Cannes - Cote d'Azur (Alpes Maritimes)

Cannes

Cannes - Cote d'Azur (Alpes Maritimes) mini guide

The city of Cannes is centered around the old port, with the central part quite compact. The famous La Croisette is the boulevard and the beach that extends around the bay to the east of the port, in the protected Rade de Cannes.

The beaches are mostly private and cost up to 30 euros for a day's use (including sunbed and shade). The public beaches get quite crowded and are found at the far east and west of town. If you want a quieter beach, a better option is to go to one of the two Islands in the bay, the Îles de Lérins or Ste Marguerite, a return ticket to either island is only 5 euros and ferries depart every 30 minutes.

At night the beaches can be quite tranquil, look out for occasional spectacular fireworks displays (watch out for posters or ask in the tourist office) in the bay, get to the beach early to get a good spot!

The area around the old port is the most interesting part of Cannes. All along the Quai St Pierre in the old port one can find fishing boats and pleasure boats side by side. The fisherman in their little wooden boats still go about their business despite being overshadowed by some enormous private yachts. The old town, known as Le Suquet rises steeply from the port, crowned by an 11th century tower.

The Rue Saint Antoine leads up to the top of Le Suquet and is lined with restaurants. It’s well worth not giving into the temptation to dive into one of the many excellent establishments as the views from the top of the street in the Place de la Castre are breathtaking. From here, one truly appreciates the glorious setting of Cannes surrounded by its luxurious residential suburbs with names like La Californie and Super Cannes.

The square is an excellent vantage point to watch the fireworks that take place in July and August and is also the setting for numerous musical events that take place in the summer. Walking back down towards the port, spend some time exploring the narrow streets filled with many interesting little shops.

Eating out

There are restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes in Cannes from Pizza to Michelin 5-star.
Being on the coast the seafood is great here and many of the seafood restaurants are on the Quai St. Pierre or on the Rue Félix Faure. The Rue Saint Antoine which leads up to the top of Le Suquet is lined with restaurants.

Terrace café-restaurants abound along La Croisette when you tire of shopping, where can also watch out for a passing celebrity.

Shopping

There are many fine shops in Cannes and most famous french and international brand names are represented here. Most of the big names in fashion, for both men and women are situated in and around promenade de la Croisette including Chanel, Dior and Gucci. Behind La Croisette is the rue d'Antibes, which is less expensive and has the best confiseries, chocolatiers and delicatessens.

Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 1000-1200 and 1430-1930. In high season, many shops do not close for lunch.