The Insider Knowledge - Cannes Travel Guide, Tips, Advice on Things to do, Places to see, Restaurants, Leisure Activities, Transport, Shopping, Sightseeing, Beaches, Film Festival, Hotels Apartments in Cannes Cote d'Azur France - The French Riviera
TIPPING the bane of people's lives... to tip or not? Most French restaurants include taxes and a 15% tip in the price of a meal - so not necessary to leave an extra tip. Look for “prix service compris” on the menu and bills. If you wish to leave more, 5% is correct. If prix compris is not printed on the bill then tips are welcomed but not necessary. Tipping is not generally required or commonplace in bars and clubs but is customary in the case of tour guides and theatre ushers. In a taxi you can round your fare to the nearest euro or add an extra euro or two. In hotels it is normal to leave a few euros for the chambermaid and give a euro per bag to a porter carrying your luggage. Small tips are also appreciated at hairdressers and beauty salons, and can range from a few coins to about €10 depending on the treatments you have received. +++++++++++++++++
Beef is butchered differently in France from the UK. Onglet and bavette are skirt and basse cote is chuck steak all of which the Brits would use for stewing or braising. The French, however, often cut the onglet and bavette thinly and flash fry it as steak. Other stewing cuts include: jarret=shin; paleron=blade; plat de cote= brisket on the bone. French friends say if you want a good steak go to a restaurant. When asked how you like your steak cooked you can say bleu, saignant, a point or bien cuit: almost raw to well done.
MICHELIN RESTAURANTS 2024
But first an insiders' guide to where the locals eat Where do locals like to eat in Cannes and the surrounding area where value for money is a must ? The answers are: Cannes - La Potiniere, La Toque d'Or, Bella Storia, Le Bistrot Gourmand and La Cantine; La Napoule - La Mizuna; Theoule - Aux Ingredients; Mougins - La Terrasse Fleurie, L'Entree des Artistes and l'Amandier.
Plus Le Moulin de Sault at Auribeau sur Siagne; Le Vieux Four, Gourdon; Le Grill de Mourachonne Pegomas; Le Paradisio and Le Jardin de Quentin at Camille, both at Peymeinade.
LUNCH STARS Some of the best bargains are to be found at lunchtime, including Michelin starred restaurants. Do check out the price of wines to avoid indigestion when the bill arrives.
Two Stars Le Cannet: Villa Archange Eze: Le Chevre d'Or Nice: Flaveur
Smoking is banned indoors in France so sit on the terrace if you want to smoke. Do not be surprised to see dogs in restaurants in France.
There are five Michelin Bib Gourmands bistro/brasseries in the area. These offer a three course set menu for a maximum price of 40 euros.
Bistrot des Anges, Le Cannet, run by Bruno Oger of Villa Archange; Bistrot Saint Sauveur . Le Cannet Bistrot Oasis is now located at the l'Hermitage hotel in La Napoule.
In Mougins, it's the well known L'Amandier which specialises in the culinary delights of Nice.
Nicholas Sarkozy and a host of local politicians dine at Les Bons Enfants, rue Meynadier in Cannes. Three generations of the Giorsetti family have owned this restaurant.
Parking meters are free in Cannes between 12 -2pm and after 7pm.