With celebrities, socialites and entrepreneurs visiting yearly, a trip to Cannes does not usually come cheap. If you’re looking for a break sharing the same location as the rich and famous but have a much emptier wallet, follow these money saving tips on staying in Cannes.
What to do
Away for the modernised hotels, restaurants and beaches lies a historic, cultural and religious Cannes. Cannes is home to many interesti
ng museums, which cover a range of subjects, from Mediterranean antiques and musical instruments. Many of these museums offer free admission and are popular with tourists throughout the year.
Cannes hosts major city events that take place throughout the year. These include the Villa Rothschild, the Tour du Masque and Palais des Festivals, all will offer plenty to keep you entertained during your visit to Cannes on a tight budget. If you go at the right time of year, celeb spotting during the Cannes Film Festival is a free sport many tourists love to partake in.
Cannes’ main attraction is the long, 7.5 miles of beach. There are several expensive private beaches here but to the west, there are free beaches where locals and holiday-makers alike gather to soak up the sun.
Where to eat
Pricy restaurants are located on the sea front. Being on a budget, it is best to avoid these and head away from the beach, into town. Most unpretentious restaurants in Cannes offer reasonably priced lunch time menus ranging from about €10 to €20. The cheapest option however, especially in the evening is to buy your own food in the Forville covered market, two blocks from the Mairie.
Where to stay
If you’re not prepared to accept the hotel prices in Cannes, staying a hostel may be the next best idea. Hostel prices in this area start at €20 per night and most offer breakfast, internet access and air conditioning. Like the Modern Waikiki Hotel, some even have sea views and are based near the centre of the city.