Cannes
Luxury resorts and and the main beach of Cannes surround Boulevard de la Croisette; (c) Pierre BEHAR/CdAT
Like other jewels along the Cote d’Azur, Cannes features a seductive mix of luxury resorts, busy casinos, inviting bistros, turquoise water, and relaxed coastal sophistication. For most travelers, however, Cannes is closely associated with its world-famous film festival and celebrity yachts.
For African American travelers, Cannes offers something far more rewarding: a lifestyle experience rooted in the simple joy of living beautifully.
Cannes is not a city that demands you rush. Its moderate climate invites you to slow down, dress well at night, and embrace a refined rhythm of life. The first thing many visitors notice is the light. The Côte d’Azur possesses a luminous quality that has inspired painters, filmmakers, and photographers for eons.
Palm trees sway every morning along the beachside Boulevard de la Croisette or “La Croisette”, as locals call it. Large and small resorts featuring Belle Époque architecture line the boulevard. Private beach clubs adorn it like pearls on a necklace. Both sides of La Croisette casually invite you to let hours and tension melt away.
The popular Cannes Marina with hilly Le Suquet District in the background; (c) Anais BROCHIERO/CdAT
For professionals, influencers, artisans and seasoned travelers, Cannes delivers a rare combination of prestige and peace. Cannes is more intimate and breathable than Paris. You can sip espresso overlooking the Mediterranean. Enjoy a fabulous day-cruise without the crush of patrons lining up for cruises on the Seine River in Paris.
The atmosphere is sophisticated, without being overly performative or high-strung.
Influencers and photographers at Palais des Festival during 2026 Cannes Film Festival; (c) Soul Of America
One of the great pleasures here is simply walking. Begin with La Croisette where designer storefronts from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and Hermès reflect French Riviera sophistication.
West of the harbor, wander into historic Le Suquet, the city’s old quarter and fishing village, where narrow stone streets climb gently uphill toward panoramic views of the harbor and close-up views of two Middle Age towers. Locals gather at small wine bars while church bells echo over terracotta rooftops. The feeling is sublime.
Riviera cuisine celebrates the freshness of today’s catch by local fishermen, often with a gourmet touch that borders on art form. Long seafood lunches unfold beside the sea with grilled branzino, bouillabaisse, oysters, and chilled rosé wines from nearby Provence.
Mouth-watering, lightly seasoned clams & pasta at Il Vaggio, Cannes; (c) Soul Of America
Mediterranean vegetables burst with flavor unlike anything mass-produced back home. Olive oil tastes richer. Tomatoes seem sweeter. Though cuisine does not rise to the legendary level of Lyon, it is easily better than most of what our palates experience in America.
There is also something deeply liberating about dining outdoors in Cannes, and France in general. Meals are not rushed affairs; they are rituals. You begin slowly with sparkling water or wine, continue through conversation and people-watching. Linger after the last morsel on your plate is gone.
Plage Goeland, one of many beachside cafes yacht views in Cannes; (c) Soul Of America
When dining at a beach club cafe, slide your shoes off. Have a cocktail and light dessert. Emboss a care-free hour before asking for L’addition sil vous plait (The check, please).
For travelers who appreciate style, Cannes can feel particularly affirming. Riviera culture celebrates presentation. Break out your linen attire, tailored resort wear, sunglasses, and silk dresses. Celebrate feeling “All That.”
Whether attending a rooftop gathering, walking the marina, or dining at a beach club, many describe Cannes as a place where they feel sophisticated and fully seen.
Kerry Washington working an amazing dress at Cannes Film Festival; (c) Featureflash / Dreamstime.com
The beach culture also deserves exploration. Cannes offers both public beaches and glamorous private beach clubs where attentive service, plush loungers, cocktails, and DJ music create an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. Spend an entire afternoon alternating between swimming in the Mediterranean, a chartered day cruise and enjoying French Riviera seafood at its best.
Speaking of cruises, an early September trip aligns nicely with the Cannes Yachting Festival. The immense variety of yachts and sailing vessels is a sight to behold.
Of course, the city’s global identity is inseparable from film culture. Even outside festival season, the spirit of cinema lives throughout Cannes. See the red carpet stairway of Palais des Festivals, where legendary actors and directors gather each May for Cannes Film Festival. Like Hollywood, see the cemented handprints of movie stars and directors.
Having served as Cannes Film Festival’s Jury President, Spike Lee had the pleasure of presenting the prestigious Palme d’Or Award to Denzel Washington in 2025. Many creatives in the African Diaspora feel inspired by the growing global visibility of our storytelling. Cannes increasingly reflects broader cultural narratives and inclusion of all people.
Another joy of Cannes lies beyond the city itself. It serves as an informal gateway to the greater Côte d’Azur. Day trips to nearby Antibes, Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Monaco reveal the French Riviera’s many personalities.
Antibes offers artistic charm and yacht-lined harbors. Nice balances elegance with multicultural urban energy. Saint-Tropez blends beach glamour with bohemian chic. And Monaco is on “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous” level. Together, they create one of the world’s most magnetically beautiful coastal regions.
The famous Cannes mural illustrating the history of cinema which began in France; (c) helen1/PEXELS
Arrive in Cannes expecting glamour and leave remembering something more emotional: Ease. There is freedom in sitting beside the Mediterranean Sea realizing you do not have to explain yourself or rush yourself.
Older travelers often appreciate Cannes differently than younger tourists because they understand that true luxury is not simply spending money — it is having the time, confidence, and perspective to enjoy life’s details slowly.
The stunning Belle Epoque architecture of Carlton Hotel has been featured in many movies; (c) Soul Of America
Cannes is also ‘da joint for younger travelers. Nightlife is well represented at Carré d’Or (City Centre) behind the Palais des Festivals, with Karaoke bars and dance clubs that stay open until 2 or 3 am. Boulevard de la Croisette and Palm Beach are home to several other exclusive venues:
Le Bâoli: An upscale club at Port Pierre Canto offering dinner, music, and dancing under the stars.
Bisous Bisous: A 1970s-inspired, high-end club near the Casino Barrière, known for house music.
Diner Médusa Palm Beach: An exclusive club and dining spot that reopened with night shows.
Le Speakeasy: A sophisticated piano bar that transforms into a club, perfect for a chic night out.
Five Seas Hotel: Enjoy cocktails and stunning night views on a rooftop bar.
Le Petit Majestic: known for its lively younger crowds spilling into the street.
Note: Some clubs on The Croisette enforce elegant dress codes and venues tend to fill up after midnight.
Thomas Dorsey, Soul Of America founder in front of 5-star Carlton Hotel on Boulevard de la Croisette
Evenings unfold with understated magic. As sunset colors wash across the harbor, yachts begin glowing against the water, while jazz drifts from lounges and rooftop terraces. Couples stroll the promenade arm in arm. Friends gather over wine beneath warm sea breezes.
The city becomes softer, sexier, and more alluring after dark.
Cannes is a mood. It is the confidence of dressing beautifully for dinner, after dancing, after a day at sea. It is rooftop conversations overlooking glowing harbors and expensive sports cars on La Croisette. It is recognizing that a Black travel experience can confidently mesh calm exploration and elegance.