A Taste of Cannes, France
My first time in France wasn’t in Paris—it was in Cannes. There’s something truly beautiful about the South of France. I enjoyed strolling through the city and taking in the atmosphere; it felt distinctly different from any other country I’ve visited. Cannes is known for its prestigious film festival, luxury shopping, and stunning beaches, so while I was there, I made sure to explore all of that.
When I visited Cannes, I expected the glamour—the beaches, the high-end boutiques, the whispers of film stars—but what surprised me was how much history is layered beneath its modern luxury. I learned that Cannes wasn’t always the international hotspot it is today. In fact, its transformation into a resort city began almost by accident. Back in 1834, Lord Brougham, a British aristocrat, was stopped from entering Nice due to quarantine measures. He ended up in Cannes and was so taken by its beauty that he built a villa there. It became his winter retreat for over three decades, and naturally, others followed. His unexpected detour put Cannes on the map.
Strolling along the Promenade de la Croisette, with the Mediterranean shimmering beside me, I could almost imagine that earlier version of Cannes—peaceful, a hidden gem. Today, that same promenade is lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and stylish cafés where people-watching is practically an art form. The beaches were exactly what I’d hoped for—soft sand, clear blue waters, and a kind of laid-back luxury that made time feel slower. I spent hours just soaking in the atmosphere.
Food in Cannes was another story entirely—one that I’d happily reread over and over. I explored quaint restaurants tucked away from the main streets, where I tasted Provençal dishes rich with olive oil, herbs, and fresh seafood. The flavors were simple but unforgettable, and every meal felt like a celebration of the region’s culture. Even the wines, mostly local, told stories of the sun-soaked hills around the city.
One of the most fascinating things I learned was about the Îles de Lérins, just offshore. I took a boat to Île Sainte-Marguerite, which once held the mysterious “Man in the Iron Mask.” Standing near the fortress where he was imprisoned gave me chills—it was such a contrast to the glitzy city nearby. On Île Saint-Honorat, I discovered that monks still live there and even produce their own wine and liqueur. It was surreal to walk through centuries-old monastery grounds, knowing this quiet way of life has been preserved for generations.
Cannes is more than just a film festival or a playground for the wealthy. Beneath the surface is a story of transformation, resilience, and rich cultural tradition. That’s what I’ll remember most—not just the sun and sea, but the sense of history that still lingers in the breeze.
