South of France is my first point of entry to France. I’ve been to Cannes for both work and personal almost every year and I joke that I know the place more than my in-laws. I did have a wonderful introduction to the city when my in-laws showed me around and took me to their favorite places. Overtime, I’ve discovered more favorites with work colleagues and our work trip wouldn’t be complete without going to one of these places.
The last time I was in Cannes, I was on a mission. First task was to get my favorite cookies then stock up on products in my go-to pharmacy. Making a pit stop to buy fresh fruits at the farmers market and eating them at a nearby bar while having a glass of rose. Once I’ve ticked everything on my checklist, then it’s time to go home!
I realized that travel guides written about Cannes are all about glitz and glamour related to Cannes Film Festival. It’s the where you need to eat to spot celebrities or where can you shop all designer items. But having been to numerous Cannes Film Festival, it’s the exciting stuff that happens behind the red carpet that I love most about the city.
So I decided to put together my favorite places to shop, dine and drink in Cannes in my version of a Cannes Travel Guide. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below and I’ll answer them right away.
SHOP
It’s one of the oldest market in Cannes, this market is bursting with fresh local produce. Concentrate in the middle to get the best produce, it’s where local farmers and producers have their stalls set up. Then stop by for wine and charcuterie at restaurants just outside the market.
If you’re looking for truly something special in Cannes, skip the L’Croisette and head down to this antique shop. The store has exquisite selection of vintage Hermes, Chanel, Dior bags and accessories. Drool-worthy.
A three-story airy boutique with a very well-edited items from designers like Isabel Marant, Proenza Schouler, Rochas and more. If you’re looking for an ‘it’ item while in Cannes, this is your place.
I’ve mentioned here that I make a mandatory stop at a French pharmacy while I’m in France. When I’m in Cannes, this is the only pharmacy I go to because of their wide selection and slightly better prices than other pharmacy counterparts. All the items listed here can be found at this pharmacy.
I stumbled across this boutique on my first visit to Cannes and it’s been one of my stops when I’m there. You will find the owners behind the cashier and soon you’ll find yourself hanging out there listening to their stories and travels. They have exceptional taste and bring a very cool edit of Golden Goose, Iro, Cheap Monday, Marc by Marc Jacobs.
A really cool store full of little quirky nuggets for the house. The store is sectioned by areas of the house from dining, bathroom, office supplies and gifts. This is a usual stop for me if I want to pick up a special gift for someone.
DINE
My friends introduced me to this restaurant on my first Cannes Film Festival and I was hooked ever since. This restaurant is run by this uber-cool lady Laura who manages and takes everyone’s order like a boss! Apart from our girl crush on her, the food is quite something. Order the buffalina salad with melon and parma ham and the pasta vongole for main. I’m now drooling just thinking about this.
Patisserie Intuitions by Jerome Oliveira
The best chocolate chip cookie. Period.
Everyone who are close to me knows that if they are ever in Cannes, they need to bring me back these cookies, otherwise they are dead to me. It’s my favorite dessert in the world. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s a creation by this cute pastry chef, Jerome de Oliveria who happen to be a world pastry champion.
Fresh seafood is big in South of France and this is the best place to get a big tray of seafood in Cannes (according to my father-in-law). True enough, the restaurant is always packed and a queue building up outside compared to neighboring seafood restaurants.
Tucked in a small street of (street name) near Rue d’antibe, this Michelin star restaurant lives up to its expectation. Expect gastronomic French dishes and a fine wine selection. Expect a hefty price tag to go along with it. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have been spotted in this restaurant.
Taverna
Another restaurant recommendation by my friend. This restaurant is a few feet away from the apartment we used to rent out for Cannes Film Festival. It’s our secret hide out if we want to get away from all the Festival crowd. My friend loves to come here for their lemon meringue pie and coffee. I generally like to go during happy hour and then an early dinner.
This was the first restaurant I was taken to on my first visit to Cannes. It’s among the favorites of the Nicolet family and it became an immediate favorite of mine too. The restaurant is overlooking the marina and has a nice terrace area. They have a wide selection of freshly made pizzas but my favorite is the eggplant pizza. Get there early to avoid the long queue.
DRINKS
Le tube is a fairly new restaurant and bar hidden somewhere between Rue d’antibe and L’croisette. The restaurant is a really modern concept compared to all the rustic restaurants in Cannes. The outdoor area is a great place to hang out for drinks.
This is chilled rooftop bar located at Five Hotel and Spa. They have a great selection of cocktails and food. It’s a lot more upbeat on the weekend with a DJ but it’s also a chilled place for drinks during the weekdays.
Baoili is the hottest nightclub in Cannes and a playground for the elites. You come here to be seen basically. Apart from the up-nose crowd, the beach atmosphere is definitely one of the best compared to the other beach nightclubs. Book a table to avoid disappointment.
Designed by David Lynch, this former casino near Hotel Five and Spa is the hottest club and a venue for VIP parties during Cannes Film Festival. The place boasts four levels complete with large patio, restaurant, club and private rooms for events.
Le Panorama Rooftop Bar - JW Marriott
JW Marriott Rooftop Bar is the place to go to get a sweeping view of Cannes Croisette. This is another prime destination for parties and events during the Cannes Film Festival. But whether it’s Festival season or not, if you are looking for a great atmosphere, this is the place to be. You might even get lucky and see fireworks during the summer.
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Ramona
you have created wonderful travel guide. I never have been to Cannes, but I always have daydream to have a wonderful summer stroll alongside the beach.
xoxo
Ramona
http://ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie