Pindrop Destination: Cannes
As the French seaside star celebrates the 80th anniversary of its Film Festival this year, we put the spotlight on the best places to go
SCROLL DOWN
Pindrop Destination: Cannes
As the French seaside icon celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Cannes film festival, we put the spotlight on the best places to go
Words: Rick Jordan
Illustration: Antoine Corbineau
scroll down
Every May, the glamorous Mediterranean town rolls out the red carpet for its world-famous film festival, which will be popping Champagne for a landmark 80th anniversary in 2026. But Cannes keeps its A-list glow year-round. At its heart is the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, with storied palace hotels on one side and white-sand beaches on the other — the perfect setting for a spring or summer escape by the sea. Here are our highlights (tuxedos not required).
Every May, the glamorous Mediterranean town rolls out the red carpet for its world-famous film festival, which will be popping Champagne for a landmark 80th anniversary in 2026. But Cannes keeps its A-list glow year-round. At its heart is the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette, with storied palace hotels on one side and white-sand beaches on the other — the perfect setting for a spring or summer escape by the sea. Here are our highlights (tuxedos not required).
La Cantine Provençale
It’s possible to spend a small fortune dining out in Cannes, but La Cantine — opened just a few years ago with chef Atanas Mindev at the helm — is a charming little bistro that won’t break the bank. Slide into a seat at one of the banquettes inside or a cane chair on the terrace and choose from an artful menu that stirs up Mediterranean ingredients like fennel, lamb, sea bass and figs. Save space for the chestnut tiramisu dessert.
La Cantine Provençale
It’s possible to spend a small fortune dining out in Cannes, but La Cantine — opened just a few years ago with chef Atanas Mindev at the helm — is a charming little bistro that won’t break the bank. Slide into a seat at one of the banquettes inside or a cane chair on the terrace and choose from an artful menu that stirs up Mediterranean ingredients like fennel, lamb, sea bass and figs. Save space for the chestnut tiramisu dessert.
Le Chemin des Étoiles
Hollywood has the Walk of Fame, but Cannes has the Path of Stars. Set in bronze on the sidewalk near the Palais de Festivals, its cast list features almost 400 hand prints and the signatures of those who have dazzled at the film festival over the decades. It's your chance to high-five (well, low-five) Quentin Tarantino, Nicole Kidman and legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve.
Le Chemin des Étoiles
Hollywood has the Walk of Fame, but Cannes has the Path of Stars. Set in bronze on the sidewalk near the Palais de Festivals, its cast list features almost 400 hand prints and the signatures of those who have dazzled at the film festival over the decades. It's your chance to high-five (well, low-five) Quentin Tarantino, Nicole Kidman and legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve.
Quille
This little bar and “cave” (a French wine store) is the passion project of three friends, led by sommelier Pascal Paulze. All are happy to share their knowledge of southern French wines — from grand crus to obscure natural wines — preferably with a plate of truffle croques or Galician sardines to hand.
Quille
This little bar and “cave” (a French wine store) is the passion project of three friends, led by sommelier Pascal Paulze. All are happy to share their knowledge of southern French wines — from grand crus to obscure natural wines — preferably with a plate of truffle croques or Galician sardines to hand.
La Malmaison
Reopened in 2025 after a lavish renovation, the gallery has a mission to place Cannes on the global art stage. Set in a creamy Belle Époque villa, it hosts a variety of contemporary exhibitions — until May, floral works by French artist Carole Benzaken — along with painterly views of the bay and Croisette from the rooftop café.
La Malmaison
Reopened in 2025 after a lavish renovation, the gallery has a mission to place Cannes on the global art stage. Set in a creamy Belle Époque villa, it hosts a variety of contemporary exhibitions — until May, floral works by French artist Carole Benzaken — along with painterly views of the bay and Croisette from the rooftop café.
Marché Forville
To get a sense of Provence’s rich food traditions, head to the market, which has been a gathering place for locals since the 1930s. Take your time: Stalls are piled high with local specialties such as socca (a chickpea flatbread) along with vine peaches, oysters and stuffed courgette flowers. Don't forget to stop for a glass of rosé before you leave.
Marché Forville
To get a sense of Provence’s rich food traditions, head to the market, which has been a gathering place for locals since the 1930s. Take your time: Stalls are piled high with local specialties such as socca (a chickpea flatbread) along with vine peaches, oysters and stuffed courgette flowers. Don't forget to stop for a glass of rosé before you leave.
Le Vieux-Port
A-list stars may be elusive, but at the marina you’ll easily spot visiting superyachts, the divas of the waves. Big-ticket events like the Régates Royales and the Yachting Festival are sailing season highlights, while ferries make daily crossings to the nearby Lérins Islands. Head to Ile Sainte-Marguerite for quiet coves for swimming, Mediterranean pine forests and the storied fort linked to the “Man in the Iron Mask.”
Le Vieux-Port
A-list stars may be elusive, but at the marina you’ll easily spot visiting superyachts, the divas of the waves. Big-ticket events like the Régates Royales and the Yachting Festival are sailing season highlights, while ferries make daily crossings to the nearby Lérins Islands. Head to Ile Sainte-Marguerite for quiet coves for swimming, Mediterranean pine forests and the storied fort linked to the “Man in the Iron Mask.”
La Suquet
Long before Cannes became a global glam icon, it was a little-known fishing village, and La Suquet was its epicenter. Today, it’s still the most atmospheric place to explore cobbled streets lined with boutiques (don’t miss Made in Provence for lavender soap and artisanal gifts), bars and bursts of bougainvillea. Climb to the 11th-century monastery-turned-museum for panoramic sunset views.
La Suquet
Long before Cannes became a global glam icon, it was a little-known fishing village, and La Suquet was its epicenter. Today, it’s still the most atmospheric place to explore cobbled streets lined with boutiques (don’t miss Made in Provence for lavender soap and artisanal gifts), bars and bursts of bougainvillea. Climb to the 11th-century monastery-turned-museum for panoramic sunset views.
My Boule
With a sunshine-yellow interior that resembles a beach umbrella, the ice-cream parlor and coffee shop draws a devoted following. Regulars happily line up for signature flavors like Fraise Melba, featuring homemade strawberry coulis and meringue, and Pistache Royal, finished with caramelized sprinkles.
My Boule
With a sunshine-yellow interior that resembles a beach umbrella, the ice-cream parlor and coffee shop draws a devoted following. Regulars happily line up for signature flavors like Fraise Melba, featuring homemade strawberry coulis and meringue, and Pistache Royal, finished with caramelized sprinkles.
La Môme Plage
For classic Riviera glamour, this beach club is set on its own private sands and pier, with a design inspired by vintage Riva boats and Slim Aarons photographs. Settle into a sun lounger, people-watch through your sunglasses and indulge in sushi rolls, king-prawn risotto and plenty of caviar — all with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
La Môme Plage
For classic Riviera glamour, this beach club is set on its own private sands and pier, with a design inspired by vintage Riva boats and Slim Aarons photographs. Settle into a sun lounger, people-watch through your sunglasses and indulge in sushi rolls, king-prawn risotto and plenty of caviar— all with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
Where to Stay
Set in the pretty hilltop village of Mougins, once home to Picasso, the terracotta-hued Le Club Mougins makes an ideal base from which to explore Cannes — just a 15-minute drive away — and the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. Bring back market provisions to the self-catering Suites, which have balconies overlooking the surrounding hills, and cool off in the outdoor pool.
Le Club Mougins is your French Riviera home away from home
La Cantine Provençale
It’s possible to spend a small fortune dining out in Cannes, but La Cantine – opened a couple of years back with chef Atanas Mindev at the helm – is a relaxed little bistro that won’t break the bank. Take a seat at one of the banquettes inside or cane chairs outside and order from an artful menu that stirs up Mediterranean ingredients like fennel, lamb, sea bass and figs. Save space for the chestnut tiramisu dessert.
Where to Stay
Set in the pretty hilltop village of Mougins, once home to Picasso, the terracotta-hued Le Club Mougins makes an ideal base from which to explore Cannes – just a 15-minute drive away – and the beaches of the Côte d’Azur. Bring back market provisions to the self-catering Suites, which have balconies overlooking the surrounding hills, and cool off in the outdoor pool.
Caption to go here a little take on what this is
Book a French Riviera escape today.
Visit bluegreenowner.com or club.hiltongrandvacations.com to book now!
Member Resort Availability
Scroll →
Club Traveler Magazine is published three times a year by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC, and distributed exclusively to Owners, Members and Guests of Hilton Grand Vacations properties. All rights reserved. The publisher is not responsible for omissions or errors. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine in any format or medium without written permission from Hilton Grand Vacations is prohibited.
Hilton Grand Vacations disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hilton Grand Vacations. Hilton Grand Vacations does not make any representation regarding the availability of or endorse any of the products or services provided by third parties.
Hilton Grand Vacations® is a registered trademark of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. or its subsidiaries and licensed to Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations and its properties and programs operate under the Hilton Grand Vacations name pursuant to a license agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
© 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.