36 Hours in Cannes: Sunshine, Sea Views and a Special Je Ne Sais Quoi at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic
Hotel Barrière Le Majestic
If the French Riviera were a movie, La Croisette would be the opening shot: sweeping, golden, glamourous and impossibly good-looking! This palm-lined promenade in the heart of Cannes stretches seductively along the Mediterranean, flanked by designer boutiques, historic hotels and beach clubs where rosé and champagne are practically on tap!
For me, spending time in Cannes isn’t just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about savouring moments of effortless elegance and settling into the rhythm of the place — think gentle sea breezes, stylish beach restaurants and bars, and the golden glow of sunsets against Belle Époque façades. I spent my stay at the renowned Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, a haven of Côte d’Azur chic, and where sophistication and comfort comes naturally.
HÔTEL BARRIÈRE LE MAJESTIC CANNES
A cornerstone of the Riviera’s luxury hotel scene, this hotel isn’t just a five-star address - it’s part of a family legacy. Owned by the Barrière family for generations, the hotel blends old-world glamour with modern-day refinement. Recent (and on-going) refurbishments have brought a fresh sheen to its timeless style, while still holding onto the charm that’s been drawing celebrities and sunseekers since the golden age of cinema. It’s luxury with a lived-in soul and you can feel the heritage in every polished corner.
Situated just off the famous La Croisette and sitting right next to the Palais des Festivals, the hotel’s pristine white façade whispers “iconic” without trying too hard. Inside, marble floors and columns gleam, imposing chandeliers shimmer and lavish haute-designer jewellery (in glass display cases on walls) sparkle alluringly all around the large entrance hall.
Check-in was seamless - no awkward waiting or tedious forms. A warm welcome, a quick key handover and moments later, I was in the elevator ascending to my Junior Suite on the sixth floor. The suite opened onto a tastefully plush bedroom, bathed in soft whites and neutral greys, accented with burnished gold and dark brown oak. A private balcony offered views over the hotel’s swimming pool and grounds, with glimpses of the main promenade and the glittering sea beyond. The king-size bed looked fit to host a summit of dignitaries, while the bathroom was stocked with enough Guerlain Paris toiletries to make you consider cancelling all your plans entirely!
LE CIRO’S CANNES
My first lunch booking was at Le Ciro’s Cannes, a chic beachfront restaurant where refined seafood meets stylish, maritime-inspired décor and breezy ambiance; our table, just steps from the sea, set the stage for a leisurely afternoon of indulgence. We began with creamy burrata Pugliese, served alongside heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil - simple, sun-kissed perfection. Lightly fried squid followed, crisp and golden, before the star of the show arrived: lobster linguine, rich, silky and unapologetically decadent (and generously portioned for two). On the side, a medley of spring vegetables, perfectly crisp French fries and a classic rocket salad made for effortless, generous accompaniments. The atmosphere is both elevated and unpretentious - the kind of place where long lunches aren’t just welcomed, but gently expected.
BAR FOUQUET’S
As twilight settled over the Riviera, I slipped into Bar Fouquet’s, where mixology becomes modern alchemy under the hand of Emanuele Balestra, the Bars Director for the hotel. Known for his garden-to-glass philosophy, Balestra doesn’t just craft cocktails - he grows them - and within the hotel, he’s created his own botanical ‘laboratory’, where he distills edible parfums, scents and natural tinctures from the plants he cultivates himself.
I tried his signature creation, the ‘Botanical Ten’ - a heady, harmonious blend of gin, bergamot and rose soda that’s then misted with pelargonium rosat fragrance. Aromatic, punchy and unforgettable, it’s the kind of drink that rewires your senses and will have you remembering it, long after it’s finished!
LE FOUQUET’S
That evening, I dined at Le Fouquet’s, the hotel’s elegant brasserie brought to life by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. I started with the duck foie gras - smooth, rich and perfectly offset by buttery brioche and a seasonal chutney. From there, a generous plate of roasted king prawns, glistening in tarragon butter, arrived alongside a delicious beef carpaccio topped with delicate parmesan shavings. I foolishly thought I might stop there. But then came the truffle mashed potato - fluffy, fragrant, and frankly impossible to resist with large decadent shavings of truffle - followed closely by tender asparagus under a velvety hollandaise. Dessert? A timeless one-two punch: warm, gooey chocolate fondant served with ice-cream and a plate of crisp, golden profiteroles that proved utterly defenceless against my spoon.
I woke up the next morning still riding the truffle-laced wave of the night before, far too full to even think about breakfast. But a quick peek at the buffet spread downstairs at Le Fouquet’s nearly changed my mind. A lavish lineup of flaky viennoiseries, seasonal fruit, local cheeses, silky scrambled eggs and omelettes, hot foods and fresh-pressed juices was available, ensuring that every dietary requirement and whim a guest may have is catered for.
MADEMOISELLE GREY
My final lunch was at Mademoiselle Grey, a feminine-inspired beachside retreat nestled along the Croisette, where bohemian-chic meets laid-back luxury. The gentle sea breeze, warm sand, parasols and lounge chairs, and relaxed ambient beats gives off beach club vibes with a touch of Lebanese flair.
Service for food and drinks was rather slow, casual and overly leisurely (I assume to go with the vibe) but with such a chilled atmosphere and beautiful spot, they can hardly be blamed! The creamy burrata, paired with a vibrant spring salad, candied lemon and crispy croutons, was light yet indulgent. The tempura squid, crisp and delicate, was complemented by a refreshing yogurt tartare sauce, while the grilled sea bream, seasoned with "Sayadieh" spices, toasted almonds and tahini sauce, delivered the essence of Mediterranean flavours in a single, perfectly balanced dish.
With drinks flowing, the sun shining, and the DJ’s beats blending seamlessly with the rhythm of the waves, this sun-drenched paradise is more than just a lunch spot - it's the kind of place I could easily while away an entire day just people watching and basking in the sunshine.
A FINAL BREEZE: SAINTE-MARGUERITE & AU REVOIR
Before heading home, there was just time for one last indulgence - a quick boat ride across sparkling waters to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a dreamy little island just a breezy 15 minutes offshore. Shaded pine-scented trails and turquoise coves offered a peaceful contrast to the Riviera’s glitz. It was quiet, calm and just the reset I didn’t know I needed. A deep breath of sea air, one last Aperol Spritz back on the mainland and it was time to leave Cannes - relaxed, ever so slightly sun-kissed and already plotting my return.
