It’s famous for its film festival, but with sapphire waters, grandiose hotels, and a seemingly endless flow of rosé, Cannes has so much more to offer. Despite its reputation as an international playground for the rich and famous, this Riviera town is distinctly French. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic. The lobby oozes effortless French style, with tall columns, fresh flowers, and modern chandeliers. You’re greeted with a glass of rosé from Provence, and the air is thick with the smell of lilies and orange—perfume from a famous factory in the nearby hills.
Stroll across the boulevard and snag a lounge chair under a line of chic white parasols. Lunch is an exercise in minimalism: simple vegetables picked at the height of ripeness, super-creamy Burrata, and more local wine, followed by decadence in the form of dark-chocolate mousse gilded with gold leaf. Or satisfy your sweet tooth in the kitchen as you learn to make raspberry Napoleons and other rich desserts (after all, who does pastry better than the French?) at one of Hôtel Majestic’s pastry classes.
And when in Cannes, you must get out on the water. There’s every kind of watersport imaginable—parasailing, jet skiing, and catamaran charters along the coast to Saint Tropez. Or, take a short boat ride across the water, to Saint Honorat Island, to tour the 11th-century Lerins Abbey and relax in its vineyards for a wine tasting.
Once the sun sets, reserve Hôtel Majestic’s plush projection room and settle into one of the cushy armchairs for a film (screenings are held here during the festival) or take a short walk into town. During the day, big-name designers share the streets with small storefronts and flower markets. At night, the town buzzes with energy as well-heeled locals and tourists overflow into the streets from restaurants and bars. After traditional Provençal dishes at La Mère Besson, head to the Palm Beach Casino for table games and people watching that lasts until the wee hours of the morning.
The next day, recover from your night on the town at the hotel’s Clarins spa, or head back to the beach and soak up the sun with yet another glass of rosé.
Deluxe sea view rooms start at $500 per night.