Christmas in Cannes amidst the lights and shows of the legendary Carlton
From late November to the first week of January, an event takes place every Saturday in the hotel’s courtyard
Cannes is at its best even when the red carpet has been rolled up and the Festival is long over. All it takes is a sunny day in December to stroll along the seafront without a coat, watch the boats in the bay and realise that the Côte d’Azur doesn’t need summer to work its magic.
From late November to Epiphany
And in this off-season calendar, the Carlton Cannes has found a spectacular time to add a touch of wonder and a reason to stay during the off-season: Christmas. From late November to the first week of January, every Saturday in the Carlton’s inner garden, a show takes centre stage – an event best viewed from above, from the balconies of the rooms, perhaps whilst enjoying a slice of star-shaped bûche de Noël, the dessert created especially for the festive season. A quirky and very French – or rather, très Côte d’Azur – way to experience Christmas at the Carlton.
A centuries-old history
The Carlton, after all, has always had a certain theatrical flair. Opened in 1913, when Cannes was transforming from an aristocratic holiday resort into an international destination, it has become one of the symbols of the Croisette, recognisable by its two large domes which, even from a distance, evoke its Belle Époque architecture. After seven years of renovation work, including two years when it was closed, it reopened in 2023 following a restoration project that brought to light many details of the original palace. In the foyer, for example, the colours of the early 20th century have re-emerged from beneath layers of paint, and, beneath a false ceiling, two frescoes that once decorated the domes have been revealed. Even the balustrades of the grand staircases concealed gold leaf dating from 1906. The project by French interior designer Tristan Auer focused on these elements without turning the Carlton into a museum: he has lightened the spaces, allowed light to flood in and incorporated contemporary details.
The new look designed by Tristan Auer
The same balance is evident in the numerous rooms and suites. The nod to the Riviera is subtle: light colours, wood, straw, ceramics and large windows overlooking the Mediterranean. The ceramic lamps, for example, are reminiscent of Vallauris, the town on the Côte d’Azur famous for its ceramic tradition. Some suites, however, retain a more explicit link to the history of cinema: in room 623, Alfred Hitchcock filmed several scenes from *To Catch a Thief* starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.
The cuisine also draws inspiration from the city and the region. At Riviera, the indoor-outdoor restaurant, you can order pissaladière – the Côte d’Azur’s favourite savoury tart – and other Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients. At Bar 58, amidst Venini chandeliers and pastel-coloured ceramics, the philosophy is ‘farm to bar’, with cocktails crafted around fresh, seasonal ingredients. And the Camélia Tea Lounge, which is also open to non-residents, has become one of the places where the Carlton meets everyday life in Cannes. Even though the beach club isn’t quite at its best at the moment, the restaurant is always open – and eating a burger and chips in a T-shirt by the sea in December is still a rather special experience.
