72 Hours in Cannes | Travel and Food Guide

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Cannes, France

Every May, the glittering coastal enclave of Cannes unfurls its crimson carpet and becomes the epicentre of global glamour. The scent of salt air mingles with fresh roses and red-carpet anticipation as the world’s most discerning cinephiles, directors, actors, film makers, and fashion royalty converge on the Croisette. This is not merely a film festival—it’s a cultural spectacle, a place where deals are inked over apéritifs, and where cinema is treated not just as art, but as an event.

Yes, it’s exclusive. Yes, it can feel impenetrably glamorous. But Cannes is also intoxicatingly alive—its streets humming with energy, its seafront cafes spilling over with conversation, its theaters playing host to over 180 screenings from every corner of the world. For those who can’t score official badges, fear not: parallel programmes like the Director’s Fortnight and Critic’s Week offer a democratic slice of the magic.

And then there’s Cannes itself. A town that, in these ten days, wears sequins by night and linen by day. With its sun-dappled beaches just steps from the Palais, perfectly chilled rosé, and a Mediterranean breeze that carries more than a whisper of possibility, Cannes during festival season is as much a state of mind as it is a destination.

But to truly absorb the essence of Cannes, one must do more than chase screenings—you must surrender to the spectacle. The most enchanting hours are those spent in unhurried observation: stargazing beneath the Riviera sun, people-watching as if it were an Olympic sport. There is no better perch than just outside the Palais des Festivals, where the red carpet unspools like a ribbon of dreams, or inside the gilded lobbies of the JW Marriott, Carlton Cannes, or the ever-elegant Hôtel Martinez, where A-listers waft through velvet ropes in custom couture and diamond-dusted heels as though heading to lunch, not a global premiere.

In Cannes, high fashion doesn’t scream—it glides. You might spot a beloved art-house director sipping espresso across from the Promenade de la Croisette, or a supermodel casually descending the steps of a vintage Riva yacht. It’s all part of the theatre.

Of course, no Riviera reverie is complete without a taste of Provençal indulgence—delicate bouillabaisse, a chilled glass of rosé de Provence, and sunlit terraces that turn every meal into a slow, sun-kissed ritual. Bring your walking shoes (Hermès sneakers, perhaps), as Cannes is best savoured on foot. Taxis are rare, cars are dear, and Ubers—should you indulge—offer the occasional helicopter option, naturally.

And if the hum of Formula One sets your pulse racing, remember: Monaco is but an hour away.

Beyond its glittering façade, Cannes reveals a quieter elegance—sun-drenched lanes, azure seas, and a rhythm of life that feels suspended in cinematic perfection. In just 72 hours, you’ll find yourself seduced—not just by cinema, but by a town that wears its glamour as effortlessly as a silk scarf in the Mediterranean breeze.

What To Do

Beyond the Red Carpet: A Luxe Insider’s Guide to Cannes

Wander Through Le Suquet
Begin your Cannes reverie where time slows and shutters creak gently in the breeze—Le Suquet, the city’s Old Town. Meander through cobbled lanes flanked by honey-hued stone houses and bougainvillaea-covered balconies. It’s all très Provençal. Pause at a café tucked into a quiet corner for a noisette, then climb gently to Notre-Dame de l’Espérance, where the hilltop rewards you with sweeping, cinematic views of the Bay of Cannes—a panorama that feels like a postcard you can walk into.

Museé de la Castre
Tucked into a medieval château at the summit of Le Suquet, the Musée de la Castre feels like an elegant secret. Its vaulted stone halls hold a treasure trove of artifacts—Mediterranean antiquities, Himalayan relics, tribal masks, and musical instruments whispering stories from every corner of the world. The castle’s ancient tower offers another vantage point of the Riviera that’s worth the climb.

Bask on the Beaches
No Cannes escape is complete without a languid afternoon on the sand. Choose between the genteel calm of Plage de la Croisette, fringed by parasols and luxury hotel bars, or the laid-back local charm of Plage du Midi. Whether you prefer diving into the cerulean sea or simply sunbathing with a chilled rosé in hand, this is the Côte d’Azur at its most indulgent.

Sail to the Lérins Islands
Just a whisper off the coastline, the Lérins Islands await—a tranquil twin of Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite, perfect for a day of Mediterranean escapism. Explore forested trails, sip monk-made wine at the ancient monastery, or roam the Fort Royal, where legends of the Man in the Iron Mask linger. It’s the Riviera, but wilder—untouched and quietly majestic.

Soak in the Cannes Film Festival Energy
If you’re lucky enough to visit in May, you’ll find yourself swept into the allure of the Cannes Film Festival. While the Palais des Festivals and its infamous red carpet are for the credentialed few, the town buzzes with open-air screenings, chic soirées, and spontaneous celebrity sightings. Cannes, during the festival, is not a town—it’s a stage.

Shop the Rue d’Antibes
A short stroll from the seafront, Rue d’Antibes is Cannes’ fashionable artery—elegantly lined with designer boutiques, French perfumeries, and curated concept stores. It’s where retail therapy meets Riviera flair, whether you’re hunting for resortwear or that elusive perfect sandal.

Villa Rothschild & Gardens
For a touch of belle époque elegance, venture just outside town to the Villa Rothschild. This dreamy pink-hued mansion is nestled amid manicured gardens and palm-shaded paths. Lose yourself in its serene opulence—and don’t forget to steal a glance at the coastline, shimmering in the distance.

Marché Forville
To taste Cannes beyond the glitz, head to Marché Forville—a sensory wonderland of Provençal life. Under its terracotta roof, stalls overflow with sun-ripened produce, lavender bouquets, wild mushrooms, cheeses, charcuterie, and the salty scent of the sea. Arrive hungry, linger long, and pick up a jar of tapenade or a bottle of olive oil to bring the Côte d’Azur home with you.

Where To Eat

La Cave

Tucked away just off the glittering promenade, La Cave is Cannes’ best-kept secret—or rather, the kind of place locals whisper about and regulars refuse to share. Rustic yet refined, this Provençal gem radiates warmth with every flicker of candlelight and every dish from its honest, homespun kitchen. The star? Mamie Jeanne—zucchini and flour fritters stuffed with garlicky vegetables, crispy on the outside and impossibly tender within. Pair it with a sommelier-curated glass of rosé, and you’ve found the Riviera on a plate.

Address: 9 Bd de la République, 06400 Cannes, France

Da Laura

If Cannes ever had a little slice of Italy folded into its heart, it would be Da Laura. For over twenty years, this lively trattoria has drawn film execs and gourmands alike with its timeless charm and plates that sing with Tuscan soul. Think delicate ricotta and chard ravioli, spaghetti alla chitarra strewn with sun-ripened tomatoes and anchovies, truffle-scented raviolini, and the kind of vitello tonnato that transports you to Piedmont in a bite. The tiramisu? Pure poetry.

Address: 9 Rue Du Vingt-Quatre Août, 06400 Cannes, France

L’Affable

Effortlessly stylish, L’Affable feels like the home of a French friend who happens to be an extraordinary chef. Founded by the ever-charming Jean-Paul Battaglia, this modern bistro is where polished Riviera regulars and visiting gourmands gather for long, laughter-filled meals. Menu highlights include garlic-laced cod, slow-braised beef cheek, thyme-roasted lamb rack, grilled lobster, and the grand finale: a Grand Marnier soufflé that feels like a warm Riviera breeze trapped in sugar and citrus.

Address: 5 Rue la Fontaine, 06400 Cannes, France

Table 22 par Noël Mantel

In the winding cobbled lanes of Le Suquet, Table 22 delivers culinary theatre with every course. Chef Noël Mantel, a master of fine flavour, creates seasonal menus steeped in Mediterranean elegance: wild porcini cannelloni, black truffle risotto, and Provencal-style stuffed vegetables that taste like a love letter to the land. The desserts—airy, unexpected, and unforgettable—are the kind of final act that will have you booking your return reservation before your espresso arrives.

22 Rue Saint-Antoine, 06400 Cannes, France

3.14 PLAGE

Set on its own private stretch of sand, 3.14 PLAGE serves up organic indulgence with a side of sea breeze. The vibe is barefoot luxury, the menu a celebration of conscious Riviera dining: burrata and tomato salad, salmon tartare with creamy avocado, crab-quinoa citrus salad, and grilled sea bass with fennel. It’s all light, fresh, and exquisitely plated. End with a decadent moelleux au chocolat or a glistening strawberry tart while waves kiss the shore beside you.

Address: 63 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France

La Môme Plage

If ever there were a beach club that captured the essence of Riviera indulgence, it’s La Môme Plage. Breezy, sun-kissed, and unapologetically stylish, this Croisette-side sanctuary blends coastal cool with culinary finesse. Start with beetroot and feta hummus or the Pugliese burrata draped in garlic-marinated peppers. From there, the menu dances between flavours—ceviche with mushrooms and feta, lime-laced calamari a la plancha, and Greek-style beef tartare with whisper-crisp fries. Grilled meats and fish sizzle from the Josper barbecue, and sushi lovers will find nirvana in towering platters of sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls. End with the caramel-kissed apple tart—or better yet, share the oversized cookie, warm and gooey, just the way Riviera evenings should be.

Address: Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France

Bâoli Cannes

A hedonist’s playground once the sun dips below the palm-lined horizon, Bâoli is where Cannes fuses gastronomy with theatre. Nestled at Port Pierre Canto, this is dinner as spectacle—where velvet banquettes, exotic blooms, and ambient beats set the mood for a menu that effortlessly marries the East and the Med. Signature bites include the jet-black rice with sautéed king prawns and the oh-so-aptly named “The Famous”—an elegant curation of sushi, sashimi, and California rolls, all as polished as the guests who gather to feast.

Address: Port Pierre Canto, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France

Bobo Bistro

Bohemian by name and spirit, Bobo Bistro is a retro-glam rendezvous of mismatched chairs, tiled floors, and artisanal elegance. With a devotion to seasonality and local produce, this chic yet unpretentious hideaway turns out imaginative dishes like cod tartare with mango and passionfruit, frisée with warm bacon, and tender fillet of beef with earthy wild mushrooms. Vegetarian options are generous, flavours bold, and the vibe refreshingly Riviera without the attitude.

Address: 21 Rue du Commandant André, 06400 Cannes, France

Le Jardin Secret

Hidden in the cobbled backstreets of Le Suquet, Le Jardin Secret lives up to its name. A quiet refuge from the Cannes bustle, this verdant courtyard restaurant leans into plant-based pleasures with Mediterranean flair. Think charcuterie-style cheese boards, bruschetta layered with sun-blushed toppings, and a wine list that reads like a love letter to the region. The crowd is as effortlessly cool as the setting, and the whole experience feels like dining inside a secret garden party.

Address: 2 rue des Frères, Cannes, France, 06400

Where To Stay

InterContinental Carlton Cannes
A legend on the Boulevard de la Croisette, the InterContinental Carlton isn’t just a hotel—it’s a piece of cinematic history. Built in 1911 with Belle Époque grandeur, its sweeping façade and sun-bleached shutters have watched over the Bay of Cannes for over a century. The Carlton’s guestbook reads like a who’s who of silver screen royalty, and during the festival, its polished corridors and private suites become the preferred sanctuaries of stars, directors, and diplomats. From the opulent sea-facing suites to the palm-lined terrace café, every detail whispers of old-world luxury—timeless, iconic, and effortlessly chic.

Hôtel Martinez
Just a few steps down the Croisette, Hôtel Martinez is the embodiment of Art Deco elegance with a distinctly Riviera soul. Glamorous yet warm, this palace hotel offers a luminous palette of white and gold interiors, with spacious rooms and sea-facing suites that frame the Mediterranean like a living postcard. But the true jewel in its crown? La Palme d’Or, its two-Michelin-starred restaurant, where culinary artistry meets French fine dining at its most poetic. Whether you’re lounging beneath striped parasols on the hotel’s private beach or sipping cocktails under chandeliers, the Martinez offers front-row seats to the Côte d’Azur’s most dazzling show.

Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d’Albion
Tucked just off the Croisette yet steps from everything, Le Gray d’Albion is where Cannes comes to play. Sleek, stylish, and quietly glamorous, this urban retreat is beloved by insiders who crave discretion without sacrificing luxury. The hotel’s 38 The Restaurant serves up a refined fusion of Mediterranean and global flavors, while Le Bar attracts a fashion-forward crowd for pre-dinner cocktails and late-night rendezvous. The vibe? Less show, more chic—elegance with a wink.

Hotel Splendid Cannes
As its name suggests, Hotel Splendid offers a slice of Riviera charm with a boutique sensibility. Perched just a few steps from both the beach and Le Suquet, this intimate hotel blends contemporary style with vintage French flair. Its rooftop pool feels like a secret oasis, while the cozy bar makes the perfect hideaway after a sun-drenched day exploring the old town. Think less paparazzi, more polished nonchalance.

Villa Pruly Hôtel Cannes Centre
For those who prefer their glamour with a dose of quiet refinement, Villa Pruly is a hidden gem. Housed in a lovingly restored mansion between Rue d’Antibes and the train station, this charming hotel offers bright, soundproofed rooms with French balconies, clawfoot tubs, and thoughtful touches like complimentary breakfast on the terrace. It’s Cannes as the locals know it—authentic, intimate, and utterly delightful.

Best Time To Visit Cannes:

Cannes is at its most captivating from April to June and again in the golden weeks of September and October, when the Mediterranean sun is gentle, the bougainvillaea are in bloom, and the crowds have yet to descend—or have just drifted away. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance of balmy weather and breathing room, allowing you to savour the city’s charms without the summer stampede.

July and August, by contrast, bring the full Riviera spectacle. The city pulses with energy during the Cannes Film Festival and high summer holidays—expect couture on the Croisette, yachts in the harbor, and cafés that hum with every language under the sun. It’s thrilling, yes—but not for the faint of wallet or those seeking solitude.

While Cannes doesn’t have its own international airport, the journey begins with a flight into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport—a breezy 45-minute drive along one of Europe’s most picturesque coastal stretches. From the airport, you can opt for a private transfer, car rental, or taxi, each offering scenic views of the sparkling Mediterranean as you approach the Croisette.

How To Get There

Prefer rail travel? Cannes is seamlessly connected to France’s high-speed TGV network, making it an easy and elegant ride from Paris in just under five hours. Whether you arrive by sky, rail, or winding coastal road, Cannes promises an entrance worthy of the Riviera’s storied glamour.

For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network

Trending on TFN

Explore Utah’s Mighty 5® and What Lies in Between

Five Epic U.S. National Parks To Visit This Year