The leading publication for beach lifestyle on the French Riviera. Private beach clubs, luxury beachfront palaces, world-class French cuisine, and the glamour of the world's most famous film festival.
Some cities make sense from the very first step. Cannes is one of them. The moment your eyes fall upon La Croisette—that curved boulevard of Belle Époque mansions facing the Mediterranean—something clicks. This is French luxury in its purest form: effortlessly elegant, glamorous without being ostentatious.
Cannes doesn't compete with Nice in culture or Saint-Tropez in spontaneity. Cannes has its own language: the palaces of La Croisette, the private beach clubs with annual concessions, the barges of superyachts in the bay during the Festival, and a Provençal cuisine that makes any meal by the sea an event.
In 2026, Cannes remains the benchmark for French Mediterranean luxury. Those who know it return because the city has something its competitors cannot replicate: the combination of a grand hotel, a private beach, and a Film Festival all on a single three-kilometer boulevard.
The French Riviera — the Mediterranean at its most elegant
“Cannes needs no explanation. The Croisette, the palaces, the yachts in the bay, and a Provençal rosé at sunset say it all. Pure French luxury.”
Editorial Team Sandbeds
If you only have one day in Cannes: morning at Baoli Beach or Vegaluna, lunch at La Palme d'Or, afternoon boat trip to the Lérins Islands, and sunset drinks on the terrace of Martinez. It's the perfect 12-hour Cannes day.
Cannes is a compact city—you can walk across it in 20 minutes—but its different areas have very distinct personalities. Your choice of accommodation determines whether your experience will be that of the grand palace on the Croisette, the old town, or that of a traveler arriving by yacht.
The most famous boulevard on the French Riviera. 3 kilometers along the Mediterranean with grand palaces—Carlton, Martinez, Majestic, JW Marriott—on one side and private beach clubs on the other. If you're looking for Cannes in its purest and most authentic form, this is the only answer.
💴 €400–2.000/night · Couples, first visit, big event
The old town of Cannes. Provençal alleyways, the Forville market, bistro restaurants and panoramic views of the bay from the top. A must-see for at least an afternoon, ideal for those seeking the authentic Cannes behind the glamour.
💴 €150–400/night · Culture, gastronomy, authentic
Cannes' main shopping street. Luxury boutiques, a coffee shop, and mid-range restaurants. A five-minute walk from La Croisette. The best option if the hotel budget needs to be balanced without sacrificing location.
💴 €150–350/night · Convenient, shopping, first visit
Cannes' two marinas: the Vieux-Port in the historic center and the Port Pierre Canto east of La Croisette. If you're arriving by boat or chartering a vessel, these are your key landmarks. The perimeter of Cannes from the water.
Yachting · Private boats · Nautical access
Cannes' grand hotels are more than just accommodations; they're part of the destination. The palaces of La Croisette—built during the Belle Époque and renovated to 21st-century standards—define the city's character as much as the Festival or the beach clubs. Each one has its own unique world.
Hôtel Martinez — Cannes
The quintessential Art Deco palace in Cannes. Its ochre facade overlooks La Croisette, and it houses the two-Michelin-starred La Palme d'Or restaurant and the city's most coveted private beach club. During the Festival, Cannes' social center of gravity shifts to the Le Fou bar.
Hôtel Carlton — InterContinental
The Carlton's dome is the most photographed symbol of Cannes. It's the hotel where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "To Catch a Thief" and where the Festival's most important productions are presented. The terrace overlooking La Croisette is incomparable.
Hotel Majestic Barrière
The most romantic of the grand palaces. Diane Barrière Spa, indoor heated pool, Fouquet's restaurant with sea views, and the Zplage beach club. The hotel of choice for those seeking a quieter La Croisette.
JW Marriott Cannes
The most contemporary and accessible of the grand hotels on La Croisette. Rooftop terrace with pool and panoramic views, generously sized spa, and the most reasonable price among its direct competitors on the same boulevard.
Radisson Blu 1835
The quietest hotel in the selection, located between the Vieux-Port and La Croisette. It features a Carita spa, heated pools, and a well-balanced offering for families or couples seeking quality without the social intensity of grand hotels.
Villa Garbo
A boutique aparthotel with villa-style suites. No restaurant, no beach club, no fancy amenities. But with the feeling of having your own residence in Cannes. The choice for those who want to escape the conventional hotel.
| Hotel | Area | Price | Better for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martinez | La Croisette | $$$$ | Gastronomy, Festival, maximum glamour |
| Carlton | La Croisette | $$$$ | History, legacy, first luxury visit |
| Majestic | La Croisette | $$$$ | Couples, spa, tranquil atmosphere |
| JW Marriott | La Croisette | $ $ $ | Best price/location, groups |
| Radisson Blu | Port | $ $ $ | Families, spa, reasonable alternative |
| Villa Garbo | Centro | $ $ $ | Privacy, apartment, residential |
Cannes' beach clubs are a world apart. They aren't independent properties; they're annual concessions on the public beach of La Croisette, managed by major hotels and independent operators. Every year they're renovated, redesigned, and compete to be the season's hottest destination. The result is an offering that has made Cannes a global benchmark for beach lifestyle.
What sets Cannes' beach clubs apart from those in Ibiza or Marbella is their close connection to the Croisette. From any sunbed, you can see the promenade, the palaces, the yachts in the bay, and, in May, the movie stars. The setting is part of the experience.
Our favorites: Baoli Beach (better atmosphere and social scene), Vegaluna Beach (best for sunset), Croisette beach (best location next to the Carlton), The Beach of the Festival (the most authentic of the selection). Everyone has their moment of the day.
Baoli Beach
Cannes' most iconic and social beach club. Part of the Baoli universe—restaurant, lounge, club—that defines the premium nightlife and daytime scene on the Croisette. The one that appears most often in Festival photos and has the longest waiting list in May.
Vegaluna Beach
The jewel of La Croisette for those who prioritize quality over quantity. Provençal cuisine, a more relaxed atmosphere than Baoli, and a sunset terrace that offers one of the most memorable experiences on the French Riviera. A favorite among repeat visitors to Cannes.
Croisette beach
One of the beach clubs with the best gastronomic reputation on La Croisette. Consistent service, well-executed Provençal cuisine, and beachfront sunbeds with direct views of the bay. The most reliable option in the selection.
The Beach of the Festival
The beach that gives its name to everything. Adjacent to the Palais des Festivals, it's the epicenter of beach life during the Cannes Film Festival in May. Outside of the Festival, it's one of the most authentic and best value beaches on the Croisette.
Miramar Beach
One of the beach clubs with the most Provençal character in the selection. Less international and more rooted in local gastronomy. The choice of Cannes residents who want to escape the tourist crowds while still enjoying prime location on the Croisette.
L'Écrin Plage
The quietest and most family-friendly restaurant on the Croisette. Attentive service, an atmosphere without the social intensity of Baoli, and an honest culinary offering based on local produce. The right choice when comfort and relaxation are your priorities.
Tamaris plage
One of Cannes' most established beach clubs. More affordable than its neighbors, an unpretentious Mediterranean atmosphere, and consistently high-quality local fare. The perfect entry point to the Croisette beach lifestyle for those who don't want to pay Baoli's prices.
Rado Beach — Helen
The most boutique option in the selection. Few sunbeds, plenty of personal attention, and an atmosphere that makes a day at the beach feel more like a private experience than a mass-market hotel service.
| Beach Club | Environment | Gastro | Better for | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baoli Beach | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ | Social scene, seeing and being seen | 1–2 weeks |
| Vegaluna | ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | Couples, sunset, gastronomy | 3–5 days |
| Croisette beach | ★★★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ | Consistency, Provençal lunch | 48 hrs |
| The Beach of the Festival | ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★★★ | May Festival, unique context | 2–3 weeks (May) |
| Miramar Beach | ★★★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ | Authentic, local Provençal | Without reservation |
| L'Écrin Plage | ★★★ | ★★★ | Families with children, relax | 48 hrs |
| Tamaris | ★★★ | ★★★ | Reasonable price on La Croisette | Without reservation |
| Rado Beach | ★★★ | ★★★ | Privacy, boutique, intimate | 48 hrs |
Most of the beach clubs on La Croisette offer day passes—access for a single day without needing to stay at the corresponding hotel. It's the smartest way to experience Cannes' beach lifestyle if you're staying at a hotel without its own beach.
Baoli Beach
From €80 · La Croisette · $$$$
The most popular day pass. Includes a hammock, towel, and access to the restaurant. Spaces are very limited in July and August. Reservations are essential at least one week in advance.
Vegaluna Beach
From €60 · La Croisette · $$$
The day pass with the finest cuisine and the most memorable sunset. Beachfront with fully equipped sunbeds and table service throughout the day.
Croisette beach
From €55 · La Croisette · $$$
The most consistent day pass in the selection. The best value for money among the beach clubs, compared to the Carlton and the Martinez.
Council Sandbeds
Estimated price: €40–100/person/day
During the May Festival, prices skyrocket and availability is practically nonexistent. Book 3–4 weeks in advance if your trip coincides with the Festival. The rest of the summer, 48–72 hours is usually enough.
One of Cannes's most distinctive features, which no general guidebook adequately explains, is that the beach clubs on La Croisette aren't permanent properties. They're annual concessions on public sand. Every spring, operators set up their wooden structures, sunbeds, and bars on the same beach that's completely empty during the winter. Understanding this system is key to understanding why the La Croisette experience is unlike anywhere else in the world.
A private beach is a municipal concession on the public beach. Each year, the Cannes city council licenses portions of sand to private operators—hotels, independent restaurants, or hospitality groups—who set up their facilities for the season.
The result: in the same square meters where there's free sand in November, in July there are canopied sunbeds, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant with an average bill of 80 euros. All on the sand, just meters from the sea.
This structure explains why prices can vary so much between beaches, why access is paid, and why booking in advance is so important: it is not an unlimited service but a temporary facility with a fixed capacity.
Between private beaches, there are necessarily sections of free and open public beach. La Croisette is not 100% privatized; only the concessionary areas are.
A private beach on La Croisette — the annual concession system that makes Cannes' beach unique
Choose Baoli Beach
The most socially vibrant beach on the Croisette. DJs, cocktails, the most international crowd, and the most photogenic atmosphere. It's not the quietest, but it's the most complete social beach experience.
Choose Vegaluna Plage
The best menu and the finest seafood on the Croisette. Top-notch Mediterranean cuisine, a well-curated wine cellar, and an atmosphere that allows you to enjoy your meal without competing with the loud music.
Choose L'Écrin Plage or Tamaris
The two most peaceful and child-friendly beaches. A relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and the Mediterranean Sea right at your doorstep, without the hustle and bustle of the more popular concessions.
Vegaluna at nightfall
Vegaluna Plage has the best sunset view of all the beaches on La Croisette. Arrive around 18:00 PM, order a glass of Provençal rosé, and wait. The result is well worth the trip.
The Beach of the Festival
The beach next to the Palais des Festivals has a unique atmosphere in May. From the sun loungers, you can watch the Festival caravans go by, the stars strolling down the red carpet, and the production companies' yachts in the bay.
Tamaris plage
The best value beach on the Croisette. Without the glamour of Baoli, but with the same sea, the same boulevard, and the same Provençal sky. For those who want the Croisette without the premium price tag.
A standard reservation includes: a hammock or sun lounger with a cushion, a parasol or canopy, a bath towel, and access to the restaurant and bar throughout the day (consumption is separate). Most establishments apply a minimum spend—between €30 and €80 per person—which can be deducted from lunch or drinks.
The beach areas of large hotels (Martinez, Carlton, Majestic) typically also include table service at your sunbed, a freshwater shower, access to restrooms and changing rooms, and in some cases, Wi-Fi. Access to the hotel's facilities (pool, spa) is separate and generally requires the hotel's day pass.
| What includes | Basic Plage | 5-star hotel beach |
|---|---|---|
| Hammock with cushion | ★ | ★ |
| Towel | ★ | ★ |
| Parasol / canopy | ★ | ★ |
| Restaurant access | ★ | ★ |
| Hammock service | Variable | ★ |
| Freshwater shower | Variable | ★ |
| Locker rooms | Variable | ★ |
| Hotel pool access | ✗ | With day pass |
There are cities where the ideal day requires a plan. Cannes isn't one of them. The rhythm of La Croisette is that of the Riviera: slow in the morning, social at midday, festive in the evening, and vibrant late into the night. This is our recommendation for those who want to make the most of every hour.
Breakfast by the sea
Your hotel terrace overlooking La Croisette or a Provençal coffee in any bistro in the Vieux-Port. A croissant, a café au lait, and the calm Mediterranean. The perfect start to the day.
Morning stroll along La Croisette
No tourists, no pressure. Palm trees, palaces, and a deserted boulevard. La Croisette in the morning is one of the great promenades on the French Mediterranean.
Private beach
Check-in at Baoli Beach or Vegaluna. Hammock, sun, the Mediterranean and the Bay of Cannes. The heart of the day on La Croisette.
Lunch at the beach restaurant
At Vegaluna: Provençal sea bream and a chilled bottle of Provençal rosé. At Baoli: a Mediterranean menu with Asian influences. At Croisette Beach: seafood and fresh fish.
Rosé and pool
The Provençal siesta time, but standing up. Hammock, sun, cocktail, and the sound of the Mediterranean. All of Cannes is doing the same.
Sunset at Vegaluna + La Croisette walk
The golden light on the bay is one of the most beautiful sights on the French Riviera. A glass of Provence blanc at Vegaluna as the sun sets over the Lérins Islands. Then, a stroll along La Croisette at the most elegant time of day.
Price
La Palme d'Or if your budget is unlimited. Fouquet's Cannes if you want a luxury brasserie with a terrace. Astoux et Brun if fresh seafood is your priority. In all three cases, book in advance.
Cocktails and a night out
Bar Le Foo at the Martinez: the social hub of La Croisette. Baoli Club if you want to extend your evening. Piano Bar at the Carlton if you prefer Provençal jazz with classic cocktails. A night out in Cannes doesn't have the rhythm of Ibiza: it has the rhythm of the Riviera.
The biggest mistake first-timers make in Cannes is trying to see too much in one day. Cannes rewards a slower pace. A single well-lived beach club, a good meal, and the sunset on La Croisette are more than enough for a perfect day.
Cannes' gastronomy blends Provençal traditions—pissaladière, socca, bouride, and rosé de Provence served in a chilled glass—with the international haute cuisine demanded by the clientele of the city's grand palaces. The result is a culinary scene that few European beach destinations can rival.
The French Riviera — Provençal gastronomy facing the Mediterranean
Golden Palm (Hôtel Martinez) — 2 Michelin stars. The most prestigious restaurant in Cannes, with direct views of La Croisette and a Mediterranean-French cuisine that lives up to the Festival's accolades. Reservations can take weeks outside the hotel.
The scene (Palais Méditerranée) — A leading Italian fine dining restaurant on the Croisette. The best option if you're looking for gastronomic excellence without the institutional aura of Martinez.
For La Palme d'Or: book 4–6 weeks in advance. The lunchtime tasting menu is significantly more affordable than dinner, and the view is identical.
Le Marché de Forville
The covered market in Cannes, at Le Suquet. The best place to understand Provençal cuisine: zucchini blossoms, tapenade, cheeses, Collioure anchovies. Open every morning except Mondays.
Beach Club Restaurants
Baoli, Vegaluna, and Croisette Beach are the three beach clubs with the best integrated culinary offerings. Vegaluna leads in high-quality Mediterranean cuisine; Baoli in ambiance and production.
Le Suquet & Centro
The Le Suquet neighborhood boasts some of the best Provençal brasseries at reasonable prices. La Brouette de Grand-Mère and Astoux et Brun are the two most established names for seafood and local cuisine.
Fouquet's Cannes — Majestic
The premier luxury brasserie on La Croisette. The Provençal version of Parisian Fouquet's, with a terrace overlooking the promenade and a menu that ranges from a palatial breakfast to a gala dinner.
Bar Le Foo — Martinez
The bar at the Hotel Martinez is Cannes' most important social hub during peak season. It boasts signature cocktails, views of La Croisette, and the most interesting clientele on the boulevard. Between 18:00 and 21:00 PM, it's the place to be—there's no real alternative.
Astoux and Brun
Cannes' seafood benchmark since 1953. Opposite the Palais des Festivals, specializing in fresh seafood, Provençal lobster and a seafood platter that is a gastronomic institution of La Croisette.
During the second and third weeks of May, Cannes transforms from a beach town into the world's film capital. This is no exaggeration: no other event combines glamour, cinema, yachting, fashion, and beach lifestyle with such intensity along a single three-kilometer boulevard. It is, quite simply, the most special week on the Mediterranean calendar.
The three palaces on the Croisette become the main stage of the Festival. The lobby of the Martinez hosts presentations by the major production companies. The Carlton is the hotel for national delegations and many juries. The Majestic accommodates directors and actors who prefer discretion.
Baoli Beach becomes one of the most exclusive meeting points of the event: the tables of the lunchtime restaurant are filled with producers, agents, and directors negotiating multi-million dollar distribution deals with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. La Plage du Festival boasts the most dramatic location: the red carpet is visible from the sun loungers.
During the Cannes Film Festival, the bay transforms into Europe's largest superyacht parking lot. Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros., and other major international production companies charter 40- to 60-meter yachts for private screenings, gala dinners, and business meetings. From the Croisette, the sight of the illuminated yachts at dusk is truly unique.
Staying in the palaces
Hotel Martinez or Carlton, booked 3–4 months in advance. Hotel's own beach club with advance booking (waiting list). Dinner at La Palme d'Or. Le Foo bar for midnight drinks. Approximate price: €2.000–€4.000/night all-inclusive.
Based in Antibes or Nice
Hotel in Antibes (15 min by train) or Nice (35 min). Daily transfer to Cannes. Day pass to a private beach with advance booking. Dinner in Cannes and return by midnight train. Save 60–70% on accommodation, same daytime experience.
Hotels on the Croisette for the Festival are typically booked between January and February of the same year. If you're aiming for the Festival, mark January 1st on your calendar as the booking opening date and act immediately. With each passing week, availability and prices worsen.
The most frequently asked questions from Cannes travelers, answered with editorial discernment. There are no one-size-fits-all answers, only answers tailored to specific profiles.
Hotel Martinez
★ La Palme d'Or (2 Michelin stars)
★ Most exclusive beach club during the Festival
★ Bar Le Foo: the best nightlife social spot
★ The most visually striking art deco design
Carlton Hotel
★ The most iconic and photographed building in Cannes
★ The richest story (Hitchcock, Grace Kelly)
★ Terrasse on La Croisette incomparable
★ The choice of lovers of hotel heritage
Hotel Majestic Barrière
★ Superior Diane Barrière Spa
★ A more tranquil and intimate atmosphere
★ Fouquet's with terrace on La Croisette
★ The most romantic for couples
JW Marriott Cannes
★ Significantly more affordable price
★ Roof terrace with pool and panoramic views
★ More contemporary and functional
★ Best for groups and premium young travelers
Baoli Beach
★ Greater social and international atmosphere
★ DJ and music throughout the day
★ The most requested during the Festival
★ The most complete beach club experience
Vegaluna Beach
★ Best cuisine of all the beaches
★ Superior sunset (best orientation)
★ A more tranquil and elegant atmosphere
★ The choice of those who return to Cannes
| Criterion | Cannes | Nice | Saint Tropez |
|---|---|---|---|
| private beach clubs | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★★★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Historic hotels | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Own event | Festival (May) | None comparable | |
| Accessibility | Flight to Nice + 30 min | Direct flight | Car or boat only |
| Yachting | ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★★★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Gastronomy | ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★ ★ ★ ★ | ★★★ |
| Price | High — very high at Festival | Medium-high | Very high in August |
| Best moment | May / Sept | All year | July–August |
Our ultimate choice in each category. Not an exhaustive list: the direct answer to the question "what would you recommend?" if we had to choose one in each field.
Best Beach Club
Baoli Beach
The most powerful social scene on La Croisette
Best Historic Hotel
Carlton Hotel
The Cannes legend in its most iconic form
Best Restaurant
Golden Palm
Two Michelin stars overlooking La Croisette
Better Sunset
Vegaluna Beach
The best sunset view on the entire beach
Best for Couples
Majestic Hotel
The most romantic atmosphere on La Croisette
Best Gastro Beach Club
Vegaluna Beach
Dorade provençale and rosé de Provence at midday
Better Experience
Yacht a Lérins
Anchoring off Sainte-Marguerite: the definitive plan
Best Hotel Value for Money
JW Marriott Cannes
The Croisette at the best price in its category
Cannes is experienced in a completely different way from the water. The silhouette of La Croisette with its palaces in the background, the Lérins Islands floating in the distance, and the superyachts lined up in the bay offer a perspective that no traveler staying on land can replicate. The French Riviera was designed to be experienced from the Mediterranean.
The Vieux-Port de Cannes accommodates vessels up to 22 meters in length using visitor pontoons. For superyachts over 22 meters, Port Pierre Canto (at the eastern end of La Croisette) is the alternative, with berths for vessels up to 60 meters in length. Both ports are less than a 10-minute walk from the major hotels.
During the May Festival, moorings in both ports are booked months in advance. The bay is used for anchoring superyachts belonging to production companies that cannot find space in the ports.
The most convenient free anchorage off Cannes is in front of Plage du Midi, west of the Vieux-Port. The waters are calm, the anchorage is good, and you can reach the port's restaurants in 5 minutes by tender.
The French Riviera from the water — the ultimate perspective of Cannes
Located 3,5 nautical miles from the Vieux-Port of Cannes, the Lérins Islands are the most special nautical destination on the French Riviera. Sainte-Marguerite—the larger and more accessible—has a spectacular anchorage bay on its western side, with turquoise waters over a white sandy bottom and a Mediterranean pine forest that reaches right to the water's edge. Saint-Honorat, half a mile to the south, is smaller and has the more tranquil atmosphere of the two.
Sainte-Marguerite Anchorage
West Bay · Turquoise Waters · Mediterranean Pine Forest · Snorkeling · The best of the French Mediterranean coast
Saint-Honorát
Quieter · Medieval abbey · Monastic wine · Contemplative tourism · The island of repeat visitors
Cap d'Antibes
45 min · Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc · Exclusive coves · The most coveted peninsula on the French Riviera
Monaco on a Boat
2 hours from Cannes · Port Hercule · The ultimate nautical experience on the French Riviera · Arrive where F1 cars race
One of Cannes' most unique experiences is arriving at a private beach directly from your anchorage by tender. Baoli Beach and Vegaluna offer tender or pontoon access services throughout the day. The Port Canto lounge also allows direct access from the sea. The procedure: anchor within 100 meters of the beach, go ashore by tender, and request a sunbed.
Private charter from Vieux-Port. Sail to Sainte-Marguerite, anchor, and enjoy a morning swim. Lunch on board with the chef. Return to Cannes with a stop at Baoli Beach, arriving by tender. Sunset at Vegaluna. Dinner at La Palme d'Or. This is, in our opinion, the best possible day on the French Riviera.
8–12m motorboat
The most versatile option. Speed, comfort, and capacity for 6–10 people. Customizable itinerary. With skipper. From €400/day.
12–15m Catamaran
The most spacious option. Bow net, sun deck, and sleeping cabins. Ideal for a day trip with swimming and meals on board. From €500/day for 10–14 people.
Crewed superyacht
20–40 meter yachts with chef, sailor, and skipper. The complete French Riviera experience. Available from Vieux-Port and Pierre Canto. Please check availability and price with the Concierge.
The spas in the grand palaces of La Croisette are among the most comprehensive and best-run in France. The tradition of thalassotherapy—treatments based on seawater and the Mediterranean climate—has one of its origins on the French Riviera.
Spa Diane Barriere
The premier spa in Cannes. Indoor heated pool overlooking the garden, individual treatment rooms, and a team specializing in thalassotherapy and Provençal rituals. Access available to non-hotel residents with prior reservation.
Givenchy Spa — Martinez
The spa at Cannes' most iconic hotel, operated under the Givenchy brand. French beauty rituals, an indoor pool, and a focus on luxurious and effective treatments. Ideal after a gala evening.
Spa Carita — Radisson Blu
The most affordable spa in our selection. Carita brand—a leading French cosmetics and treatments company—offers thalassotherapy facilities and a seawater pool. The best option if your spa budget is limited.
Thalazur Antibes
The most comprehensive thalassotherapy center on the French Riviera, just 10 minutes from Cannes. Heated seawater pools, a complete treatment circuit, and multi-day programs. The perfect choice if wellness is the main focus of your trip.
Beyond La Croisette, Cannes and its surroundings offer experiences that justify a week without repeating any plans.
Yacht Charter
Private boat with skipper. Lérins Islands, Cap d'Antibes. From €500/day.
Lérins Islands
Ferry 15 min. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. The secret of the French Riviera.
Cap d'Antibes
The most exclusive peninsula. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. A 20-minute drive away.
Eze & Monaco
40 minutes away. The medieval hanging village and the Principality. Perfect full day.
Provençal Wine Route
Wineries of Provence. Rosé of origin. Lunch in a vineyard. The ultimate gastronomic excursion.
film Festival
May. The most unique experience in the world. Book your hotel 3–4 months in advance.
Spa Day
Spa Diane (Majestic) or Spa Givenchy (Martinez). Thalassothérapie provençal.
Forville Market
The gastronomic soul of Cannes. Every morning. Seasonal Provençal products.
Cannes has a very defined season: the Film Festival in May, summer in July and August, and an extraordinary autumn that very few travelers experience. The choice of month radically influences the experience.
12–16°C · Sea 14°C
Cannes in city mode. Without tourists, without the glamour. The best time for MIPIM (real estate) or MIDEM. Hotels at rock-bottom prices.
18–22°C · Sea 18°C
Film Festival. The most intense month of the year. Peak prices, zero availability without prior reservation. The most unique experience if you can get a hotel.
22–26°C · Sea 20°C
High season without the chaos of the Festival or the August peak. All the beach clubs are open, prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere already captures the essence of a Provençal summer.
27–30°C · Sea 22°C
Peak of the action. Beach clubs packed to capacity, yachts in the bay, fireworks on July 14th over La Croisette. Cannes summer in all its glory.
29–33°C · Sea 24°C
The hottest and busiest month. High prices, reservations essential. For those seeking the ultimate Provençal summer experience.
25–29°C · Sea 24°C
Cannes' secret month. Perfect sea temperature, open beach clubs, dwindling tourists, and falling prices. The choice of those who know the French Riviera well.
18–24°C · Sea 20°C
Cannes Television Festival (October). Provençal autumn bathed in golden light. Quieter palaces and noticeably lower prices.
Real itineraries designed by the editorial team of SandbedsEach one designed for a different profile and duration.
48 Hours in Cannes
Saturday
Morning at Baoli Beach. Lunch at Vegaluna. Afternoon stroll along Le Suquet. Sunset drink at Le Foo bar in Martinez. Dinner at La Palme d'Or.
Sunday
Ferry to the Lérins Islands (Sainte-Marguerite). Lunch on the island. Return in the afternoon. Final stroll along La Croisette.
The Provençal Week
Day 1
Arrival, check-in at Martinez or Majestic. Terrace and first drink at La Croisette.
Day 2
Baoli Beach. Afternoon: Le Suquet and Forville market. Evening: La Palme d'Or.
Day 3
Yacht excursion to the Lérins Islands. Anchoring and swimming. Dinner at Vegaluna.
Day 4
Day trip to Cap d'Antibes (Hotel du Cap). Afternoon in Old Antibes. Sunset in Cannes.
Day 5
Diane or Givenchy spa. Lunch at Le Suquet brasserie. Last stroll along La Croisette.
Cannes as a Couple
Hotel
Majestic Barrière. The most romantic of palaces.
Essentials Collections
Vegaluna Day Pass · La Palme d'Or Dinner · Diane Spa · Ferry to Saint-Honorát · Bastille Day fireworks from La Croisette (if it coincides).
Cannes During the Festival
Code
Hotel booked 3–4 months in advance. Festival rate: +40–100%.
Plan
Mornings at beach clubs (Baoli, La Plage du Festival) · Walks along La Croisette when the stars pass by · Dinners in the restaurants of the palaces · Drinks at the Le Foo bar until late.
Alternative
Accommodation in Antibes or Nice (60-70% cheaper). Commuter trains every 30 minutes. Access to the area is identical.
A Week on the French Riviera
Day 1–2
Base in Cannes. La Croisette, Baoli Beach, Le Suquet, La Palme d'Or.
Day 3
Lérins Islands by yacht or ferry.
Day 4
Cap d'Antibes & old Antibes.
Day 5
Nice: Vieux-Nice, Promenade des Anglais, Colíe Estoril.
Day 6
Monaco: Monte Carlo, Casino, Port Hercule.
Day 7
San Remo (Italy) or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Provence, 30 minutes from the coast.
What is the best month to visit Cannes?
It depends on your goal. For the pure beach lifestyle: September. Sea temperatures around 24°C, without the crowds of August, and more reasonable prices. For the most unique event in the world: May during the Festival, although this requires planning months in advance. For an unrestricted Provençal summer: July. Avoid August if you value tranquility.
How to get to Cannes from Spain?
The most convenient route: flight to Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) + commuter train or transfer to Cannes (30–45 min). Direct flights from Madrid to Nice are available with Vueling, Iberia, and Air France; Barcelona to Nice is also available with Vueling. The TGV from Paris (Gare de Lyon) reaches Cannes in 5 hours 30 minutes at high speed. Transfer price from Nice to Cannes: €50–80 by taxi, from €35 for a shared transfer.
Which airport should I use to get to Cannes?
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), 30 km from Cannes, is France's second busiest airport, with direct flights from across Europe. Marseille Provence Airport is 150 km away and is an option for some routes from Spain. Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ), a private airport, is the primary landing site for private jets.
What currency is used in Cannes?
Euros. Credit and debit cards are accepted in all upscale establishments. Cash may be preferred in markets and some cafes in the Old Town. Apple Pay and contactless payments are widespread in restaurants and hotels.
Is Cannes in France or Monaco?
Cannes is in France, in the Alpes-Maritimes department (06), Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Monaco is an independent principality 40 km east of Cannes, accessible by train in about 45 minutes.
Is Cannes more expensive than Saint-Tropez?
In the regular season, prices are similar. During the Cannes Film Festival (May), Cannes is significantly more expensive. Saint-Tropez tends to be more expensive in August due to its difficult access and the demand for yachts. Overall, the French Riviera is above the European average for luxury but without reaching the extremes of some seasonal destinations like Mykonos in August.
Are the beach clubs in Cannes public or private?
The beaches of La Croisette are public, but the beach clubs are private annual concessions on the sand. This means there is free beach space between the beach clubs (without facilities), but the areas with sunbeds, services, and restaurants are private and require payment. A day pass or a purchase is the only way to access these facilities.
Which is the most famous beach club in Cannes?
Baoli Beach is most famous for its social scene and its presence during the Film Festival. But Vegaluna Plage has a superior culinary reputation and a more elegant atmosphere. It depends on whether you prioritize the social scene or the quality of the experience.
Do you need to book the beach clubs in Cannes?
Yes, in July and August. The best ones—Baoli, Vegaluna, Croisette Beach—have limited capacity, and sunbeds sell out 1–2 weeks in advance on weekends. During the May Festival, reservations should be made 3–4 weeks in advance. Outside of peak season, 48 hours is usually enough.
Which beach club is best for families in Cannes?
L'Écrin Plage and Tamaris Plage are best suited for families with children: a peaceful atmosphere, without the social intensity of Baoli, and with attentive service. Croisette Beach is also a solid choice for families who want quality without the noise.
How much does a day pass cost at Cannes beach clubs?
Prices range from €40 (Tamaris, mid-season) to €100 (Baoli in August). Vegaluna and Croisette Beach range from €55 to €80 in high season. Prices during the Festival can be 40–60% higher.
Do the hotels on La Croisette have their own beach clubs?
Yes. The Martinez has the most exclusive and most sought-after beach club during the Festival. The Carlton has its own concessioned beach. The Majestic manages Zplage. Hotel residents have priority access; day passes are available for non-residents with prior reservation and subject to availability.
How much does a hotel on La Croisette cost?
In the grand palaces (Martinez, Carlton, Majestic): €500–€2.000/night in high season. The JW Marriott is in the €300–€600 range. Boutique hotels in the city center: €150–€350. During the May Festival, prices increase by 1,5–2 times.
Is it worth staying at the Hotel Martinez?
Yes, if your budget allows and gastronomy and glamour are priorities. The Palme d'Or with two Michelin stars, the most sought-after beach club at the Festival, and the Le Foo bar as a social hub make the Martinez the most complete hotel on La Croisette in terms of overall experience.
Can I stay in Nice and visit Cannes in one day?
Absolutely. The Nice-Cannes commuter train costs €8–12 and takes 35–40 minutes. Hotels in Nice are 20–40% more affordable than those in Cannes during peak season. For short visits or during the Festival (when prices in Cannes are exorbitant), the Nice + train option is highly recommended.
When is the Cannes Film Festival 2026?
The Cannes Film Festival is usually held during the second and third weeks of May. The exact dates are officially announced in January each year. Check the official calendar at festival-cannes.com to confirm the 2026 dates.
Can I attend the Cannes Film Festival without accreditation?
The Festival is a professional event: most screenings, the official red carpet, and activities at the Palais des Festivals require accreditation or an invitation. However, strolling along La Croisette during the Festival, attending some open events, and soaking up the atmosphere doesn't require a pass. The experience of the city during those two weeks is worthwhile in itself, even without entering the Palais.
What happens in Cannes during the Festival?
The Croisette is completely transformed. Yachts from major production companies fill the bay. Palace hotels host presentations, private dinners, and exclusive parties. Beach clubs significantly lower their prices. Film stars stroll along the boulevard. The atmosphere is unique and unlike any other week of the year in any other destination in the world.
How many days are needed to see Cannes?
Three to four days are enough to see the essentials of Cannes: two days at the beach club, a trip to the Lérins Islands, dinner at La Palme d'Or, and a stroll through Le Suquet. If you want to combine this with excursions to Cap d'Antibes, Monaco, or Nice, five to seven days is ideal.
Is it possible to go to the Lérins Islands without a private boat?
Yes. Compagnie Estéré operates regular ferries from the Old Port of Cannes pier (next to the Palais des Festivals). Departures are approximately every hour during peak season. Round-trip fare: €18–22. Sainte-Marguerite is the larger island with an operating restaurant. Saint-Honorát is smaller and quieter.
What clothes to pack for Cannes?
The Cannes dress code is elegantly French. At beach clubs: swimwear and a sarong or well-chosen beachwear. For the palace restaurants: smart casual (a suit isn't required, but shorts aren't welcome at the Palme d'Or). For Festival events: formal attire if you have access. French dress codes penalize sloppiness more than a lack of formality.
Is there Uber in Cannes?
Uber operates in Cannes, although coverage is somewhat less extensive than in Nice or Paris. Traditional taxis are plentiful and metered. The suburban train (TER) is excellent for traveling between Cannes, Antibes, Nice, and Monaco at very reasonable prices.
Is Cannes safe for tourism?
Yes. Cannes has very high safety ratings for a Mediterranean coastal city. The Croisette area and luxury hotels have permanent private security. As with any European tourist destination, you should exercise caution with pickpockets in crowded areas and at large events like the Festival.
Some cities give you what you expect. Cannes gives you something more: confirmation that the most refined luxury doesn't shout, doesn't boast, and doesn't need to justify itself. It's there, in the rhythm of La Croisette, in the taste of Provençal rosé at sunset, and in the quality of the silence on a private beach on a calm Tuesday in September.
This guide doesn't aim to tell you everything Cannes has to offer. It aims for something more ambitious: that when you arrive at La Croisette, you already feel like you know the place. That choosing a hotel isn't a gamble, that the beach you book is the right one for you, and that the yacht trip to the Lérins Islands is a plan you already had in mind before you even set sail.
The editorial team of Sandbeds This guide is updated every season. When something changes in Cannes—a new beach club opens, a hotel's management changes, a beach upgrades or downgrades—we reflect it here. Our goal isn't to create the longest guide to Cannes. It's to create the most useful one for travelers seeking the beach lifestyle of the French Riviera.
Cannes doesn't need us to sell it. It just needs you to understand it.
Cannes has a clear promise: if you're looking for its beach clubs on La Croisette, its Belle Époque palaces and the experience of walking along the most glamorous boulevard in the Mediterranean, it more than delivers.
This guide is updated every season. When the editorial team of Sandbeds Review their recommendations; the question is always the same: Does it make Sandbeds Is Cannes the world's leading beach lifestyle destination? In the case of Cannes, the answer is yes from the very beginning.
The French Riviera has many destinations. Cannes has La Croisette, the Festival, and Baoli Beach at sunset. No one else has that.
La Croisette 2026 — the most elegant boulevard in the Mediterranean
We organize your trip to Cannes from start to finish: beach clubs on La Croisette, hotels in the grand palaces, dinners at La Palme d'Or, yacht trips to the Lérins Islands, tickets to Festival events and private transfers.
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