Villa Lys is in a residential area 10km from Cannes, just west of the charming hilltop village of Mougins. This is a great location for visiting the French Riviera and its hinterland.
There are two bakeries within a short distance (300m and 700m) and you can also walk to a pharmacy, fromagerie, wine shop, butchers and fishmongers. A little local restaurant attached to one of the bakeries is also within walking distance. There is a choice of supermarkets within a 5-minute drive. Further amenities and restaurants can be found in and around Mouans-Sartoux (3km), a pleasant village with a historic centre and a train station.
Hilltop Mougins (5km) is a beautiful village with flower-filled lanes, gastronomic restaurants and little art galleries – the village has inspired many artists and writers over the years including Picasso. It’s one of the region’s most loved villages and it is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Valmasque forest, perfect for family walks and longer hikes.
Head towards the coast and spend time in Cannes (10km) whether pottering around boutiques, exploring the traditional old quarter, soaking up the ambience of the bustling market or admiring mega-yachts by the marina. There is a good choice of seasonal watersports in and around the palm-fringed beaches of Cannes alongside boat trips along the Côte d'Azur and across to the tranquil Lérins Islands.
Juan-les-Pins (17km) is a chic seaside town loved by Parisians in the summer. Enjoy lunch out in one of the beachside restaurants then partake in more water-based activities and boat excursions. Take time to appreciate the historic charm of Antibes (20km) with its warren of medieval lanes.
Continue onwards towards the wonderful city of Nice (35km), gorgeous Villefranche-sur-Mer (44km), the beautiful beaches of Beaulieu-sur-Mer (45km) or even as far as Monaco, around an hour away by car. In the other direction, the idyllic coastline around Théoule-sur-Mer (24km) is worth discovering with pretty bays and incredible hiking opportunities, backed by the Estérel massif.
Heading inland, experience the Friday morning market in the historic town of Valbonne (10km), visit the perfume studios of Grasse (12km) and experience the stunning surroundings of Lac de Saint-Cassien (40km), perhaps combined with a trip to one of the picture-perfect villages in the Pays de Fayence (including Seillans, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages').
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.
