Tucked beside the Jardin des Tuileries, Hôtel Le Poussin brings a quieter kind of Riviera glamour to Cannes - intimate, design-led and effortlessly understated. With its striped loungers, soft Mediterranean palette and relaxed terrace scene, the boutique hotel feels both timeless and distinctly modern, offering a calm retreat just moments from the festival frenzy.

Perched above the red rocks of Théoule-sur-Mer, Château de Théoule feels worlds away from the pace of Cannes. The restored château pairs Riviera grandeur with a softer, contemporary sensibility - think sea-facing terraces, sun-bleached interiors and long lunches that drift into sunset drinks. Equal parts escape and spectacle, it’s the kind of place that captures the romance of the Côte d’Azur without feeling overly polished.

Set just behind the Croisette, Edgar Suites Cannes offers a more relaxed, residential take on the Riviera stay. The design-led apartments blend clean contemporary interiors with warm Mediterranean touches, creating the feeling of a private Cannes pied-à-terre rather than a traditional hotel. Ideal for longer lunches, slower mornings and escaping the festival chaos without leaving the centre behind.

A little removed from the flashier Cannes bar scene, Quielle feels intimate, low-lit and quietly cool. The drinks lean thoughtful rather than theatrical - seasonal ingredients, balanced cocktails and a natural wine list that draws a creative local crowd alongside festival visitors escaping the Croisette. The kind of place where one drink easily turns into three.

Tucked along Rue Hoche, Medami brings a warm, Mediterranean energy to the centre of Cannes. The menu draws on coastal flavours and generous sharing plates, while the softly lit interiors and lively terrace make it just as suited to late dinners as aperitif hour. Relaxed but polished, it’s the kind of spot that feels made for long festival evenings.

A classic Cannes lunch spot with a distinctly local feel, La Cantine Provençale celebrates the simple pleasures of southern French cooking. Expect market-led dishes, Provençal staples and an atmosphere that feels refreshingly unfussy amid the festival buzz. Sun-soaked, generous and full of Riviera charm, it’s the kind of place you return to more than once.

Just a short boat ride from Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer a slower, quieter side of the Riviera. Pine forests, hidden coves and crystal-clear water replace the crowds of the Croisette, while beachside restaurants and small vineyards make the islands feel wonderfully untouched. Whether for a long lunch, a swim or an afternoon escape during festival week, it’s the ultimate reset from the city’s pace.

For a glimpse of Cannes beyond the red carpets and beach clubs, head to Marché Forville. The covered market is filled with overflowing fruit stalls, fresh seafood, Provençal cheeses and armfuls of flowers, drawing chefs, locals and early risers alike. Come for a morning coffee and people-watching, stay for the atmosphere - lively, colourful and unmistakably Riviera.