Cannes, the French Riviera Gem: A Week of Sun, Advenrure, and Friends

Hey there, travel enthusiasts! 🌞 If you're craving an extended trip in the heart of the French Riviera, look no further than Cannes. We spent a week in this picturesque paradise with our closest friends and it was a vacation we'll always remember. Let's dive into the highlights and practical tips so you too can plan your ultimate vacation.

Hotel Haven: MGallery - Where Every Day Felt Like a Honeymoon

Our home for the week was the Hôtel Croisette Beach Cannes - MGallery, just a three-minute walk from Croisette Beach. To our delight, the hotel showered us with anniversary surprises – flower petals on the bed, chocolates, and a candle to celebrate. The hotel's amenities included a fitness center with all the cardio equipment and weights you'd need, a pool, and a cozy bar, along with an on-site breakfast restaurant that served up a pretty good morning spread. MGallery does have a great beach club on Croissette Beach, while there is no discount, hotel guests do get first option reservations for lounge seating that MGallery will set up for you.

The Culinary Quest: Foodie Adventures in Cannes

Our week was a culinary adventure. Mumbai Cafe, perfect for groups, dished out delicious Indian food including the samosas, lamb vindaloo and chicken tikka masala to name a few. You can't go wrong with anything at Mumbai Cafe located next to a great bar scene. When we craved some comforting soup and dim sum on our last night in Cannes, La Baie D'Halong provided the cure with its cozy atmosphere and authentic Vietnamese options.

Now, here's a gem you can't miss in Cannes – Black Sails: A Pirate Tavern By Chef LeChat. Don't be fooled by the quirky pirate-themed exterior; the burgers here are epic. Be sure to try the Black Sails Burger and the Shipwrecked Burger.

Looking for upscale club vibes? Ba Ô li Cannes is your go-to spot. This is the premier restaurant and club in Cannes where celebrities are often seen post Cannes Film Festival. Make sure to book the four hour 10:30pm reservation which allows you access into the club (which doesn't open until midnight). Their three-tier sashimi platter was a hit along with the Pad Thai. Although the nightclub was closed for the off-season, it was perfect for capturing some Instagram-worthy moments.

Right next door, Harry's Bar offered craft cocktails like the James Bond 1962 and a great view of the sunset over the marina before our dinner reservation. It was the ideal place to unwind and soak in the luxury.

Casino Capers: A Whimsical Misadventure

Our visit to Casino Barriere Le Croisette was a unique experience. It didn't match the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, or our recent trip to Monaco — or even Cannes honestly. The casino's dated decor and hushed ambiance at the tables left us underwhelmed. We'll never forget the guest who insisted we were "much too loud for France." We promptly made our exit, despite being eager for some fun. There are other casinos in Cannes, so if you visit any of these be sure to bring your passport.

Exploring Le Suquet: The Old Town's Endless Charms

Despite staying in the luxurious La Croisette area, the charm and history of Le Suquet, the Old Town of Cannes, is where we spent most of our time. On the top of the steep hill in Le Suquet is a medieval castle fortress called the Musee de la Castre that houses an art collection. The Chapel of Saint-Anne has a great view of the city including the backend of the Cannes 'Hollywood' sign. Be sure to take the 109 seps up the castle tower for an incredible 360 degree view. We fell in love with the narrow streets, hidden alleys, and historic buildings adorned with blooming balconies.

Shop 'Til You Drop: Tax Refunds and Luxury Buys

Cannes is a luxury shopper's paradise, and the Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund makes it even more enticing. The VAT is similar to retail sales taxes in the United States. We took the opportunity to do a little...OK according to Chris... A LOT of luxury shopping along the boulevard. But come on, 'when in Rome do as the Romans do' and the French know how to shop!

When you shop, request the paperwork for a tax refund (but the stores will typically automatically provide this to you), which you scan at the airport during your departure. It's an excellent way to recoup some of your expenses. Our experience at the Nice Airport was smooth, with user-friendly scanning kiosks and swift refunds within three business days. Be sure to set up your Global Blue account to ensure direct deposit.

Week-Long Adventures: Day Trips and Beyond

Cannes is a great starting point for unforgettable day trips. We booked a wine tour in the rosé capital of the world, Provence, and took a ferry to St. Tropez (you can also take a helicopter which honestly might be good if you are hungover or get sea sick as the ferry is pretty rough on the water and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Also, we noticed the ferry each way left almost 15 minutes earlier than scheduled, so don't cut your timing close!) I wish we had more time in St. Tropez because it's a beautiful and charming town with gorgeous seaside views from beach clubs but also wine vineyards along the way!

Whether you're sipping a drink at the local pub near the marina, getting bottle service at the beach clubs like Moorea, or enjoying a stop at Dior Des Lices, an outdoor cafe just outside the Dior store, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to dress to impress for those iconic Instagram photos. This opportunity now allows me to say "I'm in Saint-Tropez I had to check wrist" from the wise words of my favorite artist, Post Malone!

In the end, our week in Cannes was a fantastic experience, made all the more memorable by our dear friends. Our wine-tasting Airbnb experience in Provence deserves its own blog, and we can't wait to share the magic of that adventure with you soon.

For more travel tales and inspiration, check out our blog and Instagram.

Cannes, the French Riviera Gem: A Week of Sun, Sea, and Friends