room of the Grand Hôtel, La Malmaison serves as a year-round celebration of cinematic art. This elegant space hosts rotating exhibitions that explore various aspects of film history, from costume design to cinematography. Recent exhibitions have included retrospectives on iconic directors and explorations of film genres, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of cinema's cultural impact.
Allée des étoiles du cinéma: cannes' walk of fame
Adjacent to the Palais des Festivals, the Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma pays tribute to the luminaries of world cinema. Much like its Hollywood counterpart, this walkway features handprints and signatures of film icons who have graced the Cannes Film Festival. From Sophia Loren to Quentin Tarantino, the Allée offers film buffs a tangible connection to cinema's greatest talents.
Culinary excellence: Michelin-Starred restaurants and local flavors
Cannes' gastronomic scene is as diverse and sophisticated as its cultural offerings. From Michelin-starred establishments to bustling local markets, the city caters to every palate, showcasing the best of French cuisine alongside Mediterranean flavours.
La vague d'or: Three-Michelin-Starred gastronomic haven
Perched on the edge of the Mediterranean, La Vague d'Or at the Cheval Blanc St-Tropez hotel represents the pinnacle of French culinary artistry. Under the guidance of Chef Arnaud Donckele, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a sensory journey through the flavours of Provence. The restaurant's innovative tasting menus, which change with the seasons, showcase the finest local ingredients in dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
La Vague d'Or is not just a meal; it's a culinary odyssey that engages all the senses, elevating Provençal cuisine to new heights of refinement and creativity.
Marché forville: provençal produce and seafood
For a taste of authentic local flavours, the Marché Forville is a must-visit destination. This covered market, located in the heart of Cannes' old town, Le Suquet, is a vibrant showcase of Provençal produce and Mediterranean seafood. Here, you can sample socca , a local chickpea pancake, alongside fresh oysters and regional cheeses. The market is also a favourite haunt of local chefs, who source their ingredients from the bountiful stalls.
Bouillabaisse at astoux et brun: riviera culinary tradition
No culinary journey through Cannes would be complete without sampling bouillabaisse, the iconic fish stew of the French Riviera. Astoux et Brun, a venerable institution on rue Félix Faure, has been serving this complex dish for over a century. Their version, prepared with the freshest catch from local waters, offers a true taste of Riviera culinary tradition. The restaurant's bustling atmosphere and prime location make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Hidden gems: cannes' Lesser-Known attractions
Beyond the glitz of La Croisette and the glamour of the film festival, Cannes harbours a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. These lesser-known attractions offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural depth, away from the tourist crowds.
One such gem is the Musée de la Castre, perched atop Le Suquet hill in a medieval castle. This eclectic museum houses an impressive collection of ethnographic art from Oceania, the Himalayas, and the Americas, alongside Mediterranean antiquities. The museum's tower offers panoramic views of Cannes and the bay, providing a perfect backdrop for contemplating the city's diverse cultural influences.
For nature enthusiasts, the Parc naturel départemental de la Croix des Gardes offers a refreshing escape from the urban bustle. This 80-hectare park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning viewpoints overlooking the city and the Lérins Islands. It's an ideal spot for a morning jog or a leisurely afternoon walk among pine and eucalyptus trees.
Art lovers should not miss the Centre d'art La Malmaison, housed in a beautifully restored Belle Époque villa. This intimate gallery hosts rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, often featuring works by artists who have been inspired by the French Riviera's unique light and landscapes.
Nautical pursuits: yachting and water sports in the bay of cannes
Cannes' relationship with the sea is integral to its identity, offering a playground for nautical enthusiasts and casual beachgoers alike. The city's marinas and azure waters provide ample opportunities for yachting, water sports, and maritime exploration.
Vieux port: historic harbor and luxury yacht marina
The Vieux Port, or Old Port, is a testament to Cannes' maritime heritage. This picturesque harbour, lined with both traditional fishing boats and luxurious yachts, offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's nautical culture. Visitors can stroll along the quays, admiring the sleek vessels and perhaps dreaming of their own Mediterranean voyage. The port also serves as a departure point for boat trips to the nearby Lérins Islands.
Lérins islands: monasteries, beaches, and maritime heritage
Just a short boat ride from Cannes lie the Lérins Islands, a tranquil archipelago that feels worlds away from the mainland's bustling energy. Île Sainte-Marguerite, the larger of the two main islands, is home to the Fort Royal, famous for imprisoning the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. The island's pristine beaches and walking trails offer a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Île Saint-Honorat, meanwhile, has been home to a community of Cistercian monks since the 5th century. Visitors can explore the ancient monastery, sample wines produced by the monks, and enjoy the island's serene atmosphere. The clear waters surrounding both islands are perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Régates royales: prestigious classic yacht competition
Each September, Cannes hosts the Régates Royales , one of the most prestigious classic yacht regattas in the world. This event brings together a fleet of stunning vintage and classic yachts, offering spectators a chance to witness maritime history in action. The regatta, which has been held since 1929, transforms the Bay of Cannes into a magnificent spectacle of billowing sails and gleaming wood, celebrating the golden age of yachting.
Cultural calendar: Year-Round events beyond the film festival
While the Cannes Film Festival may be the city's most famous event, Cannes boasts a vibrant cultural calendar that extends far beyond the world of cinema. Throughout the year, the city plays host to a diverse array of festivals, exhibitions, and competitions that showcase its multifaceted cultural identity.
MIPIM: global real estate market in march
Every March, Cannes becomes the epicentre of the global real estate industry with MIPIM (Le marché international des professionnels de l'immobilier). This four-day event brings together the most influential players in the international property market, from investors and developers to city administrators and hospitality professionals. MIPIM offers a unique platform for networking, deal-making, and exploring the latest trends in urban development and real estate innovation.
Plages électroniques: electronic music festival on the beach
In August, the beaches of Cannes pulsate to the rhythm of electronic music during the Plages Électroniques festival. This unique event transforms the city's pristine shoreline into an open-air dance floor, featuring performances by world-renowned DJs and up-and-coming electronic artists. The festival's beachfront setting, with the Mediterranean as a backdrop, creates an unforgettable atmosphere that blends the natural beauty of the Riviera with cutting-edge music.
Festival d'art pyrotechnique: international fireworks competition
Throughout July and August, the night sky over the Bay of Cannes lights up with spectacular displays during the Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique. This international fireworks competition draws pyrotechnic artists from around the world, each vying to create the most dazzling and innovative display. Spectators gather along La Croisette and the beaches to witness these awe-inspiring performances, which combine music, light, and pyrotechnics in a symphony of colour and sound.
These events, along with numerous art exhibitions, jazz concerts, and gastronomic festivals throughout the year, ensure that Cannes remains a vibrant cultural destination long after the red carpet has been rolled up. They offer visitors the opportunity to experience the city's dynamic energy and creative spirit across a wide spectrum of interests and industries.