Cannes is a beautiful city located on the French Riveria. Home of the glamourous Cannes Film Festival, the world-famous Boulevard de la Croisette and a stunning beach front, it boasts designer shops and award-winning restaurants. However, amongst all the hustle and bustle are also secret hidden parks and gardens where you can escape the crowds and enjoy a few hours of peace and tranquillity – you just need to know where to look!
Jardin des Oliviers
Jardin des Oliviers is located on Avenue Bénéfiat.
This charming little garden was once privately owned as part of the Villa Vera, but has since been opened to the public. Its inviting green grass makes it the perfect place for a picnic. Known for its tranquillity, this French jardin is also full of botanical treasures, including an old olive grove.
Insider Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the famous 100-year-old nettle tree!
La Croix Des Gardes
La Croix des Gardes can be found on Avenue de la Croix des Gardes, just a few minutes away from the port of Cannes and the Palais des Festivals.
One of the largest parks in Cannes, it is a remarkable 136-acre forest nature park set in the famous area of La Croix des Gardes. Its thick foliage and large open spaces make for an ideal location to have a leisurely stroll. Most famously, this area is home to the Castle of la Croix des Gardes, which is one of the French Riviera’s mythical properties. The château offers exceptional views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the snowy mountains, as well as the 19th-century historical town below.
The Park of Château Vallombrosa
The Park and Château Vallombraso are located on Avenue Jean de Noailles.
This park, along with its beautiful 19th Century castle, is listed as a historical monument -and it’s no surprise! The lovely tropical garden is filled with a variety of rare plants, some of which date back from as early as 1890. Beyond this wonderland, you’ll also find the imposing Gothic Revival Style Château, which is quite a sight to behold.
A word of warning: this park is only open for guided tours from 3 to 5 pm, though it is free of charge.
Jardin Des Gabres
Jardin des Gabres is at the crossroads of Allée de parc St Jean and Avenue du Maréchal Juin.
Built in memory of Nobel Peace prize winner René Cassin, this park is one of the most beautiful gardens in Cannes. Though still in the city, it has a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Its large plants and bushes create an intimate space away from the hustle-and-bustle of Cannes’ lively centre.
Square Verdun
Square Verdun is situated just off Boulevard de la Croisette, at the east end of Plage de la Croisette, near the Casino Palm Beach.
This picturesque park is covered with rows of pink, purple and yellow flowers bordering the pathway. It’s a dainty little place with a quiet and peaceful ambiance. There are several benches where you can sit, rest your feet and admire the lovely rosebushes under the shade of large palm trees.
Insider Tip: Visit the Festival de Cannes’ very own floral display producer! Take a guided tour of the Municipal Greenhouse and its array of over half a million plants and mobile flower displays. Don’t forget to book for your free guided tours, available only during ‘Journées Vertes’.
How to Get to Cannes
The closest airport to Cannes is Nice, which is just a short half-hour airport transfer away. You can fly to Nice from London with British Airways from just £90. Travel in style by booking Shuttle Direct’s private car transfer. Nothing says class like having a private driver waiting for you at the airport terminal to help you with your bags. You can book your transfer in advance here on our user-friendly website.
Where to Stay:
Hôtel Barrière le Gray d’Albion: This 4-star hotel’s central location provides direct access to both the beach and the local designer boutiques in just 3 minutes. A selection of restaurants and bars nearby offers traditional French cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. The hotel rooms are air-conditioned and have an elegant décor. Most feature a terrace overlooking the sea.
Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso: This hotel is located at the heart of Cannes’ history, just minutes away from the world-famous Boulevard de la Croisette and the renowned Palais des Festivals. It also provides easy access to the beach and shops. The rooftop restaurant is its best feature, boasting a beautiful panoramic view of Cannes’ Bay and serving mouth-watering cuisine. The rooms have a contemporary décor, and include a Nespresso coffee machine. The hotel is also linked to a Spa which offers beauty treatments and has a sauna and swimming pool.
Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez: This 5-star luxury hotel is just a minute’s walk from the beach and the local shopping area. It offers both comfort and style with air-conditioned rooms, marble bathrooms and private patios overlooking the sea. Beauty and relaxation treatments are available in the on-site spa.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is Europe and North Africa’s most respected transfer provider and guarantees a hassle-free transfer service. A friendly driver will meet you at the airport and safely take you to your destination. You can book shared, group or private transfers via the secured website.
