Experience the Allure of Cannes

At the Cannes Film Festival, it’s usually the movie stars that steal the limelight on the red carpet. However, the darling of the French Riviera has undergone transformations too, with new beaches, chic restaurants, and dazzling hotels making Cannes the hottest destination to explore.

Cobbled Streets and Iconic Views

A mere 30-minute drive from neighboring Nice, the cobbled streets of Cannes’ oldest quarter, Le Suquet, glisten in the golden-hour glow. The dinner menus are out, the tables are set, and staff are eager to welcome diners for the evening. Yet, there is barely a soul in sight, which is unusual for Cannes just days before the world’s biggest film stars descend on the French coastal city to attend its famous festival.

The sky begins to rumble as rain approaches. Once caught in the downpour, we take refuge inside the 11th-century hilltop castle. The deafening thunder and lightning heighten the dramatic atmosphere.

Within minutes, the rain ceases, the skies clear, and the day’s last sunrays peek through the clouds, unveiling not one but two rainbows. The views over Cannes’ yacht-filled harbor and terracotta rooftops—backed by the Esterel mountain range and the Lérins Islands—are simply breathtaking.

As the couple below, now engaged, shares a tender kiss under the rainbow, the picturesque scene truly resembles a romantic comedy.

Discover Affordable Options in Cannes

Cannes often gets a bad reputation among budget travelers, overshadowed by the glitz, glamour, and elevated prices that characterize the city. Beyond strolling along the Croisette promenade to gawk at super yachts and luxury boutiques, an array of budget-friendly activities awaits.

• Explore Le Suquet: This old fishing village dates back to Roman times and embodies the soul of Cannes. Here you will find the bustling Forville market, a medieval castle with panoramic views, and charming, unpretentious bars and restaurants.
• Dining Gems: If you’re in the mood for authentic regional fare, locals rave about Tredici and Bistrot Gourmand in the old town.
• Top-Notch Mediterranean Cuisine: For a more refined experience without breaking the bank, the newcomer Uva boasts excellent Mediterranean cooking complemented by an impressive list of over 400 wines.

Stunning Beaches Await

Cannes’ famous beaches are undoubtedly worth exploring. In fact, they’ve never looked better! La Croisette is currently undergoing a major facelift that has already extended its entire stretch of sand, more than doubling its size in the past year. The private beaches and restaurants on the west side of the Croisette, from Hotel Martinez to Vegaluna, have been entirely renovated.

Next winter, the focus will shift to the east side of the beach, while extended sidewalks, new cycle paths, and improved parking are expected to be completed soon—marking the largest transformation Cannes has undergone in over 50 years.

Star-Studded Accommodations

There’s a diverse selection of new hotels joining the array of belle époque gems lining the shores, including the new four-star Hotel Verlaine. This is an ideal choice for those willing to invest a bit more for luxury.

However, if you’re keeping an eye on your budget, it’s completely free to stroll along the Croisette to enjoy the impressive architecture from a distance. The regal Carlton InterContinental, with its distinctive twin emerald domes, is favored by many film celebrities. As the saying goes in French: ‘Après la pluie, le beau temps’—after the rain comes better weather, suggesting that brighter days are ahead for Cannes.

Indeed, it may just be time for Cannes to attract the attention it rightfully deserves.