Cannes holidays

Why Cannes

Cannes is famous for the annual film festival that bears the same name and the glamour of the celebrities this destination attracts – in fact this city is a celebrity in its own right in both the French Riviera and world-wide making it well worth visiting. Its stunning promenade, golden-sanded beaches and a Mediterranean climate that keeps it warm year-round all create the ideal backdrop for Cannes holidays.

The famed Film Festival takes place every May, but Cannes is a destination that can sparkle all year. Discover the main street, boulevard de la Croisette with its assortment of cafes and restaurants and exclusive boutiques. Pay a visit to Le Suquet – the old quarter – and lose yourself in the labyrinth of winding cobbled lanes and take in the exciting vibe to be found at the Forville Market. Or you can go to the Iles de Lerins for a change of scene, walking through the eucalyptus and pine forests.

When to go

Temperature: Cannes experiences a high average of 23 degrees Celsius in June, 27 degrees Celsius in July and August before falling back to 24 degrees Celsius in September.

Best time for holidays to Cannes: Visit Cannes in May, June or September when it is warm, around 24 degrees Celsius, but meaning that you avoid the crowds, high prices, traffic jams and scorching heat of July and August when temperatures often rise to 35 degrees Celsius by noon.

Cannes has one of the drier climates in France, with bright sunny days by summer and short mild winters; the most rainfall is in autumn.

Where to go/stay

On a visit to Cannes a great starting point is the stunning Croisette area which exudes an aura of glamour as it curves round the bay. The old district of Suquet Hill, where Cannes started in a tangle of winding streets, is worth a walk to and is just past the port.

Take a boat to one of the two outlying islands, or visit both, this will give you some peace from the crowds. Then, when you are done, you can do whatever you like on holidays in Cannes. Go shopping, eat and drink, hit the beach and bask in the sun: that is probably what you really want to do, anyway – there are few places better for it than Cannes.

Things to do

Visit the Film Festival Palace and snap a selfie from your Cannes holidays on the steps of the venue that hosts the Cannes' International Film Festival.

Climb to the hilltop church, Notre Dame de l’Esperance, thought to date from the 14th century, look for the impressive fresco that depicts the baptism of Jesus Christ.

The charming Museum of Art and History of Provence boasts free entry and is a showcase of Provencal history, culture and art.

Of course, the rest of the French Riviera is on your doorstep. For a true glam experience on holidays to Cannes, hop aboard a luxury cruise ship and set sail along the coast. You can not only get to wander the decks, you can also dine on board.

Visit the huge covered Marche Forville market, which offers seasonal produce and is open every morning, except Mondays – when it transforms into an antiques market.

The Iles de Lerins are two large islands – Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat – which are set in the bay and boast the ruins of a monastery and a castle.

Finally venture into the countryside to sample some of the region’s famed wines. Chateau Saint-Martin and its charming wine cellars are just one of the many great sights and tastes you can enjoy on holidays in Cannes.