10 most romantic things to do in Cannes

From a gentle evening stroll under the palms to a helicopter flight soaring high above Provence, Cannes is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Here are our top tips for romantic activities in and around Cannes.

Take a walk along the Croisette

A stroll along the Croisette is incredibly romantic, as you meander past the grand art deco hotels and gleaming superyachts, the pastel-painted buildings of the old town and, finally, around to the long stretch of golden sand lined with waving palms and fancy beach clubs. Or go for an evening stroll along the Croisette with the beautiful people, as the stars come out across the Riviera and the Mediterranean shines silver in the moonlight.

Drink in the view from Place Bellevue

One of the most romantic spots in Cannes is actually in the nearby town of Le Cannet, where you’ll find the absolutely beautiful square, Place Bellevue. With its iconic twisted trees and pale Provençal stone buildings, this wonderfully atmospheric square is filled with charming cafes and restaurants and affords a magnificent panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes.

Take a helicopter flight

Whether you want to zoom down the dramatic red rock coastline to Saint Tropez, or head inland above Provencal hill villages and the stunning Gorge du Verdon, a helicopter flight from Cannes is an unforgettable experience - and might just provide that perfect setting to propose.

Charter a yacht

Admire the view of the Cote d’Azur from the water, and float among the superyachts for a while. There are all sorts of boat charters available in Cannes, from small day boats to massive motoryachts that you can call your own for a week. Crewed or bareboat, sail or motor- you choose! One thing is certain: there’s little more romantic than drifting along the French Riviera in the summertime, dropping anchor where you please.

Visit the Cannes Islands

If chartering a boat is slightly out of your budget, then hop on the short ferry trip across to the stunning Cannes islands for a romantic picnic on one of the secluded coves of Ile Saint Marguerite and a gentle stroll through the sweet-smelling forest.

Notre Dame de l'Esperance

This beautiful Gothic church sits above the old town of Cannes by the Musée de Castre, and the view from the grounds is stunning - particularly in the early evening when the whole bay shines in the last light and buskers often play a tune.

Indulge in a couple’s spa day

Cannes has many stunning spas to choose from, but the crème de la crème is the spectacular Thermes de Marins at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Imagine a Roman bath overlooking the sea, an outdoor seawater pool surrounded by lounges, a Turkish Hamman, Japanese bath, and 46 treatment rooms - all within 10 metres of the Mediterranean Sea. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to that kind of indulgence, check out our spa guide to Cannes for some more affordable spa options.

Have a cocktail in a glamorous setting

You’re entirely spoilt for choice in Cannes - whether you want to sip a martini in the piano bar l’Amiral where Sinatra once played, sink into soft couches overlooking the Mediterranean at the Radisson rooftop bar 360, or enjoy a delicious mojito at one of the decadent beach clubs as the sun sets and the DJ starts to play. If you don’t mind going a little further afield, a drink at the uber-famous Hotel Eden Roc on the Cap d’Antibes is a superb experience that will likely cast a spell on you both.

Eat at a romantic French restaurant

Cannes has an excellent selection of restaurants perfectly suited to a memorable date night. Le Relais de Semailles and La Toque d’Or definitely fit the bill with their exposed brick walls, soft lighting and cosy feel, while Da Bottau is well-known with the celebrity set for its old-style charm and classic French cuisine. If you want to turn the glamour setting up a notch, then enjoy a brunch or high tea at the utterly opulent Hotel Carlton Intercontinental, or enjoy a dessert made by the world pastry champion at the beautiful rooftop restaurant of Hotel Five Seas.

Learn something together

There’s a romance in learning new things together, whether it’s making a perfume for each other at one of the grand parfumeries in the nearby hill village of Grasse, or taking a French cooking class together in Cannes. Or you could learn about local Provençal wine with a leisurely wine-tasting tour through the local vineyards. It’s a hard life being in love in the South of France, isn’t it?

Cannes is a brilliant destination for lovebirds, and this is just a small selection of what you might like to do on a romantic holiday here. If there’s any particularly special places we’ve missed out on, please let us know in the comments!