SD › Cannes Travel
Updated: April 6, 2022
The world-famous Cannes Film Festival is held annually at Palais des Festivals.
The 59 best hotels, restaurants, shops, cocktail bars, craft breweries, cafes, museums, markets, tours, neighborhoods, and things to do in Cannes.
See Also
Cannes Hotels
1. InterContinental Carlton • $$$$
A Cannes icon and one of its top luxury hotels. Famously captured in ‘To Catch a Thief’, this is the place to stay if you are a visiting star (or want to spot one). It’s a glam Belle Époque palace hotel, right on La Croisette, with its private beach across the boulevard.
+33 4 9306 40062. Five Seas Hotel • $$$$
Super cool boutique with an independent spirit, ideally located moments from the Palais des Festivals. Rooms are inspired by 19th-century luxury safaris, and half are beautiful suites. Crowned by a lively restaurant and bar with panoramic views and a spectacular open-air infinity pool.
+33 4 6336 0505 • Review of Five Seas Hotel3. Hotel Martinez • $$$$
Beachfront Art Deco palace towards the eastern end of La Croisette. Freshly renovated, with ample facilities including a spa, kids’ club, and private beach. It also boasts the only Michelin 2-starred restaurant in town, La Palme D’Or.
+33 4 9390 12344. Villa Garbo • $$$$
Exclusive hotel residence. 12 spacious apartments with fitted kitchens that are family-friendly and also ooze designer luxury. There is a pretty terrace where guests can enjoy a free aperitif each evening. 5 minutes away from La Croisette and the beach. No restaurant.
+33 4 9346 6600 • Review of Villa Garbo5. Villa Claudia • $$
Winning mid-range boutique hotel with a contemporary style and touches of cinematic glamor. Close to the train station and 7 minutes from La Croisette and the beach. Expect warm service from the owner and friendly staff, a pretty garden, and a sunny terrace. No restaurant.
+33 4 9338 3433 • Review of Villa Claudia6. Hôtel Barrière le Majestic • $$$$
A high-end stay offering cinematic style for the entire family. Located right on La Croisette, across from Le Palais des Festivals. Features a beach club that turns into a party venue at night, one of the best spas in town, a private cinema, and Petit VIP kids’ club.
+33 4 9298 77007. Hotel America • $$
Welcoming 4-star boutique hotel offering comfort, sleek design, and affordability. The location is great, on a quiet street steps from La Croisette, and the service is fantastic. Great for couples and solo travelers (there is a 2 person maximum per room).
+33 4 9306 7575 • Review of Hotel America8. Hotel Le Canberra • $$$
Quietly chic and modern boutique with plenty of 4-star comforts. Located in a townhouse on fashionable Rue d’Antibes. Features rooms in grey with white leather and mustard accents, spacious suites, a restaurant, sauna, and heated outdoor pool.
+33 4 9706 9500 • Review of Hotel Le Canberra9. Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel • $$$$
Romantic yet modern and laid-back, the Radisson is found next to Le Vieux Port and the old town, Le Suquet. It offers a unique thalassotherapy spa and one of the best rooftops-with-a-view in town, with a restaurant overlooking the town and the sea.
+33 4 9299 7300Cannes Restaurants
10. La Palme d’Or • $$$$
Cannes’ fanciest table – the only one to hold 2 Michelin stars. Expect blowout prices, but also refined yet creative food from Chef Christian Sinicropi and a truly lovely view from the balcony over La Croisette.
11. Table 22 • $$$
Foodies flock to this buzzing spot up in the old town of Le Suquet for inspired gastronomic food based on local ingredients. They also have a great aperitif hour with small plates. Reserve in advance.
12. La Toque d’Or • $$$
Charming gastronomic restaurant where two young chefs delight guests with modern, Asian-influenced cuisine – think escalope of foie gras in Asian broth or wild turbot with saffron. Right next to the Marché Forville.
13. L’Affable • $$$
This contemporary French restaurant just off Rue d’Antibes is elegant and ever buzzing. The seasonal menu has highlights like tempura king prawns and the signature Grand Marnier soufflé.
14. Bobo Bistro • $$
Very cool, arty place which draws a young, fashionable crowd, near the hot bars of Carré d’Or. Serves delicious European cuisine, using local, organic produce.
15. Le Grain de Sel • $$$
Stylish Asian-influenced bistro on pedestrianized Rue Hoche. The menu features such delights as octopus with coriander, beef tataki, and fresh gnocchi with truffles. There is also a kids’ menu.
16. Le Park 45 • $$$$
Fine dining at Le Grand Hotel. The location is markedly upscale – an elegant dining room and terrace overlooking gardens that slope down to La Croisette.
17. L’Antidote • $$$
Laid-back and welcoming restaurant located in a townhouse with a lovely sunny terrace. Expect modern, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine.
18. Mimì • $$$
Fine Italian restaurant that brings a real taste of Puglia to the French Riviera. Think regional delights like homemade gnocchi with stracciatella cheese and risotto with burrata, capers, lemon juice, and prawn carpaccio.
19. B Fire by Mauro Colagreco • $$$$
Glam joint for cocktails and dining on the private beach of Hotel Barrière Le Majestic. The menu showcases wood-fired dishes inspired by the chef’s Argentine roots.
20. La Guérite • $$$$
Glitzy beachside bistro on the unspoilt island of Sainte Marguerite. Enjoy a sunny menu with Greek influences which is big on fresh fish and seafood, as well as the private beach.
Cannes Bars
21. JW Grill
Dazzling designer-chic lounge bar in the Marriott hotel on La Croisette. Go sit on the terrace looking out to sea with a glass of wine for that glamorous Cannes experience.
22. Le Roof Bar
Lively rooftop bar in the Five Seas Hotel. The place for mixology cocktails and street food with friends. A bit less exclusive than other hotel bars, with happy hours and nightly DJ sets in the summer.
23. La Môme
Trendy new cocktail and raw bar at this ever-popular restaurant in the hip Carré d’Or. The décor is strikingly Art Deco, the cocktails fantastic, and the crowd young and fashionable.
24. Charly’s Bar
Quirky cave-like bar in a former sheep-fold in Le Suquet. Come for the DJs and the unusual atmosphere.
25. Au Pot de Vin
Relaxed wine bar in a former garage. Pull up a stool at the long bar and enjoy almost 1,000 wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and beyond, some available by the glass.
26. L’Épicurieux
Wine bar/restaurant in a central location near Rue d’Antibes. A great place to sample local French wine especially, with knowledgeable and friendly staff.
27. Armani Caffè
Suitably stylish café bar among the boutiques on La Croisette and a fabulous place for people-watching, with a side of light Italian bites.
28. Le Cercle
Le Grand Hotel’s intimate wine bar is also one of the oldest in Cannes. Enjoy music from the resident pianist, gorgeous views of the hotel gardens and La Croisette, and the tempting cocktail list.
29. La Chunga
A high-end Cannes institution, this restaurant/piano bar keeps the drinks flowing while DJs and live music keep the crowd dancing till 5 am.
30. Le Tube
Alternative, laid-back bar in a former garage which houses temporary art exhibitions and offers a tasty food menu as well.
31. Zoa
Lively sushi bar within sight of the Palais des Festivals. Locals come for the wine and the fun atmosphere, with frequent live music and DJs till 2:30 am.
Cannes Shopping
32. Boulevard de la Croisette
Iconic La Croisette is home to the most high-end designer fashion in Cannes, and plenty of it. Most luxury names from Chanel to Valentino have their place on this glittering beachfront boulevard. There are more niche boutiques too, such as Paule Ka for dresses and Le Shop 17 for designer jeans.
33. Rue d’Antibes
Second only to La Croisette as a shopping destination, elegant Rue d’Antibes mingles designer boutiques with more accessible fashion.
34. Rue Meynadier
Pedestrianized and touristy, this narrow street leading to Le Suquet is a great area to find food, gifts, and Provençal specialties. Check out places like Maison Bremond 1830 and Au Pays du Citron for local gourmet gifts.
35. Fromagerie Ceneri
The master cheesemonger/ripener in Cannes, very much a favorite with locals, on Rue Meynadier. Try one of their excellent goats’ cheeses from Provence.
36. Déclic Dépôt
Great thrift store. Since it’s Cannes, this one specializes in designer clothes and accessories for women from recent seasons.
Cannes Cafes/ Bakeries/ Chocolateries
37. Boulangerie Jean-Luc Pelé
This bakery/café near the train station is fantastic for a light lunch or afternoon coffee and cake. The pastries and desserts are made with sustainable French flour and taste incredible. Pelé is a Cannois native and his chocolate shop on Rue Meynadier is also well worth a visit.
38. Itineraire Café
Small, friendly café that roasts its own beans. Staff will help you choose from the coffee menu. Tea drinkers also get a choice of 85 kinds of tea, and you can then buy both products to take home with you.
39. JP Paci
Artisan chocolatier who turns his raw material into quirky and delightful forms – Camembert, sardines, handbags, you name it. It’s all delicious and makes for great presents.
40. Pâtisserie Intuitions By J
Boutique patisserie/tea room from Jérôme De Oliveira, a world champion of patisserie. Try jewel-like pastries, macarons, and his new creation, ‘bubble cakes’ in assorted flavors.
41. Bridget Bakery
A hidden gem of a French-American bakery. The pastries and cakes are so fresh, and there’s a good range of gluten-free options too.
Cannes Food & Flea Markets
42. Marché Forville
A Cannes food institution, this is its biggest covered market. Join chefs and townspeople to browse local fresh vegetables, fish, and stalls specializing in olives or mushrooms. On Mondays there is an all-day flea market instead.
43. Marché Gambetta
A great covered market, smaller than Forville, but with a nice variety of stalls. Wares range from cheese and fruit to clothes, records, and art. Open every morning apart from Monday.
44. Les Nocturnes Cannoises
Cannes has a number of night markets during July and August. The most central one is on Thursdays on Quai Saint-Pierre. It’s a pleasure to walk along the quay and browse the local produce, jewelry, and other artisans’ creations on offer. Other locations are Promenade Jean Hibert (Tuesdays) and Place du Marché de La Bocca (Wednesdays).
Things to Do in Cannes
45. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
This huge concrete-and-glass conference venue is the center of the Cannes film festival. Visitors flock to take photos on the red-carpeted steps to the entrance and check out the handprints of film legends on the ground (find the start in front of the Tourist Office). The Tourist Office also organizes guided tours of the interior.
46. Le Vieux Port
A lovely marina to walk around and admire the yachts of the super rich or grab a drink at a quayside bar. It also hosts regattas and part of the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
47. Le Suquet
The old town is a picturesque web of narrow streets winding uphill west of the port. Discover the great restaurants and bars on Rue St Antoine or continue up to the medieval castle at the top. Now an art museum, Musée de la Castre, it also offers great views over the town and the sea.
48. La Malmaison
Intimate contemporary art center on La Croisette. Hosts two exhibitions of internationally known artists a year, including those like Picasso and Matisse who were inspired by the Côte d’Azur.
49. Île Sainte Marguerite
Take a 15-minute boat trip to this island, the largest in the vicinity, which is a calm oasis of unspoilt beaches amid pine and eucalyptus trees. The Fort Royal houses a maritime museum and was also the former home of the Man in the Iron Mask. Trans Côte d’Azur Cruises sail from Quai Max Labeuf between June and September.
50. Île Saint-Honorat
On the second of the Lérins islands, discover the beautiful abbey where the silent monks continue to make wine and honey. A wonderful place to relax away from the bustle of the town center. It is only a 15-minute boat ride away.
51. Food tour with La Serviette Blanche
Take a 2½ hour walking tour for foodies, run by this award-winning company, which also hosts cooking classes and dinners at a chef’s table. Chef Eliane leads you to 10 different tasting stops, taking in food that represents Southern France and the Mediterranean (included in the €85 price).
52. Beaches
Most of the sand along La Croisette is divided into pricey hotel beaches. However, municipal Plage Macé is central and keeps prices for lockers and sunloungers low. It also hosts the free Cinéma de la Plage during the Cannes Film Festival in May. Other great free options are Palm Beach on the Pointe Croisette – shallow and great for windsurfers and families – and Plage du Midi west of the port.
53. Go hiking in La Croix-des-Gardes
A 19th-century château with huge grounds, built by an English family that fell in love with Cannes. Now the grounds are a 200-acre public park, great for walking and picnicking with a gorgeous sea view.
54. Galerie Hurtebize
A top modern art gallery that welcomes visitors warmly and boasts big name artists including Chagall and Renoir, as well as more contemporary works of sculpture, painting, and graphic art.
Cannes Neighborhoods
55. La Croisette
Glittering boulevard that forms the heart of Cannes. Lined by beaches on one side and fashion houses, bars, and grand palace hotels on the other, it is a must-see. Strolling and people-watching here is fabulous.
Best Stuff: La Palme d’Or (refined, creative French cuisine with 2 Michelin stars) • Le Park 45 (upscale dining at Le Grand Hotel) • B Fire by Mauro Colagreco (glam beachside cocktails and wood-fired cooking) • JW Grill (dazzling lounge bar in the Marriott, very Cannes) • Armani Caffè (stylish cafe on La Croisette) • Le Cercle (Le Grand Hotel’s intimate wine bar) • La Chunga (high-end restaurant/piano bar that parties till dawn) • InterContinental Carlton (glam palace hotel, an icon in its own right) • La Malmaison (intimate contemporary art center) • Beaches (mostly private and expensive) • Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (the center of the Cannes film festival).56. City Center
Trendy restaurants, bars, and all the shopping you could wish for, packed in between the train station to the north and the beach to the south.
Best Stuff: L’Affable (elegant, contemporary French food) • Bobo Bistro (cool and arty with organic food, draws a young crowd) • Le Grain de Sel (stylish Asian-influenced bistro) • Le Roof Bar (cocktails and DJs poolside on the roof of the Five Seas Hotel) • La Môme (popular Art Deco cocktail and raw bar) • Au Pot de Vin (relaxed bar in a former garage, great French wines) • L’Épicurieux (friendly central wine bar/restaurant) • Le Tube (alternative, laid-back bar) • Zoa (lively sushi bar) • Boulangerie Jean-Luc Pelé (fabulous artisan bakery/café near the train station) • Itineraire Café (small, friendly café that roasts its own beans) • JP Paci (artisan chocolatier, great for quirky gifts) • Marché Gambetta (great local covered market) • Rue d’Antibes (designer boutiques and more accessible fashion).57. Le Suquet
The old town, a world away from the rest of Cannes. Its picturesque narrow streets wind uphill from Le Vieux Port.
Best Stuff: Table 22 (local star chef serves inspired gastronomic food) • La Toque d’Or (charming Asian-influenced restaurant) • Aux Bons Enfants (atmospheric bistro for traditional French food) • Charly’s Bar (quirky cave-like bar) • Auberge Provençale da Bouttau (oldest restaurant in Cannes, home to the Cotton Club jazz lounge) • Marché Forville (Cannes’ biggest covered market, great for foodies) • Musée de la Castre (art museum in a 12th-century castle) • Église Notre Dame d’Éspérance (Gothic 16th-century church with incredible views of the town and sea) • Tour du Mont Chevalier (11th-century watchtower) • Rue Meynadier (pedestrianized street full of great restaurants and food shops).58. Îles des Lérins
Tranquil islands a hop away. Enjoy deserted beaches, wildlife trails, and historic monuments in peace and quiet.
Best Stuff: La Guérite (glitzy beachside bistro on Sainte-Marguerite) • La Tonnelle (St Honorat’s only restaurant) • Abbaye de Lérins (beautiful abbey on St Honorat, producing its own wine) • Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal (Fort Royal’s history museum, including shipwrecks and the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask) • Étang du Batéguier (wetland, home to many migratory birds).59. Pointe Croisette
The peninsula at the more peaceful eastern end of La Croisette. Great if you love watersports and beaches as well as glam nightspots.
Best Stuff: Mimì (fine regional cuisine from Puglia, Italy) • Palm Beach, Plage Gazagnaire (both free, great for families and windsurfers) • Nemo Plongée Club (local scuba diving club) • Bâoli (exclusive restaurant/club) • L’Écrin Plage (swish dining right on the beach) • Gotha Club (hot DJs and VIPs) • Island Feeling Surf Shop (surf gear and fashion).
Get All New Content
• My Travel Newsletter