The Travel File: Cannes

The Cote d’Azur beckons this spring with the promise of palm-lined shores and Mediterranean sunshine, and Cannes provides the perfect setting in which to live out your wildest Catherine Deneuve inspired fantasies. With Couture Week on the horizon, now is the time when Parisians pack their bags and make for the breezy coastal oases of Southern France, out of the heat of the city streets. While Cannes is synonymous with A listers, you don’t need to be one to enjoy the glamour and charm of a place that was once the inspiration of Picasso, Matisse and Bizet. Tucked in the southeast corner of France, the town is famous for it’s beautiful light (a reason the great painters of the 18th century flocked there), and is in possession of a certain elevated profile as the historic holiday destination of choice for royals and bohemians alike. Having witnessed the red carpet action from 2016’s Cannes Film Festival in May, it’s time to take a look at the alternative pleasures that the town has to offer.

For Her

EXPERIENCE

May ushered in the 169th edition of the iconic Cannes Film Festival, a celebration of cinematic art inimitable in style. Perhaps most famous of all for these awards, it’s actually only once Hollywood’s royalty has moved out and the paparazzi dispersed that Cannes pleasures can be best enjoyed. Soak up the atmosphere comme les Bohèmes with a leisurely stroll along the Croisette – the hopelessly romantic promenade stretching along the coast. In the afternoon, take one of the languidly-sailing ferries to the picturesque Ile Ste-Marguérite. The island is covered in pine and eucalyptus, the heady scent of which hits you as soon as you step off the boat, and is the perfect location for a picnic of bread, saucisson and local wine. Wander through the forest and off to the rocky edges of the island, which are littered with small and secluded beaches, empty but for the odd sea bird. These little oases of calm are stonier than the white sand beaches of Cannes, but the solitude they afford you and views back to the riviera are well worth the sacrifice.

Back on the mainland, a day at Le Palm Beach Club Cannes offers hedonists a chance to both unwind and party the day away, with luxurious sunning facilities and some of the most attentive service in the area. Recline on one of their sea-front sunbeds for uninterrupted views of the azure waters and ice cold French 75s on demand.

STAY

Overlooking the impossibly blue waters of the Bay of Cannes, a stay at the Hôtel Martinez is the essence of French Riviera luxury with its theatrical Art Deco interior, the largest private beach in Cannes and its 2 Michelin star restaurant, La Palme d’Or. Alternatively, Le Cavendish, named after the British Lord who built it, has retained the intimacy of the home it once was. Occupying a 19th century building complete with Belle Epoque rotunda, guests are welcomed into this chic hotel by the owners Christine and Guy. Free cocktails at the bar between 7 and 11pm ensure that all guests have a pleasant stay.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Cannes, a stay at the Hôtel Château de la Tour is the perfect antidote to the paparazzi filled streets of the town. Discreet, peaceful and elegant, the château is set back in sun-dappled gardens and its secluded infinity pool has views accross the bay.

EAT

Dine in the beautiful old district of Le Suquet where there are a number of authentic Provençal restaurants serving in-the-know patrons – the best spot for al fresco dining with breath-taking views of the town below. Closer to the centre of town, the characterful La Mere Besson on the rue des Freres Pradignac has been cooking seasonal French fare for over half a century – piled-high dishes of bouillabaisse and seared scallops straight from the sea. Alternatively, the world famous Colombe d’Or hotel and restaurant offers a welcome escape from the throng of the streets. Take a table on the shaded terrasse and sample its sunshine-filled menu with specialities from the Midi (including grilled peppers in olive oil and fish filleted table-side with beurre blanc). Picasso, Matisse and César all ate here, and left the artworks that line the walls of this unique establishment behind in lieu of payment for their bills. A magical spot steeped in history.

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