Making the Most of Cannes

Success in Cannes comes from managing expectations. Yes, luxury exists here in concentration rarely matched elsewhere. But alongside designer boutiques, local markets thrive. Next to private beaches, public sand welcomes all. Behind grand hotels, family restaurants serve honest food at fair prices.

The trick is choosing your own Cannes. You can glimpse the glamorous life from public spaces—strolling the Croisette costs nothing, and people-watching provides endless entertainment. Or you can ignore the glitz entirely, focusing on beaches, markets, and cultural sites that rival any Riviera destination.

Most visitors find happiness between extremes. They might splurge on one special meal while picnicking other days. They'll walk through luxury lobbies but sleep in modest comfort. They'll enjoy the spectacle while participating in local life.

Cannes rewards this balanced approach. The city built on dreams understands that fantasy and reality must coexist. Whether you come for film festivals or family beaches, Michelin stars or market meals, you'll find your place in this most cinematic of cities.

Just remember: the best views are free, the public beaches are excellent, and the local restaurants know their regular customers by name. That's the real Cannes, and it's been waiting for you all along.# Chapter 5: Monaco - Options for Day Visitors

Monaco sparks the imagination like few places on Earth. This tiny principality—smaller than New York's Central Park—concentrates more wealth per square meter than perhaps anywhere else. Yet Monaco's greatest surprise isn't its luxury, but its accessibility. Free buses cruise spotless streets, public elevators whisk visitors between levels, and some of Europe's most exclusive real estate sits steps from affordable restaurants where workers grab quick lunches.

Understanding Monaco means seeing beyond the superyacht harbors and casino legends to discover a functioning city-state where 38,000 people of 139 nationalities live and work. Yes, this is a playground for the wealthy, but it's also a fascinating day trip that won't destroy your budget—if you know how to navigate it.