Cannes

Where the French Riviera's glittering glamour meets Mediterranean authenticity, and timeless elegance graces every sun-kissed corner.

Meet the Local Experts

Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.

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Mathilde

Nice, Cannes +1

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Hi! I am Mathilde, I am a certified tour guide and lecturer on the French Riviera. I have been living in Nice since 2015. I am passionate about history and architecture, art, museums, books and travel. Even after all these years on the Côte d’Azur, I am still amazed by its bright cities, hilltop villages, colorful markets, and breathtaking panoramas. This region, nestled between the sea and the mountains, is an endless source of history, culture, and emotion that I love sharing. Most of all, I like meeting people from all around the world and learning from their culture too.

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Anna

Paris, Deauville +13

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I’m a true “slasher”, driven by curiosity and a wide range of experiences that blend international cooperation, human resources, management, education, technology and tourism. Travel has been part of my identity for as long as I can remember. After growing up in a family of travelers, I started exploring the world on my own at the age of 14. Since then, I have embraced many different ways of traveling : volunteering, woofing, road trips, city breaks, shaolin immersion program, cruising, bike tours, wine expeditions, professional workshops, hiking, bivouacking and even canoe and boat trips, and much more are coming. For me, travel is not only about discovering new places; it is an opportunity to reinvent yourself, gain new perspectives, and grow through meaningful encounters. For the past two years, I have been working as a travel coordinator, designing, leading and facilitating groups around the world with one mission : creating exceptional human connections through adventure. My life is an adventure, come join me !

Explore locals

About Cannes

Cannes is a jewel on the French Riviera, renowned worldwide for its prestigious film festival, yet this sophisticated coastal city offers far more than red-carpet moments. Beyond the iconic Palais des Festivals, Cannes enchants visitors with its Belle Époque architecture, charming Old Town (Le Suquet) with winding cobblestone streets, and pristine pebble beaches that have attracted the world's elite for over a century. The city pulses with Mediterranean culture—from elegant yacht-lined harbors to intimate bistros serving bouillabaisse and fresh seafood.

What truly sets Cannes apart is experiencing it through the eyes of locals who know where to find authentic pastis bars away from the tourist masses, which neighborhood markets overflow with Provençal produce, and how the rhythm of daily life differs vastly from festival season glamour. A local can reveal the hidden terraces of Le Suquet, introduce you to family-run restaurants serving traditional Niçoise salade and socca (chickpea pancakes), and share stories of how this town transforms from serene coastal village to international epicenter.

Stay to explore the nearby Îles de Lérins—tranquil islands accessible by short ferry where you can swim in crystalline waters and visit historic monasteries. Cannes rewards those who venture beyond the Croisette with authentic Provence: lavender-scented markets, local wine tastings, and the genuine warmth of Mediterranean hospitality.

Best Time to Visit

Visit during May and September for perfect weather, fewer crowds than summer, and the magic of the film festival in May. June through August offers sun-soaked beach days but brings peak tourism; winter (November-March) provides mild weather and a more intimate atmosphere, though some venues have reduced hours.

Local Tips

Discover Le Suquet's Secret Corners

The narrow, steep streets of Old Town hide charming cafés, artisan shops, and the Castle of Cannes with panoramic views—but locals know the quietest times to visit and which family-run restaurants serve the best traditional Provençal fare. A local can guide you through passages tourists typically miss and share decades of neighborhood stories.

Shop at Marché Forville Like a Native

This daily morning market bursts with fresh fish, Provençal vegetables, olives, and local cheeses, but timing and knowing which vendors have the best produce is key. Locals will teach you the art of selecting the ripest tomatoes and introduce you to vendors who've served the community for generations.

Embrace the Apéritif Culture

Cannes' golden-hour ritual of pastis, rosé wine, and Provençal nibbles at a waterfront bar is sacred—but authenticity means knowing where wealthy locals gather versus where tourists congregate. A local will show you their favorite hidden terraces and the unwritten etiquette of leisurely evening drinks.