Marathon des Alpes Maritimes Nice-Cannes
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.

© Valbonne Tourisme
Provençal town designed in the traditional Roman grid system
Situated along the Brague river, the town consists of two separate areas - the old town/village and the technology park of Sophia Antipolis.
The town was built in 1519, based on a grid Roman street plan - a refreshing change from the dark winding streets of many other Provençal villages. As with many towns along the Côte d'Azur excavations carried out in the surrounding hills bear witness to the presence of man going back an extremely long way, even to prehistoric times. While it has quite a lot of boutiques and chic cafes to keep the tourists and resident Brits occupied, it has the feel of a living village rather than being a tourist attraction.
The village is a charming 16th century village of cobbled streets, pastel buildings, colourful shutters and antique markets, all set up around a simply gorgeous central square filled with café tables in the sun. In extreme contrast the neighbouring technology park of Sophia Antipolis, built in the 1970's, has evolved into a highly recognised international community, with more than 1,000 companies hiring more than 25,000 people and specialising in research and development.
With such a rich and vibrant history the town cannot fail to host a wide range of events that reflect its heritage, from weekly markets with local produce, to craft specific markets selling pottery and glass products.
The main summer festival is the 'Rue(z) & Vous', Festival of Street Art. Celebrating arts and culture in the town and bringing the whole place to life with shows, music and exhibitions. This is normally hosted at the start of July.
In September they host the 'Fest'in Val' event which brings together and celebrates the variety of local communities in the area, plus the technological park is open to all!
October sees the International Festival of Salsa, showing once again this is a multi-national community.
This marathon takes place in the cooler autumn, starting in Nice and heading over a slightly varied route each year to the finish in the glamorous centre of Cannes.
Annually in February, in the Palais des Festivals, over 170,000 enthusiasts come together for the three day Games Festival.
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Valbonne was built in 1519, based on a Roman street plan of a central square with streets running perpendicular to the square and each other. Before this it was a small area called Vallis Bona (good valley) which was formed around the monastery of the Abbey of St Mary (it went on to become the parish Church of Valbonne) which was built by Benedictine monks in the 13th century.
The abbey and surrounding villages were deserted in the middle ages, due to war, drought and the plague. The village known as Valbonne was then founded in 1519 by Augustin de Grimaldi, the bishop of Grasse and abbot of Leyrins. Construction of the Roman influenced grid system (10 streets crossing 10 streets) took over a century and was progressively added to but remained relatively unchanged until the middle of the 20th century.
Although the town and population size have increased dramatically since then, the centre has managed to remain much of its charm and is well preserved.
The 16th century Place des Arcades forms the centre of the village and is lined with lovely cafés and boutiques that you can easy spend a few hours wandering around. There's an ancient mill down by the river, and outside Valbonne there is the extraordinary Roman aqueduct traversing the landscape at Clausonne.
Other sights include the Chalaisan Abbey, built in the Cistercian style, and the church of Valbonne which dates from the 13th century.
The village market is on Fridays, with a second hand market on the first Sunday of every month. Local crafts are well represented, with artisan studios and art galleries displaying traditional pottery and glass works.
The Promenade de la Croisette is the true heart of Cannes. Under the shade of pine and palm trees, this boardwalk stretches for over three kilometres. A great place to soak up the sun and the sea breeze while you check out the best luxury shops and hotels.
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
Right in the centre of the old town of Mougins is an interesting photography museum. On display are various antique cameras plus old photography equipment, and a large collection of portraits of Pablo Picasso.
Pierre Bonnard stayed in this beautiful Belle Epoque house in Le Cannet for over 20 years and painted many of his famous works here.
Come and see bison, deer, horses, boars and hawks roaming on 700 hectares of land, just one hour from the French Riviera
Clean and well maintained but free to use. No umbrellas, chairs or sun loungers are provided but you can pick your spot to lay down your towel for the day.
Enjoy the calm waters and amazing views without paying through the roof for a private beach area.
This long and thin stretch of white sand beach runs the length of the Boulevard du Midi from the parking at the Vieux Port towards Cannes la Bocca.
This series of soft sand beaches just west of Cannes have some beautiful red rocky outcrops providing some good snorkelling opportunities and a gorgeous view across the Bay of Cannes to the Esterel Mountains.
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.
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.
There are plenty of restaurants and pavement cafés in this lovely town - including a Moroccan, Indian and Italian if you ever need a break from French cuisine (sounds crazy, but I assure you that it happens eventually.) Meanwhile, a slice of pizza, a pain bagnat or a fresh salad in the sun in one of the cafés in Place des Arcades is always a pleasure.
Just a short walk through the hotel garden and you can sink your feet into the soft white sand of the Grand Hotel's private beach, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
Riviera brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to life with fresh market produce and the catch of the day, served in a stylish brasserie setting overlooking the sea.
Michelin-starred La Bastide Saint-Antoine offers a refined retreat near Cannes, where chef Jacques Chibois creates inspired Provençal cuisine. Set in a stunning country house with lush gardens and panoramic sea views, it’s the perfect blend of gastronomy, elegance, and tranquillity.
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.
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
Ideally located on the hill in Cannes, the Hotel de Mougins is only five minutes from Sophia Antipolis, ten minutes from Cannes and Grasse, and twenty five minutes from Nice International Airport.
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.
A fun, hip and affordable option open for lunch and dinner. With chic decor and lots of outdoor tables, this place really buzzes in the summer.
This small bar serves cocktails, wines and beers from unique wineries and breweries. They also have some savoury nibbles on offer.
With an authentic French feel you will find yourself sitting in this cellar bar surrounded by wine, cheese, paintings by local artists, hanging hams and good food!
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.
The low hills around Valbonne are golf country, and the Opio-Valbonne Golf Club lies just near the village. This par 73, 18-hole course is not particularly challenging but is set in an area of incredible natural beauty, with lovely views and a few tricky shots. There are several excellent courses within an easy drive of Valbonne; see our golfing pages for more details.
There are also numerous walking trails that are marked around the village countryside, where you'll also find many smart villas - home to the employees of the extensive Science Park in neighbouring Sophia Antipolis.
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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.
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.
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.
In 1513, Louis XII stopped the buildint of homes near the wall to retain its defensive character. However, many small hamlets were built along its walls to house the growing population.
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.
Escape the town of Grasse an climb up to 895m to gain an amazing view point over the town and the Siagne basin.
Hike up to the watch tower at 301m, used for the protection against forest fires in the summer months. The route runs mostly on trails in the Peygros Forest where the abundance of Pine allowed the 18th century villagers to fund the construction of the Parish Church of Auribeau.
Walk amongst wild Mimosa which lights up the hillside and remains a symbol of the French Riviera. It is the only flower that brings its brilliant colours to the middle of winter. Not only visible in winter, its scent travels the valley on a hot summers day.
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.
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.
Waterskiing, wakeboarding and towables, Furious Nautisme have it all !
A great way to have fun, these watersports cater for all levels of experience - making it the perfect activity for a warm summer day.
With two locations, one in Cannes and another one on Île Ste Marguerite, this association organises sailing, sea kayaking and wind surfing courses throughout the year.
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.
A small centre that focuses on a personal touch and offers not only beginner diving courses, but PADI certification and also instructor development courses.
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
This is a unique villa facing the sea in the heart of Cannes, in the very chic area called Palm Beach.
4km from Cannes, on the heights of the old village of Mougins, beautiful villa with panoramic views of the hills and the sea overview.
In the heart of Cannes, 2km from the famous Croisette and its beaches, in a private and secure residential estate with trees, magnificent character villa with a sea view.
In the commune of St Cezaire, 15 km from Grasse and 10 km from St Vallier, magnificent, well-equipped luxury villa set in 1600
In the town of Mandelieu, 3km from the sea, magnificent residence of character located on a plot of 5000m².
Exceptional villa "feet in the water" to rent with view on the sea and on the red rocks of the Esterel, between Saint Raphael, Cannes and Saint Tropez.
On the heights of Mandelieu la Napoule, beautiful new villa with a panoramic sea view located on a plot of 1700m ² in terraces.
8 km from Mandelieu, in a domain 15 minutes from the beaches, on St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 3000 m2.
8 km from Mandelieu, in a beautiful private and secure estate, 20 minutes from the beaches. In the commune of St Jean de l'Estérel in the heart of the "Parc Résidentiel de l'Estérel", magnificent renovated villa on 3300 m² of land.
Located in a luxury residence on the heights of Cannes, magnificent Palatine-style apartment on the 3rd floor.
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.
There are several chain hotels that serve business travellers who are visiting the technology park at Sophia Antipolis. There are also a couple of charming hotels in the area for holiday makers searching for something a bit more Provençal.
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.
Ideally located in the heart of Cannes on Rue d’Antibes, Hôtel Le Canberra is a stylish four-star retreat just steps from the famous Croisette.
Effortlessly elegant and full of charm, this authentic Provençal mas offers a peaceful escape for romantic getaways and family retreats alike.
Just moments from the famous Croisette and the lively energy of Cannes, La Bastide de l'Oliveraie is a charming four-star hotel set within a peaceful garden surrounded by silvery olive trees. Tucked away in a quiet residential area, it offers a serene retreat while keeping you close to the heart of the city.
La Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
The Tiara Yaktsa, a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers an unforgettable stay with spectacular views of the Mediterranean. With just 22 rooms and suites, it provides an intimate and luxurious setting perfect for a romantic and gastronomic escape.
If taking the bus make sure yours is going to Valbonne village rather than Valbonne Sophia Antipolis, as some terminate early. Buses run from Antibes (10) from Nice (230), or from Cannes (630).
From Nice airport to Cannes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
150 vehicles at your disposal for taxi services regionally and across the whole of France 24/7.
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.
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.
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Terre Blanche estate, this superb property of approximately 428 m² of living space is set on one hectare of landscaped grounds, one of the largest on the estate, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hilltop villages and a rare living environment that is both luxurious and peaceful.
Perched on the lush hills of Grasse, the Hélios residence is set in an exceptional environment within a meticulously restored historic building. It embodies elegance, comfort, and the timeless charm of the Provençal hinterland, while offering breathtaking panoramic views over the town, the surrounding hills, and all the way to the sea.
Centre Croisette - Intercontinental Carlton as Neighbour
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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