Cannes, France cruise holidays

For once, the old town (Le Suquet) is not the first place to head for even though it is conveniently right behind the port area with the brand new Cannes cruise terminal complex. Le Suquet boasts a medieval church and castle and narrow streets full of interesting shops and cafes but everyone really wants to stroll first along Boulevard de la Croisette. Everything that has made Cannes a haunt of the rich and famous is here: deluxe hotels, smart casinos, stylish boutiques, trendy art galleries and marinas packed with lavishly out-fitted mega-yachts. For the ultimate in people-watching, visit the Observatory of Super-Cannes which has lifts up to viewing platforms overlooking La Croisette and the rest of the resort. Nice, Monte Carlo, Antibes, Juan les Pins, St Tropez and the medieval villages of Eze and St Paul-de-Vence are also nearby.

There are several other resorts nearby where you can also soak up that Riviera feeling. Explore Nice, the queen of the Côte d’Azur, with its fabulous markets and restaurants; the fascinating walled town of Antibes with its effortlessly relaxed feel; and glamorous Monte Carlo with its grand palace, casino and incredible Jardin Exotique. 

Many of the beaches that line the Promenade de la Croisette, the city’s main boulevard, are private and belong to the neighbouring beachfront hotels, and many allow day visitors for a fee. The Hôtel Martinez is perhaps the most iconic: a favourite of the film festival set, it embodies 1920s glamour and over the years has hosted the rich and famous, from F Scott Fitzgerald to Bruce Willis. If you’re not willing to splash the cash on a private beach, Cannes cruise port offers plenty of appealing public options, too. At the western end of Promenade de la Croisette near Palais des Festivals is Plage du Casino, a well-maintained stretch of golden sand lined with cafés and restaurants. More public beaches can be found further west beyond the promenade, including Plage du Midi, a long, narrow beach that’s great for families.