— The hotel
LE RIMBAUD splendide duplex dans le Suquet, près des plages et du Palais des Festivals
Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of Cannes accommodations, and Le Rimbaud is one of those places that just gets it right. The name’s a bit of a mouthful – something about a splendid duplex in Le Suquet near the beaches and Palais des Festivals – but honestly, that’s exactly what it is. When you’re walking up Rue Saint-Dizier (and yes, it is uphill, so pack light or embrace the workout), you might wonder if you took a wrong turn. But then you step inside this duplex and… well, it’s like finding a hidden gem in plain sight.
The location is actually brilliant if you know Cannes at all. You’re right in the heart of Le Suquet, which means you get that authentic old-town vibe without being stuck up on the hill like some places. I mean, you can hear the festival buzz when it’s happening – the Palais is literally a few minutes’ walk down the slope – but you’re far enough up to escape the complete madness of the Croisette crowds. The beaches are close enough that you’ll find yourself popping down for a quick swim before dinner, which is dangerous because Cannes beach time has a way of stretching longer than planned. What I really love is how you can duck into those narrow cobblestone streets of Le Suquet when you want to feel like you’re in a proper French village, not a glitzy resort town.
The duplex setup works surprisingly well – there’s something about having that extra level that makes even a modest space feel more spacious and, I don’t know, more like a real apartment than a hotel room. The whole place has this lived-in quality that’s way more comfortable than those sterile luxury boxes you find closer to the water. Sure, it’s a 3-star property, so don’t expect marble everything and a concierge who knows your coffee order, but the charm factor is high. You know what really impressed me? The little details that show someone actually thought about what travelers need – proper lighting for reading, enough outlets for your devices, and a kitchen setup that’s actually functional if you want to grab groceries from the morning market in Forville. Parking can be a bit of an adventure in this part of town (isn’t it always in Cannes?), but there are options within walking distance, and honestly, once you’re settled in, you probably won’t want to move your car much anyway. The whole area is perfectly walkable, and taxis are easy to flag down when your feet give out after a long day of festival hopping or beach lounging.