The long list of luxury hotels that line Cannes’ famous La Croisette is impressive, but did you know that many of these high-end hospitality addresses also come with their very own private beach?
The word “private” is perhaps a bit miselading in this case, as many of the beach bars and restaurants are also open to the public. You’d needn’t be a guest at a five-star hotel to enjoy them, but a reservation will be absolutely key if you wish to do so as spaces at these sumptuous beachside venues are in high demand.
First up on our list of beaches to visit this summer is The Beach Club from the freshly renovated Carlton Cannes. Choose the deck, the sand or the pontoon, but make sure to sample the “sunny” and locally-inspired carte from Chefs Alexandra Delamare and Laurent Bunel, along with one of the very enticing “Spritz” from the drinks menu, such as the 1930 with Gin d’Azur, Suze bitters, lemon, rosemary, bay leaf syrup and champagne.
Next up are two delectable offerings from the Barrière Group: La Plage Barrière Le Majestic and Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière.
The former is the more sporty of the two, with a plethora of watersports activities on offer from its pontoon, but the beach also has strong appeal on the gourmet side of things. Le Majestic’s private beach is home to the BFire restaurant from the iconic and award-winning Chef Mauro Colagreco. There’s music every night down on the seafront, and special menus for big occasions, such as the upcoming fireworks events out in the Baie de Cannes.
Mademoiselle Gray describes itself as “gentle and bohemian”, a place for complete relaxation. Its fusion-style menu, created by Pierrick Cizeron, the Executive Chef for the Barrière Group in Cannes, features favourites from across the Mediterranean as well as the East. So appreciated is the vibe here that the beach even has its own music record available for purchase on Apple Music.
On to another well-known Cannes address now, La Plage du Martinez from the Hyatt hotel of the same name. This beach destination officially reopened during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival after a considerable makeover, and is something of a passion project for new-to-the-scene Chef Jean Imbert. His menus are a work of art – literally – and display a creative take on the usual Mediterranean fare served up along the coast. There’s music every night of the summer, from 8pm until midnight, with special events planned for the fireworks nights.
Another big hitter is the JW Marriott‘s partner beach, the Palais Stéphanie Beach. It’s a five-star experience with easily one of the best locations; the view from the pontoon splits the Lérins Islands to one side and the Vieux Port and hills of the Esterel to the other. The food is the pull here, like with many of the others, and is a result of a collaboration between Chefs Stéphane Bichon and Phailinh Ouparavong for an epic Mediterranean-Japanese vibe. The sushi should be high on your list.
Next is the Mondrian Cannes’ Hyde Beach. The beach club is tasteful in the extreme, with rows of beach loungers in cream and pale Tiffany blue, giving it a clean, bright feel. The menu has a real Italian slant, and there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy, from silky pasta dishes to fresh fish and generous meat courses.
And finally we come to the 3.14 Hotel’s Plage, a favourite amongst event planners for the many fabulous parties organised year-round in Cannes. Serene, stylish and contemporary, the menu here is equally modern, and Chefs Bruno Laplace and Frédéric Nortier have made sure to cater for every diet. There’s a great selection of gluten-free and organic dishes on offer as well as some excellent desserts of the same calibre by Pastry Chef Olivia Kakou.
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Source for featured photo of Mademoiselle Gray beach bar and restaurant: Barrière Group
