The allure of the French Riviera is undeniable, and South African media personality and fashion enthusiast Kim Jayde recently immersed herself in the charm of Cannes. Having attended the prestigious Cannes International Festival of Creativity, Jayde returned with a wealth of insider knowledge and has teamed up with Air France to share her essential guide for anyone dreaming of exploring this iconic French city.
“Cannes is truly an unforgettable destination that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list,” says Kim Jayde. “From its vibrant energy to its stunning coastline, there’s a magic about it that captured my heart. And my experience truly began the moment I stepped onto an Air France flight – it was my first taste of French hospitality and culture, setting the perfect tone for the adventure ahead.”
Your French Riviera Journey Starts with Air France
Jayde highlights Air France as the unequivocal choice for anyone travelling to Cannes, especially for high-profile events. “It’s almost a no-brainer,” she notes. “The friendly and professional air hostesses greet you with a ‘Bonjour Madame,’ and every Business Class cabin receives a welcome glass of champagne from Champagne itself. In fact, Air France is the only airline that serves champagne in all of its cabin classes – yes, even economy passengers get served champagne on board! As a fashion lover, I binged documentaries on the history of Bulgari, Mugler, and Chanel over a glass of red wine and perfectly cooked steak in Business Class. What a treat!”
For those wanting to visit this Cannes, which is becoming increasingly popular with South African travellers, Kim Jayde shares her top tips for the ultimate Cannes experience:
Smart Accommodation
While Cannes can be pricey during peak season, Kim recommends the cozy town of Antibes, a mere 15 minutes away, for more affordable and stunning accommodation like a two-bedroom Airbnb. “It’s perfect for those on a ZAR budget mingling with the C-suite elite,” she says.
Mastering Transportation
Ditch the Uber for inter-city travel. “A train ride from Antibes to Cannes costs around €7, compared to Ubers that range from €26 to €49,” Kim explains. “Europe’s trains are comfortable, clean, air-conditioned, and incredibly efficient. Plan your day around their times for cost-effective travel.”
Savouring Local Flavours
On her trip, Kim fell in love with the simple, divine pleasures of local Boulangeries in Cannes. “Carry cash for the small, family-owned bakeries,” she advises. “Fresh bread, cheese, and cold meats are affordable, simple, and perfected by the French. “When visiting, Kim recommends visiting the Banana Blue. “It’s a delicious restaurant off one of the small streets off the main beach strip that has the best fresh pizza and pasta,” Kim says. “Just remember, the French are about enjoying life, no stress, no rush!”
Embracing Beach Days
Cannes’ La Plage stretches for kilometres, with the Mediterranean Sea warming up to a pleasant 23 degrees Celsius in summer. “If you’re visiting in summer, I’d recommend going to the beach around 4pm when the weather is slightly cooler, then stroll over to a nearby cafe for sundowners and a delicious meal as the sun only sets at 9pm,” Kim says.
Packing Smart
Forget suits and jeans for the hot, walking-friendly city. “Opt for cool linens, cotton shirts, knee-length shorts for men, and flowy dresses, linen pants, or cotton vests/t-shirts for ladies. It’s all about lightweight, breathable fabrics,” Kim advises.
Navigating the Language
Kim says that a little respect for the language goes a long way with the locals. “Greet everyone and ask them how they are ‘en Française’. It immediately shows you are making an effort, which is received as a sign of respect. Then you can politely express that your ‘Française not so good.’ Most people will have a little giggle and do their best to speak English, or suggest Google Translate.”
“The truth is, this was my first trip to France, and I fell in love with Cannes, the food, the energy and excitement, the palm trees, designer stores, the safety, and the lack of load-shedding or water cuts!” Kim jokes. “I’ve already diarised my 2026 trip and cannot wait to return! This is definitely add this to your bucket list!”
As Cannes continues to remain a popular destination for South African travellers, Air France is proud to connect South Africans to the city via a quick layover or train trip from Paris. With daily flights from Johannesburg on Air France, visiting Cannes is easier than ever for South Africans wanting to experience everything this charming city has to offer. For the best fares and to ensure availability, especially during the popular European summer season and major events, Air France strongly recommends booking your flights and accommodation well in advance.
