Cannes

Although crowded, Cannes is at its crazy best during the Film Festival in May. Winters are exceptionally mild; summers are hot but good for the beach. October and November tend to be the wettest and windiest months.

From mid-July to late August, the city hosts weekly fireworks spectaculars in the sea in front of the fabled Carlton Hotel as various countries compete.

Nice Airport is 30 to 45 minutes from Cannes if the traffic isn’t too heavy, a trip you can make by taxi or Express Bus No. 210; there also a slower and much cheaper regular bus (No. 200).

There are an average of 48 trains a day between Nice and Cannes you’ll never have to wait long.

Most of the sights are in walking distance – but take city bus No.8 to Palm Beach to see La Croisette in all its glory. There are plentiful taxis for longer trips, and places to hire a bike, e-bike or a scooter, or even a Harley Davidson. Major international car hire firms are at Cannes’ train station (be sure to book one in advance in summer). There’s a useful car park by the Forville market just under Le Suquet.

If your budget stretches far enough, stay in one of the star-studded hotels along La Croisette. Room rates dip considerably if you stay just inland, where the vast majority of hotels are concentrated. These rarely have reserved spots on the beach, so if you plan a day there be sure to arrive before noon to bag a sunbed.