Cannes and the Cote d'Azur
The 1920's rhyme, "Menton's dowdy, Monte's brass, Nice is rowdy, Cannes is class" is a good way to sum up Cannes, one of the world's most chic resorts.
Within France, Cannes is second only to Paris for shopping and is noted for its major international cultural and business events, including the world famous Cannes International Film Festival.
Cannes offers a wide choice of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets and is an ideal base from which to explore the Cote d'Azur.
However you prefer to spend your time, Cannes and the Cote d'Azur can provide it- museums and art galleries dedicated to Picasso, Matisse and Chagall, perched villages, interesting towns, breathtaking coastal views, luxury villas and gardens, glorious sandy beaches, international marinas, casinos, the list is endless.
CANNES
Cannes is an intriguing combination of Riviera style and old world charm.
Dating from the 11th century with the appearance of the fortified monastery on the Isle of Saint-Honorat, it was a peaceful fishing harbour until the arrival of the english Lord Brougham in 1834. On his way to Italy where there was a cholera epidemic, he had to stop in Provence, and became so enchanted by Cannes that he chose to settle here. Lord Brougham was followed by many British and later Russian aristocrats, who were drawn every winter by Cannes' mild climate. Witness to those times, the fine homes and vegetation imported from the British colonies even today contribute to the special ambiance and preserved art of living here. A true sanctuary of prosperity, Cannes boasts many fine estates, a refined cosmopolitan population and a major heritage.
Cannes today is an attractive vibrant town, renowned for its Film Festival, the beautiful Croisette, luxury and glamour. It has developed into an international congress and tourist venue and has become a centre for culture, shopping, sport and leisure. There are numerous eateries ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to local cafés, luxury hotels, designer shops and lovely sandy beaches. People watching is a local recreation.
Away from the Croisette, it is also surprisingly affordable and visitors quickly warm to another side of Cannes, its friendly shabby chic.
"Qui li ven li viéu" (Who comes here stays forever!) is appropriately the town's Provencal motto.
Things to see and do in Cannes
Thanks to a unique microclimate, Cannes is a lovely place to visit all year round. The air is clear, the scenery beautiful and the colours extraordinary.
Promenades, harbours, beaches, swimming, sunbathing, waterskiing, jetskiing, windsurfing, surfing, kite surfing, sailing, designer shopping, local markets, restaurants and cafés, bars, clubs, casinos, theatres, cinemas, boules, the old town of Le Suquet, museums, even a castle..........
Cannes is compact and all the fantastic attractions on offer are accessible on foot from the apartment.
The Petit Train tours, with multilingual commentary depart from the Palais des Festivals and take in many of the highlights.
Cannes Beaches
The magnificent bay of Cannes boasts over 7 miles of natural sandy beaches.
At Les Tuileries, the elegance of the world famous Croisette, the azure blue sea, and golden sandy beaches are just steps away. Round the corner from the old harbour are the Plages du Midi which stretch as far as Mandelieu. Views of the Isles de Lérins and the Esterel mountains are spectacular. At Palm Beach, on the eastern side of Cannes beyond the modern Port Canto, lie the the beaches of the Mouré Rouge which are a centre for watersports and offer great views of the Cap d'Antibes.
Cannes Markets and Shopping
Throughout the Cote d'Azur you will discover daily markets with fresh local produce. Cannes boasts the smaller Marché Gambetta and the huge Marché Forville, renowned for the variety and quality of its produce.
Cannes is famous for its designer shops. During your stay at Les Tuileries, the boutiques on La Croisette and the plethora of chic shops on the rue d'Antibes are just a credit card throw away.
The Palais des Festivals et Congres
The Palais des Festivals conference centre and famous red carpet is a 6 minutes walk along the Croisette.
Restaurants, Bars and Nightlife
There is a fantastic choice of restaurants, bars and cafés in Cannes and excellent nightlife to suit all budgets and tastes.
Click here for Cannes Tourist Office information including restaurants, bars and the vie nocturne.
Golf
Several challenging and interesting golf courses can be found a short drive away at Mandelieu and Mougins.
Snow Skiing
Snow skiing at Isola 2000, Auron and several other resorts is within a 90 minute drive of Cannes. A hard morning on the slopes can easily be combined with a relaxing afternoon on the beach in Cannes.
SIGHTSEEING : Close to home
The nearby Isles de Lérins, Ste Marguerite and St Honorat, are a short boat trip from the old harbour and should not be missed.
Local buses go to old Le Cannet, a medieval village on the hill just above Cannes which offers quaint architecture, scenic dining and wonderful views of the area. Mandelieu La Napoule with its ruined chateau and the Henry Clewes' museum can be reached easily by bus or train. Beyond La Napoule is Theoule sur Mer and the marvellous scenery of the Massif de l'Esterel.
A little further afield
Antibes, Nice, Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Grasse, Mougins, Fréjus, the Italian border towns, Eze village, St Paul, Vence are all readily accessible.
Day trips are easily arranged using trains, or buses and ferries from the old port in Cannes.
