It's nearly that time of year again. With the 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival taking place on the 14th-25th May, Rent in France takes a look at what else there is to see and do whilst visiting the jewel of the South. If you are planning a trip soon, take a look at our property directory for self-catering villas apartments in Cannes. 

Take a stroll along the Bay of Cannes

The wonderful La Croisette promenade curving around the bay is the beautiful image so often associated with Cannes. Take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the performances put on for all the people watchers, which can include a clown on stilts, rollerbladers and/or maybe even some acrobatics. There will likely be a mix of young, beautiful families, overly-tanned ladies with pom pom dogs who are still wearing furs in June (the ladies, not the dogs!). Stop for a drink or a bite to eat at one of the bars or restaurants along the promenade and relax. 

Explore the Cinema Scene 

The Palais des Festivals wasn't always the attractive location it is today... when it is a far better photo backdrop for those dressed up to the nines. Down the side of the building, many famous movie figures have left their hand-prints set in the pavement. Where one neglected, this stretch has aptly been renaimed 'Chemin des Etoiles' and the prints have been set in stainless steel. 

Enjoy the View from Cannes' Grand Palace Hotels

As you walk along the seafront, enjoy the view of the palace hotels lined up like gems on the other side of the road. These are the Majestic Hotel, and beyond it La Malmaison, a private 19th-century mansion open to the public; the belle époque Carlton Hotel; the more modern Palais Stéphanie (now known as the JW Marriott), incorporating the façade of the former Palais des Festivals, and the art deco Hotel Martinez. In between the hotels are various gardens, the odd playground here and there and stretches of water where you will probably lose your child (and/or husband) to the remote-controlled boats. 

Explore Le Suquet

Before the rich and famous descended upon it in droves, Cannes was just a small fishing village. The old quarter still remains to this day and is called Le Suquet. Visit during the morning or late evening in order to get a real sense of the atmosphere and local culture. Start on Rue St Antoine and potter away to your hearts' content.

Visit La Musée de la Castre

Situated at the top of Le Suquet hill, this 11th Century Monastery was once the headquarters of the monks of Lerin. Now home to an assortment of historic collections (from archaeo-material to musical instruments and a first-class assembly of ethnic art and artefacts from the five continents) it's well worth a visit. It's worth noting that on the first Sunday of the month from November to March, it is free. If you can manage the 109 steps to the top, the views from the top of the tower are spectacular!

Visit the Nearby Secret Islands

Did you know that just 10 minutes offshore from Cannes are the Iles de Lérins, two lovely islands that shy away from the glitz and glamour of Cannes? It's a fun excursion to hop on the boat and visit Ile Ste-Marguérite and Ile St-Honorat. However, it isn't possible to do a round-trip of both and you will have to return to Cannes inbetween. 

Ile Ste-Marguérite is the larger of the two islands. The minute you step off the ferry, the smell of pine and eucalyptus will hit you... it truly is beautiful. The island has a few small restaurants but they are notably expensive. Why not pack a picnic basket full of fresh and delicious local produce, and when hunger strikes, find a lovely spot for lunch?

Ile St-Honorat is home to a fortified Medieval monastery and has been run by monks for the past 1500 years. It is a peaceful and modest island, which allows visitors but only as long as they are tranquil, modest and not topless.  Visit the monastery at the tip of the island, (the most important in Christendom) patroned by Popes and pilgrims. After this, stop off at the more modern monastery shop and browse the handmade wine and spirits made by the monks on St Honorat. Warning though - they are pricey! 

Perhaps all the above has filled you with a longing to visit Cannes or maybe you've visited before but haven't explored much. You might even wish to coincide your visit with Festival de Cannes. Either way, be sure to check out the Rent in France website for hundreds of self-catering holiday rentals including villas and apartments in and around Cannes. There are no booking fees and no 'hidden charges'.