Cannes, French Riviera | Beyond the Festival
Cannes is, in the minds of most, defined by the international coverage it receives each May, as the Cannes Film Festival takes over the famous La Croisette. Yet beyond the red carpets, it is a destination defined by far more.
This Edit brings our South of France series to a close by focusing on Cannes as a destination within the wider region. It is a city that balances a Riviera lifestyle with practicality, offering a combination of dining, beach culture and walkable streets that invite a more considered approach to travel.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Cannes becomes a destination that can be enjoyed at any point throughout the spring and summer months.
Who this is for
This Edit is designed for those who wish to explore Cannes beyond the hype. It will suit travellers looking to combine high-quality dining, relaxed beachfront settings and a walkable Riviera base.
It is particularly well suited to those building a wider South of France itinerary, either as a standalone stay or as part of a longer journey through Provence and the Riviera.
The Standard
Every recommendation in this Edit is assessed against the same five points: service, design, food and drink, atmosphere and value. Value is not about price alone, but whether the experience delivers against expectation.
A seaside resort with a difference
Cannes’ location is ideal for tourists looking to explore the French Riviera. Other destinations such as Nice, Antibes and Monaco often dominate itineraries, however Cannes offers an alternative perspective on the region.
The city is centred around La Croisette, a waterfront boulevard where hotels, beach clubs and restaurants look out across the Bay of Cannes. Behind this, the old town of Le Suquet overlooks the port and surrounding seafront. Here you will find the Musée des explorations du monde, located within the historic Château de la Castre, one of the most important cultural points of the city.
Whilst the Cannes Film Festival, held every May, remains entrenched in the city’s identity, its influence is best appreciated as something that amplifies what is already built into the city’s identity, rather than defining it entirely.
A Considered Dining Selection
Whilst Hôtel Martinez and more specifically, La Palme d’Or set the benchmark for hospitality and dining in Cannes, the city offers several additional venues that offer an alternative experience not to be missed.
The Carlton Beach Club
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mage: The Carlton Beach Club. © 2026 Palates & Miles
The Carlton Beach Club is one of the most recognisable beachfront images in the region. Positioned directly off La Croisette, it offers a seamless connection between the city, the hotel and the Mediterranean.
The design of the terrace and space is vibrant with a mix of yellows, whites & blues combining to create a sense of heritage and distinction.
The menu offered focuses on Mediterranean and Riviera cuisine, with an emphasis on seafood and dishes best enjoyed by the beach. They have some signature cocktails which make spending hours there, pass without a care in the world. Afternoons here are best enjoyed starting with lunch before allowing the afternoon to slip away by the bar.
Bar°58 at The Carlton
Image: Bar°58 at the Carlton. © 2026 Palates & Miles
Located within the Carlton Cannes, Bar°58 offers an intimate setting within a space that is designed for those who wish to be seen. It is a space where the bar itself dominates from all corners and draws the attention of those within. Seats at the bar itself are often the most popular, where the work of the bartenders can be admired in full view.
Here, classic cocktails are elevated by signature creations to fit the season and festivities of Cannes. In particular, the Beluga Martini is for those who want to be adventurous. A considered offering of mocktails also takes centre stage here, for those who want a lighter occasion.
Light snacks are provided with drinks and a small but well considered bar food menu is on offer here. In particular the lobster roll stands out for it’s distinct flavour.
Evening live music is a key offering here on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and elevates the atmosphere within the space.
P&M tip: Aim to arrive early evening if you wish to find a seat to enjoy the evening entertainment.
La Table du Chef | A Surprise Menu Experience
Image: La Table du Chef, Cannes. © 2026, Palates & Miles
La Table du Chef is an experience that is unique within the Cannes dining scene. Built around a surprise four-course tasting menu, the experience focuses on creativity and suspense.
The menu is carefully crafted by chef Oumar Nimaga, who crafts a starter, fish, meat and dessert course using the finest local produce on offer. There is no fuss or fanfare here, instead you receive carefully crafted food, timed to perfection with clear intent and continuation between courses.
The bistro is small and intimate, therefore pre-booking is a must so if you are planning well in advance, this should be one reservation that is first on the to-do list. In the summer, the dining space is extended outside onto the street and becomes a lively, yet inviting place to be.
P&M Tip: If you have strict dietary requirements, this should be made clear to the restaurant at the time of booking to avoid disappointment.
Where to Stay
Hôtel Martinez
Hôtel Martinez remains the most well-rounded hotel in Cannes. Its combination of location, dining, beach club and unique hospitality positions it as the natural base for any visit to the city and wider Riviera region.
Carlton Cannes
This hotel, which first opened in 1913, is an icon on La Croisette and is today a member of the IHG family. Here you will find rooms defined by the hotel’s story yet modernised for the Cannes of today. With well-rounded facilities and dining options available it offers a full experience to fit around your plans.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic provides a classic stay that is no less comparable to other grand hotels on La Croisette. It’s a hotel that combines service with practical facilities to create a sense of continuity with the city. Beefbar Cannes will open in the hotel in June 2026, with great anticipation.
How to Structure Your Stay in Cannes
Image: Carlton Cannes. © 2026 Palates & Miles
Cannes is best experienced over two to three days, however, longer stays of up to a week can easily accommodate a trip exploring multiple destinations across the region.
Day one is best spent exploring the city, and particularly La Croisette. With no shortage of dining options and beach clubs, it creates the perfect start to any visit.
Day two may be used to explore the city or surrounding areas further, however a well-planned dining or evening experiences can cap the day off with style. The good news is that the small footprint of the city means most dining options are within walking distance or a short car journey from hotels.
Cannes within the South of France
Cannes works particularly well when planned as part of a wider trip to the South of France.
To create a broader itinerary, consider pairing this Edit with:
Getting There
Cannes is well connected and accessible from across Europe.
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is located approximately 25–30 minutes away by car, with regular transfers and taxis available.
Train services connect Cannes directly with Nice, Nice Airport, Antibes, Monaco and Marseille, making it a practical base for day trips across the region.
For those travelling from the UK, combining a trip on the Eurostar to Paris with onward connections with TGV INOUI offers a viable alternative to flying. For full details read London to the South of France, Considered.
Practical Notes Before You Book
Cannes is a seasonal destination, with warmer weather enjoyed in late spring and summer. Reservations for dining and beach clubs are recommended in advance during these times.
The city is largely walkable, although comfortable footwear is recommended, particularly when moving beyond La Croisette into the old town, which does include multiple inclines.
Evenings can be cooler than expected outside peak summer months, therefore a light jacket is recommended as conditions can change quickly.
P&M Note
Saving Cannes for the end of a wider South of France trip may be the best approach. It provides a relaxed resort vibe, combined with multiple convenient transport options for onward travel and exploring.
Final Thoughts
Cannes proves that is can offer visitors more than just two weeks of glamour and chaos in May. It rewards those who want to combine a hotel stay with refined dining and a Riviera lifestyle that feels considered rather than performative.
Approached in the right way, it becomes a destination that balances a wider South of France trip, offering an experience that extends well beyond La Croisette.