Fantasy, fashion, fabulous food and film. Springtime in France means one thing…Cannes. Walk along the glamorous palm tree lined streets of Cannes and experience paradise sparkling with glitz and exclusivity. The Boulevard de la Croisette is one of the most fashionable streets on the French Riviera complete with upscale boutiques. Along this beachfront promenade you will encounter great people watching and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea. No selfies on red carpet this year? Mon Dieu! 21 films were competing in the 71st Cannes Film Festival for the top prize, the Palme d’Or. The glamorous extravaganza on the French Riviera, the Côte d’Azur, of cinema and celebrities unite. The first of the post Harvey Weinstein #MeToo era. Drawing famous movie stars from around the world, this annual red carpet gala has earned an international reputation for promoting the art of filmmaking.
The Small List
Best Hotels
Hotel Martinez – A posh, upscale hotel and the place to see and be seen on the French Riviera. Home to celebrities, jet setters and locals alike, this legendary Art Deco hotel is an iconic landmark. Additionally, it is located on the Boulevard de La Croisette and overlooks the azure waters of the Mediterranean sea. A perfect starting point on the Côte d’Azur to enjoy the glamour of the city of cinema.
Le Majestic Hotel – Become part of the legend and enjoy a panoramic view of the Mediterranean with a refined setting, peace and quiet, and top-end services.
JW Marriott Cannes – The perfect location on La Croisette, the JW Marriott is stylishly appointed, ideally situated, and of course, provides a 5-star experience.
Carlton Hotel – The doors to paradise are open wide to you at the Carlton in Cannes where the essence of the Mediterranean sea will embrace you in a refined, authentic and timeless atmosphere.
Best Restaurants
Astoux & Brun – A real culinary institution, this is THE restaurant in Cannes where you can enjoy all the delights of the sea including fresh fish, shellfish and crustaceans. It is ideally located close to the Palais du Festival. Moreover, enjoy moments of delicacy by tasting oysters on the outdoor terrace.
Da Bouttau – Da Bouttau is the oldest restaurant in Cannes with a warm atmosphere and a wood fired grill. Its Provençal specialties have made this place the rendezvous of artists from Picasso to Sean Connery, Georges Clooney and also Phil Collins.
Armani Caffè – Spoil yourself in the heart of the Côte d’Azur and experience fine dining and the lifestyle of Giorgio Armani. Additionally, it is located in one of the most prestigious locations around the world with spectaculars views and a twist on epicurean delights.
La Môme – Perfectly located in the heart of Cannes near the Palais des Festivals, featuring fine Greek, Italian and Mediterranean dishes, a warm atmosphere and lounge music, La Môme is one of the best restaurants in Cannes.
La Petite Maison – With a panoramic view from Cap d’Antibes to the Lérins Islands, La Petite Maison Cannes is a restaurant with a contemporary design. Located in the heart of the legendary Palm Beach in Cannes, La Petite Maison is a unique place where the Mediterranean is at the heart of the concept, from design to dishes.
Aux Bon Enfants – This family business, opened in 1935, accepts cash only! The fourth generation continues to craft authentic Provençal ingredients into heart-warming, hunger obliterating dishes. All the produce, fruit, veg and fish from small boats, comes direct from Forville Market just down the road. A Michelin Bib Gourmand.
The Vesuvio & The Cafe by Vesuvio – Offering a lively and friendly atmosphere, a beautiful sunny terrace and a cocktail bar, this classy institution offers Italian specialties year round.
Best Restaurants on the Beach
Lucia Restaurant – Lucia, a beachfront masterpiece from the visionary team behind Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, offers an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Known for their celebration of life along the French Riviera for over two decades, the group has brought their signature flair to this vibrant new culinary adventure.
Lucia dazzles with a stunning palette of colors, bold patterns, and luxurious textures that create a lively yet elegant atmosphere. The menu, like a perfectly curated DJ set, changes with the seasons, serving up inventive Mediterranean dishes rooted in Cuisine du Soleil, where sun-kissed ingredients take center stage.
True to its name—derived from the Latin word for “light”—Lucia radiates warmth, charm, and a touch of magic. Whether you’re visiting for a sunrise breakfast or a sunset dinner, the restaurant promises an ever-evolving ambiance that glows from morning to night, making each visit a unique and unforgettable experience.
Miramar Plage – An exceptional food experience on the beach for your taste buds and your eyes. The restaurant offers a gourmet cuisine with the magnificent bay of Cannes in the background.
La Môme Plage – You guessed it! La Môme brought their Italian and Mediterranean cuisine for all day dining to a private beach side setting. The products are fresh and the DJ is live. In other words, let them take you from day into night!
Nikki Beach 3.14 – The infamous Nikki Beach makes movie magic once again with its Annual Cannes Film Festival pop-up restaurant. For one week only, it is a perfect setting for coveted events and an exquisite dining experience with industry elite enjoying signature dishes, music and more.
Best Bars
Fouquet’s Bar Cannes – Fouquet’s Bar is located on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette inside Le Majestic Hotel. The bar has a chic and elegant atmosphere, with Art Deco-style furnishings and a large terrace that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The Head of the Bar at the Majestic is Emanuele Balestra. He is internationally recognized as one of the greatest bartenders in the world. An alchemist of taste, his passion is marrying spirits and plants for our supreme enjoyment.
Le Sud – Le Sud is a versatile place open night and day, located in the heart of the Hotel Martinez. A hot spot in Cannes, the outdoor terrace, bathed in the gentle sunlight, provides an idyllic space to indulge in an aperitif.
Best Nightlife
Annex Beach – There is no better way to end your day on soft golden sand. After all, it is the perfect place to enjoy unexpectedly flavored cocktails and a live DJ to dance the night away.
Baoli – Let your palate be seduced with every bite. Inventive Asian dishes will surprise your senses with multiple flavors and textures. This open air restaurant, bar and club is magical, glamorous and, above all, will meet all of your desires.
Things to Do
55 Croisette – A high-end multi-brand shop offering women of all generations luxury ready to wear.
Cannes Film Festival – For over 75 years, every year for 12 days, more than 12,000 professionals have climbed the 24 steps of the Palace under the gaze of millions of cinema enthusiasts.
Cannes Yachting Festival – Since 1977, the Yachting Festival takes place every September in elegant, luxurious surroundings in the sparkling bay of Cannes. It is the first show in the boating season and, in addition, Europe’s leading in-water boating event.