Cannes offers a wonderful blend of glamour and history, making it a fantastic destination. I find that when planning family trips, balancing relaxation with engaging activities is key, and Cannes seems to do just that. It’s a place where you can experience elegant shopping and dining right alongside charming old-world streets and beautiful seaside views. Let’s look at how to make the most of your visit to this well-known part of the French Riviera.
Discovering Cannes Style
When I think about a destination like Cannes, shopping always comes to mind. It’s known as a major center for high fashion, second only to Paris in France. Many visitors find great joy in browsing the many boutiques. You can discover everything from independent designers to well-known luxury brands. A particular advantage noted by shoppers is that prices in Cannes can sometimes be about 10% lower than in other major shopping cities. For those traveling from outside of the European Union, there’s also the possibility of reclaiming a further 12% of the tax at the airport on your purchases. It’s worth leaving some extra space in your luggage if you plan to indulge. To claim these tax refunds, remember to collect the necessary forms from the stores. Before you check in your bags at Nice Airport, you’ll need to present your purchases in person to the customs office, which is located on the lower ground floor. This is a crucial step for processing your refund.
Relaxing by the Sea
The famous La Croisette promenade is lined with inviting beach clubs, offering a perfect spot to enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. As you stroll along, you can choose a club that suits your preferred vibe. For instance, Lucia, a newer concept from the founders of Nikki Beach, opened in 2024. Here, you can enjoy beautiful sea views while savoring dishes like linguini vongole or the classic French dessert, île flottante. Vilebrequin La Plage is another attractive option, inspired by the resort wear brand of the same name. Their menu features popular Mediterranean choices. Alternatively, for a more casual experience, you can grab a soft-serve ice cream from one of the many stalls along the promenade and relax on one of the distinctive blue chairs that are a common sight along this coastline. For a broader range of beach and seaside experiences, you might find our guide to beaches and nature helpful.
Exploring the Historic Quarter
For a change of pace from the chic waterfront, the charming medieval neighborhood of Le Suquet, known as the ‘Old Town’ of Cannes, offers a delightful contrast. I always encourage visitors to explore winding, narrow streets lined with stone houses, traditional eateries, and small shops. Le Suquet truly comes alive as the day transitions into evening. At its highest point, you’ll find the 17th-century Gothic church, Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, and the city’s recognizable ‘Cannes’ sign. From this elevated spot, the views are quite stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the city, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the nearby Lérins Islands. Remember to bring your camera to capture these memorable scenes. After exploring the old town and taking photos, a lovely spot for a sundowner is Marea, situated on the rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton Hotel. From here, you can enjoy the lively view over the Vieux Port (Old Harbour) with a cocktail in hand.
Evening Dining Experiences
Cannes offers impressive dining options for the evening. For a fine dining experience, the Palme d’Or restaurant, led by Jean Imbert at Hôtel Martinez, presents Mediterranean flavors with panoramic views. This restaurant also features an interesting collection of original movie memorabilia, including items related to classic films. Another notable addition to the dining scene is Zuma Cannes, which opened in May 2024. Located within the exclusive Palm Beach club, this stylish restaurant boasts a large terrace. It overlooks the Bay of Cannes, making it a dreamlike setting for sunset viewings while enjoying their signature dishes, such as salmon and tuna tartare with oscietra caviar. You can find more details on the dining scene in our dedicated dining experience section.
Nightlife and Entertainment
After dinner, if you’re looking to party the night away, Medusa Cannes is a renowned cabaret-dinner club. It’s known for creating an energetic atmosphere that often gets guests onto the dance floor. Located in the Palm Beach complex, it’s a convenient place to continue your evening after dining at nearby Zuma or LPM. For me, planning evenings on trips often involves considering options for both quiet relaxation and more lively entertainment, so having places like this nearby is a plus.
Accommodations in Cannes
When considering where to stay, Hôtel Martinez stands out as a prime example of Riviera elegance. This grand hotel, with its Art Deco charm, has been a landmark on the Boulevard de la Croisette since its opening in 1929. It overlooks a particularly scenic stretch of the Mediterranean coastline. The hotel’s rooms and suites offer a sense of understated luxury, with interiors featuring a color palette inspired by the sea and sky. There are various room types available, from those overlooking the hotel’s gardens and pool to premium rooms with sea views. For an exceptional experience, booking a room or suite with a balcony overlooking the Bay of Cannes would provide truly iconic vistas. The hotel’s signature Penthouse Suite is one of the largest on the Côte d’Azur, offering extensive opulent living space and a private terrace with panoramic views. The dining options at Hôtel Martinez are also noteworthy. Chef Jean Imbert oversees the cuisine, and his restaurant, La Palme d’Or, has received acclaim for its refined French dishes that pay homage to the sea. The hotel also features an elevated beach club, La Plage du Martinez, which offers a dedicated caviar menu and other elegant dishes. For a more casual start to the day or an informal meal, Le Sud offers farm-to-table fare and live music on weekends. As part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection, World of Hyatt members can expect certain benefits. For more information on securing your stay and understanding what to expect, our guide to where to stay provides further details on accommodations.
Exploring Cannes offers a rich experience, from high fashion and seaside relaxation to historic charm and fine dining. I hope this guide helps you plan a memorable visit to this beautiful part of the French Riviera.
