Villa La Croisette is in the heart of Cannes, with all its delights, including restaurants, bars, shops, clubs and beaches within easy reach. A walk along the city promenade in Cannes, La Croisette (10 minutes walk), is a must as you soak up the glitz and glamour that surrounds you. The fashionable city has a brilliant nightlife, some superb restaurants and a great choice of lovely sandy beaches, both public and private.
It will be hard to miss the Palais des Festivals, the home of the Cannes Festival, where you can see the stars' handprints in the famous ‘Allee des Stars’. However, if you want to learn more about what Cannes was like as a fishing village in the time before the festival, head to the narrow labyrinth of lanes in Le Suquet, where the fishermen and their families used to live. Nowadays it has a magical atmosphere with pretty restaurants, bars and shops for visitors to enjoy.
If you want to find a more natural retreat, just take a ferry across to the beautiful Iles de Lerons, two pretty islands where you can take a picnic and find a rocky cove backed by pine and eucalyptus trees.
Hire a car and head north to the charming medieval hilltop town of Mougins (7km) which has become famous for its art galleries and restaurants, hosting the Festival of Gastronomy every year. Whether you are looking for fine dining or authentic French cuisine, you will find a great choice of excellent restaurants in and around Mougins. The picturesque town has also appealed to artists and celebrities over the years, including Pablo Picasso who lived here for the last decade of his life until 1973. The Mougins Museum of Classical Art is one of many art galleries and studios that are well visited by tourists in the area.
This area is a natures paradise with the wonderful Parc de la Valmasque (10km) nearby, offering hiking paths, natural trails, birdwatching stations and playgrounds across woodland hills, streams and lakes. There is horse-riding nearby and mountain bike trails for keen cyclists.
Other delights of the French Riviera are easily reached such as historic Grasse, in the hills north of Cannes, known for its perfume heritage and fields of lavender, plus the beautiful city of Nice, especially the maze of narrow streets in the old town.
Keen golfers can head to Royal Mougins (10km) and play a round on the villa’s membership whilst families with children will not only enjoy the beautiful fine sandy beaches and watersports along parts of the Cote d’Azure but there are various waterparks too, including Aquasplash in nearby Antibes, just 15km away.
The Region
Despite being renowned for its annual international film festival in May at the iconic Palais des Festivals, Cannes is not just a glamourous destination for the rich and famous. The attractive Côte d’Azur town is loved all year round for its palm-fringed beaches, upmarket shopping opportunities and wonderful restaurants as well as a certain French Riviera charm.
Stroll along Cannes’ iconic La Croisette boulevard following the footsteps of stars from years gone by as you admire prestigious hotels, luxurious boutiques and private beach clubs. Stop off for a cocktail as the sun sets and admire the twinkling lights across the bay. Even at night, La Croisette remains the vibrant heart of this bustling town.
Shop to your heart’s delight along the streets of the Carré d’Or district – come across hundreds of well-known stores along Rue d’Antibes. At the end of a busy day there’s a vast choice of restaurants to suit every taste and budget from authentic bistros spilling out on to the street to Michelin starred establishments.
Soak up the historic side of Cannes as you explore Le Suquet quarter’s medieval lanes passing little shops, atmospheric restaurants, flower-filled balconies and old fishermen’s houses. Climb to the top of the hill by Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance for stunning views of the harbour, followed by a visit to Château de la Castre and its popular museum. This part of Cannes is also home to the colourful Marché Forville showcasing the very best gourmet delights of Cannes and beyond.
Escape the crowds as you venture to Croix Des Gardes natural park with forest walking routes, botanical plants and glorious views across to the Lérins Islands. Look out for some fantastic boat trips from Cannes’ marina from whale and dolphin-watching excursions to family adventures on board a chartered yacht, sight-seeing ferries and romantic sun-set cruises.
Beyond the city centre, visit the ceramic studios and National Picasso Museum in Vallauris, follow Picasso’s footsteps in the enchanting hilltop village of Mougins (loved for its galleries and gastronomy) and appreciate the artistic vibe of Biot with beautiful views of the French Riviera. Chic Juan-les-Pins, so loved by Parisians in the summer, is home to beachside restaurants and more watersports whilst keen walkers will adore the incredible coastal trail around Cap d’Antibes.
In the other direction is the charming seaside village of Théoule-sur-Mer, backed by the dramatic Esterel massif, another paradise for hikers. By staying in one of our collection of handpicked rentals in Cannes you can experience all of this and more during your time on the glistening Côte d’Azur.
