Home to iconic destinations from Monaco to St Tropez, The French Riviera is the Mediterranean coastline hugging the southeast corner of France. The super chic haven is widely known for its picturesque beaches, turquoise waters and breath-taking views, but also boasts a vibrant café culture, nightlife and cultural highlights. Often referred to as a billionaire’s playground, Cannes is nestled right in the heart of the 160km of coastline, and is a rare example of absolute luxury without compromising on fun.
Where to eat
Majestic Beach Club is one of the better-known spots for relaxed dining and cocktails in Cannes. Boasting a private beach and the largest jetty on the Croisett, La Majestic is the perfect base for a day of lounging, swimming, and the occasional water sport. Daybeds are dotted right to the end of the jetty, adding to the feeling of total relaxation amongst the gently lapping waves.
In the evening, Majestic’s bar comes to life, surrounded by perfectly curated low tables and sofas. With a real feeling of exclusivity and privilege, there’s a vibrant hum that lasts well into the night.
Where to stay
Cannes is a relatively small city, at around 19km square. In classic Cote d’Azur style, beach-front hotels are plentiful – but there are also some hidden gems within a more urban setting. Four-star OKKO HOTELS Cannes Centre is ideally located right next to Gare de Cannes, with rooms starting at £117 per night, depending on the season. A leisurely four minute stroll through the streets adorned with luxury boutiques and eateries leads directly onto the beach, but the just-sat-back location gives a sense of seclusion and privacy away from the main drag.
The hotel’s unique upside-down format welcomes guests into an understated lobby on the ground-floor, with rooms on each ascending floor up to the sixth, which is home to a sprawling array of different communal areas. The real highlight is the large rooftop with clusters of seating, small tables and chic parasols ready for guests to enjoy meals from breakfast to aperitif whilst taking in the spectacular Cannes cityscape and Massif de l’Esterel mountains. The hotel also offers a fitness suite and sauna.
What to do
Boat trips
Black Tenders is a premium transfer and excursion service with a fleet of eight immaculate black boats ready and waiting to cater to guests’ every whim. Armed with a plethora of snorkels, masks and fins, the boats are the perfect way to see Cote D’Azur – both from in the water and on it.
Lérins Islands
The Île Saint-Honorat is the second largest of the Lérins Islands, about a mile off shore, or approx a 15 minute transfer by boat. Home since the fifth century to a community of Monks, there is something very peaceful and spiritual about the 400metre by 1.5km island, and the active monastery is well worth a visit.
Just before you reach the Abbey, nestled amongst the trees is La Tonnelle, a relaxed Mediterranean lunch spot. The restaurant prides itself on using seasonal produce to create gourmet salads, fish, grilled meats and sea-food, and offers liquors and wines produced at the Abbey. La Tonnelle has a myriad of different seating options depending on your mood – think intimate al fresco booths, indoor tables, and outside areas directly overlooking the coastline and back toward Cannes.
Just off the coast of Sainte Marguerite Island is the infamous Écomusée sous-marin, or underwater museum, where Jason deCaires Taylor’s sculptures lie around three to four metres below the surface. Stoically positioned amongst oscillating Posidonia sea grass meadows, the six three-dimensional portraits are each over two metres in height and 10 tons in weight. Grab a snorkel and go for a look.
Palais Des Festivals
24 of some of the most-photographed steps in the world lead from blvd. de la Croisette up to the Palais Des Festivals, home to events ranging from Cannes Film Festival to music festivals and premium boxing events. From the breath-taking architecture to the rich cultural programme year-round, Palais Des Festivals is a treat for the senses, and an iconic selfie spot.
Les Plages Electroniques
Neatly combining indulgent beach party vibes with an internationally-recognised festival, Les Plages Électroniques has been a fixture on the Cannes calendar since 2006, and this year welcomed a record 54,000 visitors over three days.
The six stages are peppered around the buzzing festival site, with giant inflatables ready and waiting for guests to enjoy evening acts from the water as the sun goes down. Widely billed as Europe’s answer to Coachella, Les Plages Électroniques is an elite example of partying at its absolute best. And not a tent nor patch of mud in sight. Only in Cannes!
