Cannes is about as exclusive as it gets on the Cote d’Azur. A mere mention of the name is enough to conjure images of red carpets and Hollywood faces, clad head to toe in the latest haute couture. True enough, this town beats with life in the late spring, when the Cannes International Film Festival brings a flood of A-listers, photographers, and press to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
But whether you come to join the festivities in May or for a sojourn of your own at another time of the year, a luxury holiday villa in Cannes will allow you to explore the city’s mix of history, art, and vibrant Riviera life with so much to see and do.
Start with La Croisette. This softly-arcing promenade stretches along the urban beaches, offering unobstructed views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea; it’s a montage of high-end boutiques and epicurean bistros, with lanky palm trees looming overhead and some of the most prestigious hotels in the world rising to its back.
You can discover the old-world charm of Cannes in Le Suquet, the city’s historic district. Go there to wander through post-box-narrow alleys, past charming houses with terracotta roofs, and up to the medieval Church of Our Lady of Hope and the Musée de la Castre. They belie the age of the port town, with antiques that date back 200 years and chapels that date back more than 500 years. They also gaze over 300 degrees of the French Riviera, showcasing panoramas that take in the cypress-dotted mountains to the north and the glistening sands below.
Just a short boat ride from Cannes, the Lérins Islands are a tranquil escape from life on the mainland. Comprising two main islands, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, they combine literary history and natural beauty. Explore Fort Royal on Sainte-Marguerite, known for its association with The Man in the Iron Mask, or visit the Cistercian monastery on Saint-Honorat.
Once you’re done exploring, sail between the coves to find a private sunning spot amongst the stone pines and salt-washed rocks before returning to your luxury holiday villa in a peaceful corner of Cannes to cool off in your private pool.
See
- The beautiful Lérins Islands
- Le Suquet – Cannes' historic quarter
- The 18th-century houses on Rue Meynadier, many of which have been transformed into boutique shops or small restaurants
Experience
- Enjoy shopping and dining along the La Croisette promenade
- Sail between the gorgeous coves and beaches of the Cote d'Azur
- Attend screenings and ceremonies at the Cannes International Film Festival
