Food, luxury and thrills in Cannes

Cannes is famed for its film festival and its fine dining, representing the epitome of the glamor and sophistication of the Côte d'Azur. Explore the playground of the rich and famous with this guide to what to see and eat in this distinctive French city.

Cannes is home to incredible restaurants that plate up everything from provincial French cuisine to modern brasserie fare. Food isn't the only highlight of this golden city by the sea though, with tours to the Lérins Islands and visits to the eclectic Musée de la Castre ensuring that both mind and body are equally indulged. Our Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso, Cannes is situated right in the city's center to keep you close to all the lights, cameras and action.

No trip to Cannes is complete without a trip to Le Manoir. This picturesque restaurant in a beautiful old house serves up some of the finest French cuisine around, ideal for a romantic meal. Highlights on the menu include a rich risotto with scallops, creamy lobster linguine, and honey-roasted pineapple, while the magret de canard poêlé is a classic, cooked to perfection.

France and wine go together hand in hand, and Le Bouche À Oreille is the perfect place to experience this match made in heaven. Unwind in the lively bar with a glass of Chorey les Beaune and several complementary tapas, which include classic foie gras, Mont d'or cheese, and tempura prawns.

A gem in the heart of Cannes, Da Mimmo has a divine menu and a reputation for authentic Italian dishes and reasonable prices. The pizzas, topped with bresaola or assortimento legumi, rival anything you'll find across the border, and the spaghetti vongole makes excellent use of the city's seaside location.

Old Town Cannes, known as Le Suquet, is situated on a hill overlooking the city, with winding cobblestone roads leading up to its summit. Although it's a steep journey up, it's worth making the effort for the views from the castle ramparts. The narrow streets are lined with cafés and restaurants, so if you do need to stop for refreshments you'll have your pick of venues.

The city is well known for its yearly film festival – one of the most prestigious in the world. This glittering event takes place each May, premiering highly anticipated films as well as more obscure, independent productions. It's held at the beachfront Palais des Festivals, which also hosts a bustling program of events all year round.

The Lérins Islands are home to some unusual flora and fauna, and the distinctive aroma of pine and eucalyptus drifts down to the coast to welcome those disembarking from their ferries. Only a 15-minute boat ride from Cannes, you can discover the now obsolete military fortress Fort Royal, as well as the Musée de la Mer, where the Man in the Iron Mask was held captive during the reign of Louis XIV. One of the islands is now inhabited solely by monks.

The Monaco Grand Prix is less than an hour's drive from Cannes, making it an easy day trip from the city. One of the most important and respected sporting events in the world (and one of the most star-studded), the track is famous for producing F1 champions in nail-biting races.