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City in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 at
Once a small fishing village on the French Riviera, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town of 73,000 people (2021) considered to be one of the social hubs of Europe.
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The most famous film festival in the world takes place in mid-May every year. The world's biggest celebrities are on hand to walk the red carpet, and thousands of international films are screened in the festival and the Marché du Film, the world's biggest film market.
Provençal Gothic church with wood paneling dating back to the 14th and 15th century. Also worth a look is the collection of 19th century paintings, which includes a fresco by George Roux that portrays the baptism of Christ. The church is situated on top of Suquet hill in old Cannes, the church offers visitors a fabulous view of the town and its bay.
Natural park area, trails and vistas
A popular attraction for history and literary buffs, the Tour du Masque is said to be haunted by the ghost of the mythical, mysterious figure known as the "Man in the Iron Mask."
Follow your nose down this flower-strewn villa to learn how perfume is made and manufactured. It's an olfactory and visual feast, as well as smelling some of the world's finest perfumes. Famous perfume bottles are also on display.
The museum retraces everyday life in Provence from prehistoric times to the present day. The Provençal way of life is illustrated through furniture, pottery, paintings, traditional costumes and santons (Christmas crib figures). There's also an authentic formal garden for you to enjoy.
Enjoy the view of Cannes from this luxury ship. You can choose to do either a lunch tour or an evening dinner tour. For a one flat fee you receive lunch or dinner and a tour whilst enjoying live music. The tours run daily from 12:30-15:00, 20:30-23:30.
Sells Pan Bagnat, but quite expensive for €6.
Located in the old town of Cannes, this chic and cosy restaurant serves fine Provincial cuisine in an atmosphere that is as welcoming as it is becoming.
Fresh seafood and produce worth coming back for, at this upscale restaurant that tends to get quite crowded in the summer months. Impressive wine list to go with the varied menu options and the staff are always attentive and professional.
Great location overlooking the bay of Cannes. Food is of an extremely high standard, the stylish and contemporary decor impresses, and the service is impeccable. Two Michelin stars have been awarded to this restaurant.
No view (location isn't great), but this resto itself is simple but lovely. Even better, the food. For a really wonderful meal at 30% or less of prices in Cannes itself, check out this great little secret. The meal always begins with a little complimentary tasting. Very popular at noon, so make a reservation during August for lunch or dinner. The chef is from Alsace, but uses local fare superbly, too.
Modern Cannes luxury villa rental located in the exclusive area of La Californie above Cannes.
This 3-star establishment with an indoor garden and a solarium offers 58 flats in 2 wings of 3 and 5 floors, ranging from studios to one-bedroom apartments. From April to September, residents can have access to a private beach. All studios and apartments are fully air-conditioned and have a bathroom with separate toilet and a fully-equipped separate kitchen area. Some studios are equipped for people with reduced mobility.
Comfortable hotel that has basic features, with satellite TV, telephone with internet connection and WiFi. Near the Palais des Festivals.
28 rooms, including 4 junior suites, just behind the Majestic Hotel, 60 m from the Congress Centre. Very clean and comfortable. All rooms have flat-screen TV, high speed wireless internet connection. Laundry, wake-up call services, concierge services. No restaurant, only buffet breakfast or in-room breakfast.
Palais Beach
Unique business & leisure property with 234 rooms including 47 suites, 16 meeting rooms and an 820-seat auditorium (formerly Noga Hilton).
This quaint and charming hotel offers comfortable rooms for single or sharing occupancy. It provides breakfast, laundry and wakeup-call services, and transfers to and from the airport, and other towns along the Riviera.
Unique hotel with rooms designed from five continents, with each floor representing a continent, such as vibrant Asia or cultural Europe. All rooms have flat-screen TV, DVD player, broadband internet connection and WiFi access and the hotel even has its own private beach on La Croisette.
Modern boutique hotel with art works on display in each of the rooms. The rooms are soundproofed and air conditioned and feature free Wi-Fi access, cable TV and direct phones.
Carnot. 10 minutes from the railway station, all rooms have separate bathrooms and toilets, a small kitchenette, large working spaces and flat screen TVs.
With a private beach, the InterContinental offers guests comfort and convenience with two restaurants, two bars and a health club on site.
The place where A-list celebrities like visiting presidents or royalty stay, the Hotel Martinez is one of the Riviera's grand dames, with its own private beach and pool, a spa and fitness center, grand apartments, suites and pretty rooms. It also plays host to the Michelin awarded restaurant, La Palme d'Or (see "Eat").
In the spirit of Cannes, the 7- to 8-floor residence is shaped like a “P” and spread out around a large patio with exotic vegetation. The apartments are equipped with terraces or balconies. It has a fitness room and a restaurant. If you get tired of your private beach (unlikely) then the public sand beach is a 50-m walk away.
Located in the Golden Square of Cannes, on a quiet street between the bustle of the Croisette and the luxury stores on the Rue d'Antibes.
Italian-style accommodation with big terrace.
If you are getting desperate to read something in English
By bus
Most people will recommend to you to use the train. But if you are at unease dropping money like a millionaire, you might as well just opt for one of the several buses.
By train
40. Not the mention the views are amazing, in comparison to the coaches, as the train runs adjacent the beach. You can buy your ticket at one of the many machines in the station.
By plane
Most visitors bound for Cannes will arrive first at Nice's Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE).
By taxi
Taxi services from the airports are convenient, but at an astronomical price of €80 minimum; or more, if they take the scenic route.
By car
As with Antibes, Monaco and other towns on the French Riviera, access by road at popular times can be slow and frustrating.
By bus
Getting around Cannes is not a problem at all.
By taxi
By car
Cannes has all the usual hire car rental establishments (Hertz, Avis, Budget) where you can rent a car if you wish. Parking is generally not an issue.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Nice, Alpes-Maritimes · International · NCE
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