Cannes Tourist Guide - Going Out
Some of the best bargains are to be found at lunchtime, including Michelin starred restaurants, but check out the prices of the wines first at the top places to avoid indigestion when the bill arrives. Also at lunchtime (12-2pm) parking is free at meters in Cannes - and after 7pm in the evenings. Do not be surprised to see dogs in restaurants – the French love their dogs. Smoking in public places is banned so if you want to smoke, sit on the terrace.
Michelin Restaurant
s There are seven Michelin starred restaurants in the Cannes area. In Cannes itself is La Palme d'Or** at the Martinez Hotel (see left). In addition to its a la carte menu the restaurant offers a special set price meal at 66€ for three courses, drinks and coffee.
The Park 45* at the Grand Hotel similarly has a fixed price at 45 euros for three courses.
Still in Cannes Mon Reve de Gosses*, 11 rue Louis Blanc near Marche Forville, tel: 04 93 39 68 08, serves one course plus coffee at lunchtime for 15€. A la carte prices range from 11€ to 26€ for a dish. Pas mal! But you will need to book well in advance, especially for an evening table, for this small starred restaurant. Chef Ludovic Ordas presides, right.
In Le Cannet, La Villa Archange** has a 70€ menu. It also has a bistro at more affordable prices but no fixed price menu.
L'Oasis** at La Napoule has a fixed lunchtime menu at 58€. The Oasis also has a bistro called L'Etage with a three course fixed menu for 29€ - same kitchen. Again you need to book in advance as it is busy lunchtime and evenings.
Le Moulin de Mougins* has two fixed price menus, for 39 euros you have a main course and dessert with wine, water and coffee or go for three c
ourses at 49€. Same dishes as on the a la carte menu and same sized portions, says the chef.
On the edge of the old village of Mougins is Le Mas Candille* (see right) offering a gastronomic lunchtime menu for 54€ and includes a glass of champagne, three courses, quarter of a litre of wine, mineral water and coffee. Alternatively you can have two courses for 40 euros.
Insiders' tip: The 2011 Michelin France Hotel & Restaurant Guide costs £11 in the UK and $20 in the USA... but a whopping 24 euros in France so bring it with you. It includes Bib Gourmand restaurants which have to provide a three course meal of high standard for 29€ (35€ in Paris) or under. The guide is only available in French, wherever you buy it.
TOP TIP ON-LINE
It includes the Bib Gourmet restaurants.
Local Guide: If looking to buy a highly rated local restaurant guide - Guide Gantie has been called the "Michelin" of the Côte d'Azur. It has 800 recommended restaurants in the Alpes-Maritimes and the Var, with a section called Sage - restaurants that provide excellent quality at a sensible price. The guide costs 22€ in English and includes places to stay. Did you know... Children 13 and under are not allowed out in Cannes after 11pm unless accompanied.
Tip: Steak Haché is a hamburger made from ground beef - wonderful. Steak Tartare is raw beef but absolutely delicious and as ubiquitous as Salade Niçoise.