Discover Cannes

Cannes exists in a perpetual state of glamour, a resort city that has perfected the art of sophisticated leisure since the 19th century when European aristocracy first discovered its Mediterranean charm. The city’s identity revolves around La Croisette, the palm-lined boulevard where grand belle époque hotels face beaches divided into private concessions, each with its own restaurant and carefully arranged loungers.

The Palais des Festivals anchors the waterfront, its year-round calendar of conventions and events overshadowed each May when the film industry descends for two weeks of premieres, parties, and deal-making that represent cinema’s most prestigious gathering. Beyond the waterfront glamour, Le Suquet preserves Cannes’ medieval heart with cobblestone streets climbing the hill to panoramic viewpoints, while the nearby Îles de Lérins offer a striking contrast—quiet islands where ancient fortifications and monastery gardens provide escape from the mainland’s intensity.

The harbor showcases extraordinary wealth, particularly during major events when superyachts from around the world create a floating exhibition of naval architecture and excess. Cannes’ position on the Côte d’Azur places it perfectly between Monaco’s casino culture and Saint-Tropez’s beach scene, serving as the Riviera’s elegant center where French sophistication meets international jet-set luxury.

The Cannes Film Festival in May transforms the city into the center of the cinematic universe for two weeks, with red carpet premieres at the Palais des Festivals, parties on yachts, and deal-making in hotel suites creating an atmosphere of controlled chaos and glamour. June brings the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the advertising and marketing industry’s premier event that fills hotels with creative professionals.

The Cannes Yachting Festival in September showcases the world’s most impressive vessels, both sail and motor, creating a floating exhibition in the old port and Port Canto. July and August represent peak summer season when beaches reach capacity and room rates peak, as European holidaymakers join international visitors.

The International Games Festival in February celebrates board games and gaming culture, while the MIPIM property market conference in March brings real estate professionals from around the world. The Cannes Shopping Festival in early summer offers promotional pricing at the luxury boutiques that line the streets behind La Croisette, while the winter months bring a quieter elegance to the city, with the same restaurants and hotels operating at a more relaxed pace for visitors seeking the Riviera experience without peak-season crowds.