Home to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, and the international glitterati it attracts every May, the Palais des Festivals also hosts a year-round slate of music, theatre, and dance events.
1, blvd. de la Croisette; Cannes; 011-33-4-93-39-01-01; www.palaisdesfestivals.com
Tags:international travel | culture | performing arts | cinema
Casino Croisette
Cannes’ largest and most legendary casino, the Croisette is the sort of place you’d expect to find in nearby Monte Carlo. Men wear jackets and the higher end gaming rooms charge an admission fee ($16).
This former Grand Hotel casino now hosts modern and contemporary art exhibitions and boasts a beautiful garden and lovely sea views.
47, blvd de la Croisette; Cannes; 011-33-4-97-06-44-90; www.chateau-malmaison.fr
Tags:international travel | culture | art | gardens
Musée de la Castre
Housed in what was once the Castle of Cannes, this unusual museum contains artifacts from across the planet, including South America and the Pacific Islands.
Château de la Castre; Cannes; 011-33-4-93-38-55-26; www.cannes-on-line.com
Tags:international travel | museum | history | art
Notre-Dame de l'Espérance
Cannes’ oldest extant church draws admirers of its beautiful paintings and frescos, as well as its incredible hilltop vistas.
Place de la Castre; Cannes; 011-33-4-93-39-17-49; www.ndesperance.over-blog.com
Tags:international travel | architecture | culture | history | art
Tour du Masque
The last abode of the infamous Man in the Iron Mask, this 12th-century tower still purportedly receives visits from the prisoner’s vengeful ghost, making it a lit-lover’s (and children’s) delight.
9, rue du Mont-Chevalier; Cannes
Tags:family | history
Baie des Anges
Don’t miss a dip in the azure “Bay of Angels” when the weather is warm – while free public beaches abound, the upscale private beaches allow guests to lap up the sunshine while enjoying chaise lounges, parasols, restaurants, bar service, and more.
Along the Promenade des Anglais; Nice, French Riviera
Tags:family | smart splurge | outdoors | swimming
Le Château
Head to the public park atop “Castle Hill” for stellar views over the city and sea. The lofty ledge’s history included stints as an ancient Greek settlement and medieval castle site.
Eastern end of Quai des Etats-Unis; Nice, French Riviera; 011-33-4-93-85-62-33
Tags:international travel | outdoors | views | history
Promenade des Anglais
Saunter, bike, or ’blade along this four-mile-long coastal promenade, with its sweeping Mediterranean vistas and opportunities for people-watching – it’s especially enchanting at sunset.
Along the Baie des Anges waterfront; Nice, French Riviera
Tags:family | outdoors | views
Musée Matisse
This impressive collection of work by French artist Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice during the last four decades of his life, is housed in a light-bathed 17th-century villa.
164 Ave. des Arènes de Cimiez; Nice, French Riviera; 011-33-4-93-81-08-08; www.musee-matisse-nice.org
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