Cannes is one of our favorite places in the world. The wonderful weather, the beautiful beaches and the luxurious atmosphere make it a destination to visit again and again. And the most magical place to stay is the historic Carlton Cannes. Old school charm meets modern luxury at this star-studded locale in the heart of Cannes. Read on for our ideal itinerary for a trip to Cannes, France. 

Why Stay at the Carlton Cannes

Our favorite place to stay is the Intercontinental Carlton. Located in the heart of the Croisette, the Carlton Cannes is exactly where you want to be when you visit Cannes. Not only are you right in the middle of all the world-class shopping, but you also have one of the best views of the Cannes harbor from your seaside room.

This hotel is truly a classic, having played host to countless movie stars and celebrities over the years, including the cast of “To Catch a Thief” when they filmed on site in the 1950s. The Carlton is the place to spot stars especially during the Cannes Festival in May. The rooms are well-appointed, most having a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.

Waking up to the sights and sounds of that cerulean blue sea is what keeps us coming back year after year. When you head downstairs in the morning, you are greeted by one of the most sumptuous breakfast spreads we have experienced in Europe. With everything from classic pastries, to the full English breakfast, to fresh fruit and cheeses, to Middle Eastern dishes and a full suite of freshly squeezed juices, the Carlton breakfast is one to savor. Oh, and you have to enjoy it on their terrace. It is the best place to start the day!

What to Do in Cannes

After you have enjoyed the amazing Carlton breakfast, we recommend heading over to Annex Beach. The trendiest place to spend a sunny day in Cannes, Annex Beach is also located right in the center of the Croisette. Filled with the plushest beach chairs you’ll find in Cannes, it’s easy to see why this is where the cool kids hang.

From lounging around to playing in the water, Annex Beach is a place to relax and enjoy a beautiful summer’s day. And in Cannes, summer lasts until October!

When the sun goes down, Annex Beach is also the place to be… but more on that in a little bit.

A Day on the Meditteranean

Cannes has one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, so you really should get out on the water. One of the best ways to do that is by catamaran!

There are several services that allow you to get on a catamaran. We recommend Riviera Lines because they have one of the classiest vessels of the bunch, with beautifully maintained teak decks and a well-appointed cabin and bow. You really do get what you pay for! Our boat ride included lunch and all the water toys we could have asked for. Also, an insider tip – do the morning ride! During the morning, we had a small intimate group and after about four and a half hours of swimming, floating and sailing we disembarked in the afternoon.

As the boat docked, there were 30+ people waiting to board in our place for the afternoon. In this case, the early bird really does get the worm!

Night Life Near the Carlton Cannes

Cannes is also famous for its nightlife and the place to get your night started is Annex Beach. Start with dinner around 7 or 8pm, and be sure to enjoy their deliciously fresh Italian cuisine.

And don’t be afraid to linger because they have the only live cabaret show on the beach in Cannes. Their cabaret show is different every night and is bound to entertain.

Their professional troupe of dancers is guaranteed to make your night exciting! The luxe seating and the amazing sea breeze is exactly what you want in a night on the Riviera!

We love Cannes so we visit every year! Be sure to read our other Cannes blog posts to learn more! Check out our Foodie’s Guide to Cannes and 3 Reasons to Go to Cannes Right Now.