What a city: Cannes, smaller than Nice, but just as charming, attracts visitors to the Festival de Cannes again this May. Anyone traveling to the city on the Côte d'Azur at this time can not only look forward to outstanding films and an incredible star lineup - the city itself also has a lot to offer.

The charming coastal town of Cannes. © Jannis Lucas

The old town of Le Suquet invites you to walk for hours through its narrow streets, stairs and colorful houses. Restaurants and chic boutiques await you on the Promenade de la Croisette. You can visit churches, such as the Cathedral Notre-Dame de l'Espérance, or markets, such as the Marché Forville, and enjoy the international flair that the festival brings to the city.

Where to stay

Five Seas Hotel Cannes

The five-star boutique hotel is located right next to the Festival House in Cannes. © Five Seas Hotel Cannes

If you want to prepare for all the grandiose screenings, you'll want to book one of the spacious suites at the Five Seas Hotel. You'll almost want to stay in the elegant-modern accommodation and forget all about the festival. At night, you return to the design hotel, slip out of your evening gown, into your pajamas and drop into the comfortable king-size bed. The Five Seas is not only located on the beach, it also houses a designer spa with a sauna, a gym and a rooftop pool, as well as a restaurant.

Five Seas Hotel Cannes
1 Rue Notre Dame, 06400 Cannes, France
Tel: +33 4 63 36 05 05
Web: fiveseashotel.com
Price: Doubles from €279, from €1,240 during the film festival.

Where to eat

Les Terraillers

Les Terraillers serves creative regional cuisine with a "touch of Provence" under the direction of Michael Fulci. Not only the dishes, but also the interior is tasteful. The restaurant is located in an old pottery from the 16th century and has been elegantly modernized inside.

Web: lesterraillers.fr

What to do: The top sights in Cannes

On shopping tour

Rue d'Antibes in Cannes. © Shutterstock

If you are still looking for the right accessory or even an entire outfit, Rue d'Antibes is the place to go. The shopping street, which runs parallel to the harbor, includes a variety of chic designer boutiques and jewelry stores. Here you can find the perfect outfit for the festival in a stylish atmosphere. 

Enjoying art and views

The Musée de la Castre. © Dominik Pearce

If you climb the hill Le Suquet, you'll find yourself in the face of a castle from the 11th century. It houses the Musée de la Castre, which shows musical instruments, an ethnology exhibition and landscape art. In addition, you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Bay of Cannes from here.

Walking on stars

After a leisurely brunch at the Le Duplex, take a stroll along the Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma. On the famous promenade are emblazoned - the name already gives it away - numerous stars with handprints of famous movie stars.

Find your island happiness

The Île Sainte-Marguerite off the coast of Cannes. © Shutterstock

If the hustle and bustle of the Cannes International Film Festival is too much for you, you can escape to Île Sainte-Marguerite. The island off the coast of the Riviera, with its green forests, cliffs and azure expanses, is a wonderful break from the festival. The former Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask once sat, is also located here.

Visit the Villa Rothschild

The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. © Hugo Richard

A glimpse into the magnificent past of the Côte d'Azur and its high society is offered by the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Built in 1912, the Belle Époque mansion was commissioned by the extravagant Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi. Today, the building includes not only art and architectural highlights, but also a spacious garden. .