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| Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France |
The city of Cannes is probably the best known seaside resort on the Cote d’Azur of south-eastern France. It is one of the busiest resorts on the French Riviera and well known for being an important convention centre, and famous for being home of the annual Cannes International Film Festival which takes place in the Palais des Festival et des Congres. It is a town rich in heritage that has become known for its luxury and glamour and is today a modern, fashionable and elegant resort. For tourists, Cannes seems to centre along the broad Boulevard de la Croisette which is easily recognised by its many waving palm trees. The boulevard runs parallel to the long, beautiful, sandy beach and the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. On the other side of the boulevard are numerous top class hotels, exclusive shops and designer boutiques. However the main shopping area in Cannes stretches along the Rue d’Antibes, and the old town of Cannes lies to the west where the land rises to Le Suquet, a small hill upon which the historic buildings formed the original nucleus of the town and where visitors can overlook the beautiful Cote d’Azur and the nearby Lerins Islands.
Most visitors to Cannes arrive in search of sunny, warm weather and beautiful beaches, all of which the town has in abundance. However Cannes also provides a great shopping experience along the main Rue d’Antibes where visitors will find countless luxury shops and elegant boutiques which stock a huge range of designer labels, plus outlets for art, furniture and expensive jewellery. For something a little different Cannes also offers colourful local markets which sell flowers, fruits, vegetables and fish. Generally the shops are concentrated between the Boulevard de la Croisette and the Rue d’Antibes, both of which are also supplied with a large variety of cafes and restaurants. For night owls, Cannes provides an excellent selection of entertainment which consists of its many first class restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos, with several providing live music and dance floors.
For visitors wishing to see a little of the town and its heritage Le Suquet, which lies at the western end of the Boulevard de la Croisette, is the oldest part of Cannes. Here the Old Town developed on the slopes of Mont Chevalier and is comprised of narrow winding streets which climb the hill and are filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. The hill is a rocky spur which overlooks the sea and the Old Port of Cannes and was originally the site of a Roman military camp. During the 11th century the monks from the nearby Abbey of Notre Dame de Lerins built the Romanesque Chapel of Saint Anne and this was followed in the 12th century by the watch-tower called the Tour du Suquet, which was built to look for Saracen invaders. In the 15th century the Chateau de la Castre was also built by the monks and integrated into the Chapel of St Anne. Later in the 17th century the Gothic styled Church Notre-Dame-de-l’Esperence was constructed and included the Romanesque bell and clock-tower. Located within the Chapel of Saint Anne is the Musee de la Castre which exhibits ancient artefacts from around the Mediterranean basin. From the church excellent views can be enjoyed of the Old Port, and extend over Cannes Bay to Port Pierre Canto, Port du Palm Beach, the Pointe Croisette and the Lerins Islands. Other interesting buildings include the 16th century Chapelle de la Misericorde, the 19th century Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Michel Archange, and the Baroque styled Bellini Chapel which was built in 1894 and now houses a museum of art works by Emmanuel Bellini.
Just offshore from Cannes are the four small Lerins Islands which are well worth a visit. Two are uninhabited but the island of Saint Honorat is home to the historic 11th century Abbey of Notre Dame de Lerins and a ruined castle, while the largest island of Sainte Marguerite is home to a 17th century fort. The Fort of St Marguerite was built by Cardinal Richelieu and is where the unknown ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was held captive for 11years. Today this fine historic monument houses the Museum of the Sea which exhibits a fine collection of underwater archaeological artefacts. For visitors interested in art it may also be worth a visit to the Cannes’ La Malmaison that is located on the Boulevard de la Croisette and which houses contemporary art exhibitions including Picasso, Cesar and Miro.
Cannes is located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes in the Region of Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur in south-eastern France. The town experience a Mediterranean climate with 12 hours of daylight during the summer months and low rainfall. Cannes is home to an estimated 70,000 residents and is located approximately 30 kilometres south-west of Nice and 110 kilometres east of Aix-en-Provence.
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| Accommodation | Tours |  |
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Grand Hotel Mercure Croisette Beach Hotel
Cannes
 |  The hotel offers 94 rooms in the centre of town, moments away from La Croisette and Rue Antibes, the main shopping street with its luxury boutiques. With its discreet charm and modern comfort, the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, sun lounges on a flower filled patio bar, a bar, private beach... |
Intercontinental Carlton Cannes Hotel
Cannes
|  The hotel of stars on the French Riviera. Welcome to the InterContinental Carlton Cannes. The palace has evolved throughout the years as a timeless monument, a place which, day by day, combines refined service and well-being. This World Class hotel is located on the famous Croisette Avenue, close ... |
Hotel Le Canberra Cannes
Cannes
|  The hotel is located in the heart of Cannes and is situated near the beaches and the Palais des Festivals. It offers guests outstanding levels of comfort and sophistication. The rooms are comfortable with high ceilings and as the hotel is on one of the main streets the windows are well soundproofe... |
Le Cavendish Hotel
Cannes
|  If you are looking for a charming hotel in Cannes, make a reservation at Hôtel Cavendish and enjoy the outstanding setting and services of this Hotel Cannes Riviera.
Located only a two-minute walk away from renowned Croisette, beaches and "rue d'Antibes" with its dozens of luxury stores, hotel Côte... |
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Traditional Europe
18 days |  Explore Europe's most traditional areas, visiting 10 countries in total! This is a great opportunity for first-time Europe travellers as the tour will give you the best insight to what Europe was, is and where it's headed! See London, Amsterdam, Venice, Rome, Pompeii, Nice, Cannes, Paris and more.
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Best of France
13 days | Sample delicious local wine in Lyon, relax in Nice and see a panoramic view of the elegant city of Paris from the second level of the Eiffel Tower. You’ll be spoiled for gourmet food, fine wines and beautiful countryside during this tour, which includes visits to Cannes, Monaco and Bordeaux too.
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Wonderful France
9 days |  We travel from Paris to the south of France and back, experiencing elegant dinners, trendy beaches, quaint provencal landscapes and beautiful castles along the way. Kick back and relax in St. Tropez, meander the streets of Monaco, admire the handsome Eiffel Tower in Paris and so much more.
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