Cannes, Antibes & Juan-les-Pins

Cannes is synonymous with glamour — but the city has much more to offer than the red carpet. Behind the glittering facade of the Croisette lies a charming Provençal town with a lively old town, excellent markets, and one of the most beautiful promenades in the Mediterranean.

La Croisette

The Boulevard de la Croisette is the most glamorous beach promenade in the world: two kilometers of palm trees, Belle Époque palace hotels (Carlton, Majestic, Martinez), designer boutiques (Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton), and fine sandy beach. Unlike Nice's pebbles, Cannes has a real sandy beach — although most sections are private (sunbed from 25€). Public beaches: Plage du Midi (west of the old port) and Zamenhof.

The Film Festival

The International Film Festival of Cannes (Festival de Cannes) takes place every year in the second half of May. For two weeks, the city transforms into the world capital of cinema: stars on the red carpet, premieres in the Palais des Festivals, paparazzi, and parties. Even without accreditation, you can soak up the atmosphere — the Allée des Stars with the handprints of film greats in front of the Palais is accessible year-round.

Le Suquet — The Old Town

Behind the Croisette facade lies Le Suquet, Cannes' original old town on the hill above the old port. Winding alleys, Provençal restaurants, the church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Espérance, and a panoramic view over the bay. Here you feel Cannes before the glamour — a fishing village with Provençal charm.

Marché Forville

The Marché Forville at the foot of the Suquet is Cannes' culinary heart: fresh fish, vegetables from the hinterland, olives, cheese, flowers. Tuesday to Sunday mornings. Monday antique market. Even star chefs shop here.

Antibes is the insider tip among the coastal towns of the Côte d'Azur: less glamorous than Cannes, less crowded than Nice, but with one of the most charming old towns on the entire coast. Behind the imposing Vauban fortress walls (17th century) lies a labyrinth of alleys, squares, and the most Provençal of all markets.

Musée Picasso — Château Grimaldi

The Château Grimaldi, a 14th-century castle directly by the sea, houses the Musée Picasso. The master worked here for six months in 1946 and left behind 23 paintings and 44 drawings — including the lively, Mediterranean works "La Joie de vivre" and "Ulysse et les sirènes". The terrace with sculptures by Germaine Richier offers a breathtaking sea view. Admission: 8€.

Port Vauban — The Largest Yacht Harbor in Europe

The Port Vauban in Antibes is with 1,642 berths the largest yacht harbor in Europe. Here lie the mega yachts of billionaires — some as large as cruise ships. At Quai des Milliardaires, you can marvel at the floating palaces: helicopter pads, swimming pools, crews in uniform. A surreal spectacle that can be enjoyed for free.

Marché Provençal

The Marché Provençal in the old town (Cours Masséna) is one of the most beautiful and authentic markets on the Côte d'Azur: mountains of olives, tapenade, socca, fresh herbs, lavender honey, and flowers. Daily except Monday from 6–1 PM (summer until 1:30 PM). In summer, evening artisan market.

Cap d'Antibes

The peninsula Cap d'Antibes is one of the most exclusive addresses on the Côte d'Azur: hidden villas, Mediterranean gardens, and the Sentier du Littoral — a coastal path that leads around the cape in two hours. Rocky coves, turquoise waters, pine forests, and views of the Alps and the Îles de Lérins. Free and unforgettable. At the southernmost point lies the Villa Eilenroc with its rose gardens (open Wednesdays and Saturdays).

Juan-les-Pins lies between Antibes and Cap d'Antibes and is what Cannes would like to be: relaxed, with real sandy beaches and a legendary jazz tradition. In the 1920s, Americans (led by F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda) discovered this place as a summer residence — a revolution, as until then people only came to the Côte d'Azur in winter.

The Beaches

Juan-les-Pins has the most beautiful sandy beaches between Nice and Saint-Tropez: fine, golden sand, gently sloping, sheltered by pines. Perfect for families. The Plage de Juan-les-Pins (public), the Plage de la Gallice, and the Plage de la Salis are the most popular.

Jazz à Juan

The Jazz à Juan Festival (July) is one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz festivals in the world — since 1960. Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie — they all played here under the pines of Pinède Gould right by the sea. World-class musicians still come today. Tickets from 35€, but the atmosphere is priceless.

Nightlife

Juan-les-Pins has a surprisingly lively nightlife for a small town: the bars and clubs along Avenue Georges Gallice and Boulevard Wilson fill up from 10 PM. Younger and more casual than Cannes, cheaper than Monaco. In summer, people dance until sunrise.