Cannes is a legendary holiday destination and one of the best known towns on the French Riviera, not least thanks to its film festival, now in its 75th edition, which has earned it a global reputation. Between the Cannes Palais, the steps of which only the greatest of stars can dream of climbing, the town’s record sunshine hours, its palm-lined La Croisette promenade, its luxury hotels and its fine sandy beaches, it certainly knows how to dazzle! Playing host to various major cultural and commercial events throughout the year, it is also very well managed and a truly dynamic town. Luxury boutiques and a wide range of restaurants abound, while the nearby Lerins Islands, Esterel massif and Nice airport are ideal for getting away from it all.
The real estate market
Prices per sq.m have generally been stable for the past five years and vary from €6,000 to €12,000 in the centre, reaching up to €60,000 on La Croisette. In the highly sought-after Californie neighbourhood, meanwhile, they range from €10,000 to €20,000 per sq.m or up to €30,000 for an exceptional villa. Neighbourhood, size, architectural style and level of prestige all affect these variations in price, with a sea view adding an average of 30% to the value of a property.
Our advice
This is a good time to sell as the market is hot and favourable to offers. Buyers looking for “a good deal” would do better to wait until the end of the season.
Worth noting :South/west-facing villas and apartments with sea views are the most sought-after. Given the rises we are current seeing in material costs, it may be wise to buy a fully renovated property ready to move in rather than embarking on a costly renovation project.
The best neighbourhoods: La Banane (the most dynamic area all year round), Palm Beach, Californie (where half the properties are primary residences, the other half secondary), Basse Californie, Le Suquet, Croix des Gardes and Montfleury are the best bets. Florent Borrego, BARNES Director.
Art of living
The Promenade de la Croisette comes bursting to life in all its festive glory in the latter half of May as it plays host to the Cannes Film Festival. We’ve put together a brief guide to the places to see and be seen!
The hottest reservations in town
Hyde Beach
@Facebook Hyde Beach Cannes
The private beach attached to the Grand Hôtel de Cannes is a must-visit on La Croisette, offering a Riviera chic vibe - complete with big white umbrellas - reflected in the Mediterranean cuisine created by chef Stéphanie Le Quellec and served right on the beach. Highlights include the olive oil focaccia, the Provençal panisses with lemon salt and thyme, and the aubergine parmigiana.
45 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Le Vertigo
@Facebook Radisson
This rooftop cocktail bar on the 7th floor of the Radisson Blu 1835 is named after a Hitchcock classic and offers an experience straight out of a movie scene with its uber-chic yachting-inspired decor.
2 Bd Jean Hibert, 06400 Cannes
Plage Mademoiselle Gray
@Facebook Plage Mademoiselle Gray
Between the raffia, the flowers and the bohemian seating, lunch and dinner at Mademoiselle Gray Barrière Beach is guaranteed to make for a welcome break from the norm. The menu here is heaven for foodies, with fresh and tasty cuisine incorporating flavours of Lebanon, Provence and Italy.
Boulevard de la Croisette, 06 400 Cannes
Bella
@Facebook Belle Plage Cannes
This 4 Michelin-star restaurant rolls out the red carpet for its guests on the rooftop of the Hôtel Belle Plage - a newcomer to the little piece of paradise that is Cannes. At the helm is celebrated chef Eyal Shani, a leading figure on the Israeli culinary scene and the man responsible for Miznon in Paris. Diners here can expect to enjoy the Mediterranean on a silver platter.
Belle Plage Hotel, 2, rue Brougham, square Mistral, 06400 Cannes
Culture
Galerie des Lyons
@Facebook Galerie des Lyons
This family-run gallery and showroom founded in 1986 is now a hybrid venue dedicated to the art of living, with an emphasis on contemporary art and design. You’ll find plethora of pieces by great designers, sculptors, painters and master ceramists on offer here, whether you’re just window shopping or fancy treating yourself.
10, rue Macé, 06400 Cannes
Villa Domergue
Listed as a historical monument, this house designed by painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue and his sculptor wife in 1934 is a sight for sore eyes, with its magnificent terraced gardens, ponds and waterfalls, and interiors decorated by the artist himself.
15 Av. Fiesole, 06400 Cannes
The Lérins Islands
@Flickr Magali Moscardo
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the Cannes Film Festival, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more revitalising way to spend a day than visiting the divine Lérins Islands, with a choice of Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat, both accessible by boat. Between vineyards, the soothing sounds emanating from the monastery and all that blue as far as the eye can see, this really is the stuff dreams are made off.
Underwater eco-museum
@Facebook Cannes
More adventurous visitors to the area may care to don flippers and snorkel and enjoy quite literally an immersive artistic experience: six monumental works of art by English sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor that lie beneath the waves between the Lérins islands off the coast of Cannes.
Shopping
Bathroom Graffiti
This chic and punchy concept store brings us all the latest decor, fashion and lifestyle trends, from beautiful Assouline books and Kartell lamps to The Jacksons embroidered jute baskets. A must!
Musae
If you like your bargains chic and cheerful, head for this globe-trotting themed concept store where craftsmanship from South Africa to Japan, via Provence, is celebrated in all its forms.
11, rue Notre Dame, 06400 Cannes
Glacier Vilfeu ice-cream parlour
When you’re ready for a spot of indulgence, there’s nothing better than enjoying a tasty little treat from the best ice-cream parlour on La Croisette, a celebrity hot-spot.
14 Rue Bivouac Napoléon, 06400 Cannes
Voir cette page en Français