Cannes Travel Guide - Introduction

Known round the world for its glamour and glitz, Cannes is very much the place to be seen on the Cote d’Azur. International film stars, fabulously expensive yachts, fashion houses and exclusive jewellers set the scene that many come to simply observe.

The highlight of the city’s events calendar occurs in May as Cannes hosts its annual International Film Festival, with the screening of more than 1000 films and the arrival of thousands of well-known members of the movie industry.

The streets of the city proper such as rue d'Antibes, rue Meynardier and the very chic promenade de la Croisette are filled with fascinating shops, many varieties of restaurants, and are also good places to spot celebrities.

La Croisette is a palm-lined luxurious promenade by the sea, giving Cannes its classic and unique resort appeal. You can wander around the harbour to see the luxury yachts and beautiful beaches.

There’s plenty to explore along the entire southern coastline and the inland areas of the Provence region as well and it’s worth hiring a car to do this. Along the coast, Antibes is the nearest resort, having superb beaches, a more relaxed atmosphere and also a large marina.

Nice is the main city of the French Riviera and features broad boulevards, winding streets and squares full of Baroque, Genoese, medieval and Provencal architecture. Monaco, with the Casino Royale of Monte Carlo, maintains a reputation for attracting high society and the inland areas of Provence make for delightful excursions around the vineyards and olive groves.