One of the best things about stationing myself in Nice for the month (besides the paradise that is Nice itself) is that so many other breathtaking towns are under 25 minutes away...Enter Cannes.
We arrived to first check in at the legendary Le Grand Hotel, the original luxury hotel of Cannes. Let me just say our views were on another level! If you choose to stay here, you have to ask for one of their sea view suites. I cannot stress this enough. It doesn't even seem real how beautiful the view actually is. The floor to ceiling windows and the large balcony also helps!
After smelling the fresh orchids in the room, we headed out to explore the town.
Walking down the famous Croisette, along the water, it's not hard to see why this is a haunt of the rich and famous. Filled to the brim with every designer shop you could ever desire. You can even have a shop at Armani and then stay awhile on their cafe patio... I mean...lets be honest...a shoppers dream.
I'm a sucker for an Old Town so we headed to Le Suquet. For the beginning of March the weather really couldn't have been nicer. About 17-19 degrees. We did however hit a little bit of wind and being at the very top of the hill in old town, at the panoramic view points...we got a beating. That being said, it was still well worth a visit. You can peruse the shops and wander the narrow streets whilst being offered socca chips or raisins covered in chocolate/wine (made by monks).
The only way to recover from a weather lashing and a hike up old cobbled stoned streets is bread, cheese, meat and wine. We found the best spot in the main town called Da Laura. It's a week later and I still can't stop thinking about it. White furry chairs line their cozy patio only to be upstaged by their vintage interior. A must stop when in Cannes!
Back at the beautiful Le Grand Hotel Cannes, we got ready for our dinner at the much anticipated Michelin star Park 45 hotel restaurant. Their Michelin-starred chef Sebastien Broda has been there nearly 7 years and has it down to a science. We were completely spoiled by course after course. Make sure to ask their sommelier's advice for wine pairings...he knows what he's doing. If you're a foodie and want the full 5 star experience, Park 45 is the place for you. From sea urchin to veal sweet bread... you can tell how much thought and preparation goes into every dish. It is truly an art form. Even their plates are commissioned by artist Erick Ifergan. Dessert was a masterpiece. Almost too beautiful to touch but too delicious not to.
The next morning after we took in the views one last time we were sadly on our way.
If you're taking the train, stop for a quick bite, or bagel to go, at the Bagel Cafe... seriously yummy!
I highly recommend spending some time in Cannes. Which is an obvious statement as we've all heard of it before. Even though the wealthy spend their Summers here, its not just a Summer town. Much like the whole French Riveria, it's incredibly alive and active 12 months a year. So if you aren't looking to rub elbows with the rich and famous in the Summer months but are looking for a winter getaway, Cannes should definitely be on your list.
