Cannes

Cannes is much more than the glamorous setting of the film festival. Anyone who stays here discovers a town with a surprisingly authentic heart, a rich maritime history and a location that makes it the ideal starting point for the whole Côte d'Azur. From the apartment in the old Le Suquet you stand right in the middle of that story, just 300 metres from the beaches and within walking distance of both the fashionable boulevard and the lively fishing harbour. In this overview you discover what makes Cannes so special.

Le Suquet, the old heart

Le Suquet is the medieval part of Cannes, built on a hill beside the old harbour. The fishermen once lived here, and you still feel that origin in the narrow, winding streets and steep stairways that give the quarter a romantic atmosphere. Climb up along the Rue Saint-Antoine, full of small restaurants, to the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance and the Musée des Explorations du Monde in the Château de la Castre. From the terrace by the old tower you have a splendid view over the bay, the rooftops and the islands — one of the most beautiful spots in town, and barely a stroll from the apartment.

The Croisette and the Palais des Festivals

On the waterfront lies the world-famous Boulevard de la Croisette, a broad promenade along the beach with palm trees, luxury hotels and exclusive boutiques. The boulevard begins at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where every year in May, during the film festival, the Palme d'Or is awarded. In the pavement in front of the Palais you will find the Allée des Stars, with the handprints of countless celebrities. Be sure to walk along the Croisette in the evening too, when the lights come on and the Mediterranean atmosphere is at its finest.

The beaches 300 metres away

One of the great advantages of staying in Le Suquet is the short distance to the water. The beaches of Cannes lie some 300 metres away and consist of a mix of public sandy beaches and private beach clubs along the Croisette. Near the old harbour and towards the west you find quieter, public stretches, ideal for a morning dip or a lazy afternoon by the sea. The soft sand and the calm, shallow water also make the beaches suitable for families with children.

Harbours, markets and shopping

The marinas Vieux-Port and Port Pierre Canto are well worth a visit: beautiful sailing ships and luxurious yachts lie moored there. For real local life, head to the covered Marché Forville, right by Le Suquet, where every morning (except Monday) fresh vegetables, fish, cheese and flowers are sold; on Monday there is an atmospheric antiques market. Shopping in Cannes ranges from small boutiques to the great fashion houses on the Rue d'Antibes and the Croisette, with plenty of terraces in between to catch your breath.

Islands off the coast

Directly opposite Cannes lie the green Lérins Islands, a short boat trip from the old harbour. The largest island, Sainte-Marguerite, is known for its pine woods, walking paths and the fort where the legendary Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned. The smaller Saint-Honorat is still inhabited by monks, who grow wine there. A day of island-hopping forms a surprisingly peaceful contrast with the bustle of the town.

Starting point for the Riviera

Thanks to its central location and good train station, you travel effortlessly along the whole coast from Cannes. Nice, Monaco, Antibes and the picturesque mountain villages are all within easy reach, and to the west beckons the rugged Massif de l'Esterel. Cannes is therefore not only a destination in itself, but also the perfect base for a varied holiday. Take a look at the apartment and the availability and discover the town from its oldest, most charming quarter.

Discover more: explore the surroundings of Cannes.