A favourite amongst A-listers, Cannes perfectly captures the glamour and allure of the French Riviera. Even when it’s not film festival season, it remains a popular place for the rich and famous who moor their superyachts here to enjoy the town’s beaches, nightlife and shopping. But look beyond the red carpet and you’ll find many places brimming with character, be it foodie villages to leafy neighbourhoods and heritage towns.

Can’t decide where to stay in Cannes? That’s where we come in. Our travel experts here at Plum Guide have picked out seven of the best areas to call home – have a read-through and choose which one you’d like to make your next holiday destination.

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For first-timers wondering where to stay in Cannes, we think the charming Old Town is a great option. Also known as Le Suquet, this neighbourhood wouldn’t go amiss on a postcard with its cobblestone lanes and traditional architecture. Perched on a hill, the views from up here are second to none. Burn some calories with a walk to the very top for breathtaking panoramas of the city and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Another fantastic viewpoint is the Tour du Mont Chevalier, a medieval watchtower dating back to the 11th century – we recommend climbing the tower at sunset for some brilliant photo opportunities.

Snaps taken, stroll down Rue St-Antoine, the Old Town’s main street. This pedestrian-friendly area is chock-full of shops and boutiques selling everything from local crafts to antiques. At the foot of the Old Town is Le Marché Forville, an open-air market where you can browse stalls filled with local produce like cheeses and herbs. If you’re in need of something a little more substantial, the Old Town is the best place to be hungry. It has a rich culinary scene, with everything from cosy bistros to high-end dining.

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Just a few kilometres west of Cannes Old Town is La Bocca, a lovely district perfect for families or couples looking for something a little more relaxed than the city centre. The neighbourhood is home to a handful of sun-soaked beaches, such as the main public beach of Plage de la Bocca. With its golden sands, calm waters and kiosks along the boardwalk where you can grab a bite to eat, this is the perfect place to spend the day. There’s also a local park with shaded green spaces and sports facilities should the kids get tired of the beach (unlikely, but just in case).

La Bocca is a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of activities in and around the area. The nearby Estérel Mountains are one of the most beautiful natural areas on the French Riviera, providing numerous hiking trails through lush gorges and up to the peak of Mont Vinaigre, the highest point of the Estérel Massif. There’s also the turquoise Saint-Cassien lake, a perfect alternative to Cannes’ busy beaches.

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Also known as the Promenade de la Croisette, this road is the beating heart of Cannes. Stretching for 3 kilometres, the boulevard runs parallel to the town’s picturesque beaches, with far-reaching views of the sea. It’s the best choice if you’re wondering where to stay in Cannes to be at the heart of the action.

If you’re in town for the Cannes Film Festival (lucky you), this is where you’ll find the event’s venue, the renowned Palais des Festivals. If you didn’t get an invite this time 'round, there’s still plenty to do in the area. The beaches are La Croisette’s main appeal, and staying here means you’ll have direct access to fine sands. There are public beaches such as Plage Mace and Plage du Casino, as well as private beaches like Baoli Beach and Croisette Beach.

Meanwhile, shoppers can splash the cash at the many high-end stores and designer boutiques offering all the latest fashion trends – keep your eyes peeled as you may bump into a celebrity or two. The promenade is also home to many eateries, be it fancy restaurants or more casual joints. One of our favourites is La Mandala for light bites and cocktails on the sand.

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The upscale neighbourhood of La Croix-des-Gardes is one of Cannes’ best places to stay if you’re looking to be surrounded by greenery. At its heart is the leafy Parc de la Croix-des-Gardes, a natural park covering just under 200 acres. It’s full of Mediterranean flora like umbrella pines, maquis and mimosas, as well as a friendly family of donkeys who tend the grounds.

The park is a haven for nature lovers who can spend time walking the network of trails and admiring various species of birds and butterflies. But these trails aren’t just a walk in the park (excuse the pun) – some of them are actually quite challenging, so don’t be surprised if you break a sweat. Many of the walks have wonderful views of the Bay of Cannes and the Estérel Mountains.

While most people come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the centre of Cannes is just a few kilometres away. This easy access allows for a nice balance between the city’s attractions and peaceful nature. When you feel like switching park benches for sun loungers, the popular Plage du Midi is the closest beach.

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Just a twenty-minute drive inland from Cannes is the hilltop village of Mougins. It has an old-world charm about it, with stone houses, ancient buildings and winding streets. In fact, it’s so charming that it’s attracted many artists over the years, including Matisse, Chagall and Picasso. This artistic heritage can be explored through various galleries like the Mougins Center of Photography and the Mougins Museum of Classical Art.

The village is also known for its excellent food scene, so if you’re a foodie wondering where to stay in Cannes, look no further than this culinary haven. You’ll come across many restaurants serving traditional French fare and a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants should you be looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion. Each year, Mougins hosts an international gastronomy festival where the village transforms into an open-air theatre of cooking demonstrations, workshops and tastings – this isn’t one to miss for any gourmand.

When you’re not busy indulging in exquisite dishes or admiring artwork, the best thing to do in Mougins is to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, there are plenty of opportunities for leisurely strolls and bike rides around the village.

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Nicknamed the ‘French capital of ceramics’, the town of Vallauris is just a fifteen-minute drive from Cannes. Bursting at the seams with history and craftsmanship, it provides an interesting alternative to staying in the centre of Cannes. Its ceramic and pottery heritage dates back to ancient times, but gained prominence in the 20th century when renowned artists flocked to the town – even Picasso set up shop in Vallauris, creating several ceramic works. Today, you can pop into the many studios and galleries to purchase unique pieces or even have a go at making one yourself. Don’t miss the International Biennial of Ceramics, showcasing contemporary pieces by artists from around the world.

Take a walk through the quaint old streets to the Vallauris Castle-Museum, one of the few Renaissance buildings in the area. It’s home to three museums – the Picasso National Museum: War and Peace, the Magnelli Museum and the Museum of Ceramics.

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Still a part of Vallauris, the seaside area of Golfe-Juan boasts sandy beaches and a bustling marina. Laze around on a choice of public or private shores, or switch things up with a boat trip to admire the coastline from the water. There are a variety of tours leaving from the marina, taking you to other destinations along the Riviera including Monaco, Saint-Tropez, the Corniche d’Or and the Lerins Islands. If you want to feel the sea spray on your face, there are many opportunities for watersports like paddle boarding or jet-skiing. With a large choice of diving sites just off the coast, Golfe-Juan is also a great place to learn to scuba dive.

Vallauris is the only remaining town in France that still harvests and distils the flowers of the Seville orange tree, also known as the bitter orange tree. The slopes surrounding the town are covered in thousands of trees, and each spring, the flowers and fruit are handpicked and produced into products like perfumes, jams, marmalades, beauty products and aperitifs. If you fancy picking up a few products, the orange growers’ cooperative, Nerolium, has a few shops, including one in Golfe-Juan.

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