Cannes has been a holiday destination for the jet set for decades. Ever since the town was put on the map by the European aristocracy back in the 19th Century, the great and the good have been flocking to Cannes to enjoy its charms. Originally only viewed as a winter resort, a group of well-known artists and writers turned it into a must-see summer destination in the roaring 20’s. Since then life on the French Riviera has been synonymous with long days spent on the beach and evenings full of glittering parties
During the summer season each year, visitors from all over the world head to Cannes to stroll along the famous Croisette and sunbathe on the golden beaches. But owning Cannes property and living here rather than just visiting, is an entirely different and let’s be honest, much more rewarding experience. Cannes plays host to many of the world’s most exciting events every year, and you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy them. Mingle with the stars at the Film Festival, stroll amongst some of the most beautiful boats ever to grace the Mediterranean at the Yacht Show or simply sit back and watch the sky light up during the Fireworks Festival.
As you would expect from a town that hosts the best known Film Festival in the world, there are 5 cinemas in Cannes. Watch the latest blockbusters or catch a Palme d’Or screening during Festival week. And when it comes to culture, there’s far more than just cinema in Cannes. There are museums and art galleries and numerous historical monuments all over town to enjoy. Don’t miss the art and music collection of the Musée de la Castre which is housed in a Medieval monastery high above the old town. There are also festivals and concerts held in Cannes all year long. The ‘Sortir à Cannes’ entertainment season is the one to watch, with dance, opera, theatre and even magic on the agenda from September to April every year. During the summer months the fireworks festival is always a crowd pleaser. Grab a prime spot on the Croisette and sit back as the bay is illuminated for a few hours.
If you love to shop ‘til you drop, spend a few hours browsing the area around the Rue d’Antibes. Find the latest it-bag or must-have shoes in the luxury boutiques on the Croisette or treat yourself to a little something for the home, in the one of a kind shops along Rue Hoche. If you want to experience life as a local, head down to the Forville market in the Place du Marché. The market is held 6 days a week and has a fantastic array of Provençal specialities. The cheese and meat stalls sell all sorts of goodies for an alfresco lunch, while you won’t be able to resist the tempting array of summer fruit, grown in the French Riviera sunshine.
When it comes to food in Cannes, the market is just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re looking for traditional Provençal cuisine, head to the laidback bistros and cafés of Le Suquet for a lunchtime treat. Or if you’d prefer to try gourmet cuisine in the most elegant setting in the world, reserve a table at one of the town’s Michelin-starred restaurants for a meal to remember. Cannes’ speciality is, of course, Mediterranean cuisine, this former fishing village has not forgotten its roots, and the seafood is always a good choice. But there are also some mouth-wateringly good Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants in town, so much so that your only difficulty will be choosing where to eat next!
Sports fans will love Cannes. This is the perfect place to get out onto the water and spend an afternoon sailing, paddle boarding or kayaking. Daredevils will enjoy the selection of thrill rides along the Croisette, try out parasailing, wakeboarding or the infamous banana boat in the bay. If you’d rather get your exercise fix on solid ground, the town has a brand new health track, complete with fitness stations and several jogging trails to follow along the seafront. This part of the world is also a paradise for divers, with hidden caves and exotic marine life all waiting to be explored under the Mediterranean.
If you prefer rest and relaxation to working up a sweat, Cannes has got you covered too. Spend a day at one of the private beach clubs, reserve a sunbed and get to work on your tan while you’re waited on hand and foot. Or check out one of Cannes’ many day spas and treat yourself to a massage and facial in luxurious style, this is French Riviera living at its very best.
Once the sun goes down, Cannes really comes alive with a fantastic choice of bars and nightclubs. Start with an aperitif at one of the beach bars, then stroll up to the Carré d’Or for a cocktail before setting the night on fire in one of the many legendary clubs. If you’re feeling lucky the town also has 3 casinos open all hours for gambling fans. They all offer high roller tables and the very latest slot machines, so you’re sure to come up even before the night is over. Don’t miss the outdoor gaming terrace at the Palm Beach Casino, the view over the Mediterranean is so fabulous that even if you lose you’ll still feel like you’re winning.
Once you take the plunge and make the move to Cannes you’ll never look back. It’s not for nothing that the town’s original Provençal motto was ‘Qu Li Ven Li Vieu’ or who comes here once, stays forever. Life on the French Riviera is every bit as exciting as it looks and with its golden sandy beaches, vibrant city centre and laid back way of life, Cannes really does have it all.