We would like to stop by Cannes for a few hours-where would you suggest parking, shopping, and lunching? Are the beaches all private? Has anyone visited the old section of town called le Suquet? Which is nicer Suquet or the boardwalk? Can you tell I've never visited Cannes? Merci for your tips.

I think the easiest place to park is the huge underground lot right by the Palais des Festivals, next to the old port. It is accessed from Felis Faure (which is called Rue d'Antibes further to the east and changes names). Or if entering from the west along the water, coming in Blvd. du Midi, when you reach the old port you will have to turn left to circle the port and you will come right to it. Le Suquet is right there. You can also walk directly away from the water and you'll shortly come to the main shopping area, filled with neat little food shops, etc. (Marche' Forville and the street called Maynadier).

Duh. Felix not Felis. My father Felix would shoot me!

Follow Patricks advice for parking.

Was in Cannes for a month last yr. loved it. Go up the hill of Le Suquet and there are oodles of restaurants to try.

One I loved at the top of the hill is called Mi Figue, Mi Raisin ( strange name I know) lovely!

Have a great time. Shop along Rue d'antibes for a little bit and you'll feel you have done a little of Cannes. If affordable to you, stop and have a drink onthe terrace of the Carlton hotel, so chic!

Hi Jeri,
It's very easy to park in Cannes, even in the middle of summer. At the end of the Quai St. Pierre is a car park and lots of street parking. There is also a public beach right there as well (i.e. free). At the other end of Blvd. de la Croissette, as you're heading out of town in the direction of Nice, there is another public beach and plenty of street parking. In town, there always seems to be a place to park.

Love all your advice, keep it coming!
I'm putting it right into my itinerary.

I agree parking in Cannes never seems to be a problem. There's a multi level car park as you drive in. We've even found free parking on the street for a few hours. I've had lunch at one of the restos on the beach along the croisette. One of the unique things to me (as a NYer) about the south of France-there are restaurants ON the beach so you can eat & watch the beach scene. Many of them will also rent you a chaise lounge on the beach (by the hour, half day or whole day.)

FYI-from St Paul, we've driven down to Cagnes sur Mer, had lunch at a rest. on the beach & rented chaises for the afternoon. These places also have changing rooms.

Thank you lunch on the beach sounds great, I'm also from NY State.

ttt

As Patrick says, the Festival is easy for parking; if you follow the signs, you will have no problem finding it.
You will be right next to the beach of the Majestic hotel; lunch at one of the beach clubs is always fun. The Martinez is also good, or Ondine.
In Le Suquet I like Mantel; the chef used to be at les Muscadins in Mougins, which went seriously downhill after he left. It's in the main street in Le Suquet, rue Antoine something. There are loads of restaurants there, in all price categories. The other one I like in that street is Relais des Semailles.

Also go for a coffee or drink at the Cafe Festival, on the Croissette, and watch the people.

The beaches are accessible to anyone willing to pay for the beach chairs! Some are public.

Might there be one beach club that rents chairs, better than another? Are there showers? Sorry, I've only visited a Riveria beach once (Santa Margharetta Ligure) and wonder if they are all similiar.

Some are better than others, some are also more expensive than others. Walk along the boulevard, the prices are posted, and have a look around. I have been to the beaches of Majestic and Martinez, and these have showers, changing rooms. I think most beaches there do. Towels are sometimes included, sometimes extra. The first row, nearest to the sea is often more expensive. There's also sometimes a difference in chairs (a transat or a matelas, the latter is just a matras on the beach). And you would usually tip the guy showing you to your place on the beach.

To Tulips & all thanks for the helpful advice.