Cannes has long held the attention of the world’s most discerning travellers. From the glamour of the Croisette to the quiet elegance of its hillside estates, this is where cinematic beauty meets complete seclusion. Bluemoon’s selection of luxury villa rentals in Cannes offer sophisticated stays to enjoy while you’re in the Riviera, and this travel guide serves as the director’s cut of Cannes: a refined, insider’s take on how to experience the city at its most considered.
Fly to Cannes in comfort and complete privacy with Bluemoon. Whether you’re arriving from London, New York, or beyond, our team handles every detail for a seamless journey. Arrange a fully regulated private jet to Cannes and enjoy an experience that matches the elegance of your destination.
Cannes is where elegance feels effortless. From its storied boulevards and Belle Époque villas to the quiet glamour of hillside estates, the city has long drawn those who move in style and value discretion. Whether you’re here for the season or just the weekend, Cannes offers a rare blend of cultural richness, architectural beauty, and Riviera ease.
Cannes moves to its own rhythm, one that is glamorous, sun-soaked and always in season.
In May, the city becomes the epicentre of the film world as the Cannes Film Festival draws the finest directors, stars and industry heavyweights, with premiers at the Palais and private afterparties unfolding aboard yachts and in hillside villas. Not long after that, the Cannes Lions Festival transforms the Croisette into a playground for creatives, executives, and brand tastemakers.
Summer is truly the high point through as Cannes comes alive. You'll be invited to a lunch, that will go long and will end up board a yacht moored just offshore before heading to an open-air soirée that begins with a spritz and will probably end with a night dancing under the stars. Private concerts, exclusive art showings, and pop up beach clubs make July and August feel like an endless invitation.
By September, the light will begin to soften, the crowds will begin to set and the pace of Cannes shift. From here onwards, Cannes feels like it's local again. The Cannes Yachting Festival kicks off the season's return to leisure, as some of the world's most exclusive vessels show up to make their mark. Here's an ideal time to settle into villa life: slower mornings, cooler evenings and the city at its most generous.
From high-octane to hush-hush, Cannes always has something on the calendar.
A curated guide to the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods, hidden gems, and refined ways to experience the French Riviera.
Long favoured by aristocrats, artists and Riviera royalty, La Californie remains one of Cannes' most exclusive destinations. Here, quiet roads wind through landscaped estates shaded by pines and palms. In the golden era of Riviera living, this was the pinnacle. Spend your morning wandering the Chemin des Collines, explore the boutiques of Rue d’Antibes or take your coffee in the gardens of the Parc de la Villa Domergue, a 1930s villa turned cultural venue with views across the sea to the Lérins Islands. If you're looking for gastronomic exploration, then head to Villa Archange. Bruno Oger's modern Mediterranean menu has impressed the finest film stars, and earned him two Michelin stars. The environment is refined yet inviting, making it a wonderful place to dine. For a more relaxed approach, visit Restaurant La Californie. This brasserie offers unpretentious classics with innovative twists, and a great selection of cocktails including various spritzes.
Climb into the eastern hills and you'll find Super Cannes. Here you'll find space, sea views, and crisp modern architecture. The bold, glass-fronted homes are built for entertaining. An invitation to sunset drinks on a multi-level terrace should never be turned down. If you stay in Super Cannes, you can enjoy watching fireworks from your infinity pool during the Festival or charter a helicopter for lunch in Saint-Tropez. Super Cannes quickly became one of the most desirable places to be. You're also close to the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, and Vallauris, once home to Picasso, is a great spot for discovering locally made pottery.
If you seek a slower pace and a little more privacy, head west to Croix-des-Gardes. The protected parkland reserves that surround it are where Cannes softens. The villas in this area lean Provençal. You’ll find terracotta rooftops, weathered shutters, and the scent of jasmine and rosemary from mature gardens.
A forested hike through the Parc Naturel Forestier is the perfect way to explore the natural surroundings. Pause at the lookout near the Croix itself for sweeping views of the Bay of Cannes. Wander through Marché Forville, one of the city's oldest markets, which offers a fabulous array of produce, from artisan cheese to rosé bottled just up the coast. Once you're done shopping, head back to your shaded terrace and enjoy dinner under the olive trees with your freshly bought ingredients. This is Cannes at its most meditative.
If you prefer to be near the water and in the middle of the action, Palm Beach delivers. Set at the eastern tip of the Croisette peninsula, here you’ll find Cannes’ wildest beaches and some of its liveliest beach clubs. Start your morning at Plage Bijou, enjoying the peace of the calm water before the sun gets high, then paddleboard or take a tender out to the Lérins Islands before returning for a long lunch at La Môme Plage, where chilled rosé and fresh lobster are always on the menu.
By night, you're within arm's reach of everything you'll need in Cannes. The clubs, casinos, and exclusive quieter lounges are all waiting for you along the shoreline. Expect to stay out late and indulge in it all.
The cinematic heart of Cannes. It's where Belle Époque mansions sit side by side with designer boutiques. Brunch at Cafe Creme will fuel you up for a day of exploration along Rue d'Antibes, where the latest fashion houses and French labels showcase their newest collections. You’ll find something ideal for an evening of champagne and oysters at Fred l'Ecailler, although any outfit will struggle to outshine Chef Fred's signature red beanie, worn year-round.
This part of Cannes never truly winds down. It's full of early mornings tinged with sea air and late-night adventures. If you're staying here, you won't need a car, just a good pair of sunglasses come morning.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the gateway to the French Riviera. During peak times, it can be extremely busy. Fortunately, you can skip the queues and chaos by arriving even closer to your destination with a private jet charter to Cannes. Arrive into Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) and enjoy a quick 15-minute drive into central Cannes. You can also take a helicopter transfer directly to your villa, or to Port Canto or the Old Port, where your private yacht awaits.
