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.
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.
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.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Cannes, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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 awe-inspiring caves of Saint Cézaire are six million years old. Discovered by a farmer digging his field in 1890, they boast a wealth of beautiful, natural rock formations in fantastical forms.
Grasse is the world capital of perfumes. At this museum you can discover the ancient tradition of parfumerie and learn how to create your own, unique scent.
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
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.
Come and see bison, deer, horses, boars and hawks roaming on 700 hectares of land, just one hour from the French Riviera
Pierre Bonnard stayed in this beautiful Belle Epoque house in Le Cannet for over 20 years and painted many of his famous works here.
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.
Le Roof at Hotel Five Seas combines refined gastronomy, breathtaking views, and a welcoming atmosphere. From gourmet breakfasts to creative lunches, the restaurant offers a range of exceptional dining experiences. The Lounge Bar is a perfect spot for cocktail lovers, offering signature drinks and a chic, trendy setting.
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.
La Plage du Martinez blends relaxed elegance with gourmet flair, offering Mediterranean dishes by Chef Jean Imbert in a stunning seafront setting.
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.
L'Or Bleu, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers an unforgettable dining experience where cuisine is elevated to the level of art. Set in an elegant, contemporary setting with breathtaking views over the bay of Théoule-sur-Mer, this Relais & Châteaux establishment is the perfect place for a memorable evening.
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.
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.
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!
Morrisons is a lively and fun Irish pub in central Cannes. It's a pub, a bar, a club and a place for live music.
If you fancy a different and fun night out in Cannes, then head to Cannes Bowling in Cannes La Boca. There are 16 alleys and over 2,500m² of pure bowling entertainment.
A magical place offering food, music and dancing under the palm trees and stars…while perhaps looking at some film stars too.
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.
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 Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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.
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.
Here you can learn about the regattas organised by the club and the art of sailing, as well as of course the practical side.
Discover more than 30 dive sites with the help of this diving school, located on the Port Santa Lucia in St Raphael.
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.
In the commune of Le Cannet, 3km from the centre of Cannes, splendid Californian-style villa set in 1,500 m² grounds. Private heated infinity pool (10m x 5m - salt - max depth 1.8m), sun loungers, garden furniture, outdoor dining table and barbecue.
Mas Du Duc is a maison provençale of true beauty with its exquisite views. When you step through its private gates, greeted with the scent of citrus trees, lavender and rosemary you will soon discover its elegant style. Close to Grasse and only a short drive from the French Riviera and the beaches of Cannes, this extraordinary villa will amaze you in every way.
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.
The villa in Callian has 6 bedrooms and has capacity for 14 people.
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.
3-room apartment of 70 m² with air conditioning on the 2nd floor
Located in Mougins, this magnificent villa has been fully renovated to a very high standard.
Close to historic Valbonne and the beaches of Cannes, this villa is perfectly situated for exploring all the delights of this wonderful corner of the French Riviera.
On the heights of Théoule, pleasant villa with a magnificent sea view located on a plot of 1000m² in terraces.
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.
A modern four-star hotel in the heart of Cannes, part of the renowned OKKO Hotels collection, which currently has six locations across France and more on the way. Combining contemporary design with thoughtful amenities, it offers a stylish and comfortable stay in a prime location.
This hotel is a fully renovated ''glamour'' boutique hotel, a stone’s throw away from the Palais des Festivals, the Croisette beaches and the shops along Rue d’Antibes. It is anchored at the heart of life in Cannes.
La Villa Cap d'Antibes, a four-star hotel, offers an intimate boutique experience, blending discreet elegance with a serene atmosphere.
A peaceful boutique hotel in the heart of Cannes, Hôtel Cézanne blends comfort and modern style with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With a spa, fitness room, and private beach access, it's perfect for both relaxation and active getaways.
Set in a peaceful 5,000 m² park filled with lavender, the four-star Château de la Tour Hotel offers a serene escape by the Mediterranean. Tucked away in a quiet residential area of Cannes, it’s just five minutes from the lively city centre and the famous film festival and congress venues.
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.
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.
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 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.
Located in the sought-after area of Le Cannet, this elegant and airy apartment of approximately 103 sqm is set on the 7th floor of a high-end, secure residence with elevator, offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea.
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.
Located in the sought-after setting of Grasse, this exceptional 227.44 sq m residence perfectly embodies the harmony of modern comfort, timeless elegance, and the Mediterranean art of living.
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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