Festival International des Jeux (Games Festival)
Annually in February, in the Palais des Festivals, over 170,000 enthusiasts come together for the three day Games Festival.

© Ali Shayler

© seecannes.com/
Beautiful island just off the south coast of Cannes with stunning views of the Riviera
The gorgeous island of Saint Marguerite is the largest of the islands off the coast of Cannes. Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes, yet this small island made up of a quiet pine forest and pretty coves feels far separated from the glitzy boutiques and hotels of Cannes.
Covered with pine and eucalyptus forest and edged with beautiful coves, this is an island to enjoy nature. The waters are crystal clear, with stunning views back to the Riviera coastline. There are only about 20 houses on the island in a small village near the ferry dock; the rest of the island is covered in forest, with an old fort and museum where you can explore the island's Roman and Crusader history, as well as its final days as a notorious French prison and soldier's hospital. The are a couple of restaurants for refreshments, and daily ferries provide access.
Annually in February, in the Palais des Festivals, over 170,000 enthusiasts come together for the three day Games Festival.
This 17th century fort gained notoriety for housing the 'Man in the Iron Mask' - a prisoner during the time of Louis XIV and immortalised by the writers Voltaire and Alexander Dumas (and by Leonardo DiCaprio in the 1998 film of the same name).
The rest of the island is covered with pine forests and walking trails - exploration of which will no doubt lead you to your own little beach or cove.
The main attraction is the fort and old prison, the Royal Musée de la Mer. You can see the cells and old Roman cisterns; the museum also houses artefacts from Roman and Saracen shipwrecks. There's a small cemetery for French and North African soldiers nearby. Go there and check it out for yourself.
Forville Mill dates back to the 14th century. Some of the original presses are still on display, as well as traditional Provencal objects.
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
The Picasso museum is housed in the Chateau Grimaldi in the centre of the town of Vallauris. The chateau was built over a Roman fort in the 16th century.
Pierre Bonnard stayed in this beautiful Belle Epoque house in Le Cannet for over 20 years and painted many of his famous works here.
North west from the centre of Cannes is the impressive Grand Jas Cemetery. The cemetery was built in 1866 as the town centre of Cannes kept growing thus creating a need for a bigger cemetery.
This gallery has an impressive collection of post-impressionists such as Marc Chagall, Hans Hartung, Victor Vasarély, André Marfaing or Georges Mathieu, as well as a selection of contemporary artists
With sandy stretches and private rocky coves, the beaches on this small island are well worth the trip over alone.
Ile Sainte Marguerite may not have ice cream shops and parasols all over the place but it has far more character and hidden charms than your average beach, with its bright blue water, fragrant forests, cool breezes, and smugglers coves.
Tucked away on the western side of Pointe Croisette, Palm Beach is a quiet and relaxed public beach with a great view and plenty of watersports activity.
A public beach flanked by Le Moure Rouge beach and marina to the east and the Cap de la Croisette to the west. Being in a residential neighbourhood it attracts a very local crowd.
Situated just past Port Canto and before Palm Beach, this is one of two completely non-smoking beaches in the Cannes area (the other being Plage des Rochers at Cannes La Bocca).
A long and narrow stretch of sand on Cannes' eastern most beach and coastal area. Quiet and relaxed, this beach is a favourite with locals as there are no large hotels nearby.
Shallow waters, sandy beach and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach club. There are two municipal run beaches along the Croisette, Plage Zamenhof to the east and Plage Mace to the west.
There are two restaurants and two snack bars on the Ile Ste-Marguerite. However, since you are on a beautiful island for the day it's nice to take a picnic with you. On the island you'll find a large number of picnic areas where the views are fantastic and the shadow of the pine trees is much appreciated in the summer. Furthermore they are close to the sea if you want to pop in for a quick swim.
Enjoy the fabulous one-Michelin-starred restaurant with its light and creative cuisine and elegant decor.
La Plage du Martinez blends relaxed elegance with gourmet flair, offering Mediterranean dishes by Chef Jean Imbert in a stunning seafront setting.
Soak up the sunshine and sea breeze over lunch at the Carlton Beach Club, where local flavours, fresh ingredients and a touch of French Dolce Vita come together by the water’s edge.
La Plage du Festival offers a refreshing gourmet experience in a chic and relaxed atmosphere. With its beachside setting, stunning views, and vibrant cocktails, it’s a must-visit spot in Cannes.
Le Fouquet's at the Hôtel Le Majestic combines Parisian charm with culinary excellence, led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. A timeless spot for culture and cuisine lovers in Cannes.
The Château de la Tour feels like a private residence, offering an intimate and refined experience. With Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2000, Chef Didier Anies, at the helm, the restaurant is a true destination for elegance, creativity and exceptional cuisine - unique in Cannes.
Bar Fouquet’s, located on the iconic Croisette, offers a glamorous setting where you can enjoy expertly crafted signature cocktails by Emanuele Balestra. Perfect for socialising and unwinding, this contemporary space combines stylish surroundings with refreshing drinks and delightful treats.
Whether you’re after a timeless classic or a custom-made creation, the bar’s mixologist will craft your perfect drink with care and creativity.
This small bar serves cocktails, wines and beers from unique wineries and breweries. They also have some savoury nibbles on offer.
The Cafe Roma has been an institution of Cannes for the past 25 years. Its chic and relaxed atmosphere is perfect for a pre or after dinner drink or an afternoon coffee and snack.
A quirky atmosphere and an intriguing interior in this small bar and restaurant.
Nestled in the narrow streets of Cannes oldest district, Le Suquet, this jazz bar hosts some great musicians.
You can easily walk around the island in a couple of hours, on forest paths that smell of pine and eucalyptus. There are sculptures to look out for in the trees, as well as a lagoon for birdwatching. You can clamber over the rocks along the beach looking for creatures in rockpools, or just settle on the beach for a day of relaxing, snorkelling and picnics.
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
Based in the public beach of Bijou Plage in Cannes, this swimming school on the Côte d'Azur has been in operation since 1962 and is led by Thierry, a fully qualified skiing, swimming and fitness instructor.
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
Sit back and relax on this guided tour of the French Riviera.
Follow your guide and discover the famous French Riviera city of Cannes, riding the iconic Vespa scooter.
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
This intermediate cycle offers a wonderful contrast of colours as you pass the reds and ochres of the Esterel rock on one side and rippling azur waters of the Mediterranean coastline on the other. A local favourite, you won't be the only one on the road if you ride during the summer or on weekends.
A 15 minute boat ride from Cannes brings you to the small island of St. Marguerite. With dense woodland covering most of the island there is plenty of shade.
The small island off the coast of Cannes was uninhabited until Saint Honoratus founded a monastery on it sometime around the year 410. The island has seen many invaders who over the years have driven out and even massacred the monks, but they have returned and today the island is home to 30 Cistercian monks.
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
A short walk with a small climb taking in the best the bay has to offer. Towering red rocks, deep vegetation and crashing blue waves make this walk a must for all the family.
Nestled in the alpine foothills of Grasse, this walk takes you from the coast to the top of Grosses Grues 440m. Climbing through vegetation, along rivers, over volcanic formations and past large oak trees, this walk has a lot to offer someone wanting a taste of the outdoors.
Steep cliffs and secret beaches line the coast around Col de l'Esquillon. This walk takes you up into the hills where you can gaze at the surrounding landscape with uninterrupted views of the coast and the hills inland.
Based in the public beach of Bijou Plage in Cannes, this swimming school on the Côte d'Azur has been in operation since 1962 and is led by Thierry, a fully qualified skiing, swimming and fitness instructor.
With all their years of experience in water sports you can be assured that you are in safe hands whichever one you choose to try!
You can rent your stand up paddle board from half an hour up to a week at a time, perfect to liven up a cruise around the Mediterranean. Their nearby surf shop also sells all kinds of gear related to surf, windsurfing and paddle-boarding.
This public swimming pool is located in Cannes La Boca. It has two pools, one is a 25 metre pool with a depth of 3.4 metres, the other is a smaller pool of 12 metres.
Kayak hire and trips on offer to discover the beautiful coastline of the Cote d'Azur by sea kayak, leaving from Palm Beach on the Cap de la Croisette near Cannes.
Airxkite offers full courses on kite surfing, including theory and practical. All Airxkite classes in the water take place between April to November.
In the town of Mandelieu, 3km from the sea, magnificent residence of character located on a plot of 5000m².
4km from Cannes, on the heights of the old village of Mougins, beautiful villa with panoramic views of the hills and the sea overview.
This is a unique villa facing the sea in the heart of Cannes, in the very chic area called Palm Beach.
Situated in the commune of Grasse, 20 km from Cannes and its beaches, in a quiet area, charming villa set in 3,500 m² of wooded grounds.
In the heart of Cannes, 1400 m from the Croisette and the beaches, in a small secured residential estate of 12 villas, beautiful villa with sea view located on a plot of 500m ².
Villa Lunetta features four bedrooms (2 master suites and 2 guest rooms) and four en-suite bathrooms and shower rooms spread over two spacious floors.
Located in a luxury residence on the heights of Cannes, magnificent Palatine-style apartment on the 3rd floor.
Located in the town of Cannes, in the residential area of "Petit Juas", 2.5km from the palace and the Croisette.
On the heights of Mandelieu, with magnificent sea views, beautiful villa set in 3000m² of enclosed grounds in the heart of a residential area.
A 2.3 km from the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette, in the prestigious Park SPRINGLAND, beautiful villa on a closed ground of 1500m ².
Holiday villa Cannes: In Cannes, 2 km from the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette, in a quiet residential area, magnificent villa situated on a plot of 1500m².
3-room apartment of 70 m² with air conditioning on the 2nd floor
Exceptional view of the sea, the Bay of Cannes, Iles de Lérins, and the old quarter Le Suquet. Ideally situated, at the start of La Croisette, just steps from luxury shopping and beaches of golden sand.
A charming and historic four-star villa in the heart of Juan-les-Pins, offering an intimate retreat where Mediterranean elegance and relaxed luxury come together.
A charming four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Cannes, the Cavendish blends early 20th-century elegance with modern comforts - just steps from La Croisette, Le Palais des Festivals, and the city’s best beaches and boutiques.
This modern, spacious guest house combines the comforts and facilities of a four-star hotel with the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of a high-end guest house.
Just minutes from the Croisette, La Villa Garbo is a luxury aparthotel offering refined serviced apartments in the heart of Cannes. Combining elegance with comfort, this discreet Belle Époque residence promises an exceptional stay with all the freedom and intimacy of a private apartment, plus the service of a boutique hotel.
La Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
Regular ferries run from Cannes and only take around 15 minutes. Ferries and boat trips also run from St Tropez, Antibes and Nice.
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
For Cannes and the surrounding areas, Loisirs Animations offers excursions by minibus or coach to help you discover the stunning Provence surroundings. They also offer transfers from Nice airport in their comfortable minibuses that seat up to eight passengers.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
Beautiful crossing apartment of 125 m2 composed of four rooms and located on the fifth and last floor.
Contemporary Cannes apartment on the famous Croisette, benefitting from sea views and excellent facilities.
Located in one of the most prestigious areas of Cannes, La Californie, this stunning three bedroom apartment, providing 125 sq m of living area, is set within a secure sought-after residence with caretaker and swimming pool.
Located on the heights of one of the sought-after neighborhoods of Cannes, this elegant contemporary of recent construction enjoys a magnificent panoramic view of the sea.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
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