Light streams in through semi-sheer curtain and slices across soft white bedsheets. The shadows of palms swaying lazily stroke the duvet and I can hear the exhale of the sea as it crawls leisurely up the shore. My balcony doors are flung open to coax in a breeze and I’m overlooking the beachfront of Cannes from the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes. I can see travellers and locals alike dipping in and out of designer stores, sunbathing and taking a leisurely swim in the pool. The air is electric but not in a chaotic way. In fact I feel more relaxed than I have in a long time and it’s hard to believe that a mere few hours ago I was jostling past commuters on the Circle line, a tiny speck in the concrete jungle.
The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic has a rich history and will be celebrating its centenary anniversary in 2026. I’m here to check out the refurbishment the hotel is going through, coaxing it gently into the modern day, something the hotel is doing in stages to avoid too much disruption. The hotel enlisted designer and architect Isabelle Stanislas to renovate the rooms and suites, bringing a blend of art deco and the French Riviera’s artistic legacy to the hotel.
The hotel prides itself on its homey feel, offering elevated luxury without being pretentious. “We want our guests to feel like they’re coming home each time they return to us” one staff member tells me. A hotel frequented by stars from Tom Cruise to Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, it’s not shy of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, most particularly during events such as the Cannes film festival and Canneseries.
What to Expect From the Rooms at Hotel Barriere le Majestic
From the moment you arrive it’s easy to see just why the stars are drawn to the property. I’m shown a suite that goes for £15k a night and it features everything from its own sauna, to a dedicated scent library to make the room smell exactly how you want it. While this elite space is undoubtedly impressive, I don’t feel like I’m missing out by staying in one of the standard rooms. Infact, every room and suite here is designed meticulously to provide an unforgettable experience. A perfect marriage of prestige and opulence, thoughtful design and 5* service, as well as a prime location right on the beach, there’s little extra you could add to the Barriere le Majestic to make it any better. My stay here is only for one night, but as soon as I enter through the revolving lobby doors I wish it were longer.
I’m led upstairs and greeted with one of the most beautiful hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in. The door opens to a large corridor, with an elegant, marble bathroom to the left, plenty of storage space and then a large sleep space at the end. Floor to ceiling doors open to a spacious balcony complete with a table and chairs and views overlooking the seafront. The sleeping space isn’t overly big but it doesn’t need to be. Every inch of space is thoughtfully designed and evokes a feeling of calm and nautical whimsy. Soft whites are married with gold and deep blues – a perfect reflection of the sun shimmering on the pool just below. Stylish art work adorns the walls and a large dressing table provides the perfect spot to get ready for an evening in Cannes.
Where to Eat
After freshening up, I head to Ciro’s, their newly opened beachfront restaurant, for lunch. It’s a really breathtaking spot where the decor is as well-thought out as the food and it’s easy to spend an afternoon here whiling away the time, sipping a crisp glass of rose and listening to the sounds of the sea. The decor is vintage with contemporary nuances and it’s easy to feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the 50s, with beautiful retro style umbrellas decorated in a red trim and blue and white stiped seating. The crowd here are undeniably chic and you instantly feel part of the cool crowd.
The menu features an array of dishes, from fresh seafood to pasta, encompassing seasonal ingredients such as asparagus and truffle. Portions are generous and each plated up beautifully. Each is flavoured to perfection. When dining at Ciro’s I reflect on how hard it is not to feel ridiculously content here. I cut into a ball of fresh burrata, deliciously soft and a perfect unblemished white, accompanied by fat, juicy tomatoes, a drizzled balsamic glaze and a tang of basil and am impressed by the power that comes in simplicity.
What is there to do?
Following lunch, I take the time to wander the town, wistfully perusing the many designer stores, as well as dipping into the smaller boutiques that pave the street. There are plenty of places to shop here, as well as many bars and restaurants where people spill out onto the pavement, raucuous laughter and clinking glasses filling the air. I recommend taking time to just get lost down the little streets and marvel at the superyachts in the harbour before venturing up the hill to the old town where you can also see the ‘Cannes’ sign perched at the top. Here there are numerous small shops, bakeries and bars with rolling views of Cannes below you.
The Hotel’s signature Bar and Restaurant Le Fouquet’s
After a leisurely wander, I head back to the hotel to get ready for dinner, then make my way to the hotel’s cocktail bar, Le Fouquet’s bar. Headed by Emanuele balestra, renowned for his innovative and botanical approach to mixology, it’s no surprise the options here are something special. More than just a mere pre or post-dinner tipple, they’re a carefully created work of art. On top of the hotel is a rooftop garden where Balestra grows herbs, flowers and botanicals to infuse into house-made bitters and edible perfumes, while collaborations with artisans for custom glassware further elevates the whole experience.
When it comes to dinner, you need to eat in their main on-site restaurant Fouquet’s. A more contemporary spot that oozes understated luxury, expect floor to ceiling windows overlooking the pool, dim lighting and tables adorned in crisp white tablecloths. In collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, the menu reimagines classic French dishes, attracting both gourmets and celebrities alike.
The menu is varied enough that there’s choice for everyone, but not ridiculously so where you feel dishes might be rushed. I opt for beef carpaccio accompanied by fresh bread, with a floured crunchy crust and deliciously soft centre. My main is a divine truffle pasta. The meal is rounded off with profiteroles drizzled in a hot caramel sauce and an espresso. It’s the ideal way to spend an evening.
How to Spend Day Two in Cannes at Hotel Barriere Le Majestic
I wake around 8am the next day, revelling in the luxury of being in a soft hotel bed with the whole day stretching before me. As a busy working Mum, this 24 hour reprieve is much appreciated and I cherish the peace and quiet. There’s a brilliant breakfast buffet in the restaurant on the ground floor (which I highly recommend) or you can order to your room. The hotel staff are attentive, friendly and nothing is too much trouble.
I spend the morning taking a wander along the promenade, iced latte in hand, before heading to Mademoiselle Gray for lunch. Another beautiful beachside restaurant, this has more of a contemporary, beach-club vibe complete with rattan furniture, a boardwalk to the sea and a live DJ. I tuck into a Heritage beef fillet with shallots and arugula condiment which is perfectly cooked and delicious.There’s plenty to choose from including fresh dish, pasta dishes, burgers, salads and more. This is rounded off with a selection of desserts and an espresso.
To walk off the lunch, I head for another walk along to the harbour where you can catch a boat to Île Sainte-Marguerite. It’s a quick hop across the water where you’re dropped off at a beautiful little spot, where a mountainous hillside is decorated in luscious greenery and the water is crystal clear. Here you can explore the historic fort, sunbathe on the beaches or follow the marked trails through pine forest and eucalyptus groves for a taste of nature. Return tickets cost 18.50Euros per adult and 12.50Euros per child. It’s well worth it to escape the hustle and bustle and take in the majestic beauty of this hidden spot.
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Barriere le Majestic is a hotel that’s special and just has it. From the moment you arrive you feel enveloped in a haven of calm, where nothing is too much trouble and little details make your stay extra memorable. You couldn’t be more perfectly located and the rooms are designed to be a home away from home – just imbued with those little luxurious touches that make you feel utterly spoilt. Whether heading for film season, a city break with your other half, or perhaps a solo shopping trip, Hotel Barriere le Majestic is an effortless choice. Just trust us when we say the hardest part is tearing yourself away to head to the airport – one stay here is never enough.
Book your stay here
10 bld de la Croisette
Cannes City-Centre
06400 Cannes
France
