Cannes

Cannes, a resort city in the south of France, is practically synonymous with its annual International Film Festival held each May, but there is plenty to do here year round. The Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera is what drew visitors here in the first place, beginning with Lord Brougham, Britain's Lord Chancellor, who helped put Cannes on the international map in the mid 19th century. Tourists today can enjoy the same good weather and seaside activities, while marveling (usually from outside only) at the vacation villas built by their wealthier predecessors in a wide variety of architectural styles. Cannes offers luxury hotel ...

Cannes, a resort city in the south of France, is practically synonymous with its annual International Film Festival held each May, but there is plenty to do here year round. The Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera is what drew visitors here in the first place, beginning with Lord Brougham, Britain's Lord Chancellor, who helped put Cannes on the international map in the mid 19th century. Tourists today can enjoy the same good weather and seaside activities, while marveling (usually from outside only) at the vacation villas built by their wealthier predecessors in a wide variety of architectural styles. Cannes offers luxury hotel stays, spas, casinos, high-end shopping, and fine cuisine, but is also surprisingly friendly to the traveler on a budget. For the full Cannes experience, pay about $25 for an afternoon on one of the luxury hotel beaches. For more quiet, visit the nearby Lérins islands, especially the Ile Saint Honorat with its 15th-century Cistercian abbey.

About the Expert

Juliette Rogers is coauthor of the guidebooks Eating New England: A Food Lovers Guide to Eating Locally, Secret Providence and Newport, and two Thomas Cook guides on France.