In Cannes
Few spots better symbolize the glamour of Cannes than La Croissette. Here vendors offer souvenirs and art, billboards promote the film festival, and shoppers enjoy chic boutiques across the street. At the end of La Croisette, you can stroll along the endless Allées des Stars, which is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the glamorous stars of French Cinema and Culture. La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes’ Old Town, Le Suquet, where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants, is a lovely place for a stroll.
The Old Town of Cannes (Le Suquet) overlooking the west end of the port is well worth a visit. It offers fine views over the port, town and beaches and features 12th-century ramparts and plenty of small, cozy, restaurants. The main shopping street is Rue d’Antibes , that runs parallel (about 2 blocks back) to the Croisette.
Off the shore of Cannes, are some fascinating island : the Iles de Lérins are well worth a visit. Just 15 minutes boat ride from the Old Port, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat make a great half-day trip. Ste-Marguerite features a fort (where where Dumas’ Man in The Iron Mask is supposed to have been held) and the Musée de la Mer, on St-Honorat is small, quiet and has a lovely abbey and 11th century fortress. Cannes Maritime runs the boat service with departures from the Old Port. Hourly: May–Sept 9am–6.15pm, last return 7pm; Oct–April 9am–4.15pm, last return 5pm; tel 04.92.98.71.36; €8). They offer an hour-long circuit of the two islands with no stops as well (€13). Taking a picnic is a good idea, as the handful of restaurants on the islands are not cheap. For more information about the islandshttp://www.cannes-ilesdelerins.com/index.php
To please small children under age 6, we recommend you an afternoon out to Fun City. This giant indoor play area of 1200 m2, the 1st of its kind on the Côte d’Azur, is situated in Cannes-la-Bocca. Ideal to escape the high temperatures in the summer with its air conditioning. Open daily from 10 a.m to 7 p.m.9€ per child / 6€ for the under 3’s, free for adults bringing their children. More information on http://www.fun-city.fr/
The Massif de l’Esterel are deep red coloured mountains that literally cascade down into the sea just to west of Cannes. A drive from Cannes to St-Raphaël along the costal road (N98) provides dramatic views of the sea. As in the summer this road can be jam packed, we advise you to take the train and stop at Le Trayas and Anthéor for the stunning views, as in the summer this road can be jam packed!
