Cannes, France

Looking out to sea

I expected Cannes to be tacky, full of aging, bronzed billionaires toting tiny dogs. While there was a certain element of that, there was also a lot of natural beauty all around. The sea was as arresting as I’d anticipated, and the swath of sand along the shoreline was pristine.

Beach and skyline

Sweeping view of harbor and coast

The city is quite hilly, with sun-bleached houses and narrow streets overlooking the seaside.

Escaping the glitz

Hilly old town

We did not bother dining at (likely) overpriced, stuffy seaside restaurants, but instead found some delicious meals up in the old quarter.

The Carlton’s twin cupolas were modeled on the breasts of courtesan La Belle Otéro.

Yachts galore!

Endless upkeep in the harbor

La Croisette is the main drag, stretching along the Baie de Cannes, lined with imposing hotels, art-deco buildings and grand villas on one side and the biggest yachts I’ve ever seen (well, with the exception of nearby Monaco) on the other.