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Cannes is exciting and fun. Gorgeous sun-soaked beaches, luxurious shopping, and incredible old architecture make this city a must see. Home to the world famous Cannes film festival in the spring, you may be able to see some famous faces here. This city has for decades been a vacation destination to the world’s wealthy. Why not enjoy the same beaches and ocean as them and feel a little bit like a celebrity? Cannes offers you everything from the backpack traveler to upper-class splendor. This seaside beauty is packed with four and five star hotels and restaurants. So if you are looking to live it up here there are many options at your disposal. This is definitely a city to see and be seen.

Cannes Pictures

Things to do in Cannes

Old Town is filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. The name says it all and this part of the city is the oldest in town. Palais des Festivales is the location of the famous film festival and is a red carpet hot spot. If you visit Cannes in May, you may be able to spot some celebrities here. The Port is best known for the home of the riches. Yachts and other boats sit in the docks and are fun to walk by and look at. The beaches in Cannes are really why people come to visit. Most beaches cost a fee to enter since they are privately owned. There are a few public beaches, however they tend to be overcrowded and dirty. For 30 euros a day you can get a cushy spot on the beach near the water. And maybe a chair or sun umbrella. While here why not charter a sail boat or yacht. For a daily fee you can hire a driver and you and your friends can go sailing in the warm beautiful water. There is also diving, surfing, and beach-side bike rides available.

Nightlife in Cannes

The center of the nightlife here is the casino. Around la Croisette and along la rue du Dr Monod and la rue Saint Antoine is where you can find the nightlife. While restaurants and bars stay open until 2 am, you can find clubs (discos) and the casino that will stay open until 3 or 4 am. The legal drinking age in France is 16. However that is really just on paper and no one checks ID’s. It may still be a good idea to carry ID on you at all times, especially if you are visiting from another country. The dress here is a little more dressy then casual. The best bet is to leave the sneakers and baseball caps at home. The Palais Club is a hot spot. This club is very trendy and happening. Jimmyz and Disco 7 are a couple other places to check out while in Cannes, drawing a nice sophisticated crowd. Jimmyz is fun for college students too.

Dining in Cannes

Many of the restaurants are along the beach. These can be expensive but they are incredibly good. French cuisine is mostly what you will find. Although there are many other types of food here too. If you want to pay a little less you can go back a few streets from the beach. The restaurants here tend to be a little less but still good quality food. There is Chinese, Indian, and even Spanish food. Restaurant Fuji has excellent sushi and is rated top eats.

Shopping in Cannes

The South of France has some of the best shopping in the world. Cannes just like any other city here has designer-filled streets and shops that line every corner in some areas. Near the beach, between here and the train station, are all the major labels; Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabana, Prada, and many others. There are also a dozen fancy hair salons, cafes, formal wear shops, and upscale watch and accessory stores. You can match an entire day and evening wardrobe in one block and then go enjoy the beach. If this is a little above your budget, then try one of the carts lining the boardwalk. You can purchase inexpensive Cannes souvenirs and beach gear here.

Cannes travel tips

• The best time to visit Cannes is in the late spring/early summer.
• The currency is the euro.
• The official language in Cannes is French, although many speak English.