With the start of the Cannes Film Festival, we’re craving a vacation to the resort town on the French Rivera. While Cannes is known for its international film festival, its sandy beaches, La Croisette promenade, and luxury hotels are also standouts of the city. Cannes has something for everyone—there are fine restaurants, high-end shopping, and breathtaking views. Don’t wait until the next Cannes Festival to book your trip to Cannes. Here’s what you need to know for planning your Cannes vacation.
Best Time to Visit
March to May are the best times to visit Cannes because it’s before the annual film festival and the arrival of crowds taking summer vacations. The temperatures range between a low of 43 F and a high of 71 F. To save money, winter is a great time to visit, but the temperatures are chillier. Fall is also a good time to visit as it’s cheaper than spring and summer, but it rains a lot.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Cannes is by foot and bus. There’s a lot of public transportation in the city. Other options are to get a taxi, rent a car, or bike. Keep in mind if you rent a car, you won’t be able to drive through historic areas.
Where to Stay
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
This 5-star hotel overlooks the main La Croissette promenade and the location in central Cannes makes it worth staying at. The rooms are super chic, decorated in white, brown, copper, and gold tones. The property has a large outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, a few restaurants and bars, a movie screening room, and a private beach.
Le Grand Hotel Cannes
Located among the gardens of La Croisette, Le Grand Hotel Cannes, a 5-star hotel, has its own private beach with an ocean-facing restaurant. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant on the property. Some of the rooms have ocean views and balconies with Jacuzzis.
La Bastide De L’Oliveraie
La Bastide De L’Oliveraie, a 4-star hotel is just a few steps from the Croisette promenade and it’s a 10-minute walk from the city center. The hotel has many spa options including a Jacuzzi, a balneotherapy pool, a traditional hammam, a sauna, and a massage room.
What to Do
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The venue for the Cannes Film Festival is Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Do we have to mention it’s the largest festival in cinema in the world? It’s a must-see for any entertainment buff.
La Croisette
This famous promenade has luxury shops and hotels and breathtaking beaches. It’s elegant and a great place to take a walk and enjoy amazing views.
Marché Forville
Located near Rue Meynadier, Forville Market is the oldest market in Cannes. There’s everything from flowers and fresh produce to Mediterranean fish. There are tons of foods with lots of variety, begging to be tasted.
What to Eat
Ratatouille
Cannes locals love this vegetable stew that’s made with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, onions, zucchini, and herbs. It’s served with bread, rice, or pasta.
Bouillabaisse
This fish stew originates in Marseille, but it’s popular throughout all of France. It’s bony rockfish cooked in a broth made with spices, herbs, onion, and tomatoes. Like ratatouille, bouillabaisse is served with bread.
Pissaladiere
Found in most bakeries in Cannes, Pissaladiere is a flatbread topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies.
