Each May, Hollywood descends on Cannes to celebrate its annual film festival, a glitzy, celebrity-packed affair that takes over the entire town. But the French Riviera destination, part of France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, has more to offer than just festivals. Known for its waterfront Promenade de la Croisette and historic old town, called Le Suquet, Cannes welcomes travelers throughout the year to experience its beaches, glamorous hotels, and high-end shopping. Its proximity to other cities, like Monaco and Nice, makes it the perfect base from which to explore.
“We have one of the most popular events in the world with the Cannes Film Festival, which puts a lot of spotlight on the city every year with all the stars,” says Giles Bastioni, head concierge at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, a luxury hotel adjacent to Cannes’ Palais de Festivals that has hosted countless celebrities over the years. “But you’re also on the coast between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, which is maybe one of the most beautiful areas in the world. Cannes is a hot spot during the summer.”
While Cannes tends to attract a jet-set elite, Bastioni says anyone can enjoy the South of France. Here Bastioni, who took over the head concierge role at Le Majestic from his father, shares some insider tips for those spending a weekend — or a few weeks — in Cannes.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cannes
The dining scene in Cannes veers from classic French to international to touristy. The city is home to Marché Forville, an outdoor food market that sells local produce and fish alongside regional dishes like socca (a chickpea pancake) and fried zucchini flowers. Bastioni says Cannes is “changing a lot” when it comes to restaurants. “There are a lot of big openings,” he notes. “Which is going to put Cannes even more in the spotlight.”
Le Majestic is home to Fouquet's Cannes, an upscale brasserie from chef Pierre Gagnaire, and beachfront Mediterranean eatery Mademoiselle Gray, both of which are open to non-hotel guests. On the trendier side, Bastioni recommends La Petite Maison Cannes, known for its panoramic views, and La Môme, a buzzy spot on Rue Florian. In May, Zuma Cannes will bring refined Japanese food to town, while cabaret restaurant Medusa Cannes is set to re-open this summer.
For more casual and intimate dining, head away from the beach into the old town. Bastioni likes Bobo Bistro, Restaurant Le Maschou, and Table 22, which is helmed by Noël Mante. “The chef is a good friend,” Bastioni says. “It’s really local food and very nice.”
When it comes to bars, Cannes tends to be all about nightclubs, which can be pricy and overrated. Instead, visitors should seek out cocktail bars like Le Majestic’s Bar Fouquet's, where head bartender Emanuele Balestra uses ingredients from the hotel’s rooftop garden to create drinks. For wine, Bastioni suggests seeking out smaller, low-key places. “Cannes is all about the trendy bars, but I would rather send people more local, like having an aperitif around the market on a Saturday or a Sunday,” he says. “It’s a very easygoing place. To go and have a little drink around noon is a must-do in Cannes.”
Where to Shop in Cannes
Travelers are spoiled for choice in Cannes when it comes to shopping. The town center is packed with designer and luxury shops. Bastioni compares La Croisette to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, noting that all of the most famous brands in the world, from Chanel to Gucci to Prada, are available within a one-mile radius. For less expensive options, Rue d'Antibes is known for its choices, from small boutiques to high street brands. Iconic Paris department store Galeries Lafayette has its own Cannes outpost, which stocks an array of clothing, homeware, and beauty products.
French pharmacies are coveted by American travelers for their vast selections of skincare, from Bioderma to Caudalie to Avène. Bastioni, whose wife is a pharmacist, knows exactly where to send guests in search of the best products. “The biggest one is Pharmacie Anglo-Française on Rue d'Antibes,” he says. “It’s a huge pharmacy where you’ll find all of the products. We also work with a pharmacy right behind the hotel, Pharmacie Européenne. But if a guest has a special request we can send the bellboy out to get it.”
What to Do in Cannes
The obvious thing to do in Cannes is to enjoy its beaches, which are dominated by hotel beach clubs where you have to reserve a spot. While you can experience the peak of Cannes glamour at places like Nammos Beach Club or Miramar, Bastioni recommends hopping a ferry boat to nearby Île Sainte-Marguerite. “The best place on the coast, to me, is La Guérite, which is on the island facing Cannes,” he says. “It is a party spot, but you can still go and enjoy the sun and the view. The sea is incredible. It’s the most beautiful place to go.”
For Bastioni, what’s great about Cannes is “you can get several different things depending on what you’re looking for.” History buffs can explore the Musée Des Explorations Du Monde or Le Monastere Fortifie, while Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Nature lovers can trek around Île Sainte-Marguerite, which has a preserved fortress and forested paths. Ferries are also available to Île Saint-Honorat, which is home to a community of monks. “There’s a restaurant there and you can take a short hike,” Bastioni says. “It’s a beautiful place. So while in Cannes you can show off and you can also enjoy the simplicity and the views from the islands.”
Cannes benefits from its proximity to other Riviera destinations, including the seaside town of Antibes. There, travelers can find Plage Keller, an exclusive restaurant and beach that Bastioni often recommends to guests along with the beaches in Saint-Tropez. Antibes is also home to Musée Picasso and the historic area of Old Antibes. Farther inland, there are dozens of charming villages that are easily reached by car, including the hilltop Saint-Paul de Vence. “It’s a beautiful Medieval town,” Bastioni says. “That’s something you have to go and see.”
Other potential day trips include Monaco, Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, and Menton, but travelers can also seek out specific interests. Bastioni recommends Chez Bruno in Lorgues, which is famous for its truffles, or Moustiers-Sainte-Marie for its impressive canyons, which attract boaters and hikers. Grasse is famous as the perfume capital of the world, and visitors can blend their own scents. “There are a lot of different things to do if you’re willing to drive a little bit,” Bastioni says. “Cannes is lucky to have a lot of things nearby. It’s one of the reasons I think Cannes and Le Majestic are so popular — we’re in the best spot we could be in.”
The Best Time to Visit Cannes
Prices are especially high during the summer months, but Bastioni encourages travelers to visit during June or September when it’s less crowded and the weather is still hot. But Le Majestic and Cannes’ other top hotels are open most months of the year, which means guests can search for off-season deals, especially around March to May (during my visit in mid-March it was 70 degrees and sunny).