Words: Gentleman's Journal
A holiday in the beautiful city of Cannes is one you’ll remember for years to come. From the glorious weather to the fabulous beaches, you’ll love spending time in the French Riviera’s most glamorous resort.
And there’s definitely no shortage of things to do in Cannes. The glittering city centre is a paradise for shoppers and food-lovers alike, while the beaches along the Croisette offer a wide range of water sports for daredevils and thrill seekers. Set between the mountains and the Mediterranean, Cannes has something for everyone to enjoy. So to help you prepare your next trip to Cannes, here are just a few of our suggestions for things to do when you’re in town.
For a very special evening out, Azur Helicoptere offers its clients a magical heli-dining experience. Hop on board one of their helicopters in Cannes and fly over the dazzling French Riviera coastline to some of the best restaurants in the region.
They have a fantastic selection of places to eat on offer, choose from a 2-star Chateau in the hills behind Cannes, one of the most exclusive beach clubs in St Tropez or even a gourmet restaurant in Corsica. Spend the evening tasting the very best of French cuisine in a picture-perfect setting and then fly back to Cannes over the twinkling lights of the city. This will most definitely be a night to remember.
The French Riviera has been synonymous with yachting for many years and Cannes has one of the prettiest ports around. So, while you’re in town, why not charter a luxury yacht for a couple of days and explore the beautiful stretch of coastline around Cannes. For a perfect days sailing, we recommend heading down the coast to the little islands of Porquerolles.
Sitting just off the town of Hyères in the Var, the “golden islands” as they’re known are peaceful, unspoilt and only accessible by boat. Discover secluded sandy beaches or explore some of the exceptional dive sites around the islands including a handful of fascinating military wrecks. End your day watching the sun go down with a cocktail on the tiny island of Port Creux before making your way back to Cannes in time for dinner in the city.
If there’s one thing that Cannes does well, it’s beach clubs. You’ll find chic private beaches all along the Croisette, but the most glamorous of them all must be the Hotel Martinez club, known as Z-Plage. Spend a morning lying in the sun on one of their loungers, then stroll over to the restaurant for a light lunch.
The menu features local and organic ingredients and the cuisine is Mediterranean with a global twist, perfect for enjoying a meal in the sunshine. In the afternoon, book a massage or facial in the pop-up Givenchy Spa, or enjoy one of their signature Moet Mimosas in the cabana lounge. Then, as evening falls, sit back and relax while the resident DJ spins house music and the crowds get up to dance. A day at the beach has never been so much fun…
Golf fans will love Cannes’ proximity to the legendary Old Course Golf Club in Cannes-Mandelieu. Built for the Russian aristocracy back in the 1890s, the Old Course club was designed by legendary golf architect Harry Shapland Colt. The beautiful course sits right beside the Mediterranean and is covered in ancient pine trees which provide some very welcome shade in the heat of the summer.
Enjoy fabulous views over the Bay of Cannes as you play your way around the 18-hole course. One of its more charming features is the ferry boa, that takes you across the river which divides the course into 2 halves. No ordinary golf club, with its lush green fairways and magnificent club house, playing a round on this legendary course is the ideal way to spend a relaxing day outdoors while on holiday.
The coastal roads along the French Riviera have some of the most stunning views in the world. So, why not hire the latest supercar and take advantage of all that sunshine to get out onto the open road. Choose your favourite high-performance prestige car and then plan a road trip starting in Cannes.
We suggest cruising along the Moyenne Corniche to Monaco for the day to take advantage of the breath-taking views of the Bay of Villefranche and St Jean Cap Ferrat along the way. Or you could head up into the Esterel hills to experience some thrilling twists and turns on the hairpin mountain curves. Wherever you end up in the French Riviera in your luxurious supercar, it’s bound to be an unforgettable driving experience.
The latest craze to hit the Croisette is Flyboarding. Make like a superhero and fly high into the air or underwater with your very own water jet-pack strapped onto your back. Spend the afternoon with an instructor learning how to use your Flyboard and then zoom up to 6 metres into the air like Iron Man, or whizz through the azure blue waters of the Mediterranean like a dolphin.
Trace a figure eight or learn how to do a 360° spin and backwards dive before splash landing in the safety of the sea below you. Just make sure you remember to take your Go-Pro with you to capture the whole thing on film so you can relive your thrilling experience in Cannes with your friends and family back at home.
Cannes is famous for its glittering nightlife. From cosy wine bars to VIP nightclubs with superstar DJs, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to going out for the evening. Exclusive and exotic, Baoli Club is the place to go in Cannes for a memorable night out. Reserve a table in the Balinese-inspired restaurant to enjoy their Asian-fusion style cuisine and watch as at midnight, the dining room is transformed into the party to end all parties.
Dance the night away to music from the very best DJs in the world then head outside to sip champagne in the outdoor lounge while you watch the sun come up over the Bay of Cannes, there’s no better way to celebrate your French Riviera vacation.
This article was written in association with Beauchamp Estates. For more things to see and do on the French Riviera, visit Azur Vibes.
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