In preparation for the massive Cannes Lions Festival, we’ve got you covered. While panels, parties, meetings and events will be in no shortage, there’s always a bit of time to steal away to regenerate or have that oh-so-private place to seal that big deal. Here we go…
DRINK AND EAT: If you are up early and want to soak in a bit of the chic summer vibe that is the south of France before hitting the power-packed frenzy of the Palais., have a coffee on the Croisette. Everything is still calm at this moment of the day and the brilliance is beautiful.
For lunch, you have several possibilities to meet up with the troops:
Il teatro – 5 Rue des Gabres – CANNES
It’s a restaurant of Italian specialty. The owners are friendly, very generous with the servings and your value for money is top rate. This one of my fave spots when I have lunch in Cannes.
Al Charq -20 Rue Rouaze – CANNES
If you like Lebanese food, this restaurant is not to be missed. Also a very good value for money and you can order takeout to eat at the home.
Café Da Laura – 7 Rue du 24 Août – CANNES
Very good Italian restaurant, with great desserts and located in the center in the pedestrian zone.
Restaurant de l’Hôtel Canbera – 123 Rue d’Antibes – CANNES
You can eat on the terrace by the pool, the atmosphere is super nice, and they have a very good chef.
Radisson Blu 1835 Hôtel & Thalasso – 2 Bd du Midi Jean Hibert – CANNES
Not to miss if you can steal a free moment during the Festival, and it’s not already booked for an event!!! Have a drink at the end of the afternoon on the roof terrace and watch the sunset.
Another hot spot for drinks before all the yacht and beach parties of the evening start is Rue des Frères Pradignac or Rue du Commandant André (two streets over). It is very lively, and there are nice bars.
SEE: Given the fact that the conference is in an ideal place, I always stay a few days after in order to re-charge and take a mini-vacation. If you can steal the time, here’s how to use it wisely. Spend a day on the Lerins Islands. They are two Ste Marguerite and, just behind, St Honorat with a monastery which produces wine.
The pier is located just past the old port after parking in front of the Radisson mentioned above.
There are regular round-trip from 7:30 to 18h for 14 €
A tip: if you like walking, it’s only 25 minutes from just above the train station or take the bus (Rue d’Antibes or on the Croisette), otherwise you’ll spend more money for the parking than for the boat ride!
Pack a picnic lunch!
Take a stroll through the old Suquet and climb up to Notre Dame d’Espérance. From there you have a beautiful view of the bay of Cannes.
The next day, if you want to act like a local and buy fruits and vegetables in an outdoor market, the Gambetta market is a popular spot. There’s also Forville market, not far from the old port which is a part of the heritage of Cannes.
BUY: For shopping, Rue d’Antibes is simply legendary.
SWIM: I recommend the Croisette, regarding private beaches. If you prefer public beaches, there are very nice ones after the Port Canto (that’s the left side of the Croisette, when you are in front of the sea and on the Boulevard Eugene Gazagnaire, said “the Moure Rouge” still left in the extension of the Croisette).
DO: Have a walk in the Old Cannet. The landscape is so different. You can have a drink, just before a dinner at the Bellevue. There is also a small Pizzeria (gourmet, pizza!) worth seeing on Rue St Sauveur – 06110 Le Cannet. It is 5 minutes by car, otherwise there is the bus which doesn’t take more time…
While in this area, don’t miss the Old Mougins area and its multitude of small alleys, full of paint galleries and restaurants. It’s very romantic for the end of a lazy day.
If you have an extra day, spending time in Antibes is the best. It’s easily accessible by train and offers its own world of restaurants, a fab Picasso museum and much more including, of course, the iconic Hotel du Cap, a fabulous outdoor market, and subterrean place to drink genuine absinthe!!
No matter where your adventures take you during and within the Cannes Lions Festival, may it be productive, safe and fun for you!
By Lauren deLisa Coleman with Bruno Levy