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Cannes, France - Guide

Cannes - General Information

One of the world’s most chic resorts – thanks not least to the glamour that surrounds its annual film festival – Cannes has been called the ‘Queen of the Riviera.’ Amongst its many attractions, Cannes boasts lovely beaches, a marina crammed with millionaires’ yachts, the second best shopping in France outside of Paris and grand belle époque hotels along its famous promenade, La Croisette.

The Beach at Cannes

Cannes - History

Once a humble fishing village, Cannes first came to the attention of the wider world in the 1830s, when British Chancellor Lord Brougham chose to build a villa there rather than in Nice and subsequently played host to numerous wellborn friends. Word spread amongst the aristocracy, but it was not until the 1930s that stars such as Coco Chanel, Harpo Marx and F. Scott Fitzgerald truly put Cannes on the map. Thus its appeal was entwined with the growing power of celebrity in a way that has persisted and evolved ever since. Since the 1950s it has become more and more popular with ordinary holidaymakers attracted by the fact that it enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year.

Cannes - Today

Though elegant sun worshipping is probably the activity that draws most people to Cannes, there are other aspects to its appeal. The old town – known as Le Suquet and situated on a small hill to the west – has narrow, winding lanes of picturesque fishermen’s cottages (many turned into seafood restaurants) and commands wonderful views of La Croisette. Also up at Le Suquet, you’ll find Cannes’ fortified castle, which houses the Musée de la Castre, containing artworks, musical instruments, sculptures and ethnographic collections. Back down in modern Cannes, the Phoenix Botanical Gardens are adorned with a large selection of exotic plants and flowers. Housed in a classic 18th century mansion, the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence is home to a collection of artefacts that range from prehistoric to present times. Beaches in Cannes are mostly privately owned by the hotels and the public ones are often crowded, so most visitors enjoy a short boat trip to the Îles de Lérins, where the beaches are much more peaceful.