A Weekend in Cannes

Famous far before the film festival, Cannes is an iconic city on the Cote d’Azur, offering visitors beaches, famous hotels, historic sites, fabulous shopping and so much more. A weekend there will go fast but it is the perfect taster of this seaside city. You’ll leave with a wish list for next time. Claire from A Chessemonger’s daughter share with us her tips for the perfect long week-end.

Friday:

Upon arriving in the city in the afternoon or evening, check into your hotel and hit the streets. Head to the sea and walk along the Promenade de la Croisette, the beautiful boulevard that hugs the shore of the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect way to settle in and begin to take in all that the city has to offer. It’s also home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès where the Cannes Film Festival is held annually. Film buffs can arrange a tour of the festival hall.

Art lovers can wander into the Centre d’art La Malmaison at Cannes, open until 8pm. The art museum houses many works by Picasso (he spent many years just a few miles away in Antibes which has a beautiful museum dedicated just to his work in the home he lived.)

For dinner, wander into the old town of Cannes, Le Suquet for an authentic and quiet seafood meal.

Saturday:

In the morning head back into Le Suquet and go to the Marché Forville. The daily market is filled with fruits and vegetables and is the perfect place to gather some goodies for a picnic lunch. Stop into a couple other small shops in the area for cheese and bread before heading over to the ferry.

A 15 minute boat ride separates Cannes from the Lérins Islands. One of the largest, Ile St Marguerite is where The Man in the Iron Mask was jailed in the Fort of St Marguerite, now renamed the Musée de la Mer. The museum houses archaeological discoveries from shipwrecks off the coast of the island, including ancient Roman ceramics. Regular ferries run from Cannes and there are guided tours on the island, though the setting is also perfect for walking around and exploring on your own.

Another, smaller island, Sainte-Honorat is home to a monastery and beautiful walking trails which offer a peaceful break.

Upon arriving back from the Lérins Islands, get ready for a night on the town and dive into the nightlife Cannes has to offer.

Start with a drink at one of beachside restaurants before heading to dinner, because really, there is nothing more simply perfect than sipping a Lillet or glass of rosé as a breeze blows off the Mediterranean. Cannes has a popular club scene, including internationally known Gotha, which often hosts different parties and musicians.

Sunday:

What better way to recuperate from the night before than to spend a lazy Sunday on the sea. After a coffee and light breakfast of fresh baguette or a pain au chocolat head down to any of the well maintained and inviting public beaches, or treat yourself to a paid day pass at a hotel private beach. Costs vary but will often include a lounge chair, towel, use of changing rooms, lockers, and showers. If you’re traveling to Cannes on a budget this a great little way to get a taste of a luxury trip.

Monday morning:

If you can spare a couple more hours on your way out of town, stop by Marché Brocante, a flea market housed in the same spot as Marché Forville. There’s nothing like doing last minute shopping to remember a wonderful weekend away in Cannes.

Claire is really A Cheesemonger’s daughter as states her blog’s name. Her dad is chef/owner of Blue Apron Foods in Park Slope, Brooklyn. She has grown up in New York City and the food industry and now is celebrating food from small and family-owned businesses and making seasonal and approachable recipes.

Pictures ©L’appartement377