🏖️ A Little Quiet Before the Creative Storm: My Pre-Lions Week in Cannes

Every June, before the creative world descends on the Riviera for Cannes Lions, I take a few quiet days just for myself. Usually spent in Paris, this year, I flew into Nice, then made the stunning coastal drive to Cannes, where the Mediterranean sparkled and the Croisette buzzed with early festival prep. I checked into the Croisette Beach Hotel, located right next to the legendary Carlton. The city was already in motion, with beach clubs transforming overnight and hotel façades being wrapped in bold branding. You could feel the build-up everywhere. But before the chaos began, I carved out time for sun, stillness, and a little indulgence.

Eden-Roc Dreams: Lavender Cocktails & Ocean Views
My first escape was to the world-famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes. Arriving felt cinematic. Pine trees lined the road, the soft scent of the sea filled the air, and that iconic white façade appeared through the greenery. Lunch on their terrace was Riviera perfection. I started with a citrusy ceviche, bright and refreshing. A chilled lavender fizz cocktail followed, floral and delicate like sipping summer. I finished with a classic club sandwich, simply made and perfectly done.

Before I left, I took a photo in front of the hotel, standing in the same spot where many celebrities such as Harrison Ford and Pedro Pascal have been photographed. It was one of those surreal, “pinch me” moments.

Now the real question is, who did it best…

Saint-Tropez Escapade: Rosé, Beats & Brioche
The next day, I made my way to Saint-Tropez for an afternoon at Nikki Beach. There is a special kind of magic here, sun-drenched, effortlessly cool, and always buzzing with energy. I eased into the rhythm with lunch by the water, where everything tastes better with your feet in the pool. A bottle of chilled rosé kept things light and leisurely. After a quick swim in the pool, I spent some time soaking up the sun. Before heading back, I wandered into town for a Tarte Tropézienne, the region’s famous cream-filled brioche. It was soft and sweet. The perfect ending to a golden afternoon.

Sun-Soaked Stillness at the Beach Club
With just a few days left before the festival officially began, I dedicated a whole day at my hotel’s private beach club. There was no schedule, no emails, just sunshine and the sound of the sea. I swam in the Mediterranean, lounged under a striped umbrella, sipped iced coffee, and indulged in one too many French fries, which led to an attack from some very aggressive seagulls. A seagull attack, and all it was the perfect day of relaxation, a bit of calm before the creative storm.

Cannes, Je T’aime
There is something unforgettable about Cannes in the quiet days before the festival. The energy begins to hum, but the beaches remain peaceful, and the days stretch out long and golden. If you’re considering arriving early for Lions, or simply craving a taste of Riviera serenity, take the time. Swim in the sea. Order the rosé. Let yourself slow down before everything speeds up.