The cool girl’s guide to Cannes
The glittering French Riviera town may be famous for its film festival, but there’s more to Cannes than its red carpets and glamorous yachts. Here’s how to see it in style. By DÉBORAH BANNWARTH
For a chic escape
Perfectly positioned right next to the Boulevard de La Croisette, Five Seas Hotel Cannes is a seriously hip boutique hotel with luxurious suites, a stylish roof terrace, an infinity pool and a private beach. Alternatively, head a little further down the Côte d'Azur to revel in Hôtel Les Roches Rouges’ cool, low-key luxury. This chic coastal stay mixes relaxed, undone interiors with clean design details and incredible sea views. If you can tear yourself away from your balcony, head down to its spectacular seawater pool, which sits right by the surf.
For the ultimate shopping experience
If you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping, no stay in Cannes is truly complete without an afternoon spent perusing the boutiques of the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette. Saint Laurent, Chanel and Dior – the very best of French fashion lines Cannes’ famed beach promenade, as well as Cartier, Chopard and Chaumet, should you require some extra sparkle.
For a sweet stroll
There’s nothing more deliciously French than wandering through the cobbled streets of Le Suquet, Cannes’ old quarter perched on a hill overlooking the glistening Mediterranean Sea and the new town. You’ll stumble upon a plethora of tiny restaurants, boutiques and Marché Forville the local market, where a fresh socca (a traditional chickpea pancake) is a must. But for something even sweeter, head to Glacier Vilfeu an artisanal ice-cream bar with cool retro interiors that are almost as Instagrammable as its desserts.
For a glamorous voyage
Be sure to visit the beautiful Lérins Islands, only a 15-minute boat ride from La Croisette. Travel by chartered boat to explore the natural beauty of its two main islets, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, in style. Once you’ve walked among Sainte-Marguerite’s peaceful pine and eucalyptus groves and explored its impressive Fort Royal (where the Man in the Iron Mask is rumored to have been imprisoned), hop back on board to spend the afternoon in a vineyard, cultivated by the monks in the Abbaye de Lérins, on Île Saint-Honorat.
For dinner à deux
With a prime spot in the center of town, Le Cirque is a modern bistro-style restaurant that is all about delicious French market cuisine done simply. Its seasonal menu is made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and the chef will even share his recipes with you. Or book a place at La Môme’s stylish cocktail and raw bar, and sit out on the terrace to sample its ceviche, tartare and arguably the best cocktails in Cannes.
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