The Riviera’s Light, Life, and Unexpected Charm
It’s hard to hear the name Cannes without picturing red carpets, flashing cameras, and glamorous celebrities. The film festival is undeniably one of the city’s most iconic features—but Cannes is so much more than that. It’s a modern, multifaceted destination that pampers both lovers of nature and serenity, as well as those seeking nightlife, festivals, and vibrant summer vibes.
To be honest, Cannes didn’t win me over at first. I saw the glitz, the yachts, the red carpet—but it didn’t touch me. It felt like a place that was beautiful, but didn’t speak to me.
Then summer came, and I found myself back… and something shifted. The warmth, the light, the scent of the sea, the bustling morning market, a hidden museum in the shade, lunch at a small Greek taverna—Cannes revealed another side of itself. And I think I’ll be back. Some places don’t enchant you at first sight—they take their time. But once they do, they never let you go.
🚶 Discovering Cannes Step by Step
We started our exploration at the Vieux Port, or Old Port. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the train station, and the view alone is worth the stroll: yachts, sailboats, sparkling water, and hills in the background. Pure Mediterranean charm.
From there, we climbed up to Suquet Hill. At the end of the narrow, steep streets stands the Notre-Dame d’Espérance church and the old fortress, Château de la Castre. The view over Cannes from the top? Simply breathtaking.
As we descended, we wandered into the vibrant Marché Forville. Colorful stalls, flowers, spices, cheeses, and local vegetables—the market pulses with life. You can truly feel the French way of living here.
🍽️ A Touch of Luxury at Lunchtime
In the soft spring sunshine, we walked along the famous Croisette promenade and stopped for lunch at La Plage du Festival. The truffle risotto was divine—Italian flavors reign here too. And of course, we couldn’t skip the iconic photo on the red carpet in front of the Palais des Festivals.
The Croisette-Center—between the station, the port, and the beach—is the beating heart of the city. Boutiques, cafés, little shops—something catches your eye on every corner. Here, there’s no rush.
🏝️ Saint-Honorat – The Island of Peace
In the afternoon, we boarded a ferry at the Old Port and 15 minutes later arrived on the island of Saint-Honorat. This green haven offers peace and silence. The monks who’ve lived here for centuries cultivate vineyards and produce wine, liqueurs, and olive oil.
Exploring the island felt like a spiritual journey—cypress trees, olive groves, vineyards, small chapels, a fortified monastery, and the sea everywhere. Naturally, we didn’t return empty-handed—one bottle of wine, a little liqueur, and we were carrying home a piece of that tranquility.
🎨 Art, Shade, and Inspiration
Early summer brought me back to Cannes again. The air was hot and humid, so we started our day with culture: a visit to the Musée Bonnard.
This museum doesn’t just honor Pierre Bonnard, master of Post-Impressionism—it happened to be hosting a special exhibition featuring Monet, Picasso, Renoir, Van Dongen, Matisse, and Degas. The villa, surrounded by lush gardens, is a perfect backdrop to this vibrant era of French painting.
Bonnard’s works capture the essence of the Riviera—vivid colors, gentle light, fleeting moments. The museum’s peaceful, shaded atmosphere was a true refuge from the summer heat.
🇬🇷 A Taste of Greece (Almost)
After art came lunch, and with it one of Cannes’ hidden gems: Parthenopi, a Greek restaurant that instantly transported us to the islands. Whitewashed walls, blue shutters, the scent of oregano and lemon in the air.
The owner and staff have lived here for 15 years, using only authentic ingredients from Greece. Halloumi, tzatziki, grilled meats, pita, feta—everything was flawless. It’s a side of Cannes not many see, but once you do, it stays with you.
🌅 Cannes – The City That Keeps Calling You Back
Cannes changes with the seasons. In spring, it blossoms. In summer, it pulses with life. In autumn, it calms. In winter, it shows refined elegance. The city doesn’t just shine—it surprises, soothes, and invites you in… if you let it.
And as we finished the last bite of feta, we were already on the train—next stop: Antibes. But that’s another story…