09.00
Arrive at Aeroport Nice Cote d’Azur and make your way through to the arrivals hall, where your carriage awaits. It’s a 35-minute drive to Cannes. Look out for the spectacular views of the Bay of Cannes when the road begins to descend into town.
10.00
In Cannes, it’s not about who you are, it’s about where you stay. There are a number of signature suites to choose from in the Palace hotels along Boulevard de la Croisette – the promenade that runs the length of Cannes. In the Hôtel Majestic Barrière, the Christian Dior Suite is a fashionista’s dream, with décor in the French designer’s signature colours, arty portraits and a terrace.
At the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, the Grace Kelly suite captures the opulence of the ‘50s and the ambiance of the Med. At the recently rebranded Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez Cannes, the two-bedroom Suite des Oliviers features a huge terrace complete with jacuzzi, sun loungers and lots of space to entertain.
Grace Kelly suite, InterContinental Carlton Cannes
11.00
Now you’re settled in, hit the streets – a stroll along the Croisette is a tonic for any work-weary soul. Even at this time of year, locals like to stroll the promenade arm-in-arm sporting the latest Parisian winter-wear and designer sunglasses, usually accompanied by a well-groomed pet. Enjoy the views of the Mediterranean and the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat while you soak up the sunshine.
11.30
No visit to Cannes is complete without indulging in some retail therapy. The stores that line the Croisette are bursting with designer goods, with most of the major French brands present along this golden mile. Starting from the Martinez and walking towards the Majestic, you have large stores from Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Cartier, Emporio Armani, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and many more. For more affordable wares, head a few streets inland to the Rue d’Antibes, which is lined with international brands and a few independent boutiques. Don’t miss the Cannes branch of Ladurée, the Parisian creator of gourmet macaroons, chocolates and other sweet treats.
13.00
When lunchtime approaches, you are spoiled for choice. Head to Fouquet’s in the Majestic, a formal Mediterranean brasserie with an art deco interior. If the weather is good, take a seat outside on the poolside terrace. Try the cod and truffle parcel with fried Chanterelle mushrooms and Line Renaud spinach shoots, followed by coffee tart with cappuccino whipped cream and almond tart ice-cream. Alternatively, take your pick from one of the beachfront restaurants along the Croisette, most of which specialise in fresh fish and seafood.
14.30
Now your appetite is sated, its time to feed your mind with some art and culture. Head for the Centre d’art La Malmaison(closed Mondays), an 1863 mansion that was turned into a contemporary arts centre in 2000. The gallery hosts themed exhibitions and collections from individual artists. The current show is Georges Braque, la magie de l’estampe (“The magic of printmaking”) featuring 250 artworks by the French painter and sculptor, who helped define the Cubism movement in the mid-20th century.
16.00
Take a walk through Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic old town. After passing the Palais des Festivales et des Congrès, home of the annual Cannes Film Festival, and the Vieux Port, turn right and walk uphill along cobbled lanes lined with small restaurants and shops selling bijou jewellery and souvenirs. The ruins of the old castle at the top of the hill have the best views in Cannes. On the way back, walk through Rue Meynadier, a pedestrian shopping street crammed with small boutiques selling Provençal delicacies like pâtes de fruits (sugar-coated jelly fruit sweets) and artisan chocolates, as well the famous Fromagerie Ceneri, which stocks a dazzling variety of pungent cheeses.
Restaurant l'Affable
17.30
You deserve a break after all that walking. Book in for a massage or body treatment at the all-white spa in the boutique Five Seas Hotel Cannes, a member of Design Hotels. Services include deep tissue massage, Ayurvedic massage and — if you’ve got the time to spare — a traditional Turkish hammam treatment.
20.00
After relaxing in your suite, take your pick of venues for dinner. For formal, two-star Michelin dining, La Palme d’Or at the Hotel Martinez (reopens March 5) is hard to beat, with meals from chef Christian Sinicropi and décor evoking the world of cinema. The menu offers fine, seasonal cuisine with a variety of taster menu options focusing on a particular ingredient served three or four ways. For a less formal setting but an equally evocative dining experience, try Restaurant l’Affable by chef Jean-Paul Battaglia; a small, cosy restaurant that serves high-end cuisine at reasonable prices that’s popular among locals.
22.00
After dinner, follow the crowds. If you like to see and be seen, the lobby bars of all the hotels along the Croisette are great for a digestif, and there are plenty of wine bars and clubs along Rue du Commandant André, the road between the Croisette and Rue d’Antibes. For something a bit more glam, head to Le Bâoli, the infamous nightspot and beach club that draws the VIP crowds during major events.
08.00
Have a car take you back to Nice for your return flight. To make your departure that little bit more bearable, book into the airport’s VIP Lounge (entry $34), where you can sit back, unwind, and enjoy complimentary refreshments, light snacks as well as free WiFi access.
STAY
Hôtel Majestic Barrière
Tel: +33 4 92 98 77 00
www.lucienbarriere.com
InterContinental Carlton Cannes
Tel: +33 4 93 06 40 06
www.ihg.com
Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez Cannes
Tel: +33 4 93 90 12 34
www.cannesmartinez.grand.hyatt.fr
Five Seas Hotel Cannes
Tel: +33 4 63 36 05 05
www.five-seas-hotel-cannes.com
