Basking in the sun on the Côte d’Azur, Cannes sparkles with glamour and exclusivity… This legendary seaside resort has all the glitz and charm of the Côte d’Azur: private beaches, marinas filled with luxury yachts, elegant boulevards, Belle Époque stylish hotels, and trendy restaurants. Set in a charming location on the bay of the Golfe de la Napoule, Cannes enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. The weather is gentle all year round and perfect for sunbathing on the beach from May to October. Palm trees decorate the streets of Cannes and subtropical flowers bloom throughout the city, giving visitors a sense of paradise. The prestigious Cannes Film Festival has been a significant event since its inception in 1946. Attracted by famous movie stars from around the world, this annual red carpet gala has gained an international reputation for promoting the art of cinema.
The famous Boulevard de la Croisette
One of the most fashionable streets on the Côte d’Azur, this boulevard lined with palm trees is the center of tourist activity in Cannes. The Boulevard de la Croisette is flanked by Belle Époque hotels, such as the historic InterContinental Carlton Cannes, a wonderful example of grand French Art Nouveau architecture designed by Charles Dalmas. Your team will also enjoy the opulent villas and high-end boutiques. The boulevard stretches from the new Palais des Festivals to the charming “La Roseraie” park on Place du 8 Mai 1945, boasting magnificent private beaches along a sandy shoreline. The seaside promenade is loved for its stunning views of the Gulf and the Lérins Islands far out in the Mediterranean Sea.
Beyond the Roseraie park lies the idyllic Port Pierre Canto, with its rows of luxury yachts moored at the port. Another port, Port de la Pointe Croisette, is also within walking distance. It serves as the starting point for regattas. Water sports enthusiasts and sunbathers will find their match during an offsite in Cannes. They can also head to Port Palm Beach, a peaceful public beach located to the west of Pointe Croisette.
2. Le Suquet: The Old Town of Cannes
Perched on the slopes of Mont Chevalier above the bay, the Suquet district represents the original fishing village. In a picturesque hillside setting, this area offers exceptional views and the charm of the old world. The Suquet has retained some of the ambiance from centuries ago. Tourists are enchanted by the pedestrian district with its narrow old stairs, pleasant courtyards, and interesting historic remnants like the town’s ancient ramparts. At the heart of the Suquet, the old church, the Church of Suquet, and the 11th-century watchtower of Tour du Mont Chevalier dominate the skyline. From the top of the watchtower, the beach and bay up to the Lérins Islands offer a magnificent panoramic view. One of the main shopping streets in the old town is Rue Meynadier. This bustling pedestrian street is famous for its specialty gourmet shops. Rue d’Antibes is another significant shopping street a few blocks away from the Suquet. A shopping destination for Côte d’Azur fashion, the street is lined with designer ready-to-wear boutiques.
3. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the venue for the Riviera’s most prestigious red-carpet event, the Cannes Film Festival. Designed by architects Bennett and Druet, the building was completed in 1982 and is used for events, conferences, and festivals throughout the year. In addition to the film festival, the venue also hosts the G20 summit, the international music trade show MIDEM, and the MIPTV (International Television Program Market) events. The Palais des Festivals has 25,000 square meters of exhibition space, as well as numerous rooms and auditoriums equipped with sophisticated sound and lighting systems, ideal for your corporate retreat in Cannes. The impressive complex is equipped with cutting-edge technical devices, including sound studios, simultaneous translation systems, audiovisual equipment, and large projectors. There’s also a restaurant onsite. Since 2009, the building has been continuously modernized.
4. The famous Cannes Festival (in May)
Among all the activities on the French Riviera, the Cannes Film Festival is the most thrilling if you are organizing a corporate retreat in Cannes during May. With all the celebrity glamour, this red carpet event is a major tourist attraction and is definitely one of the biggest highlights of the year in Cannes. The festival attracts movie stars and filmmakers from around the world, as well as crowds of fans and journalists. Originally, this film festival was created to compete with the Venice Festival. The Cannes Film Festival has built an international reputation for discovering, supporting, and promoting excellent films.
5. The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Espérance
Built on the summit of Suquet, dazzling with its breathtaking views of the city, Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is the most important church in Cannes. The edifice, in the late Gothic style, dates back to the 16th century and houses a remarkable 17th-century Madonna on the main altar. Upon entering the church, your coworkers will be struck by its peaceful interior and the inspiring heights of its gothic vaults. The church also presents a mix of architectural styles. In July, the square in front of the church is illuminated and becomes a magical open-air venue for the Nuits Musicales du Suquet, a classical music festival featuring a week of performances under the stars. A delight for classical music lovers.
6. The private beaches with golden sand
As an exclusive resort, Cannes also boasts high-end private beaches. The private beaches along Boulevard de la Croisette offer a variety of unique culinary experiences, with chic restaurants serving Provençal cuisine; casual restaurants with pleasant patios; seafood specialists; as well as exceptional gourmet restaurants. Nestled in a quiet environment near Port Canto, there is also a Michelin-starred restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea, the Lérins Islands, and the Estérel mountains. All the private beaches have excellent facilities for a relaxing experience.
7. The iconic old port
Iconic of the Cannes Mediterranean landscape, the Old Port is located below the historic Suquet district. The Old Port, also known as Port Cannes I, is situated near the Maritime Station built in 1957. Besides its use as a dock for yachts and other sailing boats, the Old Port is the departure point for the Royal Régate. North of the port are the picturesque Allées de la Liberté, ancient narrow streets lined with shaded plane trees. Every morning, the colorful “Marché aux Fleurs” takes place here.
8. The Marvelous California
This charming neighborhood in Cannes is an example of the glamorous landscapes of the Côte d’Azur. The magnificent holiday villas are surrounded by lush gardens and palm trees. During your team retreat in Cannes, this charming neighborhood is a wonderful place to stroll during your free time. Drawn by its beauty, Picasso lived in this neighborhood for a short while. It’s easy to understand how the exquisite buildings and vibrant landscape would inspire an artist. The Russian church on Boulevard Alexandre is also worth a visit.
9. The Charming Bellini Chapel
Built in 1894 by Count Vitali, the Bellini Chapel was once part of a Florentine-style villa and is located in a beautiful park. The chapel features an Italian Baroque design with an impressive clock tower and a wooden staircase inside. The chapel was bought by the artist Emmanuel Bellini in 1953 and then used as a studio. The Bellini Chapel is now a museum dedicated to the artist’s works displayed in his own studio.
10. The Contemporary Malmaison Museum
The Malmaison Museum occupies the game room and tea salon of the Grand Hotel, built in 1863. These rooms were used for art exhibitions organized by Aimé Maeght in 1945 and were transformed into a museum by the city of Cannes in 1983. This small museum invites visitors to discover contemporary art. The museum hosts two major exhibitions each year dedicated to famous artists inspired by the Côte d’Azur, including Picasso, Matisse, and Ozenfant. Other internationally renowned artists in the museum’s collections include César, Miró, and Masson. An artistic and cultural break for your offsite in Cannes.
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