Figuring out where to stay in Cannes can be quite challenging. Each area of Cannes has its unique appeal and a wide variety of amazing hotels and Airbnbs. So, how can you tell which places to stay in Cannes best match your expectations?
This comprehensive accommodation guide zooms in on every area while highlighting some of the best Cannes hotels.
Cannes is an internationally renowned resort city, synonymous with glamour and affluence, most famous for hosting the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on its iconic seaside promenade, La Croisette.
I’ve traveled to Cannes countless times and throughout all seasons, either for a romantic weekend or as part of a family vacation. And now I’m here to help you discover the most gorgeous accommodations in the most desirable locations.
Here are my top recommendations on where to stay in Cannes.
This article features the best areas and accommodations in Cannes for couples, families, and epicureans alike. Updated for 2026 with current hotel picks and local insights to help you choose where to stay based on your travel plans.
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Quick guide: best places to stay in Cannes
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of the best areas and hotels in Cannes.
My Top Picks
My in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Cannes, France, includes a hand-picked selection of amazing hotels and apartments for each. For your convenience, all accommodation suggestions link to a booking site where you can check availability and make your reservation.
No matter which of these places to stay in Cannes catches your eye, booking well in advance is crucial, especially if you plan on visiting Cannes during the high season.
Staying in Cannes allows you to experience more than the headline events, from beach days and island excursions to evenings in Le Suquet. This Cannes travel guide gives you a clear overview of the main attractions, beaches, and logistics so you can structure your stay smoothly around your accommodation.
As part of my French Riviera travel planning support, I offer a package that matches you with the perfect place to stay. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless accommodation options, this might be just what you need.
Best places to stay in Cannes: Map
This map of the city shows you where the main areas of Cannes are located. Use it to get a feel for the layout, then scroll down to read detailed guides for each neighborhood.
This map of the French Riviera was created by Nice & Beyond – Any reproduction without prior written permission is strictly prohibited
Where to stay in Cannes: Areas compared
I’ll be zooming in on the most popular neighborhoods in Cannes to help you get a feel of the atmosphere and things to do.
La Croisette
The famous Boulevard de la Croisette runs along the glamorous La Croisette Beach in central Cannes, connecting Le Suquet to Pointe Croisette. It’s lined with luxury hotels, designer shops, restaurants, the Malmaison Museum of Contemporary Art, and the iconic red-carpet stairs of the Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival is held.
Staying on La Croisette means waking up steps from the most iconic stretches of sand in Cannes, with private beach clubs, elegant cafés, and the iconic waterfront promenade at your doorstep. This is the ultimate choice for honeymooners, luxury travelers, or anyone chasing that classic Côte d’Azur glamour.
La Croisette is the best place to stay in Cannes for couples, for beaches and iconic hotels (many of which come with a private beach club).
Best for:
Beaches, luxury, nightlife, romantic stays.
Downsides:
Expensive, crowded, little peace and quiet
Where to stay on La Croisette
Here are the most iconic hotels on the La Croisette.
🔎 View current availability at hotels on La Croisette
Cannes’ most iconic beachfront hotels are in high demand, especially during events and peak summer months.
Le Suquet
Perched on a hill above the port, Le Suquet is Cannes’ historic quarter with cobbled streets, colorful facades, and panoramic views over the Bay of Cannes and the Vieux-Port or Old Port with its luxurious yachts. The Marché Forville market and plenty of authentic Provençal restaurants make it a foodie’s dream.
Staying here means soaking in old-world charm, exploring winding lanes, and enjoying lively evenings without being far from the beach. It’s also a more affordable base compared to La Croisette.
Le Suquet is the best place to stay in Cannes for first-timers, history, culture, and panoramic views.
Best for:
History, views, local vibe, budget travelers, foodies.
Downsides:
Steep streets, fewer hotels, farther from beaches.
Where to stay in Le Suquet
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Le Suquet.
🔎 Check availability at hotels in Le Suquet (Old Town)
Hotel options in Cannes’ historic quarter are limited and tend to book out well in advance.
City Center (La Banane)
Nicknamed La Banane because of its banana-shaped layout, the city center is Cannes’ most convenient hub. It’s where you’ll find Cannes’ train station, the Carré d’Or shopping hub with streets like Rue d’Antibes, and plenty of cafés, bistros, and mid-range hotels.
This is a practical base if you want to be well-connected by public transport, within walking distance of La Croisette, and close to both nightlife and shopping.
The City Center is the most central of all places to stay in Cannes and great for shopping and nightlife.
Best for:
Convenience, shopping, nightlife, budget and mid-range stays.
Downsides:
Busy, less charm, no beachfront hotels, possible night noise.
Where to stay in the City Center of Cannes
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Cannes Centre-Ville.
🔎 Browse hotels in Cannes City Center
This central area remains popular year-round thanks to its walkable layout and excellent transport links.
Pointe Croisette = Palm Beach
Pointe Croisette, often called Palm Beach, is the quieter eastern end of Cannes. It’s a more residential area with stunning views of the Lérins Islands and a relaxed vibe compared to La Croisette. Here, you’ll find sandy beaches, local restaurants, and a breezier atmosphere away from the crowds while still only being a short walk or bus ride from Cannes’ main attractions.
At the very tip sits the Palm Beach Club, a former casino that has hosted everything from glamorous galas to concerts and is now reimagined as a multi-purpose events and leisure space. It’s home to an exclusive members’ club, several high-end restaurants, and a nightclub.
Pointe Croisette is the best place to stay in Cannes for a laid-back beach experience and for family stays.
Best for:
Tranquility, sea views, local vibe, families, watersports.
Downsides:
Fewer hotels, farther from the Croisette and the central Cannes nightlife.
Where to stay in Pointe Croisette
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Pointe Croisette.
🔎 See available hotels in Pointe Croisette
This quieter beachfront area is particularly sought after for relaxed and family-friendly stays.
Basse Californie
Set back from La Croisette, Basse Californie is an elegant, leafy neighborhood with boutique hotels and some of the Riviera’s most prestigious properties. It feels exclusive yet quieter than the Croisette itself. Even though it’s mainly residential, you’ll still find plenty of local restaurants and shops in this area.
Staying here gives you a serene retreat within walking distance of the beach, while still being close enough to enjoy Cannes’ glamour. Basse Californie also offers a delightful panorama stretching from the Cap d’Antibes in the east to the Esterel Massif in the west.
Conclusion: Californie is the best area to stay in Cannes for panoramic views, a local experience, family stays, and long stays with day trips to other French Riviera destinations.
Best for:
Tranquility, upscale stays, longer trips.
Downsides:
Not directly on the beach, further from the Old Town, limited nightlife.
Where to stay in Basse Californie
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Basse Californie.
🔎 Explore hotels in Basse Californie
Boutique accommodations in this residential neighborhood are few and fill up quickly in high season.
More places to stay in Cannes and beyond
Cannes comprises more areas than the ones previously mentioned. Here are two more neighborhoods of Cannes and one just outside of the city that you might consider staying at, although they are located quite a bit away from the action.
La Croix-des-Gardes
La Croix-des-Gardes is an exclusive hilltop area west of Cannes, dotted with luxury villas and panoramic views. It offers stunning views over the city, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Lérins Islands from its privileged vantage point.
My accommodation suggestion for La Croix-des-Gardes is the Hôtel Château de la Tour, a classic beauty with a delightful pool amidst a gorgeous garden. The beach is just a short walk away.
This luxurious villa enjoys the most privileged vacation in a quiet street of La Croix-des-Gardes yet within walking distance of the city center of Cannes. What a gem! It has no less than 6 bedrooms and boasts a beautiful pool and sea views.
Bocca South
Bocca South is located west of La Croix-des-Gardes. This area had long been neglected but was recently transformed into a new social and cultural hub with a brand-new beachfront promenade. It offers a multitude of beaches along the Boulevard du Midi, and there are plenty of kiosks offering snacks and drinks.
Accommodation options are scarce in this part of Cannes. However, with the recent transformations, I believe that it’s just a matter of time before some hotels will start operating here.
Mandelieu La-Napoule
Mandelieu-la-Napoule is located even further west. While not technically in Cannes but still in the Bay of Cannes, it offers a peaceful seaside setting with beaches, a marina, and a historic chateau with its enchanting French Riviera gardens, all with a quieter, less frenetic vibe compared to downtown. Just hop on a bike – most hotels here offer bike rentals – and cycle the coastal path to the center of Cannes. It takes no more than half an hour.
My accommodation suggestions for Mandelieu-la-Napoule are the surfer-style Hôtel Casarose, the boutique-style Îlot du Golf BW Premier Collection, and the luxurious Ermitage de l’Oasis & Spa.
Best places to stay in Cannes: FAQ
What’s your favorite area to stay in Cannes?
That concludes my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Cannes, France. Have you visited this French Riviera city before? By now, you should have a good idea of which area in Cannes is right for you. If so, then don’t forget to book well in advance.
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