It doesn’t get chicer than Cannes, famous for its annual film festival and, of course, its International Boat Show (of which Sunseeker takes a pivotal role). Whether you’re stopping by on your Sunseeker yacht, or visiting for a sun-soaked weekend, we’ve got the ultimate guide to the French Riviera’s capital of cool.

History, haute couture, and fantastic food; you’ll find everything in Cannes, whether it’s on the boutique-filled streets fanning out from the seafront, or the Boulevard de la Croisette – a great starting point for an exploration of the town. Visitors can now enjoy even easier access to Cannes’ finest stretches of sand, thanks to a regeneration project which not only widened these beaches but improved their appearance.

Foodies have always been well catered for here, and 2023 restaurant openings include Zuma, for contemporary Japanese cuisine, and fine dining restaurant Nammos, where you’ll find the finest cuts of beef alongside the French Riviera’s freshest seafood. Bella Restaurant atop the Hotel Belle Plage, designed by legendary architect Raphael Navot and opened in spring 2022. If you’re spending the night, book the hotel’s Belle Plage suite – sea views don’t get better than this. We recommend dinner at Le Salama, on Carré D’Or (Golden Square), the menu pays tribute to the Mediterranean’s tastiest ingredients, whether it’s the almonds in the chicken pastilla or the pine nuts served with the tuna tartare. 

Wondering how to work off your indulgences? A stroll along La Croisette should be your first port of call, although we recommend seeking out Cannes’ lesser-known treasures. One of the more unusual places worth visiting is Île Saint-Honorat, which is also a monastery, the monks have been making wine using grapes grown in the island’s vineyard for centuries.

There’s also never been more reasons to head below the waves in Cannes. In 2021, France’s first underwater museum was unveiled in the waters surrounding Sainte-Marguerite Island. Comprising six statues designed by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, it’s surprisingly accessible – simply slip on your snorkel. It takes 15 minutes to get to the island – and museum – by boat, and, for those that are sadly sans a Sunseeker yacht, there are regular ferries from Cannes.

Finally, make sure you visit Les Allées de la Liberté, with its colourful fairground carousel and armies of passionate boules players. A recent renovation of this historic boulevard added more greenery (including towering jacarandas) and has pedestrianised surrounding streets such as Rue Bivouac Napoléon – a street whose namesake would, we suspect, thoroughly approve of Cannes’ recent transformation.

Cannes is a melting pot; a fusion of old glamour and new, ambitious luxury projects. September is the perfect month to explore and visit, the August tourists have gone, the weather is more temperate, and the restaurants are not as full. Not to mention the Cannes Yachting Festival 2023, which will be held from the 12th–17th September. There will be almost 600 boats on show, including the latest Sunseeker motor yachts (discover the full line up here). Feast your eyes on the latest models and indulge your senses with a visit to one of the wonderful restaurants which overlook the harbour.

The saying goes, ‘Paris, is always a good idea,’ but this September, the ‘good idea’ will always be, Cannes. We will see you there, just don’t forget to stop by and say ‘salut’ to the Sunseeker representatives at the Show..