Beyond the Croisette by Land, Air and See: The Ultimate Côte d’Azur Playground
Saint-Tropez for lunch, the Corniches by vintage Carrera and the biggest DJ event Cannes has ever hosted.
During the Cannes Film Festival, the coastline transforms into a playground of superyachts, Champagne-fueled beach clubs, high-traffic helicopter routes and pop-up velvet-rope parties.
Here are THR‘s tips for some things to do beyond the usual Croisette spots.
By Land: Cruise the Corniches
Nothing captures the romance of the Côte d’Azur quite like driving the famed three Corniches — the trio of winding coastal roads connecting Nice to Menton high above the Mediterranean — in a vintage convertible (classicdrivers.co). With the top down and sea air rushing past, the route that passes through towns such as Èze, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and Beaulieu-sur-Mer feels lifted from an old Hollywood film. Sunlight flashes across cliffside villas while the coastline glitters below in stunning shades of blue.
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By Air: Explore the Riviera by Helicopter
In just 20 minutes by helicopter (blade.com), Cannes connects to the Riviera’s most glamorous destinations. Fly to Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière (a filming location for The White Lotus season 4) for beachside afternoons at Jardin Tropezina or lunch at Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez overlooking Pampelonne Beach. Or head east to Monaco for Champagne and people-watching at Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, the legendary brasserie overlooking Casino Square that has drawn celebrities, royalty and Riviera regulars for more than 150 years.
By Sea: Yacht Days Along the Côte d’Azur
During the fest, yachts become floating private clubs and exclusive event venues as Cannes is best experienced from the water (arthaudyachting.com). The Lérins Islands offer a serene escape from the Croisette, where superyachts anchor in turquoise coves for rosé-soaked lunches, Champagne-fueled sunset cocktails and afternoons spent swimming off Sainte-Marguerite Island. Nearby Saint-Honorat offers peaceful vineyard tastings and abbey-produced wines beside the sea. Visit the legendary feet-in-the-sand La Guérite for Mediterranean seafood, DJs and glamorous lunches beneath the pines.
By Day: The Beach Clubs
The Croisette transforms into one long Riviera runway where sun worshippers drift between the beach clubs. Plage du Martinez channels old Hollywood elegance with striped loungers, crisp rosé and fantastic people-watching. Every chair features the name of an iconic celebrity. Nearby, La Môme Plage captures the spirit of 1950s Riviera glamour with Mediterranean cuisine, Champagne lunches and an atmosphere inspired by La Dolce Vita. Meanwhile, Ciro’s Cannes, the legendary Deauville jet-set institution reimagined on the Majestic’s private beach, serves its signature bouillabaisse and cocktails in a chic maritime setting.
By Night: Palm Beach Cannes
After a 2024 reimagining, the almost-century-old Palm Beach Cannes is the Riviera’s defining after-dark destination. During the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, the waterfront complex transforms into a glamorous nightlife playground with the arrival of Raspoutine Cannes at FLASH, a hidden speakeasy-inspired bar designed by Hugo Toro. Nearby, KLUB Cannes takes over the historic Alain Delon Ballroom with performances by Peggy Gou, Black Coffee, RÜFÜS DU SOL and Adriatique, while Medusa delivers seductive cabaret performances, theatrical staging and glamorous late-night dining beside the Mediterranean.
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