Explore the French Riviera from Rome

DISCOVER THE FRENCH PEARL TRAVELING TROUGHT ITALY

Each year in May, when the bustling harbour town of Cannes hosts its prestigious film festival, the bright sunshine, fine restaurants, luxury hotels and designer boutiques create a home from home for Hollywood producers and film stars. But Cannes shouldn't be dissmissed as simply a weekend retreat for the rich and famous. It is surrounded by fine sandy beaches, ancient villages steeped in culture and the picturesque landscape of Provence, making it an ideal year-round destination for couples and families alike.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

- Make time to explore the town's exclusive shopping district, and take a stroll along La Croisette (main beachfront). Or get away from the crowds on the unspoilt sandy beaches around Antibes, such as the Plage de la Salis and Plage de la Garoupe.
- Treat yourself to a fine meal in town, then head to a casino at the Palais des Festivals.
- Explore the ancient village of Haut-de-Cagnes and pay a visit to Les Collettes, the home where Renoir spent his retirement.
- Spend a day in Antibes, the pretty town once home to Picasso. As well as the Museè Picasso there is a fine market selling olives, cheese and regional handicrafts.
- Visit the medieval town of Grasse and its Museè International de la Parfumerie.
- Take a ferry trip to the island of Ste-Marguerite and visit the fort thought to have held the man who inspired Alexander Dumas' tale, The Man in the Iron Mask.
- Discover the colourful villages, sprawling vineyards and lavender fields of Provence. Go horse riding, cycling and walking or, for the best views, try a balloon ride.
- Cannes Festivals from 17 May to 28 May 2017

WHAT TO BUY

Cannes is a shopaolic's dream, with plenty of boutiques selling designer clothes and home furnishings. Many of the neighbouring villages produce specialist handicrafts, look out for pottery in Vallauris, hand-made Proveçal tiles in Mougins, ceramics and glassware in Biot and perfume in Grasse. Watch out, too, for fine wines at good prices - try Chateaunef-du-Pape, Còtes du Rhòne-Villages, and Còtes de Provence.

HOW TO GET CANNES FROM ROME FIUMICINO AIRPORT

Direct flights are available from the Italy, Rome Fiumicino Airport to Nice airport from around 80€, one way. Once there, you can rent a car, or use a Limousine service to continue your journey along the coast to Cannes.
You can find a flight with: EasyJet, Alitalia, AirFrance.

HOW TO GET CANNES FROM ROME BY LIMOUSINE SERVICE

- Departure from Rome city center, stop in Florence and Pisa with tours (1 night in Pisa) - From Rome about 3hrs drive
- Departure from Pisa city center to Cannes ( 1 night in Cannes) - From Pisa about 4 hrs drive
- Back to Rome in Limousine or Nice airport.