Are you planning to travel through the French Riviera but don’t have time to make many stops? Fortunately, many of the towns along this beautiful coastline are small and can be visited in one day. If you’re passing through the French Riviera on your EuroTrip, it’s worth making a stop to visit Cannes. Here’s how you can visit this picturesque town in only 4 hours:
Take a Stroll Along Boulevard De La Croisette
If you’re arriving by train, walk for about 5-10 minutes to the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette. Stretching for about 2 km, La Croisette is sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea, the Cannes Harbour and luxury hotels, boutiques and lots of restaurants. Admire the views of the ocean and leave nothing but memories taking as many selfies as you want. Also, make sure to take a selfie in front of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the main stomping ground for the many Hollywood stars which attend the Cannes Film Festival yearly. If you’re visiting in May when the festival takes place, you can take a shot with the red carpet as your backdrop.
Have a Beachfront Lunch
Less than 1 km from the beginning of the Boulevard De La Croisette, you can dine on lobster rolls and beef tartare at the Carlton Cannes Beach Club. Savouring views of the Mediterranean and the mega yachts sailing on the glistening sea is a beautiful and refreshing experience. Many of the Hollywood stars have been spotted at this club, such as Beyoncé, Sharon Stone and Hollywood greats Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.
Fun fact: during the Cannes Film Festival of 1955, Kelly and Prince Rainer III of Monaco had a private meeting at the Carlton Cannes Beach Club, which is believed to have led to their wedding in Monaco one year later.
Shop Like a Local
After taking in the picturesque seaside views, walk 2 blocks north and you will find affordable shopping on Rue d’Antibes. In history, this road linked the towns of Toulon and Antibes, hence its name. You will also find the big brands like Mango and Zara, along with many chocolatiers, perfumeries, tea rooms and souvenir stores. The buildings on this street date back to the 19th century, so even if shopping is not your target, it’s nice to just take a stroll. And if you have time, walk towards the west end of this street and you will find Marche Forville. There you will find fresh produce, juices and the famous French fromage, which is a great way to experience the city like a local. You will also find antiques and second-hand items, which make for great souvenirs. More restaurants and cafes can also be found.
From the Marche Forville or anywhere along the Rue d’Antibes, the train station is a 10-minute walk away, or less depending where you may be. In the end, a brief stop in Cannes will make for 4 breathtaking hours of enjoying a small yet intimate seaside town. Cannes’ upmarket boutiques and sandy beaches, along with its famous yearly film festival make this coastal town a must-visit on your trip to France!