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The French Riviera is the stuff of dreams — movies stars, yachts, luxury — and the Riviera’s most glamorous town — CANNES — is its epicenter for all things fabulous. Perched on the Mediterranean with incredible views, CANNES has high season pricing that will break the bank, so plan your itinerary in advance if you don’t have a Hollywood budget.

For all the hype, there’s not alot to do in CANNES, so after hours lazying around on your hotel’s beach, fashionistas will enjoy shopping at 55 Croisette, Galeries Lafayette, Mercedeh, and Taizo as well as boutiques along the La Croisette, rue d’Antibes and rue Meynadier. Design enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the medieval town of Le Suquet perched on a hill above city center, shopping at Autour de la Terre, Black Card and Martine Foubet or an afternoon spent instagramming the gorgeous Villa Domergue or Villa Rothschild.

Indian actress Sonam Kapoor arriving at Cannes Film Festival 2015

MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS

Cannes Film Festival
www.festival-cannes.com

The creme-de-la-creme of film festivals held every May.

Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique
www.festival-pyrotechnique-cannes.com/en

In July and August, Cannes skies light up for this annual fireworks competition.

île Ste-Marguerite

Just a 10-15 minute ferry from Port of Cannes. Don’t miss Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was held.

Le Petit Train
http://www.cannes-petit-train.com/en/

Kind of cheesy tour, but a good respite when walking in the heat takes its toll.

Maeght Foundation
623 Chemin des Gardettes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
www.fondation-maeght.com/en

Wonderful modern art museum about an hour from Cannes.

Marché aux Fleurs
allée de la Liberté

Get up early Tuesdays – Saturday for Instagram-worthy photos. #FloralFridays.

Marché Forville
North of the Vieux Port

On Mondays, its an antiques market, the rest of the week foodie heaven.

Palais des Festivals
Boulevard de la Croisette
www.en.palaisdesfestivals.com

The site of the annual star-studded Cannes Film Festivals. Confirm tours in advance.

BARS + CLUBS + RESTAURANTS
Insider’s Tip: It’s essential to book reservations in advance if you visit during the film festival or in the summer.

Gotha Club
Place Franklin Roosevelt
https://www.clubbable.com/Cannes/Gotha

If you dare venture out, this club has the best DJs.

La Petite Maison Nicole
10 Boulevard de la Croisette
www.lucienbarriere.com/en

At Hotel Majestic serving classic Mediterranean cuisine.

La Villa Archange
Rue de l’Ouest, Le Cannet
www.bruno-oger.com/en

Read my review here.

L’Affable
5 Rue la Fontaine
www.restaurant-laffable.fr

For meals with a Mediterranean flair and a hint of Asian influences.

Le Park 45
45 Boulevard de la Croisette
www.grand-hotel-cannes.com

A bit overhyped, but service is consistent and flavor profiles are interesting.

Mocca
1 Boulevard de la Croisette
www.moccarestaurant.com

Great location. Good food. See and be seen.

Le Roof
22 Rue Bivouac Napoléon
https://www.fiveseashotel.com/

At the Five Seas Hotel. One of the hottest chefs serving innovative meals in Cannes.

Le Jardin at Hotel Martinez
73 Boulevard de la Croisette
www.cannesmartinez.grand.hyatt.com

For an outdoor garden evening in Cannes. Great people-watching during the day.

Zoa Sushi Bar
2 Place du Général de Gaulle
www.zoasushibar.com

Hip scene for some of the best sushi in Cannes.

HOTELS
Insider’s Tip: Always check hotel websites for special deals and packages.

Carlton Intercontinental
58 Boulevard de la Croisette
https://www.carlton-cannes.com/en/

Art Deco stunner made famous by Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in To Catch A Thief. 

Five Seas Hotel
1 Rue Notre Dame
https://www.fiveseashotel.com/en

Chic boutique hotel with cool vibe and Le Roof restaurant.

Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez
73 Boulevard de la Croisette
www.cannesmartinez.grand.hyatt.com

Iconic Art Deco hotel known for extraordinary service and celebrity sightings.

Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
29 Kennedy Boulevard
www.hotel-du-cap-eden-roc.com/fr

Got serious cash? Check in here and you will not be disappointed. Exceptional. Truly.