We had a very enjoyable & relaxing time in Cannes. We visited on the day before the film festival…read more It was a beautiful Monday morning! The vibe was more of a beachy resort outside of the glitz and glamor of everything along the strip of Blvd de la Croisette. You know... kind of like Ocean Drive in Miami and Sunset Strip in Beverly Hills. There are ritzy private hotel beaches, designer shops & boutiques, and that huge convention center called the Palais des Festivals which hosts the Cannes Film Festival every year. That building also has a casino. Go figure! Let's just say that it's the first building you see when viewing the shoreline from the Mediterranean Sea. We decided to take a leisurely walk around Vieux Port and the historical parts. There were a few shops open, but mostly cafés. There were residents in the public squares and beaches enjoying the beautiful weather. We even saw a couple of teams playing a friendly game of boules. This is what I love about these charming beachside towns. It's all very reminiscent to our previous visit to Cassis, but without the shelter of the calanques. It had the same vibe. It's really a great place to be for those who can afford to stay, or as a port of call from a cruise ship. There's a little train that will take you around Cannes and up to Le Suquet. A full day would be plenty of time to take in the sights and history. A hop-on hop-off or a private tour would be better. Perhaps a day visit from Nice or Mougins would be a better option. We had a great time just walking around and taking in the local culture all around us. Even with many contractors & photographers out and about preparing the city for the onslaught of celebrities and their fans. It was a cool experience!

Cannes is a city of contrasts...glamour and everyday life, luxury and simplicity...with a backdrop…read moreof the deep blue of the French Riviera. Best known for the Cannes Film Festival, the city carries an air of prestige. The famous La Croisette is elegant, lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and designer boutiques. It's ideal for walking, people‑watching, or enjoying the sea views. The Le Suquet old town is the city's heartbeat. With narrow streets, pastel houses, and hilltop views over the harbor, it offers modern intrigues and history. There are many local restaurants and small bars. Cannes' beaches, both private and public, are well maintained and a part of daily life.

Beautiful City Hall in Cannes. Nice to be able stroll through the city as it prepared for the…read moreCannes Film Festival. City Hall was built in the neoclassical style. Completed in 1876, it features memorials to soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought in WWI. It sustained significant damage before the liberation of Cannes during WWII. The restoration was done beautifully. A great way to start or end a cruise ship stop in Cannes, France.