Cannes, France

Cannes, France is home to the famous annual Cannes Film Festival that lures the biggest and brightest stars of films to this beautiful city every year. But aside from the festival, it is now the prime location of luxurious mansions and homes to many famous people. Cannes, as a whole is a magnificent city in itself but tourists who wants to see and be seen drift to Cannes to sample the high-life it seems to offer. There are three major areas that you may want to check out while in Cannes.

THE ISLANDS

Îles de Lérins or Lérins Islands is a group of islands off the French Riviera. There are four islands known and it is a short boat-ride away from the shores of Cannes.

1. Île Ste-Marguerite

It is the largest of the Lérins Islands. You can find the seventeenth-century fort and the Maritime museum here. Fort Ste-Marguerite is once a prison and home to a man named Eustache Dauger also called as the man in the iron mask. Musée de la Mer on the other hand is the museum that contains Roman local finds and remnants of an old Arab ship.

2. Île St-Honorat

The smaller of the islands is noted for the bishop's seminary where St. Patrick was trained before going to Ireland. There are seven other chapels in this island. They also have their own museum and monastery for retreats. You may want to sample the monk's treats because they made some for the tourists.

3. Îlot Saint-Ferréol and Îlot de la Tradelière are the islands that are not occupied.

LE SUQUET

In this old town, you can view the impressive twelve-kilometer beach and visit the lovely chapelle St. Anne. While in le Suquet, here is the list of some of the most recommended places to try:

1. Musée de la Castre

Here you can find an exceptional collection of musical instruments. History of Cannes is also documented in this museum along with its pictures and available documentation.

2. La Pizza

Serves Italian, Mediterranean and of course, Pizza! One of the town's favorite eating spot, it is notable for the pizzeria's ambiance, great and modestly priced food.

LA CROISETTE

This will be the heart of the city. Everything that you will ever need, you can find it here. La Croisette is the boulevard along the shore of its sea with hotels in one side and private beaches on the other. It was christened with the name because of the small cross that stood east of the bay. Check out the happenings around the area:

1. Palais des Festivals et des Congres

This is the place of the famous Cannes Film Festival. It is the hottest venue in town as it is busy all-year round with its events and activities, local and international.

2. Galerie du Carlton

Situated at the Carlton Hotel, it showcases collection of paintings, sculptures and glasswares by noted artists Chagall, Matisse and Picasso among others. It purchase and sells works of art and admission is free.

3. Festival international d'art pyrotechnique

This festival brings together the best fireworks designers in the world to compete for the coveted Vestal price. It is best viewed in a boat, out in the sea, if you can manage to ride one during the festival.

4. rue d'Antibes, rue Meynardier and the promenade de la Croisette

For the shopping addicts, this is the place to be as you plow around shops like Chanel, Dior and Gucci. This is a favorite spot for the celebrities. Rue d' Antibes has the best chocolates this city could offer including Chez Bruno and Maiffret.

5. Ondine

Opposite the Carlton Hotel, It offers a unique dining experience. Eat on the beach with deckchairs, sunbeds and parasols and I assure you it will be one memorable experience you won't forget.

6. Caffe Roma

Cannes' most popular and best known café to celebrities, star spotting in this café is not unusual. They serve Italian, Breakfast and Brunch. Best situated facing the fort and close to the boutiques of Rue d' Antibes. However, if you prefer cooking, there is Marché Forville or the Forville Market where you can buy fresh produce. It is a covered market just two blocks away from the mairie, open Tuesday-Sunday 7am to 1pm only.