Chateau Des Tourelles Rouges

Just set back from the French Riviera, this beautiful 16th century French château rental is just a 10-minute drive from Cannes. Surrounded by wonderful landscaped gardens and in a hilltop position, the views towards the Esterel mountains and Mediterranean are stunning.

Arrive by plane into Nice Airport (26km) or by private charter into Cannes Mandelieu Airport (2.5km). The nearest train station is only 1.2km away with departures towards Grasse or Ventimiglia in Italy (via Cannes, Antibes, Nice and Monaco) - the train passes through and beneath part of the château's grounds. The château is also just set back from La Provençale (A8) meaning direct access by car towards Nice (38km), Aix-en-Provence (147km) and beyond.

You could walk through the château grounds and down the hill to the surrounding neighbourhood for supermarkets and other suburban amenities (pharmacy, bakery, bar) and guests have been known to venture as far as Plage La Bocca on foot, around 2.5km away, for its local market, bars, cafes and beach.

There are some wonderful restaurants and pretty cafes in the old town of Mougins (6.5km), just over a 10-minute drive away, a picture-perfect hilltop village famed for its flower-filled medieval lanes where Picasso once lived. The prestigious golf course, Royal Mougins Golf Resort (4km), is also within easy reach, as is Golf Old Course Cannes Mandelieu (6km).

Cannes (6km) is of course a great highlight of the region with its iconic boulevard, La Croisette, alongside palm-fringed beaches, upmarket restaurants, bustling markets, its glamourous marina and Le Palais des Festivals. Find time to explore Cannes’ old quarter, Le Suquet, where fishermen once lived, and take a ferry from Cannes harbour to the tranquil Lérins Islands.

Wander around the narrow lanes of Antibes (19km), a French Riviera town full of historic charm, before dining in one of the chic beachside restaurants of Juan-les-Pins (18km). The Cap d’Antibes is a paradise for keen walkers who can follow coastal trails passing pretty bays that have inspired artists and writers over the years.

In the other direction are the quieter and idyllic bays around Théoule-sur-Mer (11km), backed by the dramatic red cliffs of the Esterel Massif - the owners recommend the beachside restaurant, Chez Philippe.

There are so many day trips from this setting whether driving west towards Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus (both just over half an hour away via the A8) or onwards to Saint-Tropez (81km) and the beach clubs of Plage de Pampelonne. Heading east, passing Nice and Monaco, cross the Italian border and experience one of the country’s largest markets at Ventimiglia, just over an hour away.

The Côte d'Azur hinterland also awaits with the handsome market town of Valbonne (13km), the perfume studios of Grasse (16km), the perched villages of the Pays de Fayence (Fayence, Montauroux and Seillans are all within a 45-minute drive) and the beauty of Lac de Saint-Cassien (24km) with its nature and water-based activities.

Read more about Cannes

Despite being renowned for its annual international film festival in May at the iconic Palais des Festivals, Cannes is not just a glamourous destination for the rich and famous. The attractive Côte d’Azur town is loved all year round for its palm-fringed beaches, upmarket shopping opportunities and wonderful restaurants as well as a certain French Riviera charm.

Stroll along Cannes’ iconic La Croisette boulevard following the footsteps of stars from years gone by as you admire prestigious hotels, luxurious boutiques and private beach clubs. Stop off for a cocktail as the sun sets and admire the twinkling lights across the bay. Even at night, La Croisette remains the vibrant heart of this bustling town.

Shop to your heart’s delight along the streets of the Carré d’Or district – come across hundreds of well-known stores along Rue d’Antibes. At the end of a busy day there’s a vast choice of restaurants to suit every taste and budget from authentic bistros spilling out on to the street to Michelin starred establishments.

Soak up the historic side of Cannes as you explore Le Suquet quarter’s medieval lanes passing little shops, atmospheric restaurants, flower-filled balconies and old fishermen’s houses. Climb to the top of the hill by Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance for stunning views of the harbour, followed by a visit to Château de la Castre and its popular museum. This part of Cannes is also home to the colourful Marché Forville showcasing the very best gourmet delights of Cannes and beyond.  

Escape the crowds as you venture to Croix Des Gardes natural park with forest walking routes, botanical plants and glorious views across to the Lérins Islands. Look out for some fantastic boat trips from Cannes’ marina from whale and dolphin-watching excursions to family adventures on board a chartered yacht, sight-seeing ferries and romantic sun-set cruises.  

Beyond the city centre, visit the ceramic studios and National Picasso Museum in Vallauris, follow Picasso’s footsteps in the enchanting hilltop village of Mougins (loved for its galleries and gastronomy) and appreciate the artistic vibe of Biot with beautiful views of the French Riviera. Chic Juan-les-Pins, so loved by Parisians in the summer, is home to beachside restaurants and more watersports whilst keen walkers will adore the incredible coastal trail around Cap d’Antibes.

In the other direction is the charming seaside village of Théoule-sur-Mer, backed by the dramatic Esterel massif, another paradise for hikers. By staying in one of our collection of handpicked rentals in Cannes you can experience all of this and more during your time on the glistening Côte d’Azur.