Cannes

It is a perfect holiday destination, from the "Palais des Festivals" in the west, to the Port Pierre Canto in the east, the Croisette unrolls like a fresco in a symphony of colours. It boldly declares its elegance, with its luxury hotels, its Festivals and its shops with their famous names.

Summer and winter alike, beaches of fine sand provide the ideal setting for a relaxing holiday, with 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, mild winters and a perfect situation sheltered from the continental winds by the surrounding hills.

There are many activities available according to your mood or the season such as sailing, horse-riding, skiing, tennis or golf (there are 13 golf-courses set in the local area).

Give way to temptation of Mediterranean specialties (bouillabaisse, aioli and ratatouille), rub shoulders with the local truffle, garlic, and the black pearl (the olive). The town is studded with "gourmet addresses" where you can taste the charms of this colorful cuisine and appreciate the thousand and one delights it offers.

The night-life of casinos, bars, restaurants and musical fireworks evenings offer an event for all occasions.

Just as coquettish as the Croisette, and parallel to it, the Rue d’Antibes offers a host of showcases to enchant you when you go shopping. Perfumeries, jewellers, florists, designer clothing, confectioners and tea shops patisseries adorn the street.

The Forville Market offers a more traditional and cultural shopping experience, similar to that enjoyed by the Provencal culture. Local farmers and fishermen sell their produce here – while Monday is set aside for the flea-market.

This is the Cannes of "legends and traditions". Crowned by the ramparts of the Tour Sarrasine, Le Suquet overlooks the old harbour and bears living witness to the past : Saint Anne's Chapel (12th century), the Castre Museum, and the church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance, built in the 17th century. In July this is the majestic setting for the Suquet Musical Nights, with concerts by famous musicians, conductors and soloists.