French Riviera
Seaside Escapes: Discovering Nearby Beaches
If you're seeking a seaside escape, your quickest journey from the villa will lead you to Cannes. Along the famed La Croisette Boulevard, you'll find numerous private beaches, along with three noteworthy public beaches. During the peak season in July and August, parking can be challenging, prompting the need for strategic planning—arriving early or late, or considering parking options slightly farther from the beach. Additionally, the beaches of Théoule-sur-Mer and Antibes offer their own charm and are well worth a visit.
The longest public beach in Cannes, it boasts ample parking facilities, making it easily accessible. You'll find a large free parking area at Picaud, 23 Avenue Raymond Picaud, 06400 Cannes. The water here is notably clean, and finding a spot is relatively straightforward. However, it's worth noting that this beach lacks the picturesque ambiance of some others, as it is bordered by a road and a railroad.
Speaking about parkings in France, In most underground parkings, except for the very central ones, the first hour is free of charge.
When parking on the street, you may encounter four different floor markings:
Yellow spaces: Do not park here.
White spaces with nothing written: You're good to go; free of charge, no time limit.
White spaces, marked PAYANT: You can park here, but you need to pay either at a parking terminal or with an app. In Cannes and the surrounding areas, use the Flowbird App; in Nice, use Pay By Phone App. The first 30 minutes or 1 hour is often free, and the maximum stay is limited to 2 hours. Sundays, holidays, and evenings are free of charge; the app will inform you.
Blue spaces: You can park here for free, but often limited to 2 hours. Leave the blue disk with your arrival time visible in the car.
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Plage du Midi
The longest public beach in Cannes, it boasts ample parking facilities, making it easily accessible. You'll find a large free parking area at Picaud, 23 Avenue Raymond Picaud, 06400 Cannes. The water here is notably clean, and finding a spot is relatively straightforward. However, it's worth noting that this beach lacks the picturesque ambiance of some others, as it is bordered by a road and a railroad.
Speaking about parkings in France, In most underground parkings, except for the very central ones, the first hour is free of charge.
When parking on the street, you may encounter four different floor markings:
Yellow spaces: Do not park here.
White spaces with nothing written: You're good to go; free of charge, no time limit.
White spaces, marked PAYANT: You can park here, but you need to pay either at a parking terminal or with an app. In Cannes and the surrounding areas, use the Flowbird App; in Nice, use Pay By Phone App. The first 30 minutes or 1 hour is often free, and the maximum stay is limited to 2 hours. Sundays, holidays, and evenings are free of charge; the app will inform you.
Blue spaces: You can park here for free, but often limited to 2 hours. Leave the blue disk with your arrival time visible in the car.
The opposite end of La Croisette Boulevard is home to two beaches favored by locals in Cannes. Adjacent to the Palm Beach restaurant, there's a large free parking area, with additional free parking available in the nearby streets. Address is Place Franklin Roosevelt, 06400 Cannes. Among the beaches accessible in this area are Bijou Plage and Plage Gazagnaire. Bijou Plage, known for its intimate atmosphere, features a couple of restaurants and offers stunning sunset views.
Bijou Plage, 06400, Francia
The opposite end of La Croisette Boulevard is home to two beaches favored by locals in Cannes. Adjacent to the Palm Beach restaurant, there's a large free parking area, with additional free parking available in the nearby streets. Address is Place Franklin Roosevelt, 06400 Cannes. Among the beaches accessible in this area are Bijou Plage and Plage Gazagnaire. Bijou Plage, known for its intimate atmosphere, features a couple of restaurants and offers stunning sunset views.
Gazagnaire Beach offers visitors the option to rent paddleboards, pedalos, and kayaks, providing opportunities for water-based fun. With a breathtaking view of the island of Ste Marguerite, the beach offers a picturesque backdrop. Additionally, you can catch glimpses of marine life further into the water. It's an enchanting spot, perfect for a leisurely day by the sea. Do note that in the afternoon, the sun begins to set, providing shade from the surrounding buildings.
Duplex bar, located at 122 Boulevard Eugène Gazagnaire, offers a cozy ambiance, ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and some tapas. Compared to the upscale establishments often found in Cannes, Duplex is more laid-back and simple, making it a refreshing choice for a drink with a sea view.
Plage Gazagnaire, 06400, Francia
Gazagnaire Beach offers visitors the option to rent paddleboards, pedalos, and kayaks, providing opportunities for water-based fun. With a breathtaking view of the island of Ste Marguerite, the beach offers a picturesque backdrop. Additionally, you can catch glimpses of marine life further into the water. It's an enchanting spot, perfect for a leisurely day by the sea. Do note that in the afternoon, the sun begins to set, providing shade from the surrounding buildings.
Duplex bar, located at 122 Boulevard Eugène Gazagnaire, offers a cozy ambiance, ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and some tapas. Compared to the upscale establishments often found in Cannes, Duplex is more laid-back and simple, making it a refreshing choice for a drink with a sea view.
Just a 15-minute boat ride away from Cannes lies Ste Marguerite island with its eucalyptus alleys, wild beaches, and crystal-clear creeks. The ferry departs every hour from Cannes Port, esplanade Pantiero.
Île Sainte-Marguerite
Just a 15-minute boat ride away from Cannes lies Ste Marguerite island with its eucalyptus alleys, wild beaches, and crystal-clear creeks. The ferry departs every hour from Cannes Port, esplanade Pantiero.
When I have the time, I prefer visiting Théoule-sur-Mer, which features several sandy beaches. It is the next village after Cannes in the direction of St Tropez, and all the beaches there offer splendid views of mountains and the seaside. They are less crowded, clean, have a relaxed atmosphere, and immediately make me feel like I am on holiday. I usually head to Suveret beach, but there are others, all equally beautiful.
Suveret Beach
26 Av. de LérinsWhen I have the time, I prefer visiting Théoule-sur-Mer, which features several sandy beaches. It is the next village after Cannes in the direction of St Tropez, and all the beaches there offer splendid views of mountains and the seaside. They are less crowded, clean, have a relaxed atmosphere, and immediately make me feel like I am on holiday. I usually head to Suveret beach, but there are others, all equally beautiful.
La Garoupe is a sandy beach bordered by cliffs with beautiful clear water. The view does not disappoint, offering sights of the bay of Nice and the mountains in the background. At the end of this beach starts the beautiful coastal path, Sentier du Tire-Poil. Please ensure you have comfortable walking shoes, as the path is rocky and may get slippery. I do not recommend wearing flip-flops. You can go one way along the sea and return via the inner, shorter path.
Plage de la Garoupe, 06160 Antibes, Francia
La Garoupe is a sandy beach bordered by cliffs with beautiful clear water. The view does not disappoint, offering sights of the bay of Nice and the mountains in the background. At the end of this beach starts the beautiful coastal path, Sentier du Tire-Poil. Please ensure you have comfortable walking shoes, as the path is rocky and may get slippery. I do not recommend wearing flip-flops. You can go one way along the sea and return via the inner, shorter path.
Villages and Towns not to miss
Nestled between the sea and the mountains, the village of Mougins sits perched on its rocky outcrop. Mougins has a gentle Provençal and artistic atmosphere. You'll discover a succession of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries lining the streets and alleys spiraling around the bell tower. It is a small village that can be explored in less than an hour.
After June 22nd, a new museum will open its doors in Mougins, FAMM. It will dedicate its exhibition spaces solely to artworks created by women from the private Levett Collection. I’m very curious to visit it.
Next to the museum, I recommend the Amandier restaurant, which offers a stunning view over the valley and a rich variety of flavors on your plate.
Mougins Vieille ville
62 Rue des LombardsNestled between the sea and the mountains, the village of Mougins sits perched on its rocky outcrop. Mougins has a gentle Provençal and artistic atmosphere. You'll discover a succession of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries lining the streets and alleys spiraling around the bell tower. It is a small village that can be explored in less than an hour.
After June 22nd, a new museum will open its doors in Mougins, FAMM. It will dedicate its exhibition spaces solely to artworks created by women from the private Levett Collection. I’m very curious to visit it.
Next to the museum, I recommend the Amandier restaurant, which offers a stunning view over the valley and a rich variety of flavors on your plate.
Another typical Provençal village, Valbonne is built around a central square where you can enjoy lunch or dinner on a terrace at either Café des Arcades or Auberge Provençale. Both are nice bistro-type restaurants; they may not offer haute cuisine, but are perfect for a family meal. Every 1st Sunday of the month, there is an antique market in Valbonne.
Pl. des Arcades, 06560 Valbonne, Francia
Another typical Provençal village, Valbonne is built around a central square where you can enjoy lunch or dinner on a terrace at either Café des Arcades or Auberge Provençale. Both are nice bistro-type restaurants; they may not offer haute cuisine, but are perfect for a family meal. Every 1st Sunday of the month, there is an antique market in Valbonne.
If you're out for a night in Cannes, consider visiting Le Suquet, the old town. The most convenient option would be to park your car in Suquet-Forville Parking and stroll up St Antoine Street, which is filled with restaurants. If you're seeking fine cuisine, Table 22 is a good option (22 St Antoine Street). For a simpler choice, continue to climb until the end of the street, then turn left, where you'll find Tredici, an Italian restaurant at 13 Rue Louis Perrissol.
For ice cream lovers, there's one place not to miss in Cannes: Niva ice cream boutique at 75 Rue Felix Faure. They use only fresh, seasonal ingredients, resulting in an explosion of flavors. It's not on the Suquet hill but rather at sea level, somewhere between the City Hall and the Palace of Festivals.
Le Suquet
If you're out for a night in Cannes, consider visiting Le Suquet, the old town. The most convenient option would be to park your car in Suquet-Forville Parking and stroll up St Antoine Street, which is filled with restaurants. If you're seeking fine cuisine, Table 22 is a good option (22 St Antoine Street). For a simpler choice, continue to climb until the end of the street, then turn left, where you'll find Tredici, an Italian restaurant at 13 Rue Louis Perrissol.
For ice cream lovers, there's one place not to miss in Cannes: Niva ice cream boutique at 75 Rue Felix Faure. They use only fresh, seasonal ingredients, resulting in an explosion of flavors. It's not on the Suquet hill but rather at sea level, somewhere between the City Hall and the Palace of Festivals.
Old Antibes is one of those fascinating towns where at every turn, the past enhances the present. Take the time to wander through its alleys, carefully observe the hidden details on the facades and doors, smell the flowers, enjoy a drink in a sun-soaked pavement café or eat a homemade ice cream... and then, round the corner, you'll see the Mediterranean Sea... which just makes the white stones all the brighter.
Overlooking the sea is the Picasso Museum, set up in a medieval chateau where the artist once lived and worked. After the museum, don’t miss a seaside stroll on the remparts. There's nothing quite like it anywhere else. And, if you fancy a swim, there are several beaches around Antibes, including the picturesque La Garoupe beach mentioned earlier in this guide.
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Vieil Antibes
Old Antibes is one of those fascinating towns where at every turn, the past enhances the present. Take the time to wander through its alleys, carefully observe the hidden details on the facades and doors, smell the flowers, enjoy a drink in a sun-soaked pavement café or eat a homemade ice cream... and then, round the corner, you'll see the Mediterranean Sea... which just makes the white stones all the brighter.
Overlooking the sea is the Picasso Museum, set up in a medieval chateau where the artist once lived and worked. After the museum, don’t miss a seaside stroll on the remparts. There's nothing quite like it anywhere else. And, if you fancy a swim, there are several beaches around Antibes, including the picturesque La Garoupe beach mentioned earlier in this guide.
No touristic visit to the French Riviera is complete without a stopover in the mythical Monaco. Monaco is a succession of 2 hills and 3 lowlands. In my opinion, mainly the 2 hills hold tourist interest. Start your visit on the Monte-Carlo hill, the most posh area of Monaco, with its famous Casino, terraces, boutiques, and hotels. The casino parking is often full, so I recommend heading to Parking Monaco Roqueville, 2 Av. de Roqueville, Monaco (4 hours = €14.5). You might be fortunate enough to find street parking. On Sundays, parking is free; on other days, it's chargeable, with a 2-hour limit.
After a stroll in Monte-Carlo, consider exploring the historical part of Monaco, the second hill called Monaco Ville - Le Rocher. It is home to the royal palace, the church, the ministries, and the oceanographic museum, which I strongly recommend visiting. The easiest way to get there is to take Bus lines 1 or 2; the stop is at Square Beaumarchais, just in front of the Hermitage Hotel. If your walk took you towards the terrasses of the Casino, you may be closer to the next stop at 11-13 Avenue Ostende. Take the bus to the end of the line, which will drop you directly in front of the oceanographic museum. You can return to your parking spot the same way you arrived.
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Casino of Monte-Carlo
Place du CasinoNo touristic visit to the French Riviera is complete without a stopover in the mythical Monaco. Monaco is a succession of 2 hills and 3 lowlands. In my opinion, mainly the 2 hills hold tourist interest. Start your visit on the Monte-Carlo hill, the most posh area of Monaco, with its famous Casino, terraces, boutiques, and hotels. The casino parking is often full, so I recommend heading to Parking Monaco Roqueville, 2 Av. de Roqueville, Monaco (4 hours = €14.5). You might be fortunate enough to find street parking. On Sundays, parking is free; on other days, it's chargeable, with a 2-hour limit.
After a stroll in Monte-Carlo, consider exploring the historical part of Monaco, the second hill called Monaco Ville - Le Rocher. It is home to the royal palace, the church, the ministries, and the oceanographic museum, which I strongly recommend visiting. The easiest way to get there is to take Bus lines 1 or 2; the stop is at Square Beaumarchais, just in front of the Hermitage Hotel. If your walk took you towards the terrasses of the Casino, you may be closer to the next stop at 11-13 Avenue Ostende. Take the bus to the end of the line, which will drop you directly in front of the oceanographic museum. You can return to your parking spot the same way you arrived.
The purpose of this guide is to provide travel tips for a 4-5 night stay; it is far from exhaustive. If you wish to explore more of the region, here are some ideas:
- Eze village with its Exotic Garden and views of Monaco
- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, its seaside walks and beaches
- Biot Medieval village and its glass manufacturing factory and museum
- Gourdon Village high in the mountains with stunning views of the valley
- Maeght Foundation modern and contemporary art museum
- Moustiers Village, lavender fields, and the blue waters of Saint Croix Lake (2 hours away).
Eze village France
The purpose of this guide is to provide travel tips for a 4-5 night stay; it is far from exhaustive. If you wish to explore more of the region, here are some ideas:
- Eze village with its Exotic Garden and views of Monaco
- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, its seaside walks and beaches
- Biot Medieval village and its glass manufacturing factory and museum
- Gourdon Village high in the mountains with stunning views of the valley
- Maeght Foundation modern and contemporary art museum
- Moustiers Village, lavender fields, and the blue waters of Saint Croix Lake (2 hours away).
My favourite restaurants
Le Bistrot des Anges, Rue de l’Ouest, Le Cannet. Excellent cuisine.
Le Bistrot Des Anges - Bastide Bruno Oger
Le Bistrot des Anges, Rue de l’Ouest, Le Cannet. Excellent cuisine.
L’Amandier, 48 Av. Jean-Charles Mallet, Mougins. Stunning views.
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L'amandier De Mougins
48 Av. Jean-Charles MalletL’Amandier, 48 Av. Jean-Charles Mallet, Mougins. Stunning views.
Z Tapas, 2 Rue Meyerbeer, Nice. Cozy atmosphere and a multitude of choices.
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Z Restaurant Tapas
2 Rue MeyerbeerZ Tapas, 2 Rue Meyerbeer, Nice. Cozy atmosphere and a multitude of choices.
L’Asia, 475 Av. Notre Dame de Vie Mougins is a Chinese and Japanese buffet, not far from the house, with fresh products and good quality.
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L'Asia
475 Av. Notre Dame de VieL’Asia, 475 Av. Notre Dame de Vie Mougins is a Chinese and Japanese buffet, not far from the house, with fresh products and good quality.
I would like to recommend a takeaway pizza truck called La Piastra, open every evening except Monday from 18:00 to 22:30 at 101 Av. Franklin Roosevelt, Le Cannet. You can order your pizza by phone, and then go and fetch it. Unfortunately they do not deliver and accept only cash.
La Piastra camion
I would like to recommend a takeaway pizza truck called La Piastra, open every evening except Monday from 18:00 to 22:30 at 101 Av. Franklin Roosevelt, Le Cannet. You can order your pizza by phone, and then go and fetch it. Unfortunately they do not deliver and accept only cash.
Activities with kids
Canyon Forest Tree Climbing Rope Park at 26 Rte de Grasse, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet.
Our kids love it, but it can also be fun for adults. You will take a bike ride to a magnificent natural spot, where you will choose your path lying through the trees and mountains. During the high season, we recommend booking your tickets online.
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Canyon Forest
26 Rte de GrasseCanyon Forest Tree Climbing Rope Park at 26 Rte de Grasse, 06270 Villeneuve-Loubet.
Our kids love it, but it can also be fun for adults. You will take a bike ride to a magnificent natural spot, where you will choose your path lying through the trees and mountains. During the high season, we recommend booking your tickets online.
Grocery Stores
E.Leclerc CANNES LA BOCCA
1 Av. Victor HugoE.Leclerc, 1 Av. Victor Hugo, 06150 Cannes
Lidl
Lidl, 147 Av. Michel Jourdan, 06110 Le Cannet
Grand Frais Mougins
667 Av. Saint-MartinBakeries
Banette, 2261 Avenue du Maréchal Juin, Mougins. Closest to the house and cheapest. They have a good Baguette Tradition, but not desserts.
Banette
Banette, 2261 Avenue du Maréchal Juin, Mougins. Closest to the house and cheapest. They have a good Baguette Tradition, but not desserts.
Pépiole
Pepiole, 70 Av. Franklin Roosevelt, offers a wider choice of bread and pastries.
Jean-Luc Pele, 42/44 Chemin des Campelières, 06110 Le Cannet is the most upscale bakery in the area, offering masterpiece desserts and tarts.
Jean-Luc Pelé Artisan Boulanger et Pâtissier
Jean-Luc Pele, 42/44 Chemin des Campelières, 06110 Le Cannet is the most upscale bakery in the area, offering masterpiece desserts and tarts.