What to do in Cannes?

[lagbunch8]

I will be in Cannes next June on the Liberty and need ideas on what to do. All of the Carnival tours have you going outside of Cannes. Is there nothing to do in Cannes? Would a beach day be possible? Just thought we would people watch and get some sun. Does anyone know if there is a beach near the pier? Is there a fee? Thanks for any info.

 

Mary

[Learning the ropes]

Check out this web site for Cannes. I contacted them by email and received a great map of the city and other tourist info by snail mail.

 

www.Cannes.fr- Site officiel de la Ville de Cannes

[lagbunch8]

Check out this web site for Cannes. I contacted them by email and received a great map of the city and other tourist info by snail mail.

 

www.Cannes.fr- Site officiel de la Ville de Cannes

 

 

Thank you I will check it out

 

Mary

[JodiBB]

This is just our opinion, but we went to Cannes on a bus tour and actually found it less appealing than we were hoping for. All our add-on excursions also went outside the city, but we're more the on-our-own types, so we didn't book any. Cannes is a very expensive shopping area right on the beach. We were able to see where the Cannes Film Festival was held, but tours weren't being provided that day. We spent a day just roaming the town and found that it was enough for us...very disappointing...the people weren't receptive to our lack of French (although we really tried!) and the beaches were really rocky...although there were many laying on the "sands."

 

I would stick with excursions on this one and see the prettier parts of France, but this is just one couples' view.

[Longsx3]

Yes there is a beach right near where the tenders dock, I am sorry I don't know if there is a charge. I know a family that went to the beach and they were very pleased.

[janewtb]

Just back from Liberty. There are beaches all along the area where the tenders dock. Many of the beaches to one side have a charge, I think arount 15E per person but along the other side it appears to be public beaches. Just remember, the beaches are "clothing optional".

[OhJinkies]

We'll be visiting Cannes in October on our Liberty cruise. We're taking an afternoon excursion to St. Paul de Vence, but would like to stroll through Cannes in the morning and have lunch somewhere where the food is decent, not obscenely expensive, and there's good people-watching (preferably with outdoor seating if the weather permits). Any suggestions?

[happy1]

Here is information I've been compiling about Cannes from various web-sites & boards. Hope it is helpful to you.

 

Tendering:

 

You are tendered by the Port of Cannes boat. 10 mins to shore if that. Getting off the ship was a bit of a hassle, as it was 10:00am, they had called tender #8 and we were 18. I wasn't happy, but then all of a sudden they called 3 tenders at once....The sail-away was beautiful. Our tender number was called at 9.50 but we only reached shore at 11.30 so as soon as you can get your tender nos. do not wait only when you want top go ashore as there is a waiting time.

 

Ships tour for 4 cost us $220 and was really more of a transport only tour. Private taxi to St. paul was 150 euros so for a family of 4. On your own: Just go and stroll the beach area, walk the city and watch the shoppers with their fancy cars. You can take the train to Monte Carlo, Nice or Antibes or just chill on the beach.

 

General Info:

This resort, on the world-famous Côte d'Azur, is the perennial favourite of wealthy scions and the shop-til-you-drop set. During the International Film Festival in May, Cannes is crammed with more money, more Champagne, more mobile phones and more cleavage than anywhere else in the world. Apart from posturing boutiques, hotels and restaurants, it also has beaches with the equivalent of room service, which the sallow studiously avoid.

 

If you're not in town discussing the grim phenomena of John Travolta's resurrection or puckering up to the paparazzi, then you're here to people-watch. Every possible specimen is on promenade along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette: yesteryear starlets in string bikinis; vacationing Frenchmen carrying purses; wide Americans with Coppertone skins who wear their jewellery in the pool; and side-whiskered peasants in rough waistcoats and country boots wondering what all the fuss is about. After a walk, settle back at one of the many cafés and restaurants - overflowing with gold-carded patrons - which light up the area with splashy neon signs.

 

Just offshore is the eucalyptus and pine-covered Île Sainte Marguerite, which was exploited so effectively by Alexander Dumas in his classic novel The Man in the Iron Mask. This small island is vectored by trails and paths, while its beaches are considerably less crowded than those on the mainland. Even smaller is the nearby Île Saint Honorat, once the site of a renowned and powerful monastery founded in the 5th century, and today the home of a Cistercian monastic order. Ferries run to both islands.

 

Cannes is a small town, but it's packed with lots of fabulous shops...which may be less attractive to Americans this year due to the exchange rate!! There are some wonderful candy stores too, if you're into chocolate! Be sure and wander down "la Croisette" which is the boulevard that borders Cannes' most famous beache. If you're into film festivals, as you walk the Croisette you'll pass by the Palais (on the beach side, not the town side) which is where the famous Cannes Film Festival takes place. The Tour Le Suquet (in Cannes Old Town) which sits high on the hill above Cannes is definitely worth a look. You climb steps or walk up a winding path to get to it, and once you get up there the views are spectacular! If you just want to wander around and spend the day in Cannes, you can do that, but close by are some fabulous places to visit. St. Paul-de-Vence would be tops on my list. We've been there a lot and I love it each time we visit. It's a small very old town with narrow cobbled streets, tons of art galleries and stores, and wonderful restaurants PLUS you get a great view of the Med because it's up in the hills. Right before you get to St. Paul, there's a wonderful sculpture garden called the Fondation Maeght. It's a beautiful place to wander around inside and out. If you like Picasso, there's a very nice Picasso Museum in Antibes. A brief caution, if you really want to enjoy yourself, don't try to cover too much territory. I notice lots of people taking 8 hour tours that cover Cannes, St. Paul, Nice, and Monaco. You'll just get a glimpse of those places if you try to pack them all into one day. You could easily spend 4 days in Nice, 2 or 3 in Monaco, a day in St. Paul etc., so what you'll see will be just the merest hint of what's really there. Take some time and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery while you're there.

 

Outside of Cannes:

 

WEB-MAPPING FOR FRANCE:

Use this website to get any detailed maps you need. Scroll to the bottom of the page and follow the directions with your details on where are coming from and going to. It will give both graphic maps and written point-by-point instructions.

http://goto-france.com/maps

 

RAIL SCHEDULES: You can go to this website

http://www.raileurope.com

and check all of the various train options, timings and costs on rail travel within Europe. Great, very useful site!

 

First key consideration in visiting Cannes is that Monte Carlo is not just a mile or two away. There are 47 km or 29 miles that separate the two cities and the average train time is about 65 minutes between the two cities. There are lots of trains between the two cities, but they make stops. It takes time. You could spend (or waste depending your ourlook) three hours just getting back and forth to Monaco. Each way on the train, the cost is $15 second class and $18 first class.

 

With just one day in the area, the first basic question is . . . the country VERSUS the city? Which do you want to do the most? CANNOT do both or even try!

 

Your boat will probably offer some type of day-trip option to Provence. If you like the countryside, you will LOVE Provence!!!!!! Lots and lots of great options there, whether by bus on their organized day-trip or by renting a car for the day and doing it on your own, most everyone LOVES Provence.

 

Below are some options to consider in Provence, Nice, etc. Depending upon when you visit, this area can be very congested and traffic clogged in the main city areas along the coast. That is another reason why going to Provence is so great. A crowded city is still a crowded city.

 

Nearby, we loved the town of Eze. Two great, world-class dining places there with views that are totally wonderful. Lunch would probable be affordable.

 

Both St. Paul de Vence and Grasse are very nice.

 

YES, the Monte Carlo Casino is very nice. But it is more formal and not like a Las Vegas or Atlantic City place where you just show up and roam around, especially during the day. Nice has a casino, but like with many in Europe there are relatively small compared to what we have experienced and seen in the United States. What are you expecting and hoping for related to a Casino there?

 

Can you recommend a nice place for lunch? Chateau de la Chevre d'Or in Eze gets two big stars from Michel and Chateau Eza is also highly rated. Within Cannes, the Melle Otero in the Hotel Carlton and Palme d'Or in the Hotel Martinez are both Michelin two stars, while Villa des Lys in the Hotel Majestic and Neat at 11 Square Merimee are each rated one star by Michelin. The Eden Roc in the Hotel du Cap in Cap d'Antibes is highly rated in this nearby upscale area immediate to the east of Cannes. Not sure of their exact openings, depending upon when you will be visiting.

 

Can you recommend a wine to drink and maybe take home? Lots and lots and lots and lots of great French wines will be available there. Many are only $3-6 per bottle for decent white wines from the Rhone region. You can also spend more, depending upon your tastes and budget.

 

 

COASTAL SUGGESTION: The old village of Eze, along the coast between Nice and Monaco, hangs up in the mountains above the water and crowds. It's wonderful to visit. Great, great views! Totally charming! Have lunch or dinner there at one of the two great eating places and feel like you're sitting on the edge of paradise!

 

HERE ARE SOME PLACES/OPTIONS TO CONSIDER IN THE PROVENCE AREA:

 

Aix-en-Provence (population of 125,000) with Cezanne's studio on the road to Entremont; university town founded 122 B.C. as first Roman settlement in Gaul, near thermal springs, dine at Gu et Fils.

 

Avignon is "one of the great art cities of France", old part of town has Papal Palace, seat of Popes 1309-1377, street musicians perform near palace; art museum in Place du Palais open Wednesday through Monday, population of 87,000, town on Rhone River.

 

Restaurants: Hiely-Lucullus, GM rating: 17/20, 10-12 rue de Mons, in former residence of town bailiff; Le Prieure, 7 pl du Chaplitre, GM rating: 15/20, "one of the most charming spots on earth", $40-50 lunch; Le Petit Bedon, 70 rue J Vermet, GM rating: 12/20, reasonable and good; Saint-Didier with chef Christian Etienne in Avignon; Other reasonable in Avignon: Au Bain Marie, Le Cintra, Le Gourmandin; Chateau de Roussan in St-Remy; Le Clos de la Violette rated best restaurant in Aix by Fodors; Brasserie Royale in Aix with glassed-in patio overlook leafy, busy boulevard.

 

Car travel to such nearby areas as Arles, highest priority area city with Roman ruins, including 20,000 seat arena where bull fights are held in the summer; founded 49 B.C. by Julius Caesar, population of 52,000, Van Gogh's former home; Le Vaccaves restaurant; St. Remy with Roman ruins and population of 9000; Tarascon (15th century castle); Les Baux (very neat medieval village with great views that has no major population now) dine right near there at L'Outau de Beaumaniere for ONE OF THE BEST MEALS YOU CAN HAVE IN FRANCE (great option for lunch!!!!); and Nimes (Roman ruins and arena, settled 121 B.C., population of 140,000).

 

Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct/bridge) to the west of Avignon is a must see; Saturday AM market at Uzes near Pont du Gard can be totally charming and wonderful.

 

Try good Provence website of:

http://www.provencebeyond.com

 

BUT, you can NOT see all or even half of Provence in just a day. Too much to see and distance!

 

 

CÔTE D'AZUR/NICE

The Côte d'Azur was "discovered" in the late 19th century as an illustrious winter wonderland for the privileged classes of British, Swiss and Russian societies. Climatically favored even in the winter, Nice was praised for its therapeutic benefits which drew foreigners searching for the dry, warm weather necessary to cure what was ailing them. Enchanted by this undiscovered paradise, the same families returned year after year until an affluent community of royalty, courtesans and artists flourished in the prosperous atmosphere of Belle Epoque Nice.

 

Today, Nice is a spectacular fusion of French and Italian culture, customs and cooking. Even the language, le Niçois or Nissart, spoken almost exclusively by the local population up until the beginning of the 20th century, is a hybrid of Italian—the official language of Nice from the 16th century until 1860, and French—the official language thereafter. This amalgam of cultures is also responsible for the wonderfully robust and flavorful Niçois cooking, based largely on olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, basil and other local produce.

 

Easily accessible to its international airport or by TGV Express train from Paris' Gare de Lyon in five and a half hours. With budget airlines such as Air Lib and Easy Jet, round-trip fares between Paris and Nice can be had for competitive prices, sometimes less than a train ticket. Accommodations are plentiful but reservations are strongly recommended all year round so as not to waste time searching for vacancies. This is especially true in the summer months when millions of tourists flock to Nice's sun baked shores.

 

Depending on the season, you are almost certain to witness a festival, parade or other spectacular event that transforms the city into a veritable extravaganza. From Carnival in February to the Jazz Festival in July, there is always an attraction to entertain locals and visitors alike.

 

It is suggest to start your day in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), with a café crème in the Cours Saleya and observe the vibrant Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market). In addition to a colorful assortment of regional flora, this market specializes in locally grown fruits and vegetables and regional products such as honey, lavender, preserves and—of course—olive oil. Don't miss the vast assortment of exquisitely confected marzipan figures and rich candied fruit which make for excellent, inexpensive souvenirs. If you prefer a more structured overview of Old Nice, make your way to the Palais Lascari, a magnificent Baroque palace which is now a museum and the meeting point for several guided tours throughout Nice. For specific information, contact the palace directly.

 

Climb the sweeping stone stairs to the Château de Nice where you will be rewarded with another delicious treat, a breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges. For those that prefer to save their breath during their visit of this ancient site, there is an elevator at the foot of the cliff.

 

You can stroll along the port and choose among several fine seafood restaurants or venture back into the narrow streets of Old Nice for more indigenous cooking. For a lighter version of regional dishes in a refined setting, reserve at the Petite Maison on rue St. François de Paule—steps from City Hall, the newly renovated Opera House and Alziari, the indispensable address for fragrant olive oil, jars of tapenade or olive spread and big green bars of olive oil soap. Cross the street and sample the addictive chocolate-covered almonds at Auer, an old fashioned confectionary dating back to 1820.

Vieux Nice/Baroque Treasures: Begin at the Prefecture and take rue Ste. Reparate to the Place Rosetti where Finocchio, an enticing gelateria, offers the sinful Italian ice cream. If you're feeling guilty after your sweet indulgence, confess next door at the Cathedral of Ste. Reparate. Named after the patron saint of Nice, this impressive church is an excellent example of the Baroque architecture that flourished in Nice during the 17th century.

 

If you prefer to venture out of Old Nice for dinner and if lunch plans didn't include a visit to the port, don't exclude this destination which makes for a particularly pleasant evening program. After admiring the stunning array of yachts in the marina, relax at the upscale L'Ane Rouge, a sophisticated seafood restaurant serving classical regional dishes.

[Mike Andrews]

Most of the larger Hotels in Cannes have private beach areas which I am sure you will be able to use for the day.

[corkpopr]

take the train to villefranc and then the bus up to Eze. As the previous poster stated it it lovely and you can easily spend the whole day there. have lunch at Cheve d'Or. Be forwarned it will be about 90 euros each including tax and tip. You have never eaten at a more fantastic setting i promise you. pass on the glass of champagne they offer when you come in and save 25 euros a glass.

if you finish in Eze early enough when you go back down to villefranc if you have time wander around there before going back.

The only question i have is why would you take a carnival cruise with so many good lines available?

[OhJinkies]

take the train to villefranc and then the bus up to Eze. As the previous poster stated it it lovely and you can easily spend the whole day there. have lunch at Cheve d'Or. Be forwarned it will be about 90 euros each including tax and tip. You have never eaten at a more fantastic setting i promise you. pass on the glass of champagne they offer when you come in and save 25 euros a glass.

if you finish in Eze early enough when you go back down to villefranc if you have time wander around there before going back.

The only question i have is why would you take a carnival cruise with so many good lines available?

 

From your question I perceive that you consider Carnival to be the "Kmart" of cruising. I actually prefer Target (cleaner, better layout, customers just seem better-behaved). With Carnival, I was able to book a balcony stateroom with a fabulous itinerary for a value price. Their reputation as a "party ship" with a bunch of drunken idiots may be true of shorter cruises, but I believe that's a different clientele from those of us who have been planning this from more than a year out and are committing to nearly 3 weeks of vacation (or retirement) time!!

 

I can understand how you might not see things from my perspective, as I would never dream of spending anywhere near 90 euros on lunch OR dinner for myself. For that price, they should at least include a foot massage!!

[pacoloveschocolate]

Cathy! I love you!! That was such a great comeback!

 

Leslie

[OhJinkies]

Cathy! I love you!! That was such a great comeback!

 

Leslie

 

Thanks, Leslie!!! I really do want to find somewhere in Cannes to do a nice lunch for somewhere under 30 euros (foot massage optional)!!

[pacoloveschocolate]

Cathy,

 

Why don't you come with me to Ile Ste. Margerite? The island is just a short ferry stop away from the port of Cannes. We can take a picnic lunch and explore the island and relax after the heavy duty day in Barcelona.

 

Let me know.

Leslie

[OhJinkies]

Cathy,

 

Why don't you come with me to Ile Ste. Margerite? The island is just a short ferry stop away from the port of Cannes. We can take a picnic lunch and explore the island and relax after the heavy duty day in Barcelona.

 

Let me know.

Leslie

 

Leslie,

 

Thanks so much for the invite!! Andrea really wants to spend part of the day seeing Cannes, and we chose St. Paul de Vence for the afternoon because it looked really charming. I think we'll take it easy in Cannes... just stroll a bit and grab lunch somewhere (just not a 90-euro lunch :) ). I'm going to be SO exhausted by this point in the trip!!

 

Any news on Barcelona, by the way? What are our numbers/estimated cost per person? E-mail me if you'd prefer. Thanks!

[corkpopr]

I was just so impressed with the facility and above all the spectacular view that i let the price get past me! There are plenty of places to eat lunch for 14-20 euros as well.

As for Carnival, good food and large cabins, they are just not the line for me compared to Celebrity, Princess, Holland, etc.

Have a great trip!

[Smooth Sailing]

As for Carnival, good food and large cabins, they are just not the line for me compared to Celebrity, Princess, Holland, etc.

Have a great trip!

Carnival owns Princess and HAL - The Liberty is a brand new 110,000 ton ship - the price is right - the itinerary is great - I can't see how or why anyone would choose otherwise.:D:D

[OhJinkies]

I was just so impressed with the facility and above all the spectacular view that i let the price get past me! There are plenty of places to eat lunch for 14-20 euros as well.

As for Carnival, good food and large cabins, they are just not the line for me compared to Celebrity, Princess, Holland, etc.

Have a great trip!

 

Thanks for the encouraging words... I was worried that I'd have to pack a picnic lunch.

 

There are definitely different cruise "brands" for different types of people, and that's a good thing! :)

[corkpopr]

Carnival has done this properly, the lines are run independent from one another with different management approaches and staff kept separate from the other lines for the most part. Celebrity is owned by RCCL and the same is true for the most part with them as well.

Big is bad, we like 50,000 ton ships and under 1500 pax. But hey, that's just us. We do not like NCL either because "freestyle" is not for us.

[Bonnie26]

St.Paul de Vence is evry close, a tiny old town, very nice. By taxi about 3-hour-tour 100 EUR

[howian1]

We had a wonderful lunch at a beach restaurant , .. Le Anglais, 3400 (whatever the main street with the beach is called) right across from the Carleton on the beach side. Cannes is a wonderful place to walk around. There was a pleasant beach near the ship tender, and fancier beachers with adminssion in the Carleton area (this is high end, trendy, fancy) and there are other more historic areas. Some of the beaches are topless but is not necessary for gawking; you are just as likely to see a chubby 45 year old topless mom as you will a 20 year old model.

 

I agree you do not need a tour and our fancy lunch and seeing the beaches was a great day for our family of four.