5 Highlights of Cannes, a Star of the French Riviera

[Simon Hopes]

Joseph Plotz

The Côte d'Azur is famous for its number of cities and towns that are haunts of the rich and famous. Among the best known of these is this city of 73,000, best known to the rest of the world for its glamorous film festival. But there are also a number of sights and experiences that make Cannes a worthwhile visit any time of year. Here are my top five:

Boulevard de la Croisette

The city's iconic waterfront thoroughfare (top) is a hub of much of visitors' attention and activity, lined with prestigious hotels, restaurants, and shops on one side, and palm trees along with 7.5 kilometers of beach on the other - a  mix of public stretches and private beach clubs.


La Malmaison Art Center

One spot on La Croisette particularly worth noting ithis manse turned into a center dedicated to exhibitions of artists such as Mattisse, Miró, and Picasso, among others who lived on or were inspired by the Côte d'Azur.

Le Suquet (Old Town)

From the western end of La Croisette, head up a winding cobblestone street which will lead you to the top of a hill on which Cannes' oldest neighborhood sits, dating back to the initial Roman settlement. In addition to colorful façades, lovely shops, cafés, and restaurants, you'll find a medieval castle, now home to the Musée de la Castre, a collection of art and historic artifacts. This is a great place to grab a drink as you watch the sun rise or set, or the fancy yachts come in in the port below

Notre-Dame de l'Espérance Church

Located in Le Suquet below the fortress, the late-Gothic Our Lady of Hope was built over the course of a century, ending in 1627. Both peaceful and inspiring, its interior was used as a hospital during World War II. In July, a weeklong classical musical festival known as Nuits Musicales du Suquet is held out front on Place de la Castre.

Cannes Film Festival

And of course I cannot but mention the famous Festival de Cannes, one of the film world's most prestigious event since 1946,attended by the crème de la crème of the cinematic and larger cultural world. Held, usually over 12 days in May, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, it was canceled this year due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, but next year the 74th edition is duto be held on May 11-22.

Get the most out of your visit by booking your private Cannes tour now!

And for more info: Cannes-Destination.com.