Glamorous Cannes, France

Cannes is a scenic resort town on France’s southeastern coast – a stretch of Mediterranean beach cities known collectively as the French Riviera. This busy destination features endless sunshine and gorgeous stretches of sand, so it’s no wonder it’s a popular draw for tourists.

Our first impression of the city was its sparkling harbor, dotted with luxurious yachts and towering transatlantic liners. We were here particularly for the azure, sparkling Mediterranean and the Cannes Film Festival.

There are several casinos, museums and castles within walking distance of downtown. (Needless to say, tourism is the city’s main source of revenue.)

Cannes is also known for certain similarities to Hollywood. We were pleasantly surprised to see the Cannes Walk of Fame, where the handprints of dozens of movie legends have been set in stone outside the Palais des Festivals. The Palais des Festivals is the main home of the most famous event in Cannes, the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place every May. Look, there’s Clint Eastwood! Here’s Sharon Stone! And over yonder is Anthony Quinn. Great conversation!

As you might imagine, this is the best time to visit if you’re a movie buff, but the worst time for everyone else – streets are congested and restaurants are packed.

Water sports are plentiful here. You can walk or jog along the surf. The Mediterranean is ideal for sailing, swimming, kayaking and wind surfing. But if you prefer to crash on the sand and soak in the sun, that works too.

We fell in love with the beauty and innocence of nearby St. Marguerite Island. From Cannes Harbor, it’s a 15-minute boat ride. Most of the island is covered in forest. It’s unusually quiet and pleasant, since there are no cars on the island. Grassy paths lead off in all directions, beneath giant pine trees where birds flutter high in the branches. It’s a great romantic escape!