The Best of the Cote d'Azur: Cannes

The French Riviera has no shortage of incredible sights, sounds and smells. It's a place that is guaranteed to provide you with unforgettable memories of the beautiful region and you'll see for yourself exactly why the Cote d'Azur is one of the most sought after destinations in the world.

Back in March, Saint-Tropez was our focus. 

This week Cannes is the centre of attention and as festival season is upon us, what better time to take a look into this wonderful city...

A Brief History

Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera and plays host to the annual Film Festival, Midem and the Lions International Festival of Creativity. Known for its association with the rich and famous, the luxury hotels, fancy restaurants and several large conferences. In 2011, the city also held the G20 organisation of industrialised nations. 

A rich history lies within the city and was the focus of multiple ancient conflicts. The history of Cannes is closely linked to the nearby Lerins Islands as well as the monks who resided there. 

Lerins Islands; a paradise just off shore

At the end of the 19th century, the railways were completed ushering in the announcement of street cars. The Boulevard Carnot and the rue d'Antibes projects were completed as well as the closure of the Casino des Fleurs which was renovated into a luxury establishment for rich winter clientele. 

The 20th century saw Cannes grow into a more modernised city. More luxury hotels appeared including the Carlton, Majestic and Martinez. The city also began building schools, post offices and a sports centre. 

There were fewer British and German tourists after WWI but more Americans stayed. Just before WWII, the Film Festival was created. 

The beautiful Carlton Hotel

Sightseeing Opportunities

Museums
Set in a stunning 18th century house, the Musee d'Art et de Histoire de Provence is an excellent place for people who seek pre-historic and present artifacts. 

Musee d'Art et de Histoire de Provence

Musee de la Castre specialises in Mayan pottery and Peruvian relics.

Musee de la Castre

Promenade de la Croisette 

The Croisette is a waterfront venue lined with palm trees and famous for its quaint cafes, vintage boutiques, picturesque beaches and fine cuisine. 

Le Suquet 

The beautiful old town of Cannes is an absolute dream and provides some of the best views of the Croisette.

Villas 

Cannes includes some truly magnificent villas in the heights of the hills and around the city centre itself. The 19th century buildings reflect the owners wealth and status inspired by everything from Roman villas to medieval castles. 

These buildings are not normally open to the public but the Villa Fiesole can be visited on appointment.

Villa Fiesole

Ile Saint-Marguerite (St Marguerite Island)

This interesting island is famous for the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. His cell can be visited in the Fort of St Marguerite also known as the Museum of the Sea. The museum also includes parts of shipwrecks from around the island. 

St Marguerite Island

Ile Saint-Honorat (St Honorat Island)

Cisterian monks are the island's only inhabitants and have been since AD 410. In the height of their power, these monks used to own Mougins, Cannes & Vallauris, they now inhabit the Lerins Abbey and divide their time between prayers and producing red and white wine. The stark church is open to the public and is a definite must see. 

St Honorat Island

Fesitvals & Events

Cannes is home to some major annual festivals and events, bringing big name stars and crowds to the city.

• Film Festival - founded in 1946 and held annually in May at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres.
• Lions International Festival of Creativity - held annually in June and is a global awards events for advertising and related fields
• Midem - an international trade show for the music industry
• Yachting Festival - Held in the Vieux Port in September for all boating enthusiasts.
• Le Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique - a summer time fireworks competition held annually in the Bay of Cannes.  

Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Lions Festival

Le Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique

Best Time to Visit

The summer is definitely the best time to visit the city if you don't mind the hustle and bustle. The Mediterranean climate makes for a warm summer from May until September. The French Riviera generally has mild winters from December to February. 

Thinking of a stay in Cannes?
Speak to one of our expert South of France luxury villa and apartment specialists today:

+44 (0)1244 62 00 63

enquiries@elegant-address.com

Top 5 Traditional French Dishes You Should Try

When people talk of French food and restaurants, they are normally referring to the fine food and wine, the sophistication and the excellent quality.
Not something simply from the supermarket, traditional and contemporary French dishes are chosen with exceptional knowledge and interest in the ingredients themselves from the quality to the origins.

Here are our Favourite Traditional French Dishes You Should Try

1. Bouillabaisse 

A stew flavoured with saffron, this beautifully warming dish is originally from the French Provencal region. Filled with a variety of shellfish and vegetables, it also includes at least four different types of fish; normally conger, scorpion fish and monkfish. Served with crusty French bread topped with rouille, a mayonnaise made with olive oil, saffron, garlic and cayenne. 

2. Piperade

A specialty in the South of France and Basque areas, Piperade takes advantage of the excess of rich tomatoes and colourful peppers in the area. Again served with crusty bread, baking eggs into the dish makes this meal super tasty.

3. Coq au Vin

One of the most famous French dishes, Coq au Vin varies slightly from each region like most French meals. Originally made with rooster but now more commonly with chicken, this dish is warming and hearty. The wine sauce again varies between different regions with regards to preparation but Burgandy is the widely used choice. 

4. Escargot

Most people find themselves turning their nose up at the very thought of eating snails but this dish is an incredibly famous and popular delicacy. Served as an appetiser, the snails are removed from their shells, cleaned and placed back in after being prepared with a garlic butter sauce. The dish even comes with its own utensil; a handy pair of tongs used to hold the shell.

5. Crepes

To end on a sweet note, crepes are a very traditional dessert eaten all over France. Very popular and normally eaten sweet, cafes and shops on every corner will be highly likely to serve crepes to their hungry customers. 

If you're looking to visit the South of France for an unforgettable retreat, contact one of our luxury villa specialists today!

+44 (0) 1244 629963 

enquiries@elegant-address.com

Cannes Best Restaurant Guide

Cannes is one of the best culinary cities in France with a wide range of international influences, Michelin stars and individual restaurants; you can dine in a new restaurant every night of the week!

Below, we have created a guide to our favourite restaurants to try in Cannes for the very best food, ambiance and service on offer.

Le Park 45, Grand Hotel Cannes

One Michelin star restaurant Le Park 45 is situated on the famous la Croisette and boasts one of the best, sun-drenched terraces in Cannes! With beautiful views out to sea and their gardens, Le Park 45 is the Grand Hotel in Cannes' Michelin started restaurant that serves light and creative culinary delights with Mediterranean style.

Palme d’Or, Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez, Cannes

Everyone has to experience the most famous restaurant in Cannes at least once in a lifetime. Holding 2 Michelin stars since 1991, the restaurant La Palme d’Or has an international reputation for its passion for food and offers a unique sensory and culinary experience. Enjoy fabulous views overlook the Croisette from the elegant white table-tops surrounded by pictures of movie stars that have visited the Palme d’Or.

A taste of the menu begins with asparagus on a bed of cucumber gazpacho, Dublin Bay prawns with beetroot or sweetbreads with a duck foie gras stuffing. Second course options like risotto with mullet roe are best left for heartier mains like Mediterranean Bass with green pea ravioli.

Mantel, Cannes

The legendary chef Noel Mantel began his career at the famous Negresco in Nice before co-running the Louis XV restaurant in Monaco and Residence de la Pinede in St Tropez. In 2002 Noel set up his own restaurant ‘Mantel’ just a few steps away from La Croisette and the Palais des festivals.

Noël Mantel creates sophisticated Mediterranean meals such as an Italian style risotto, perfectly roasted rabbit with thyme or traditional Fried zuchinni flowers, all made with passion and refinement.

Bistrot Gourmand

Bustling, friendly and simply great food. The Bistrot Gourmand is a classic Provencal bistro with bright French windows, modern art dotted on the walls and well-presented dishes of local favourites with a modern twist. The menu changes several times a week so each dining experience here will be delightfully different! We recommend the likes of the fillet of turbot in a lemon sauce with veg from the nearby Forville market which looks and tastes terrific. As do cod in fig leaves or lamb chops in a mustard sauce.

La Tonnelle

Take a gentle, picturesque cruise by boat from Cannes to visit this fantastic on the beach of Iles Saint Horant. La Tonnelle offers a unique dining experience of a relaxed and serene atmosphere whilst enjoying the local homemade wines produced by the islands monks. Serving seasonal produce, gourmet salads, fresh fish, grilled meats and other delectable Mediterranean inspired dishes.

How to choose your perfect rental property

Finding your perfect villa rental for a holiday can be daunting, especially for a group of people. The array of locations and companies to choose from can get confusing and hard to sort through when trying to find the best choice. What do I need to ask? How do I decide where is best? We have created a helpful checklist to ensure a smooth and simple booking process before arriving at your dream villa. 

Pip-point what most important to you

Beautiful modern villa VF-VB terrace at night

Have a clear vision in your mind of what you want from your holiday experience. Would you prefer a quiet, private hideaway or a villa that is seafront? Are you looking for something with modern interiors and design or traditional features and charm?

If you need staff, drivers or private security it is best to let us know in advance so that they can be easily organised in good time before your holiday. It is important to communicate your needs as clearly as you can to a specialist rental company such as Elegant Address South of France, so that our experts can efficiently match you with your ideal rental property for the perfect holiday experience.

Location, Location, Location

ST-001 is a stunning beachfront villa in St Tropez

You may prefer to be ‘close to a beach’ but there are a few to choose from along the French Riviera coastline so you’ll need to be sure where you would prefer to be. People enjoy visiting particular areas for different reasons, for instance if you want to see the Grand Prix you need to be in, or near Monaco, and if you want to be close to beaches, shopping and glamour you would choose Cannes or St Tropez. Even if you prefer a more quiet and cultural trip there are beautiful medieval towns that will charm you and invite you back each year. There really is a place for every taste on the Cote d’Azur, just try to narrow it down to your top 3 to help rental specialists find your perfect villa.

Have a budget in mind

It can be difficult to create and set a specific budget, especially if this is your first time visiting this region. You don’t have to divulge this information straight away, but it is always a helpful indicator for the specialists to know the limits of what you are willing to spend for the level of villa and lifestyle that you are looking for. A price range will really help narrow down our search, helping us to give you a clear overview of the market and what we can offer.

Pick up the phone

The team viewing properties in May 2016

Browsing villas on an agent’s website can give you a good idea of the property with images and description, but to find out the finer details and inside knowledge it’s best to talk to a specialists – That’s what they are there for! We know the regions inside out. We pride ourselves in our unrivaled level of knowledge of each region on the French Riviera and can recommend villas first-hand and answer questions you might not have thought of such as “Where is the nearest grocery store? What is the best local restaurant? How long is it to drive to the nearest beach?” Our specialist consultants also has access to more rentals that are in our private portfolio or that are new to market that they can offer to you after your ideal property.

Take advantage of extras

Villa ST-VS has its own helicopter

There are many of our rental properties that offer additional services and luxurious extras such as private chef, helicopter transfer, personal driver or even sometimes a boat with the villa. When enquiring about a property it’s always useful to see whether there are any of these services included in the rental price or if the rental has any trusted companies they regularly use or could recommend at a fair price. We have a great team of trusted contacts on the ground, allowing us to organise concierge services or any special requests with ease and discretion, allowing you to sit back and relax, with the arrangements in place to allow you to focus on enjoying the very best of the French Riviera. 

Top 5 private Beaches on the Cote d’Azur

The French Riviera is abundant with beautiful coastline and stunning white beaches. With so many beautiful places to spend the day relaxing in the sun, we have created a list of the top private beaches to enjoy on your visit to the Cote d’Azur.

Carlton Beach Club, Cannes

One of the most famous and sought after private beaches in the South of France, Carlton inter-continental beach in Cannes is high on the ‘must see’ list. Part of the prestigious Carlton Intercontinental Hotel, the Carlton beach club the perfect choice for spending an afternoon relaxing in maximum comfort. Relax under their lovely white and yellow striped parasols on the beautifully groomed sand or book a deck chair on the iconic Carlton pier – This is definitely place to be seen! This beach is open from 1^st July until mid-October, visit their website to reserve a sunbed, recommended in advance for a place on the pier.

Les Pecheurs Beach Club, Juan Les Pins

For a quieter, calmer setting to help you unwind in the sunshine; Les Pecheurs in Juan Les Pins in the perfect spot. On the grounds of a 5* hotel, this private beach boast beautiful uninterrupted views over the Lerins islands and the Esterel Mountains. As well as lounging under the parasols and swimming in the sea; you can also indulge in beauty treatments and massages in their ‘Wellness tent’. This beach is open from April until October, visit the Cap d’Antibes Beach hotel website to reserve your lounger and beauty treatments in advance.

Le Plage Barriere Le Majestic, Cannes

Open all year round, this is a fantastic choice for a day on the beach in June or a special lunch on the beach in November! Le Plage Barrier has the perfect location across the road from the ultra-lux Majestic Hotel in Cannes, on the famous La Croisette and just a few minutes’ walk from the Palais des Festivals. Le Plage Barriere boasts wonderful views out to the Lerin islands, the largest jetty on La Croisette, a large array of watersports, incredible food and glamourous music events in the evening. It’s easy to see why the the Plage Barriere is such a popular, upmarket private beach!  It is also popular with famous faces and filmmakers during Cannes Film Festival so this is the best location to people watch and ‘be seen’ whilst you enjoy a relaxing, luxury day at the beach.  

Le Provencal, Juan Les Pins

Just a few steps away from the vibrant heart of the seaside town of Juan les Pins; treat yourself to a day at the fabulous Le Provencal. The white sandy beach enjoys panoramic views of the Bay of Juan les Pins and Golfe Juan and is provides a perfect balance between lively and relaxing atmosphere  with its comfy sun loungers, live DJs and a fabulous restaurant (we highly recommend a pudding!). Visit their website here for more information and to book a table at the restaurant or private loungers on the beach.

Plage Beau Rivage, Nice

Plage Beau Rivage is situated on famous Promenade Des Anglais coastal strip of the beautiful town of Nice. It is also arguably the most fashionable and chic private beaches on the Nice coast. The beach itself is split into two areas: L’Espace Tendance which is a cool beach lounge and bar with music, and the L’Espace Zen which is an elegant and calm setting for tranquillity. Relax under crisp white umbrellas and beautiful decking before having a delicious lunch at the restaurant. Plage Beau Rivage also hold some great parties with DJ sets throughout the summer. Plage Beau Rivage is open from May to October, book online here.

Our South of France specialists can arrange any private beach reservations, luxury beach parties and restaurant reservations in advance alongside your villa booking. Get in touch today to start planning your perfect villa and holiday activities for a truly unforgettable stay in the South of France.  

8 reasons you need to visit France

1. It’s the European favourite

According to official statistics, tourism from within Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of visitors to France. German’s are the biggest visitors with over 13 million a year, followed by Belgium and Italy. The Brits love it too though with 12.5 million of us jetting over a year!

2. Easy to get to

France shares its borders with eight different nations so it’s easy to ‘country-hop’ and make the make the most of your holiday, even if you just pop over for the day! It’s quick and (fairly) simple to arrive from the UK with the Eurostar and Eurotunnel as well as a fleet of ferries and of course airlines making multiple trips daily. 

3. The Weather

One of the most famous and favourable aspects of visiting the Cote d’Azur is the incredible weather. With bright blue skies, sparkling sunshine, hot summers and even enjoying mild climates during autumn, it’s no surprise that even the head to the sunny south on holiday. “Of the 60 per cent of French people who go away on holiday, some 80 per cent stay within their own country,” points out Anthony Peregrine, author of Telegraph Travel's Le Rosbif

4. The history and heritage

The French have a fantastic reputation for looking after their heritage and proudly promoting their history. They have a talent for keeping historical sites immaculate and interesting; making them relevant and exciting in the present as they were in their heyday. With war sites, historical colourful towns, chateaux’s and castles – You will find a great piece of history everywhere visit.

5. Incredible food

French food…..Enough said! It’s not all ‘escargot’, endless smelly cheese and baguettes (although we will never turn down a warm baguette fresh from the boulangerie) there are plenty of incredible foods to indulge in and dishes to try. Whether you prefer a family ran restaurant tucked away down a side street in a busy town or a Michelin star soiree with finest food imaginable, you will never go hungry – France is famous for its incredible culinary delights!

6. Fine wine 

Ever heard of a wonderful little thing called champagne? How about Claret or burgundy wine? These are all regions and marvelous types of wine that originate from France. There are 27,000 wineries in France and around 110,000 wine growers so there are plenty of famous wines and local ‘bring your own bottle to fill’ vineyards to try. Want to know the best wine bars on the French Riviera? Here is a local’s guide to their favourite wine bars in the region.

7. Perfect pit stop on a European road trip

If you are not one of the millions of people flying over to France then join the other many millions of visitors who pass through the country for a mini holiday on their way to another destination. It is well worth extending your holiday to spend a few nights on the fabulous Cote d’Azur, Paris or wine regions before heading to one of the country’s neighbours such as Spain or Italy. 

8. The mountains are calling

With its varied and incredible mountain ranges, France is one of the World’s biggest destinations for skiing. We love French skiing so much we set up a company that specialises in luxury chalets in the Alps! Whether you are looking for incredible Winter skiing or fantastic summer hiking and activities; there are plenty of stunning, popular resorts to explore and enjoy!

Top 5 things to see in Villefranche

Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most charming and authentic french fishing villages on the French Riviera and is nestled between Monaco and Nice. The bay of Villefranche has been named one of the Top 5 most beautiful bays in the world and rightly so; this area is a visual delight for any visitor looking to explore the Cote d'Azur. 

Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, people watch at a cafe, go sightseeing or immerse yourself in authentic French lifestyle and cuisine - This delightful old fishing town is a must see. Below, see our top 5 recommendations to see in Villefranche during your trip.

1. Old Harbour

Lined with bright pastel coloured buildings and an array of traditional boats; the old harbour is the heart of Villefranche and oozes Mediterranean character and charm.This is popular place to take a stroll and stop for lunch or an aperitif with many bars and restaurants along the waterfront - Perfect for people watching!  There is also a beautiful small square (the Place Amelie Polonnais) just behind the harbour.

2. La Citadelle / Fort St Elme

Villefranche's imposing citadel is a great place to visit with its impressive architecture. This magnificent stone fortress was built by the duke of Savoy in 1557 to defend  to defend the city and harbour. Now, it's grand walls shelter the town hall, well-combed public gardens and several museum collections including the Fondation Musée Volti and the Musée Goetz-Boumeester.

3. Chapelle de Saint Pierre des Pecheurs 

This stunning, petite, roman-style Chapel is dedicated to St Peter, Patron Saint of fishermen. The ceiling and walls are filled with modern and mystic art  representing the lifestyle of the village and fishermen who used it when the artist Jean Cocteau was young. A charming local icon and pleasant pit stop whilst walking around and exploring the Villefranche.  

4. Plage de l'Ange

The longest stretch of beach is the southwest facing Plage des Marinières which curves around the bay. At the far end you will find a small, sheltered bay called the Plage de l'Ange Gardien. This is a less crowded, more peaceful pebble beach compared to the main Marinere beach and is hemmed by rocks making it easy to keep an eye on children whilst they have a paddle! 

5. Fort du Mont Alban

Built by order of Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy, between 1557 and 1560, Fort du Mont Alban is one of the most exemplary French military architectural structures dating back to the 16th century. This fort is in fantastic condition, despite the fact it was considerably affected in World War Two.

Fort du Mont Alban has one of the best views on the French Riviera. As it is located in a high hilly region, visitors can see virtually the entire Nice at west and Baie des Anges at east.

Cannes Film Festival 2016

The Festival de Cannes or ‘Cannes Film Festival’ is a highlight of the French Riviera calendar and major event attended by some of the World’s most famous and influential faces. This prestigious annual film festival is hosted each May at the Palais des Festivals on the sunny Croisette next to the Vieux Port.

The International Film Festival was first created by the Minister for Education and Fine Arts, Jean Zay, who wanted to establish an international culture event in France to rival the Venice Film Festival. The first ever festival was held on 20th September 1946 after the war ended. Now, after rapidly gaining an international reputation, this year marks the 69th Cannes Film Festival which starts on 11 May and runs until 22 May 2016.

With luxury villas in Cannes and hotels in walking distance to the Palais being booked up well in advance and fashion designers creating couture pieces for the celebrities on the red carpet; every luxury brand from bespoke diamonds to luxe sports cars and superyachts, want to be a part of this prestigious event. 
This is the place to be seen and remembered!

Cannes Film Festival 2016

The Cannes Festival is opening with Woody Allen’s ‘Café Society’ which stars big names Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively, Steve Carrell and Parker Posey – This is the third time the director has fired up the film festival.

The president of this year’s jury is Australian producer, screenwriter and director of ‘Mad Max’; George Miller. Other members of the 2016 film jury include Vanessa Paraid, Kirsten Dunst, Mads Mikkelsen and Donald Sutherland. They have the incredible task of choosing the award winners of the 21 films competiting, including the Winner of the acclaimed Palme d’Or. 

The Palme d’Or is the highest accolade at the Cannes Film Festival, awarded to the best film in the official selection.  Since 1998, the trophy has been crafted annually at the Chopard workshops in Meyrin near Geneva, it takes 7 craftsmen around 40 hours for the process including injecting fair mined certified gold into the mould and mounting it to the rock crystal pedestal.

We will be keeping you up to date with the latest Cannes Film Festival news, fashion and awards on our Facebook and Twitter so stay tuned!

See the list of films being shown: http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/selection/competition-1

View the 2106 screening guide here: http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/article/61347.html

Top Things To Do In Nice

Promenade des Anglais

Take a stroll along in the sunshine or sit on the iconic blue chairs and people watch on the promenade full of life. Lined with palm trees on one side and pebble beaches leading to the bright blue Mediterranean sea; the Promenade des Anglais is a stunning 4km stretch of the Bais des Anges with a cycling and skating lane along the coastline of Nice. For an extra fun family visit you can hire some inline skates, skateboards, scooters, Segway’s and bikes at the ‘Roller Station’.  

Marche aux fleurs cours saleya, Nice Flower Market

Your senses will be enlightened with the delightful smell of fresh flowers alongside the bright, intense colours of the huge displays of geraniums, dahlias and roses underneath the blue and white striped awnings. The flower market of Nice has been ranked by France’s National Council as being one of the country’s most special markets, which you will experiences as you walk through this popular market, being greeted by harmonious displays and fabulous fragrances that will entice you to treat yourself or loved one to a beautiful bouquet to take home to your villa.

Vieux Nice, Old Town

This one of the city’s main attractions and a must see on your visit. This hive of activity and people is full of beautiful historical sites, as well as the famous Cue cours Saleya;  the thriving market square hosts a well-known flower market and a thriving food market, a staple of local life. There are also some of the best (and busiest) restaurants and bars in Nice, with tables overflowing into the markets, you will get a real, fast paced local feel for life on the French Riviera. North of cours Saleya spills the rest of Vieux Nice, its shaded narrow lanes crammed full of delis, small food shops, boutiques and busy little bars.

The Port

The port of Nice is one of the main hubs of the French Riviera, it is less tourist driven and more of a business port but it is a real gem of the French Riviera. Here you can see an array of docked superyachts and variety of people arriving from around the World watch as you enjoy a cold bierre presson or dine at the bars and restaurants popular with locals.

Private beaches

The beaches in Nice may be made from smooth pebbles, but the private beaches are a haven of comfort and luxury. There are 15 private beaches in Nice and unsurprisingly, they are some of the best sunbathing venues in the capital of the French Riviera. At each private beach you will receive a private locker for your belongings, waiter service at your loungers, a variety of water sports and even hessian carpets leading to the sea to protect your bare feet from the hot stones as you go for a swim. There are also a great selection of beachfront dining.

To visit this beautiful city and stay on the French Riviera, let our award-winning South of France specialists find you the perfect villa and create your dream trip.