Cannes

Cannes is mostly associated with its prestigious film festival, but there is so much more to this strikingly beautiful part of the world. Cannes has a glorious park, La Croix-des-Gardes, with more than 200 acres of lush grassland and vegetation. It also has some of the most amazing architecture, from lovely historic structures to modern opulent buildings. Just take a walk around the city to see that Cannes is no stranger to the art scene. It is brimming with sculptures and statues and is home to some wonderful galleries. The city also has a healthy selection of fine dining restaurants, trendy bars and wonderful cafés, not to mention high-end Parisian pâtisseries selling homemade, state-of-the-art chocolate creations, macarons and desserts. And let’s not forget the spotless beaches and fun festivals.

Throughout their entire stay in Cannes, the dedicated Luxury Vacation Home LVH team ensures the ultimate in service and satisfaction are provided to every guest. LVH can arrange for private chefs, private jets, exotic cars, luxury yachts, and anything else guests require to make their Cannes vacation stay remarkable.

A Cannes luxury mansion rental can be arranged through LVH to accommodate families, large groups and are perfect for hosting lavish events. Vacationers seeking luxury rentals in Cannes have the largest selection to choose from when booking their stays.

AREAS

Here are six of the loveliest areas of Cannes. Luxury travelers will want to mark them all on their “to visit” list:

Antibes

Antibes is a resort town between Cannes and Nice. It’s known for its old town enclosed by 16th century ramparts with the star-shaped Fort Carré overlooking luxury yachts moored at the Port Vauban marina. The forested Cap d’Antibes peninsula, dotted with grand villas, separates Antibes from Juan-les-Pins, a chic resort with buzzing nightlife and the Jazz à Juan music festival. It is also home to Musée Picasso.

Cannes La Bocca

Cannes la Bocca is a seven kilometer coastal sand beach along Boulevard du Midi with Mandelieu La Napoule to the west and Cannes is to the east. The area is much less hectic than Cannes and has a distinctly different atmosphere. It is worth a visit to spend time on the glorious beaches where one can grab a bite at one the restaurants on the beach and have a look at several of the area’s nautical clubs.

La Californie

The famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso called this area home in the 1950s. It was named for its lush greenery, similar to that of California. The Cannes’ affluent have their mansions and estates in this upscale neighborhood, most of which have incredible views of the French Riviera. Villa Darina fits right into the area with its lavish features and incomparable water views. This impressive villa can accommodate up to 30 guests and is the ideal venue for an intimate wedding or celebration. It comes with every luxury amenity, including a private elevator and tennis court.

Mougins

Mougins is a gastronomic and art lovers’ delight. The village, which dates back to Roman times, is where Picasso spent the last years of his life. This small village has an incredible 30 art galleries and a number of fine dining establishments. Mougins is a wonderfully romantic place to have dinner, get into the Cannes luxury car rental and drive the 15 minutes up the heights of Cannes or better yet, make Villa Bernadette in Mougins home base while vacationing in the area. This gorgeous villa has a lush mountain view, all the luxurious amenities, including a tennis court and pool. It is the ideal place to set down roots while in thrilling Cannes.

Super Cannes

Super Cannes is found in the hills of Cannes and Golfe Juan. This hotspot has some of the most impressive real estate in Cannes offering some of the most stunning views of Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands. Super Cannes is actually on the hillside above Vallauris. That is exactly where Villa Krizzy is located, on the hillside, with one of the most splendid views imaginable. The beautifully modern estate has room for 16 guests. The floor to ceiling windows offer unadulterated views of the azure sea. With guests having a Cannes luxury car rental, they can easily get to Nice International Airport, Monaco and beyond into Italy.

Vallauris

Vallauris is the center for pottery on the French Riviera. The town stretches along the Côte d’Azur where residents and visitors enjoy a sweeping azure view of the Baie de Cannes. The “Town of Arts and Crafts” offers plenty of cultural entertainment away from its sandy beaches. Visitors wishing to purchase something beautiful from the area, need to head to Vallauris for its artisanal pottery. And one of the loveliest views in Vallauris belongs to Villa Arcadia with its stunning sea vistas. With room for up to 20 guests, this property is a blue diamond when it comes to a Cannes luxury mansion.

RESTAURANTS

Cannes is replete with fine dining establishments. These six are among the gems of the most elite:

L’Oasis

L’Oasis is the epitome of fine dining. Imagine sitting down to a meal of lobster medallions served with salty butter, accompanied by a lobster sauce with hints of orange and basil and artisanal linguini served with a creamy seafood emulsion. The restaurant’s chef says the constant bid to glorify flavors has elevated cuisine to an art form. The restaurant shares space with a pastry shop, so guests can get a little something back to their Cannes luxury mansion.

L’Or Bleu

Located in the Tiara Yaktsa Hotel, Michelin-starred L’Or Bleu serves fine Mediterranean cuisine using the freshest ingredients inspired by local harvests, yet infused with the spicy flavors of remote islands. Whether choosing a table on the glamorous terrace with views of the bay or in the coolness of the interior, a deliciously savory meal awaits. L’Or Bleu is a true gourmet discovery.

Le Park 45

Le Park 45, a restaurant at Le Grand Hôtel, promises gastronomic moments as surprising as they are gourmet. Enjoy a light and inventive cuisine with surf and turf accents. The Michelin-starred restaurant has comfortable, yet sophisticated surroundings. Starters such as duck foie gras with ginger marmalade and toast are followed by dishes like lightly cooked sea bass with pistachio nuts, preserved lemon, chard and artichoke. For those who enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, Le Park 45 is not to be missed.

La Palme d’Or

The only restaurant in Cannes with two Michelin stars, La Palme d’Or offers a gastronomic journey in an exceptional setting with a view over the Bay of Cannes. The menu is creative and dishes are prepared flawlessly. The chef’s tasting menu has lobster, oyster, lamb, and pigeon prepared in three different ways. The wine list is well-rounded and the sommelier provides stellar wine pairings. La Palme d’Or is the perfect recipe for a delightful evening.

La Table du Château

At La Table du Château diners can take their pick from dishes such as Crème brulée with foie gras accompanied by crispy poached egg and Aquitaine caviar, veal stuffed with prawns, puree of Vitelotte potatoes and ice vegetables, soufflé of the château with Grand Marnier. This chic restaurant is located in a quiet and prestigious part of Cannes. With views over the Bay of Cannes and the Lerins Islands, La Table du Château offers a romantic ambiance for dinner with that special someone.

Sea Sens

On the fifth floor of the Five Seas Hotel, Sea Sens recently received its first Michelin star. The beautiful rooftop terrace setting has one of the most amazing views of Cannes. Jetset Report says, “The fare here is definitely gourmet and makes clever use of fresh market items and spices from the five continents, inspired by the chef’s worldwide travels.” The dining room features an elegant east-west décor of settee sofas and white tablecloths with the ceiling strewn in illuminated lanterns. Main courses include such dishes like white miso sea bass, duckling fillet with sweet spices and lamb with celeriac.

THE ARTS

Cannes has a thriving contemporary indie arts scene featuring new talent as well as established artists. These four venues will give art lovers a glimpse into what is available locally:

Centre d’art La Malmaison

This museum, located on the popular La Croisette, is a well-liked spot for art lovers. With different exhibitions showing annually, La Malmaison has seen the traffic of big names in the art industry. Ozenfant, Matisse, and the undeniable Picasso are the most prominent of the honored artists. The building used to be a hotel built in the 1860s.

Galerie Hurtebize

This gallery has been a part of the Cannes art community for more than 20 years. Art connoisseurs will discover a healthy selection of contemporary art from such artists as Hams Hartung, Sam Francis, Andre Marfaing and Georges Mathieu. Each painting, drawing or sculpture of exceptional quality is carefully selected and acquired after dedicated study of its pedigree and always accompanied by a certificate of an authorized expert. Both seasoned and fledgling collectors will discover the great names of modern art, some post-impressionist treasures and favorite contemporaries at Galerie Hurtebize.

Musee de La Castre

Castre Museum (Musée de la Castre) is home to a wide collection of antiquities, particularly from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Situated in a medieval castle atop Le Suquet, the chateau itself is a historical monument. The art collections and objects from Oceania, the Himalayas and the Americas are presented in small rooms surrounded by gardens. The 12th century Saint Anne Chapel houses a remarkable collection of musical instruments from Asia, Africa, the America, and Oceania. A few rooms dedicated to 19th century Provencal paintings of Riviera landscapes open out onto the courtyard and a square tower displaying spectacular views.

Villa Domergue and Gardens

Villa Domergue and Gardens is an amazing art deco style villa with Mediterranean gardens built by painter Jean-Gabrial Domergue in 1929. His wife, Odette Maudrange-Domergue, a sculptor, designed the terraced gardens, ponds and waterfalls. The antique busts and art objects were collected during the many trips the couple made together. They resided in the villa from 1932. After the death of her husband in 1962, Odette remained in the villa and bequeathed the property to the city of Cannes in 1973. Visitors can now tour the villa and gardens to see how the couple made Cannes the capital of a particular way of living.

NIGHTLIFE

There is no shortage of places to go in Cannes for a night on the town. These four venues have something for everyone’s tastes.

Le Bar L’Amiral

This bar, in the Hotel Martinez, is one of the finest piano bars in Cannes. The art deco styling takes guests back to another time. The walls are decorated with photos of celebrities who have visited. Visitors can relax on the terrace and enjoy one of their signature martinis. Le Bar L’Amiral is a marriage of bygone glamor and award-winning cocktails.

Chrystie

Crystie is a lively bar that opens its doors to all the glamorous, and sophisticated souls who grace Cannes. It is a terrific place to party until the wee hours. With a distinct feeling of a cabaret lounge, guests are dressed in their finest. Chrystie is best known for its vast collection of cocktails and snacks to go with them. Those looking for late and loud will find exactly that.

La Chunga Bar

La Chunga Bar and Restaurant has been open for decades. The venue was given new life in 2013 under new management. Just a couple steps from the sea, La Chunga is open until the sun rises. It is comfortably exclusive and a delight for partygoers. It is a chic party spot for the hip and elite. Chilled, unique cocktails keep coming and the service is top notch.

Le Bar À Vin

As its name implies, Le Bar À Vin is the best spot for a superb selection of wines. It has been a staple in Cannes for more than 20 years and has evolved into a place of style and class. The bar introduces guests to a wide range of delectable wines from near and far in a cozy, yet stylish atmosphere. Their selection includes more than 100 different varieties. The bar has a lovely outside space as well where visitors can enjoy a delectable range of cheeses and highly cultured light bites to accompany their drinks.

EVENTS

Cannes always has some event happening, no matter what time of year. Here are four of the most popular:

Cannes Yachting Festival

This is the most eclectic show in the world, according to the organizers of the Yachting Festival. Close to 600 boats brought in by more than 400 exhibitors are on hand for sailing enthusiasts to view. The biggest names in the nautical industry are always represented with their latest innovations in an absolutely beautiful setting in the port of Cannes. As soon as guests enter the show, they become privy to the luxury gallery, a space dedicated to luxury, crafts and the art of living. It is a must-attend event for yacht owners or for those considering a luxury vessel.

Festival de Cannes

The Festival de Cannes or the Cannes Film Festival is the piece de resistance of all film festivals. Everyone who is anyone in the film world is in attendance at this well-established festival which showcases some of filmdom’s most prolific films. The festival’s mandate is to draw attention to and raise the profile of films, with the aim of contributing toward the development of cinema, boosting the film industry worldwide and celebrating cinema at an international level. Luxury visitors can purchase ultra-exclusive passes to the festival which includes the amfAR gala. No other film festival is as prestigious, and none has the swagger from being held on the French Riviera.

International Games Festival

This festival has taken place annually in Cannes since 1987. Families, game-players, those who are curious, as well as game designers and publishing companies come together to enjoy traditional, board, video, and simulation games, collectible cards and much more. Many gaming competitions take place and a jury of amateurs and professionals rate hundreds of freely-accessible board games. The Golden Ace award is presented to the best game of the year. A fun fest, for sure.

Pyrotechnic Festival and Competition

Each summer, the night sky in Cannes is lit up by wondrous fireworks of the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique. Participants from various countries show their most amazing displays which are set to music. The themes set by the show organizers vary each year. This is the most prestigious fireworks show and competition in the world today. The reflections of the colors on the water along with the melodies take onlookers to an enchanting space!

ACTIVITIES

Leave the luxury villa in Cannes for a while to have a few unique experiences. Here are three that are sure to be a pleasure:

Discover the French Riviera in a Private Plane

Discover Cannes and the gorgeous Verdon Canyon from the air with an extraordinary micro flight! The 1.5-hour trip can be personalized by discussing the route with the pilot. The trip includes access to a private and exclusive air club in Cannes. Get a brand new perspective with a bird’s eye view.

Private Shore excursion of the French Riviera

A private full-day shore excursion from Cannes can be customized to suit anyone’s preferences. Visit Nice, Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo, or choose to stop at villages and beaches anywhere along the coast. A private shore tour is ideal for first-time visitors to the French Riviera since it gives guests a personalized experience and the undivided attention of a knowledgeable guide.

Wine Tasting Tour

Escape the city to enjoy an indulgent introduction to the wines of Provence. A private, full-day tour with an expert wine guide makes exploring and tasting easy to accomplish. Sip delicious reds, whites, and of course Provence’s famous rosé wines, and pause for lunch in one of the vineyards or in a local Provençal village. It is a relaxing day to learn about wine and is ideal for both fledgling and expert wine connoisseurs.