The Cannes Film Festival has finally come to an end! During this 12-day event the seaside town of Cannes on France’s Cote D’Azur transforms into a hub of media activity as movers and shakers from the international film industry, celebrities and starspotters take over the area. This is not the only high profile event which takes place in Cannes during the year; Mipcom, Miptv, Cannes Lions, to name but a few, have annual events there. These events are not the only reason to visit this eternally glamourous part of the world. It is a great place to spend some time be it as a couple for a weekend or with the family for an extended period of time. It simply never seems to lose its allure or its easygoing charm. My family and I have visited the area a number of times and have always, without fail, enjoyed our time there. If you are planning a trip to Cannes or the surrounding area then take a look at my top tips.

STAY Just 14km from Cannes next to Theoule sur Mer is the stunning and sophisticated ‘domain’ of La Port Galere. The complex is right on the sea and all the apartments and villas are oriented towards the water.  It has its own harbour, two swimming pools, a rocky beach, tennis court, kid’s playground and 2 restaurants and is set in lush and tasteful surroundings. Either stay at the Hotel Club de Port La Galere or rent one of the privately owned apartments/villas. Contact Agence La Galere for details of apartment availability.

SHOP  Head over to surprisingly good supermarket, Geant Casino, and you will be overwhelmed by the incredible produce which is readily available or check out one of the three daily markets in Cannes.

EAT The family run restaurant Aux Bons Enfants in Cannes is worth a visit for its authentic Provencale cuisine. Travel into the hills just outside St Paul de Vence to eat at Colombe D’or, which has one of the most valuable private art collections in the world. Take a look at Michelin’s Bib Gourmand guide for some good recommendations in the area.

LOUNGE Hang out at a beach club on Plage de la Garoupe on Cap d’Antibes and spend the day chilling out whilst enjoying the lovely view of Antibes.

BEACH Visit the wonderful and somewhat secluded beach, Plage de l’Aiguille, in Theoule sur Mer.

EXPLORE Drive up into the hills of Provence and visit the beautiful ancient village of Bargemon. Make sure you go on a day when the market is in full swing.

BOAT Take a boat from Cannes to either one of the Ile de Lerins (St-Honorat and Ste-Marguerite) and spend a day lounging around and swimming in aquamarine water.

FURTHER AFIELD Drive along the coast to St Tropez and eat some delicious ice cream on the harbour front whilst admiring the yachts, buy a bikini from Kiwi St Tropez and then head down to Pampelonne Beach to people watch for the day. Visit the beautiful old town of Menton. It is not to be missed!

Featured image by Guillaume Laurent, cc by NC-SA 2.0