Mandelieu la Napoule and Cannes
We’re driving along the dramatic, red tinge coastal route of the Calanque de l’Esterel in Southern France. It’s the end of October and the weather is turning grey as we approach Mandelieu la Napoule and Cannes.
Although we’ve been here several times before, it’s been a few years since our last visit.
There aren’t any Aires in the area unfortunately, so we know we’ll be using a campsite. Since we’ve been to Camping les Cigales on previous stays, we’re going to try there again this time.
Arriving at reception in the rain, we have a feeling the staff are ready for a Winter break. Unusally for France, the site here is open for some of the Winter and with the clocks changing, darker nights are already upon us.
Sure enough a pitch is available, with a choice at €24 a night with ACSI. The campsite is relatively small, but has modern facilities and a swimming pool in season. However, the big attraction for us, is the access to nearby Cannes where we’re soon off to visit.
Walking into Cannes
Although there’s a bus into Cannes as well as cycle paths, we’re going to walk there. Setting off from the campsite towards the long promenade, it’s an easy, but long stroll.
It takes us about an hour and 45 minutes to reach Cannes and despite a windy day, it’s a superb coastal route.
It’s so busy here with people running, walking, cycling and sunbathing too. Despite large waves, the beaches and blue sea is still enticing.
Coffee and Croque Monsieur
There are many kiosks along the promenade where staff are clearing them out for Winter. Those still open have tables outside where people are enjoying morning coffee or beer in the sun.
The sky is clear and so blue to match the sea, which is just a delightful turquoise colour. Somehow the powerful waves of white tips make the water appear even more blue.
Before reaching the main area of Cannes, we decide to stop at a pavement cafe for a bite to eat. Choosing cafe au lait and a croque monsieur, enjoying the ambience of outdoor dining overlooking the prom.
Cannes Casino
The port of Cannes is rather large and dominates the town. Here, beautiful buildings provide an architectural pleasing backdrop set against palm trees and newly laid pedestrian areas.
A lot of work is going on, with huge new water pipes being laid along the entire central road lining the promenade. It’s a mammoth construction job, which may or may not be finished by the time of writing.
Reaching the famous Cannes Casino brings opportunities to admire large portraits of the stars who’ve graced the red carpet.
Of course, the Cannes film festival is one of the most well known events of this resort. The wide steps leading to the casino entrance are the place where tourists gather their own red carpet photo opportunity.
As a busker sings in the background, we continue along the vast promenade, leaving posing wannabes to finish their red carpet photo shoot.
Post hotels – Mandelieu la Napoule and Cannes
Cannes has an array of posh looking hotels, but there’s one which stands out from the rest. The Ritz Carlton is the grandest of grand, taking centre stage on the opulent promenade. Alongside are numerous designer stores, where chauffeur driven cars wait for their clients.
It’s time for ice-cream, taking a seat beside a water feature of purple fountains and the palatial band stand. It’s been a long day and after walking back to the campsite along the same route, my watch displays 30,000 steps.
The 8km one-way walk is more than we remember from our last visit, but it’s also a great way to see the area.
Taking to the Bikes – Mandelieu la Napoule and Cannes
Another day in Mandelieu la Napoule and Cannes awaits as we take to the bikes. Cycling into the pretty village is where we park up and explore on foot.
This area is away from the larger shopping district and new part of town, and sits along the coastal stretch.
There’s walking routes of various lengths, but we choose a short stroll along the beaches. This takes us beside castles and harbours, a beautiful mix of sea meets Chateau before merging onto a road which leads back into the village.
There’s a small selection of shops and restaurants here with a pristine grocery store selling the most polished fruit imaginable.
However, the most fascinating spectacle is to be found in a rather unusual place. Yes, a railway station subway has the most fantastic murals ever. These works of art show scenes from the sci-fi novel and film, 20,000 leagues under the sea, and they are fab!
Waterways from the campsite
Surrounding the campsite seem to be a network of waterways, with walking paths too. It’s not long before we’re off again exploring on foot, getting lost amongst the many trails between apartment buildings.
This labyrinth of canal-like channels interlink to private marinas where we could be walking for hours.
It’s a hive of activity, with so much leisure activity, including a golf course.
Lost again – Mandelieu la Napoule and Cannes
We’re trying to find a supermarket, and failing miserably, lost again in the labyrinth of footpaths and marina buildings. Eventually, we come to a large shopping centre with a vast Casino supermarket where we can buy the essentials we need.
It’s the cheapest supermarket we’ve seen in a while, so decide to return in the campervan and stock up.
As the rain descends we’re ready to leave the campsite, returning to the supermarket to stock up on wine and anything else that looks appealing.
Before moving on altogether, we decide to take another look in Cannes, but this time drive there in the campervan.
Cannes historic old town
We somehow manage to park easily in a car park a short walk from Cannes old town. At first we were a little weary, ever thinking of security in these larger towns.
There’s plenty of people coming and going to use an adjacent sports field, so we decide to stay put and venture into town.
Cannes has a lovely historic old town, which sits on a hill overlooking the port. From here there’s fine views of the bays, boats and beautiful architecture.
Unfortunately, it’s blowing a gale, making the enjoyment of the views a little less pleasing. Today, we’re wearing trousers for the first time in a long time, protecting our legs from the cool winds.
A lovely church
One of the main focal points is the Elglise Notre-Dame de l’Esperance, a lovely 15th century church.
Taking a step inside to admire the architecture doesn’t disappoint. It’s so peaceful and home to the most beautiful wooden gilded stature of Our Lady of Hope. This gold colour alter piece is quite mesmerising, having stood over this ancient church for hundreds of years.
Narrow shopping streets
Following narrow streets down hill from the church brings us to the shopping area of Cannes. There are numerous shops with many high street style stores as well as small independent’s.
It’s quite a good place to be when the weather is poor as there’s enough to keep you occupied.
To be honest, we’re not really ones for shops, so after a quick walk through the streets, we decide we’ve seen enough.
Now it’s time to walk back to the camper and move on to another resort before the afternoon is over.
Once again, Cannes has been a great destination to visit and no doubt we’ll return again at some point in the future.
