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. Find out where to stay based on your travel plans.
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Quick list of best places to stay in Cannes
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of the best areas and hotels in Cannes.
Best areas to stay in Cannes France
Sightseeing -> Le Suquet
Beaches -> La Croisette & Pointe Croisette
Families -> Pointe Croisette & Basse Californie
Budget -> Bocca South & La Croix-des-Gardes
Shopping -> Croisette & Centre-Ville
Nightlife -> Croisette & Centre-Ville
Day trips -> Basse Californie & Mandelieu la-Napoule
Tranquility -> Pointe Croisette & Basse Californie
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.
Best places to stay in Cannes: Map
This interactive layout of the city will help you locate the various places to stay in Cannes. Click the neighborhood of your choice to navigate directly to an in-depth overview of that specific area in Cannes or continue reading to discover them all.
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 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.
There’s a wonderful promenade that links the Croisette to the best beaches and beach clubs in Cannes. La Croisette is the ultimate place to stay for a classic Cannes experience, endless people-watching from chic cafes, or a chic Cannes honeymoon.
Pros to staying on the Croisette are the indulgent atmosphere, the beachfront location, and the high-end shopping, dining, and nightlife around the corner. Cons are the steep prices and the lack of tranquility.
Conclusion: La Croisette is where to stay in Cannes for couples, for beaches and iconic hotels (many of which come with a private beach club).
Where to stay on La Croisette
Here are the most iconic hotels on the La Croisette.
Le Suquet
Le Suquet is the historic quarter of Cannes located on a hill overlooking the city and Bay of Cannes. This medieval neighborhood has a charming, village-like atmosphere with narrow, winding streets, lively plazas, and traditional French restaurants and boutiques.
The main attraction of the Old Town is the Marché Forville, one of the most popular Provençal markets on the French Riviera. Other highlights in this area are the Tour du Mont Chevalier, stunning lookout points offering panoramic views, and the Musée des Explorations du Monde (Museum of World Explorations). Down the hill, you’ll find the Vieux-Port or Old Port, where you can admire some of the most luxurious yachts.
Pros to staying in Le Suquet area are the picturesque views, the pedestrian-friendliness, and the relatively easy access to the beach and the Croisette. Cons are the steep streets that make it challenging to navigate and the lack of hotels.
Conclusion: Le Suquet is where to stay in Cannes for first-timers, history, culture, and panoramic views.
Where to stay in Le Suquet
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Le Suquet.
City Center (La Banane)
Just back from La Croisette is the Centre-Ville or City Center of Cannes. The streets are lined with local bakeries, upscale boutiques, gastronomic restaurants, lively cafés, and lounge clubs.
The Rue d’Antibes is the main shopping street and marks the northern border of the luxurious Carré d’Or of Golden Square situated between the Rue Mahé, the Rue Victor Cousin, and the Croisette.
In addition to being the commercial heart of Cannes, this neighborhood is also one of the most coveted residential areas thanks to the wide array of exclusive residences.
So, what’s up with the banana? The city center more or less coincides with what locals – and especially real estate agents – call La Banane after the shape of the area. Although, depending on the source, La Banane may also include the easternmost part of Le Suquet starting from the Marché Forville.
Pros to staying in the City Center are the lively atmosphere, the central location with easy access to both the Old Town and the beaches, and the excellent value for money in terms of accommodations. A con may be the crowds and the nightly noise associated with it. Also, if you arrive by car, then the one-way circulation can make it quite challenging to reach your destinations.
Conclusion: The City Center is the most central of all places to stay in Cannes and great for shopping and nightlife.
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.
Pointe Croisette = Palm Beach
The Pointe Croisette lies south of the Californie area and comprises the easternmost part of the Boulevard de Croisette, where it bends off towards the south.
This quiet peninsula offers a laid-back, residential feel and lovely views of the bay and the Lérins Islands offshore. It houses three harbors: Port Pierre Canto, Port du Mouré Rouge, and Port Pointe Croisette at the very tip. It’s also the starting point for the regattas organized by the Cannes Yacht Club.
In between, you’ll find luxury apartments, small local shops, seafood restaurants, sandy beaches, and numerous pétanque terrains.
This peninsula is often referred to as Palm Beach after the iconic casino that was built here in the Interbellum. The striking architectural landmark in Art Deco style infused with Moorish elements has recently undergone a massive renovation and is ready to reclaim its position as a premium beachfront entertainment hub. Highlights include a waterfront saltwater pool, exclusive restaurants, luxury boutiques, a wellness area, the Nammos Beach Club, and a private members’ club.
Pros to staying in the Pointe Croisette are the pleasant, convivial vibe and the watersports activities. A con is that it’s located quite a distance from the Old Town of Le Suquet and the glamour of the Croisette and the Carré d’Or. Then again, you can easily hop on the Palm Bus to reach these areas.
Conclusion: Pointe Croisette is where to stay in Cannes for a laid-back beach experience and for family stays.
Where to stay in Pointe Croisette
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Pointe Croisette.
Basse Californie
The leafy residential area of Basse Californie or Lower California is located uphill from the Pointe Croisette peninsula and offers a delightful panorama stretching from the Cap d’Antibes in the east to the Esterel Massif in the west.
The hill is dotted with elegant residences and historic mansions, gardens and parks. Even though it’s mainly residential, you’ll still find plenty of local restaurants and shops in this area.
Pros to staying in Basse Californie are the tranquil neighborhood feel, the verdant surroundings, and the easy access to the highway. A con is that the most uphill neighborhoods of Basse Californie are situated away from the Old Town of Le Suquet, the Croisette, and the beaches and that it lacks some of that coastal energy.
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.
Where to stay in Basse Californie
Here’s my hand-picked selection of the best places to stay in Basse Californie.
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 find 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.
Bocca South
Bocca South is located west of La Croix-des-Gardes. This area had long time 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, 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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