Cannes Rediscovered: A Serene Off-Season Stroll Through the French Riviera

#summervacay I visited Cannes 14 years ago during the busy summer holidays, and my memories were mostly a blur — crowded streets, lots of traffic, blazing heat, and struggling to find a place to eat. So back then, my impression of Cannes was pretty chaotic. This time, I deliberately chose to come in the off-season. The students hadn’t started their holidays yet, and the famous Cannes Film Festival had just ended. Without the star-studded festival buzz, the Palais des Festivals et des Congres was pretty ordinary — the iconic red carpet had already been taken down, and if you didn’t know the history, you might just pass by without a second glance. I enjoyed a peaceful walk along the harbor, then climbed up a winding slope to reach the Old Town. This area truly showcases the charm of southern France — narrow lanes draped with vines and the gentle scent of flowers and greenery in the air. Amid the flowerbeds stood the signature “CANNES” sign, a perfect photo spot. Further up the hill is the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, perched atop Le Suquet — the highest point in Cannes. From there, I soaked in breathtaking panoramic views of Cannes Bay, the harbor, and the Palais des Festivals below. #cannes #frenchriviera #traveldiary #offseasontravel #hiddengems