The Best Things to Do in Cannes Year-Round

For hitting reset, Cannes has plenty of spas to choose from. Opened in October of 2022, Villa Belle Plage takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering targeted programs to support short- and long-term well-being. Designed by Raphael Navot (Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers, Le 39V, Silencio), the space feels contemporary and organic, with smooth, undulating lines and a minimalist color palette. Their experts offer everything from HydraFacials© to Watsu water massages to sports concierge services. “We take care of everything—energy, muscles, and mind,” Hôtel Belle Plage director Jad Aboukhater told me. 

At the zen Spa Diane Barrière, guests are pampered with signature treatments from Ligne St Barth (body masks, peeling massages, and more) and cult French favorite Biologique Recherche (oxygen facials, Micropuncture facials, and more). Also available for booking: hair care, waxing, makeup, and more.

Where to stay in Cannes

Opened in 1926, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is one of the quintessential Cannes properties. The lobby sets the scene for a grand entrance, with soaring ceilings, gilded sculptures, and cascading art deco light fixtures. Rooms are stately and serene, outfitted in muted tones like cream and taupe, with sweeping views of the bay. The hotel also offers ultra-luxe suites, each with a distinct design theme (like Riviera and Christian Dior), and a penthouse suite with a heated rooftop pool and 360-degree views of the city, from the hills to the sea stretching across the horizon. During my visit, the city was quiet but the bar at Fouquet’s was lively as ever. There, you’ll find a thoughtful drink menu from veteran mixologist Emanuele Balestra. Onsite restaurants include Fouquet’s and Paradiso, a Mediterranean brasserie that opens during the warmer seasons. 

While iconic hotels like Le Majestic and the Martinez are infused with Cannes’ history, over in Le Suquet district, Hôtel Belle Plage offers a contemporary alternative and a fresh perspective of the city. With materials like white stone and terrazzo, the design by Raphael Navot feels like an elegant Greek island getaway with a millennial sensibility. The hotel features 45 rooms as well as eight apartments imagined as longer-term pied-à-terres.

Five Seas Hotel is a stylish refuge just steps from the Palais des Festivals. Rooms feature charming accents like leather trunks and canopied beds. Don’t miss the heated pool, the spa by Phytomer, or the rooftop restaurant, Le Roof, with panoramic views of the city.

A short car ride from Cannes, in nearby Antibes, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is the epitome of French Riviera glamor. Dating back to 1870, the hotel was first envisioned by Le Figaro’s founder, Auguste De Villemessant, who saw the natural surroundings as a place of inspiration for writers. The secluded retreat has welcomed Picasso, Chagall, and Scott Fitzgerald, and many more creative minds. Today, hotel highlights include several restaurants led by Eric Frechon (Le Bristol Paris’s three-Michelin-starred chef), the Spa Eden-Roc by Swiss brand La Prairie, and private villa rentals.