Cannes: My French Riviera Dream
We tendered in and the first thing we saw were the handprints of stars outside the Palais des Festivals – I put my hand in Depp's and felt ridiculously happy. The Croisette at 9 a.m. was already perfect – palm trees, art-deco hotels, and the Mediterranean sparkling like diamonds. We rented loungers at Plage Goëland and spent the morning swimming in water so clear we could see fish darting under us.
We had lunch — salade niçoise and cold rosé at a beach restaurant while watching yachts parade past. In the afternoon we took the ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite – pine forests, fortress where the Man in the Iron Mask was held, and secret coves where we swam alone. The contrast between glitzy Cannes and wild island paradise twenty minutes away is addictive.
Getting Around Cannes
Tender drops you at the old port – everything on the Croisette is walkable. Ferries to the islands leave every 30 minutes.
Positively Worded Word of Warning
The public beaches fill fast – arrive early or embrace the private beach club vibe for the full Cannes experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cannes worth it?
A: Pure French Riviera glamour and island escape in one day.
Q: Best thing?
A: Morning Croisette + afternoon Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Q: How long for the island?
A: 4 hours round-trip with swimming.
Q: Walk from tender?
A: Yes – right onto La Croisette.