I love France, if it weren't for my terrible French pronunciation I'd have sworn I was French in another life.
Until a few years ago my only experience of France were a few short trips to Paris (a city that I love), but like most capital cities, it is very different to the country as a whole.
Once I started to explore other areas of France, I fell in love with the beauty and diversity of it's landscape.
The south of France offers so many opportunities for adventure and I find myself going back again and again.
In my next few travel posts I will share with you some of my travels around the south of France, and some neighbouring areas, starting with Cannes as this was the first stop on my trip.
When people think of Cannes the first images that spring to mind are no doubt of the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival- all red carpets, flashing cameras and swanky yacht soirees, and while Cannes of course is a haven for the rich and famous, there is so much more to this little beach town on the riviera.
Though it is famed for the expensive designer boutiques that line the iconic Croisette, it is actually surprisingly easy to keep to a budget while staying here. While there are many pricey restaurants along the beach front, in the old town you can find many charming cafes and bistros to dine in which won't break the bank.
My favourite restaurant, Pizza Cresci, is along the harbour.
Even in low season, there is always a queue to get into this unpretentious pizzeria. It is inexpensive but in a very good location with a lovely view over the harbour. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and there are often street performers on the sidewalk outside so you often get a bit of a show with your dinner!
I have been here several times and the food is always incredible. The quality of the ingredients paired with a perfect mix of herbs (and a VERY generous dose of cheese) makes for a perfect pizza every time.
If you're more of a sweet tooth though, don't despair- Cannes has some of the best bakeries I've ever encountered. There is so much delicious temptation I'd hazard a guess that you'll be going home a few pounds heavier!
The markets in the old town provide a great place for shopping, away from the designer boutiques. There you can find reasonably priced clothes, souvenirs and groceries and it has a distinctly 'French' feel to it which is lacking in the Croisette.
While in that part of Cannes, I'd recommend climbing up to Eglise Notre Dame d'Esperance, a quaint little church at the top of the hill, overlooking the town. From there you get a great view over the bay.
A walk along the Croisette is perfect on a sunny day, taking in the fresh sea air and looking at the many artists selling paintings on the sea front.
There are also often sculptures on display outside the hotels on this strip.
Film fans will no doubt have fun spotting the celebrity hand prints on Cannes’ own 'Walk Of Fame' outside the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
I found that Angelina Jolie is my hand twin 😂
There are also lolz to be had with the many movie cut outs outside the Festival venue, who can resist being such a tourist?
My favourite part of any coastal holiday is the beach! There are lots of private beaches, many owned by the exclusive hotels along the Croisette, which you have to pay to enter. There you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella and put your bags in a cloakroom.
However, if you are on a budget (as I always am) there are amazing free beaches on each side of the town which I personally prefer. They can get super busy in peak season, so go early to secure a spot.
The beaches of Cannes offer some spectacular views, especially at sunset.
And a walk along the Croisette becomes totally new.
By night, it becomes electric. The ornate hotels along the Croisette appear even more palatial.
I hope you enjoyed this first installment of my Cannes adventures, there is so much more to be enjoyed during a trip to Cannes, but you will have to wait until Part 2 to find out!
Join me again as I show you how Cannes is a great starting point to travel affordably to other amazing places with adventures such as:
Island hopping in the Côte d'Azur
Cycling the Riviera dei Fiori- San Remo
Canyoning in Gorges du Loup
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