Cannes, France Review: The Best Hotels, Beaches, and Restaurants

Most of us might know Cannes best from its famed film festival, which brings the biggest stars from around the world to the iconic red steps of Le Palais each spring. But the beachside French city has much more to offer than celebrity sightings. Just a 40-minute drive from nearby Nice (which you’ll likely fly in and out of), it’s a destination for luxury shopping, beach clubs, and stunning views of the Mediterranean.

An obvious place to start is La Croisette, the crescent-shaped promenade that runs along the shore that is lined with hotels and shops (plus a few ice cream stands) and leads to several public beaches, including Brigitte Bardot Beach and Zamenhof Beach. If you prefer something more exclusive, you can take a 20-minute boat ride to the nearby Lérins Islands to explore the forests and soak in the crystal-clear waters of the rocky beaches. For nightlife, head to the clubs at Palm Beach; and for unbeatable meals, try La Petite Maison and Le Maschou in addition to the recommendations below.

If you want to channel Euro-summer energy the right way, here’s what to see and do in Cannes.

What to See

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Marché Forville

This sprawling market is located in Cannes’s Le Suquet neighborhood and is easy to spot thanks to its terracotta exterior and archways. Inside, you’ll find endless aisles of fresh produce, flowers, fish, cheeses, spices, and meats—you name it. Some vendors even sell prepared dishes. If strolling through makes you hungry, you can ask for a sample or settle in for a full meal on one of the surrounding terraces. The market is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 A.M. to 1 P.M. On Mondays, there’s a flea market where you can shop for tchotchkes, antiques, and other local goods.

Fondation Maeght

Just an hour’s drive northeast of La Croisette, in the town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, is this must-see collection of contemporary art. Opened in 1964, the foundation was established by Aimé and Marguerite Maeght, prominent art dealers who worked with artists including Joan Miró and Georges Braque. The building, designed by architect Josep Lluís Sert, houses a permanent collection featuring works by Alexander Calder, Marc Chagall, Diego Giacometti, Wassily Kandinsky, Barbara Hepworth, and countless others. Outside, the sculpture garden is just as stunning. Fashion lovers may want to check out the current exhibition, “Peter Knapp: The Era of Courrèges,” curated by the photographer himself to celebrate the legacy and work of the late designer André Courrèges.

Palais Bulles and Maison Bernard

The Palais Bulles, a.k.a. the “Bubble Palace,” is the massive futuristic home of late fashion designer Pierre Cardin. A chic coral-pink structure that appears to spill across the cliffside, it was designed by Hungarian architect Antti Lovag and spans 13,000 square feet. While this architectural marvel is a highly exclusive destination the nearby Maison Bernard, just a seven-minute drive away, is easier to visit. The maison is considered an early version of the Bubble Palace and was originally constructed in the 1970s for Pierre Bernard. Guided tours are available on Mondays and Thursdays by appointment, which can be scheduled in advance. Photos aren’t allowed on-site, so you can take in every curve and crevice sans your screen.

Where to Eat

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Château de Berne

A hotel, winery, and all-around must-see destination, Château de Berne feels straight out of a fairy tale. Located about an hour and 15 minutes from Cannes’s city center, it’s worth the drive. There are several restaurants on the grounds, but even a simple lunch at The Bistro is stellar. Take a seat outdoors and enjoy the views while sipping Provence wines and nibbling on grilled aubergine or lemon sardines on olive-oil toast. With live music playing outside, the vibes here are immaculate.

La Môme Plage

Located directly on La Croisette, this restaurant (which reopens July 2) is named after singer Suzanne Vreurick, who was nicknamed “La Môme Moineau,” or “the Little Sparrow.” In honor of its namesake, you’ll often catch live performances while enjoying a meal. Seafood is the star here, with items like sushi, ceviche, or linguine with king prawns on the menu. When it comes to dessert, make sure you try the signature waffle. If steak is more your speed, there’s another La Môme location slightly inland.

Ciro’s

After first opening in Normandy in the 1920s, Ciro’s now has three locations, including this one right on the beach across the street from Le Majestic. Stop by for lunch or dinner, or lounge on the picture-perfect striped beach chairs with a drink in hand. Fresh seafood from the Mediterranean reigns supreme, whether in bouillabaisse or entrées like grilled octopus and sea bass. Don’t overlook the starters, either. Spicy salmon tartare on crispy rice, mini lobster rolls, and soft-shell-crab tempura are all great ways to start your meal.

Where to Drink

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La Guérite

Located on Île Sainte-Marguerite, La Guérite is known for its celebrity sightings and exclusive atmosphere. Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Elton John, Kylie Jenner, and the Beckham family are just a few notable past guests. After sailing about 15 minutes off the Cannes shoreline, patrons dock their boats and enjoy wine and cocktails with lunch—or spin napkins overhead to live music when it’s time to party. When you need a break from the celebrations, there are plenty of beach beds where you can relax and recharge before heading back.

Château Font du Broc

Since you’ll already be in Provence, you should sample what the wine region has to offer. Château Font du Broc is one place to do so, about an hour from Cannes. With a perfectly manicured garden and stone walls, the romantic hidden gem feels like a movie set. (Naturally, it’s also a coveted wedding venue.) While construction began in the late ’70s and the winery opened to the public in the ’90s, the aging cellar feels straight out of the 12th century thanks to its pointed arches and refined stonework. All wines at the château are produced organically, and you could easily spend hours sipping a couple of glasses on the terrace. The rosé (a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Rolle) and the white (made from Rolle) are both excellent picks.

Mademoiselle Gray

Although known for its Lebanese-inspired Mediterranean fare (the mezze and falafel are fantastic), Mademoiselle Gray’s drinks shouldn’t be ignored—especially if you love a daytime cocktail with lunch. (We’re on vacation here, aren’t we?) The Hugo Spritz, gin fizz, and daiquiri are refreshing options for sunny beach days, but so are the restaurant’s signatures, like the Sweet Darling (made with gin, St-Germain, citrus, and prosecco) and the Lavender Breeze (with Woodford Reserve bourbon and lavender and Angostura orange bitters). Even the mocktails look as delicious as their boozy counterparts. There are also several fireworks festivals taking place this summer, so you can enjoy your sips with a show.

Where to Stay

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Le Majestic

This Barrière property lives up to its name, with its elegant grand façade overlooking the crystal-blue waters of the Côte d’Azur. With more than 550 rooms and suites, two private beaches, a Biologique Recherche spa, a casino, and five restaurants, it has almost everything you need on-site. It boasts a charming Art Deco style, referencing its founding in 1926, and still looks timeless a literal hundred years later.

The rooms are dreamy, bright, and airy, with jaw-dropping views from the beach-facing balconies. And as of June 2026, the property now has a brand-new Beefbar restaurant serving wagyu steak and fresh seafood, alongside DJ sets during the summer. You could spend the whole day lounging on your balcony or by the pool—until you remember there’s a private beach across the street.

Hôtel Martinez

If you’ve ever seen photos of A-listers stepping out of their cars onto a cobblestone driveway as they arrive in Cannes (hello, Bella Hadid), that was probably at the Martinez. Fans and paparazzi often line the barricades outside to catch star sightings, but the luxurious property and top-tier treatment could make any guest feel like a celebrity, especially with elegant suites complete with Nespresso machines, a private beach, and a Michelin-starred restaurant (La Palme d’Or) on-site.

The hotel earned Palace distinction earlier this month from the French Ministry of Tourism, a designation reserved for the country’s top luxury stays. No wonder it’s one of the hotels where season 4 of The White Lotus will be filmed. Start booking your stays now before the show returns.

Carlton Cannes, A Regent Hotel

Reopened in 2023 after a two-year renovation, the Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel now blends chic modern design with its historical charm. Towering marble pillars line the lobby, and the building’s famous Belle Époque façade is practically a block wide. Cinephiles can opt for suites named after the likes of Grace Kelly and Alfred Hitchcock, and guests have plenty of places to relax, whether it’s the sleek infinity pool, manicured gardens, Carlton Beach Club, or on-site spa.

But if breaking a sweat is more your speed, there’s a full boxing ring in the fitness center, too. Dine al fresco at the hotel’s Riviera Restaurant, or try Anatolian cuisine at Rüya, then grab a nightcap at Bar 58.

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