Cannes, on the French Riviera in the Cotes d’Azur region of south-eastern France, is just 15 miles southwest of Nice, the home of the closest airport. Although the Cannes film festival is a what the city is known for it is not the only reason to visit. The sand, sea and sun of the resorts in the Cannes area make the trip there worthwhile.
The town is within easy reach of the Alpes Maritime and is particularly noted for its idyllic, sandy beaches. While Cannes is known for the international film festival, it also plays host to a number of other arts festivals, trade fairs, conferences and exhibitions throughout the year. Principle among these is the Cannes Municipal Music and Drama Festival, devoted to the introduction of music and drama to children aged five years and over.
Cannes, as a whole is a magnificent city in itself but tourists who want to see and be seen drift to Cannes to sample the high-life it seems to offer. There are three major areas that you must visit while in Cannes.
The Islands
One good option is to visit the islands out in the bay. These are the Îles de Lérins or Lérins Islands and comprise four islands. They are just a short boat-ride away from the shores of Cannes.
Here you can find less crowded beaches. Boats to the islands leave every half-hour. The Ile Ste-Marguerite is the largest of the habited Lérins Islands. It is the home to a 17th-century fort and a Maritime museum.
The Fort Ste-Marguerite was once a prison and its most famous guest was Eustache Dauger, also known as the man in the iron mask. The museum, Musée de la Mer, contains local Roman finds and remnants.
The Île St-Honorat is smaller of the two main islands and is known for being where St. Patrick was before being sent to Ireland. As well as the many chapels that you will find on this island, there is also a museum and a monastery for retreats.
The two other islands that make up the quartet are the Îlot Saint-Ferréol and Îlot de la Tradelière. These islands are not occupied.
The Old Town – Le Suquet
But Cannes is not all glitz and glamour with people clambering to be seen. The old town known as Le Suquet overlooks the west end of the port and is crowned by an 11th century tower.
It is an area of narrow streets climbing steeply up a hill has some beautiful narrow winding streets and includes the ruins of an old fortified priory; a good place to stop and take in the spectacular view of the 8 mile coastline.
The views from the top allow you to see right across the city and port, and far out across the bay to the Cap de la Croisette. If you look to the west the view stretches past the Gulf of La Napoule and towards the Massif de l`Esterel. It is from this viewpoint alone that you can appreciate what must have originally attracted tourists to Cannes.
As well as admiring the views, while in the old town you should also visit the Musée de la Castre. The museum contains antiquities from many countries and cultures. There is also a permanent exhibition of the Provencal landscape’s, including the history of Cannes along with pictures and any available documentation. Another good reason to visit the old town, is that it is your best chance to eat out in Cannes at a reasonable price.
La Croisette
The seafront comprises mainly of the famous boulevard de la Croisette. This is the palm-lined promenade where you will find some of the more expensive hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shops.
Opposite the boulevard you will see the fine sand beaches that are usually populated by those who want to see and be seen in this luxurious city. I you are wondering where the name of the boulevard came from, it is after the small cross that stood east of the bay.
Moving on towards the harbour area you will find it full of luxury yachts and a number of casinos.
What you do in the region of La Croissette really depends on your mood as it caters for all tastes. The Palais des Festivals et des Congres is where the famous Cannes Film Festival is held for 12 days during May, but that is not its only use. It is the prime venue for the town and is busy all-year round with its local and international events.
Situated within the Carlton Hotel you will find the Galerie du Carlton. Here you will find exhibits of paintings, sculptures and glasswares by such names as Chagall, Matisse and Picasso. admission is free. Opposite the Carlton Hotel, Ondine offers an unforgettable dining experience on the beach.
If you fancy a day of shopping, then the area to be is around the rue d’Antibes, rue Meynardier and the boulevard de la Croisette. For chocoholics then a visit to Chez Bruno and Maiffret on the Rue d’ Antibes is a must.
But if shopping, galleries and museums are not for you, and all you want to do is people watch whilst having a coffee with your breakfast or brunch then a visit to Cannes’ most popular and best known café, the Caffe Roma (1, Square Merimee, 06400, Cannes), is the thing for you. This is where the celebrities gather. Best situated facing the fort and close to the boutiques of Rue d’ Antibes.
If you would like to explore everything on offer in this beautiful city on the Cote d’Azur then why not browse the range of Cannes accommodation today.