Cannes

Cannes is not just another beach town on the French Riviera — it is the undisputed capital of glamour, French style and Hollywood ambition, a place where white sand meets red carpets and supercars. The beating heart of the city is the famous La Croisette promenade, stretching along a spectacular turquoise bay: on one side stand slender palms, historic Art Deco luxury hotels and glittering designer boutiques, and on the other private beaches full of pastel umbrellas and giant yachts anchored in the water. It became world-famous thanks to its iconic film festival, which fills its streets with stars, paparazzi and electric energy every May — but the real magic of Cannes lies precisely in its ability to balance the excessive, ostentatious glitz with simple, ancient Mediterranean roots. When you tire of the show on the promenade, it is enough to slip away into the narrow, steep stone lanes of the old Le Suquet quarter, climb up to the citadel overlooking the whole bay, or wander the local Forville market among pungent French cheeses, fresh seafood and bottles of cold rosé — to understand that beneath all the layers of make-up and red carpets, this is a warm, sensual, addictive port city, living the good life at just the right pace.

Best For

Where to Stay