Cannes is, of course, the world capital of cinema. Every year in May, it rolls out the red carpet to welcome the biggest stars on the planet for the International Film Festival. It buzzes, sparkles and glitters, only falling asleep in the early hours of the morning.
But the pearl of the French Riviera has plenty of charms to offer outside the festival and conference season. Away from the glitz and glamour and paparazzi, Cannes is an authentic, bright and joyful city that is constantly reinventing itself. That’s why we love coming back in the off-season!
There is a plethora of sporting and cultural activities and places to party. So what to do (and, more importantly, what to choose) during a two- or three-day stay? What are the latest must-see attractions? Follow our guide. This way, please.
Stay in a stylish hotel… with sea views and zen vibes guaranteed
Le Majestic, Le Carlton, and Le Martinez are legendary hotels on the Riviera. These palaces, always bustling whatever the time of year, contribute to the glamour and international renown of Cannes.
But we are delighted to discover the Hôtel Belle Plage, which opened last year in the Suquet district. It is the champion of new hotels in Cannes! In a Bauhaus style revisited by Raphaël Navot, this little gem is wonderfully situated opposite the Lérins Islands, a stone’s throw from the beaches of the Midi. Its Rooftop, Bella, its refined restaurant and its Villa Spa (the largest in Cannes with 1,000 m2) make it a Zen cocoon at an attractive off-season rate (from $203).
Another new addition is the Mondrian (replacing the legendary Grand Hôtel, which opened in 1863), an oasis in the heart of La Croisette. It has been given a pop art makeover, with a minimalist decor reflecting the sky blue and white colors of the French Riviera. The Mr Nakamoto restaurant offers subtle Asian-Mediterranean cuisine. Set back from the hustle and bustle of the city, the rooms with views of the beautiful palm grove are perfect for relaxation (from $350).
Find your bearings in the city… and feast your eyes
Majestic palm trees, a deep blue sky, a calm sea. This is the joy of being on the French Riviera! We need to find our bearings and soak up the atmosphere that changes throughout the day.
We stroll along La Croisette, one of the most famous seafront promenades (along with the Promenade des Anglais in Nice), envied around the world. A feast for the eyes, with an Italian ice cream in hand, we enjoy this majestic setting. Can you imagine that in 1850 it was just a sandy path used by merchants, donkeys, and pilgrims?
From the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto (almost three kilometers away), we stroll along the seaside promenade lined with magnificent beach restaurants. They are open all year round, unlike other seaside resorts that hibernate out of season. On the way back, we stroll along the sidewalk lined with Art Deco palaces (Martinez and Majestic), Belle Epoque (Carlton) and luxury boutiques with prestigious names such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Anne Fontaine, and Miu Miu.
A clever idea: hop aboard one of the four double-decker buses customized by artist Robert Combas, which run free of charge along La Croisette. With the wind in your hair, you’ll be in for a treat!
It’s also worth noting that renting an electric bike is a good idea, as there are many bike paths throughout the city.
Stroll among the stalls of the Forville Market… and taste a socca
A must-see at the Forville Market (Tuesday to Sunday), this is the market that matters in Cannes… Popular and well-stocked, people come here as much to shop as to stroll among the stalls and chat with small local producers. The bonus? Socca, fresh out of the oven, is a delicious Niçoise specialty made with chickpeas that will whet your appetite. At the Poissonnerie de Forville, you can sample seafood so fresh it will make the finest restaurants on the French Riviera green with envy.
We make a detour via Rue Meynadier, a lively and popular street renowned for its food shops. At number 13, at the TPGK boutique (what a funny name!), the savvy women of Cannes buy pretty, fashionable and flattering clothes at low prices.
We finish our stroll on the famous Rue d’Antibes, the beating heart of the city, and dive into the adjacent streets lined with charming restaurants, bars, and shops.
Visit La Malmaison, Cannes’ new contemporary art center
The pride of Cannes: in January 2025, La Malmaison, the city’s brand new contemporary art center, opened its doors. Built in 1863, this iconic villa on the Croisette, an architectural gem of the Belle Epoque, has been skillfully transformed by architect Nelson Wilmotte after extensive renovation and embellishment work. Until January 6, 2026, Jean-Michel Othoniel, the poet sculptor, will inspire us with his exhibition “Poussière d’étoiles” (Stardust), which will be exclusively on display on the three floors of La Malmaison. “Far from the glitz and glamour, yet so close, ‘Poussière d’étoiles’ is an exploration in search of the wonder lost in our real world,” he comments.
On the 200 m² roof terrace, the Café Olympe offers spectacular views of the Bay of Cannes. A new coveted venue for celebrating events.
Lunch at Ciro’s… and fall asleep under a white parasol with red fringes
The iconic restaurant Ciro’s, a must in Deauville since 1920, opened on the beach of the Hôtel Majestic (Barrière group) in 2025. It perpetuates the spirit of the great coastal restaurants, combining the elegance of yesteryear with contemporary flavors. All aboard!
At the helm, interior designer Jordane Arrivetz brings an Art Deco style to the restaurant. You’ll feel like you’re on the deck or in the lounge of a luxury yacht, with navy blue striped “director’s chairs,” white tablecloths, mahogany furniture, portholes, relief frescoes with marine motifs, seashells, a metallic blue XXL bar, and a row of ultra-chic white stools.
Guests can choose to have lunch lying on a deckchair with their feet in the sand or in a more formal but still relaxed setting in the restaurant. Completely revamped, the Majestic beach is now one of the most beautiful and distinguished beaches on the Croisette, recognizable from afar with its pier jutting out into the sea and white parasols with red fringes.
It took just a few months for the new chef, Gabriella Stocker, to find her feet at Ciro’s and express her creativity. She treats us to sea bass carpaccio, fried squid with Espelette pepper, lobster linguine, and fish of the day. Delicately cut by two young waitresses, the sole melts deliciously in the mouth. The Norwegian omelet with raspberries and lime, served with fromage blanc ice cream, is simply divine!
Ciro’s is definitely establishing itself as the home port for lovers of good French taste.
We hurry off to admire the yachts lined up neatly in the Old Port. These make way for the Régates Royales organized by the Cannes Yacht Club every year at the end of September. A truly beautiful sight… Sometimes you might even be lucky enough to climb aboard an old sailing ship at the quayside!
Do you like hunting for bargains? On the Allées de la Liberté, second-hand dealers display their finest finds.
A little further on, on one of the facades of the Town Hall, you will notice the portrait of Boualem Sansal. David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes, does not hesitate to take a stand for causes he believes are right. Whether some people like it or not.
But the people of Cannes tell us they love their mayor and they happily attend events held in the gardens of the Town Hall… and elsewhere.
Enjoy a spot of sunbathing (or a quick dip) on a beach… but which one?
A ray of sunshine? We decide to soak up the sun on one of the local beaches. Even out of season, you’re spoiled for choice! From Cannes-la-Bocca in the west (a more popular neighborhood) to Golfe-Juan in the east, the Bay of Cannes boasts a golden sandy beach stretching for eight kilometers!
Public or private beaches? For an hour or a day?
Renting a day bed for between $45 and $250 (same price for half a day!) is a real luxury. Enjoy a day of relaxation at Plage Vilebrequin, one of the most colorful and cheerful beaches on the Croisette.
Nestled at the Pointe Croisette, the Plage Bijou (Handiplage label) is sheltered from the tourist hustle and bustle. It is particularly popular with hipsters looking to escape the loud music.
A little further on, at Mouré Rouge, the public beach, which is more family-oriented, seems “almost” wild compared to its neighbors at Palm Beach. With its typical port, it’s “another town within a town” where locals, sailors, paddleboarders, and other water sports enthusiasts gather.
Unfortunately, the excellent restaurant Le Mouré Rouge is closed, so we head to Le Duplex, the trendy spot in the area. Very nice!
In the opposite direction, towards Mandelieu-La-Napoule, the beaches of Boulevard du Midi are very pleasant and less crowded than their sometimes slightly snobbish counterparts on the Croisette.
After several months of renovation work, the private beaches reopened in the spring, looking fresh and vibrant. Waikiki Plage, with its pretty “tangy candy” decor, tasty menu, and attentive service, is “the place to be” under a pink parasol! Fancy a dip in the sea? You can happily lay your sarong on the public beach in front of the fitness area at the Etienne Romano roundabout.
Sip a cocktail at sunset on a rooftop… and admire the Lérins Islands
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLnLH8cqmAi/
For a drink at sunset facing the Bay of Cannes, head up high!
The gods are with you: since July 1, 2025, the Café Olympe at La Malmaison has been offering aperitifs from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with gourmet plates to share. A friendly, no-frills atmosphere.
Perched above the palm trees, the Bella rooftop terrace at the Hôtel Belle Plage is a lively spot in the evening, with a central bar. We love the Spritz, available in four different flavors, accompanied by truffle, herb, and Parmesan croquettes.
Another must-visit spot is Marea, the rooftop terrace at the Canopy by Hilton, with panoramic views from Le Suquet to the Pointe Croisette.
If you want to gaze at the stars with your feet on the ground, head to Harry’s Bar, a sure bet. This legendary bar, founded in Paris in 1911, recently moved to Port Canto on the initiative of Franz-Arthur MacElhone, the founder’s great-grandson.
During the day, you can enjoy the huge terrace and the piano bar atmosphere from 10 p.m. onwards… “the piano itself” on which George Gershwin composed “An American in Paris.” Harry’s Bar offers a sophisticated and daring menu of 500 cocktails made by “pros,” of course! Special mention for the Coupo Santo.
Gather around a festive brunch on Sunday… with your feet in the sand
On the former site of 3.14, Copal Beach welcomes guests who are delighted to share a Sunday brunch with a DJ and pianist in a musical atmosphere.
Copal Beach transports us to another world. The restaurant elegantly borrows the codes of Mexican hotspot beach clubs: a bohemian chic decor on warm sand. Maxime, the head waiter, is attentive and recommends the Copal Picanté cocktail. Delicious!
At the helm, talented chef Juan Arbelaez draws inspiration from his native Colombia: red tuna tacos with caviar, Iberian ham croquettes, grilled octopus, shrimp ceviche… A gastronomic escape that will delight your taste buds.
The generous brunch menu at $55 per person ($120 with champagne) allows you to enjoy a wide selection of truly succulent dishes at your leisure. In addition, there are show cooking stations where dishes are prepared to order right in front of you, including eggs cooked just the way you like them.
When the temperature rises, your dog can enjoy some “dog ice cream” (US$12). Not such a crazy idea, right?
This delightful Sunday treat will make you want to book a table for other days of the week… A Latin American atmosphere is guaranteed at this new venue, which is lively both day and night.
Stroll around Le Suquet, the charming old town… and meet a “greeter”
Head to Le Suquet hill, the historic district where it all began when the city was just a fishing village. You can be accompanied by a greeter, a local resident who will show you the hidden gems of their neighborhood for free. Isn’t life beautiful?
Head for the Musée des Explorations du Monde, then the Suquet des Art(iste)s, an unusual venue for emerging artists. Don’t miss the house where the Man in the Iron Mask is said to have taken refuge after his escape from Sainte-Marguerite Island, at 9 Rue du Mont Chevalier. For more information, contact the Cannes en Héritage association, which organizes cultural events related to the city’s rich heritage.
From Place de la Castre, the view of the Bay of Cannes is spectacular, and the few benches available are quickly snapped up for an impromptu aperitif… unless you happen to own a penthouse on the Croisette. Another option is to have a drink at Charly’s, an institution serving excellent cocktails, then dine in one of the restaurants lining the cobbled streets of the neighborhood.
Dine at an institution or a trendy spot… and be HAPPY!
In Cannes, customers are demanding. So even the “little restaurants” are of high quality. There are plenty of good places to eat, and here is our selection.
Fancy a seafood platter and fish of the day? Fred l’Ecailler, on Place de l’Etang, and Astoux et Brun, on the Old Port, are the two must-visit establishments.
Book a table at Aux Bons Enfants, a family-run institution spanning three generations at the bottom of Le Suquet, as it is always full. Here you can enjoy small stuffed vegetables, calamari in parsley sauce and veal kidneys with mustard at reasonable prices.
Young people love UVA (Boulevard de la République), which offers dishes to share and a fine wine cellar at the best prices, in a cool atmosphere.
Located just opposite the Palais des Festivals, La Bambola, a new trendy restaurant, celebrates la Dolce Vita with refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Located in the Palm Beach, the Japanese label Zuma has arrived in Cannes after New York, London, Miami, and Rome. Its gourmet Japanese cuisine lives up to its promise, with a view of the Lérins Islands as a bonus.
Fancy something a little different? La Palme d’Or, the iconic restaurant of the Hôtel Martinez, with one Michelin star, run by chef Jean Imbert, offers a delightful culinary experience.
—————————–ALSO WORTH DISCOVERING—————————–
In the “Basse Californie” district, visit the Villa Domergue, its gardens and temporary exhibitions.
Book a tennis court at Cannes Tennis Lacour, a historic club behind Le Martinez.
Go jogging along the beaches of the Midi to Mandelieu-La-Napoule and take part in a group yoga class on the Guillaume Apollinaire pontoon.
Lunch at the Yacht Club on Port Canto, an institution that has been around since 1860.
Stroll along the hill of La Croix-des-Gardes and its 20 kilometers of trails, with views of the bay of Cannes.
Discover the works on display at the Galerie Vieceli, a large contemporary art space at 122 rue d’Antibes.
Have a drink at Bar Fouquet’s at the Majestic, which has retained its original charm, or at La Môme Plage, a fashionable and festive spot.
Climb to the heights of Le Cannet, visit the Bonnard Museum, and dine at La Maison Bellevue.
After a visit to the Casino Barrière, dance the night away at Bisous-Bisous or Bâoli.
Get away for a day on Sainte-Marguerite Island or Saint-Honorat Island with a beach towel, picnic, and walking shoes.
Read also > Our tips for a cultural weekend in Marseille
Featured Photo: The legendary Boulevard de La Croisette and the Bay of Cannes ©DR
