Valbonne
Take ligne 630 bus to Valbonne, a medieval village inland from Cannes, beloved by the Brits since Princess Margaret holidayed there in the early Sixties. Many own homes in the surrounding area but don’t let that put you off!
The village architecture is lovely - the place des Arcades was built in 1628 by Cistercian monks according to plans based on a Roman camp chosen by Dom Antoine Taxil in 1519.
There are lots of small and interesting shops to browse around. If going for lunch one is spoilt for choice. Try the upmarket Lou Cigalon (closed Sunday and Monday) at 32€ set lunch, the Café des Arcades in the main square which also does great pizzas, and the Café Ratin with its large shady terrace. If you have a car you can visit in the evening – try dinner with live jazz every Friday and Saturday at La Fontaine, rue du Rocher. There's even an Indian restaurant.
August 4 -17 the Arlette Gruss circus is in town. A grand parade through the town takes place 5pm August 15, You can visit the animals every day between 10-noon and 3-7pm. The show starts 9pm every day except August 10 and 17 when it starts at 6.30pm. Tickets can be booked on www.cirque-gruss.com or buy them in Valbonne at the circus grounds.