Yes We Cannes: A Guide to the Seat of Seaside Luxury

Last week, everyone who is anyone was in Cannes. And I don’t blame them- the French Riviera (or the Italian Riviera, Peninsula, or the Greek Isles) is an ideal place to be in late spring and into summer.

See-and-be-seen parties and the Amfar gala aside, mere mortals can enjoy the seaside paradise as well, like I did one summer recently.

The key to Cannes: take in the experience al fresco and don’t let the costs of the smaller things like a drink at a cafe or nice meals detract from your visit. You’re paying for prime real estate and nice WCs. If you decide to get a designer bag on the other hand, I can’t help you with that.

Café lifestyle: Embrace a slower pace of life and make time at least once, if not several times a day, to have a coffee and pastry or a glass of wine and something small on the Boulevard de la Croissette (La Croissette) Wear your finest pair of sunglasses and watch who or what goes by.

Architecture: The Art Deco architecture, paired with views of the harbor, palm-lined streets, and the impressive Estérel mountains, makes Cannes the definition of a Riviera hotspot. Consider a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, just like a laid back people-watching cafe experience, to take it all in. Channel your inner supermodel or movie star and walk the steps and red carpet of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès as well.

Sur la mer: Speaking of views, some of the best views of Cannes’s waterfront architecture are from the water itself. Dive into a culture set along the Mediterranean and sail it yourself. A variety of cruising options are available, from panoramic sails along the coast to destination sails to Monaco and other locations. Personally, I never pass up an opportunity to cruise the Mediterranean…

Window (or actual) shopping is obviously a major draw as well. Next time I go I plan to hop on one of the ferries to Saint Tropez.

Obviously there is quite a bit to do and see in Cannes, but my approach was modeled on the Cannois way. Let me know what you think!

Photo: Emmie Derback, Nikon D40x