This blog post will guide you through a memorable road trip, exploring the enchanting towns of Cannes, Grasse, and Antibes. The coastal drive from Saint -Tropez is stunning via the D559 and later the D6098. You will pass several lovely towns and red cliffs. During my ride to Grass from Saint Tropez, it rained a lot unfortunately. But still I loved the drive to this stunning coastal road!
Where to Stay?
My accommodation for two nights was the located between Grasse and Cannes, the Hotel ibis Cannes in Mouans-Sartoux. The hotel has free parking and is located literally next to the train station! I found this very handy, because from here you can easily take the train to Cannes and Antibes. No hassle with parking in the busy cities. The hotel is nice and comfortable and the village of Mouans-Sartoux has a very nice Château and some lovely restaurants. If you really like to spend your money, book the stunning Airelles Pan Dei Palais!!
What to do in Grasse, Cannes and Antibes?
1. Visit the Perfume Museum in Grass
Take the train or car to Grasse, the Capital of the World Perfume. Grasse is nestled in the hills of the PréAlps d’Azur, is a unique town renowned for its centuries-old perfume-making tradition. For me it was a perfect activity for a rainy day! The museum is well set up and you learn more on the fascinating history of perfume-making and discover the secrets of fragrance creation. It’s very interactive with smell and for the eyes as well. Had a great day!!
Next I drove to the factory of the Fragonard Perfume. You can take a guided tour of the renowned perfume factory and learn about the art of perfumery. But mainly the shop is an experience on its own. Great for souvenirs!!
2. Glamour and the Red Carpet in Cannes
Cannes is perfect for shopping! Every luxury brand has a shop on the famous La Croisette. La Croisette is the famous promenade at the beach front, lined up with luxury hotels, designer shops and restaurants. Perfect to soak up the glamorous atmosphere and watch the rich and famous spending their money and driving their fancy cars. If you really like some top notch hotel check the Carton at the La Croisette, with beach club in front of the hotel!
Cannes has a stunning beach, but most of the beach clubs are private or you need a reservation to enter the club and the beach. On the far end and beginning of the promenade you have a public beach which you can visit without reservation. Perfect to cool off the turquoise water after a hot walk in the sun!
Cannes is known for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, nice to walk the red carpet and take a photo with one of your idols!
Nice to watch the boats in the harbor of Cannes and be amazed by the wealth in Cannes.
Have a healthy Italian lunch at Da Laura, not far from the station at Rue de vingt-quatre août. This restaurant is a hot spot for over 30 years!
3. Stroll the lovely town of Antibes
I took the train from Cannes to Antibes. This is the easiest way to visit this lovely town and a beautiful coastal ride! I loved the vibe of Antibes; it is more chill and no posh feeling like Cannes of Saint Tropez. The old citadel has a nice vibe with charming streets and cobblestones, with nice boutiques, cafes, galleries and restaurants.
The citadel has been renovated lately where a lot of art has been added to the promenade and parks. You can spot unique pieces everywhere. Talking about art, you can find the Picasso Museum in Antibes as well. In this museum hosting a significant collection of Picasso’s works.
Antibes is a picturesque town with a rich history and a large port. This Port Vauban is one of the largest marinas in Europe, displaying a lot of yachts and sailboats. On the other side of the town and port Fort Carré is located. The fort is a 16th-century fortress offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline and the bay.
Chill a on off the stunning beaches of Antibes! Plage du Ponteil or Plage de la Salis. If you don’t want to walk that far out of town you can also go to the beach in the citadel of Antibes, called Plage de la Gravette.
Have dinner at a Casa Azul at the square of Rue Aubernon. Loved the Mexican food here and the vibe of the restaurant.
My best tip is to book an accommodation in the middle of this triangle of cities, it’s cheaper than book directly a room in Cannes and easy to travel to each of them. Preferably close to the train station. And book well in advance to make sure you have an accommodation of your preference.
Next place I will visit is Monaco!
