Cannes, a name synonymous with glamour and style, is a well-known part of the gorgeous French Riviera. This sun-soaked city, famous for its annual film festival that draws movie stars from all over, is full of good energy and charm. Cannes is rich in culture and history, and it is much more than an annual home for a film festival. It has a deep blue sea, lovely beaches, luxury yachts lining the marina, and a maze of narrow streets leading to charming cafés and elegant boutiques.
Flights to Cannes and getting there
Flights to Cannes actually land in Nice, at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Don’t worry, it’s not a long way from there. Nice Airport is about a 20-minute drive from Cannes. Buses run from the airport straight to Cannes.
So really, what you need is a flight to Nice. Air France and EasyJet both fly there, along with several other carriers, and prices vary depending on the airline and how far in advance you book. You can find some pretty cheap fares to Nice, starting from around 50 euros with EasyJet, though some tickets run closer to 400 euros.
More information on flights to Nice
Weather in Cannes
Spring (March to May): In spring, Cannes starts to warm up, with average temperatures ranging from 11 to 18 degrees Celsius. There’s about 50-60 millimeters of rain per month. This is a great time to visit Cannes, as the flowers bloom and the city gears up for its famous film festival, usually held in May.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Cannes is warm and sunny, with temperatures of 20-27 degrees. The hottest days can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius in July and August. Summer is the driest season, averaging about 20-30 mm of rain per month. Days are long, with around 12-14 hours of daylight. In short, a proper summer (though not excessively hot), and a great time for the beach and outdoor activities.
Fall (September to November): In fall, the weather in Cannes is varied and changing, with temperatures dropping to 14-23 degrees in September and 9-16 in November. There’s naturally a lot more rain during fall. Still, there are plenty of sunny days, which makes fall a pleasant season to visit Cannes, without the crowds of tourists.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Cannes is mild compared to many places, with average temperatures of 5-13 degrees. There’s quite a bit of rain, 70-100 mm per month. Winter is peak tourist season, and some attractions and places may be closed. Winter also brings some great sales in Cannes.
Cannes, like many Mediterranean cities, can get fairly humid. The city can also turn stormy at times, especially during the transitional seasons of spring and fall. So even though the temperatures might look mild on paper, it’s worth checking the forecast and being ready for changing conditions.
Hotels in Cannes
There’s no shortage of indulgent, charming hotels in Cannes. Many hotels are just a few hundred meters from the beach, or right on it, with sea views, or close to the city’s famous shopping street. It all depends on your preferences and your budget.
I stayed at the indulgent Hotel Belle Plage and really enjoyed my time there. But don’t worry, even if your budget is fairly modest, you can still find affordable and pleasant hotels in Cannes without spending a fortune.
Attractions and a walking route in Cannes
I visited Cannes as a guest of the local tourism board. During the visit, guided by their press officer, I discovered some of the best things Cannes has to offer. From a boat trip to the Lérins Islands, through the Palais des Festivals and the promenade, to where to go shopping and which market foodies absolutely cannot miss, you’ll find all the details in this article: What to do in Cannes?
Interesting events in Cannes
Everyone has heard of the film festival, but Cannes hosts all kinds of interesting events throughout the year. For example, you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks show, outdoor dance events, exhibitions, fashion shows, opera performances, an electronic music festival, and much more. The official Cannes website has the full schedule.
Recommended restaurants in Cannes
I’m sure it won’t surprise you to learn that in a town as popular as Cannes, it’s not hard to eat well, even superbly, whether you’re after relatively casual food or looking for a gourmet experience. Here are a few restaurants that are definitely worth trying:
BELLA
I ate at the restaurant on the rooftop of the Belle Plage hotel in July 2023 and had a wonderful time. The person behind the menu is none other than chef Eyal Shani, who creates a dialogue between local cuisine and Israeli cuisine.
If you’re looking for dishes with pretentious names and odes to the humble tomato, you might be disappointed. But if you’re after good food, excellent service and a stunning view, you’ll have a fantastic meal.
Link to the restaurant’s website
Au Bons Enfants
Address: 80 Rue Meynadier
A family restaurant that has been around since 1934 and is still run by the same family (!). Its location near the Cannes market lets it get excellent ingredients, and it serves simple, fresh, local food at very reasonable prices.
Link to the restaurant’s website
Le Relais de Semailles
Address: 9-11 rue Saint Antoine
After recommending two relatively simple and unpretentious restaurants, it’s time to step things up. This one is a bit more refined, located in the old town and serving modern Provençal food, with an emphasis on seasonal products.
Link to the restaurant’s website
Table 22
Address: 22 Rue Saint Antoine
We’re stepping things up even further with chef Noël Mantel’s restaurant, also just a short walk from the market.
Noël previously worked at some of the most prestigious culinary institutions in France, including the Negresco hotel in Nice and the three Michelin-starred restaurant Louis XV. He brings everything he learned there to his own restaurant, which serves Provençal food with an emphasis on local products.
Link to the restaurant’s website
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