There’s more to Cannes than the film festival. The town boasts inspiring bartenders creating exciting cocktails on and off the Croisette, writes James Lawrence.

SB names the top five bars in Cannes, France

The glamorous allure of the French Riviera described in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tender Is The Night still rings true today – and nowhere more so than in the iconic resort town of Cannes. It remains the leading supermodel on a busy catwalk: always on show but still managing to retain its sense of individuality and style.

Yet globe­trotting bartenders often dismiss Cannes as a one-­trick pony, full of the bronzed and botoxed queuing up outside remarkably expensive clubs, desperate to catch a glimpse of their favourite celebrity. But that’s an obligatory part of the Côte d’Azur package, particularly during festival time, when the exclusivity dial cranks up a notch and the best A­-list parties take place at inland country houses. Nevertheless, for discerning sybarites, Cannes offers far more than tacky clubs, you just need to leave the Boulevard de la Croisette behind (although several excellent cocktails bars are situated on this iconic street).

For a more low­-key experience, head slightly inland to Rue Marceau and Rue du Suquet, where a collection of inviting wine bars, such as Le Bar à Vin, can be found. Boasting tables made from old barrels, friendly service and local wines by the glass, it’s an intimate space that feels a million miles away from the chaos of the film festival.

Rue Saint-­Antoine is another popular spot, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, when the Auberge Provençale da Bouttau transforms into the Cotton Club, a fantastic live­-music venue that offers the best jazz in Cannes. There’s even a growing collection of Irish pubs – Morrisons, one of the first such venues to open, is still the best, and boasts an affable army of bilingual staff. Pretension is outlawed and fun is obligatory.

Ultimately, though, most visitors head to Cannes to sip cocktails in chic surroundings, preferably to the soothing sound of a resident pianist. Thankfully, the Côte d’Azur rarely disappoints; you’re spoilt for choice in the Boulevard de la Croisette, where every five-­star hotel boasts an excellent cocktail bar. However, it’s not all about appearances and overpriced drinks – Cannes’ younger bartenders are as passionate and skilled as their counterparts in Paris, with an increasing emphasis on natural ingredients and aromatics. That said, prices are always ambitious in Cannes – and if you’re counting the euros, you’re in the wrong place.

Click through the following pages to discover the top five bars in Cannes, France.

La Cercle Bar

45 Boulevard de la Croisette

A quintessentially chic lounge bar; La Cercle is said to be the oldest in Cannes, and the only venue to boast sea-­facing views from the garden. Today it is frequented by locals as much as tourists. All revel in the civilised atmosphere and excellent drinks created by living legend Laurent Guyon de Montlivault. Must­try concoctions include the Pastis Provençal, which incorporates ingredients from more than 60 plants in the surrounding Provence region.

La Chunga

24 Rue Latour­-Maubourg

Situated opposite the upmarket Hotel Martinez, La Chunga is everything you’d expect from Cannes’ most famous areas. During festival time La Chunga can be a bit overbearing but in low season it morphs into a relaxed piano and live­-music bar with a distinct 1950s vibe. Clientèle is, in general, well heeled, but the excellent drinks list more than makes up for the preening iPhone obsessives.

Charly’s Bar

5 Rue du Suquet

Cannes isn’t exactly full of quirky destinations, meaning Charly’s Bar stands out. Housed in a small cave­like setting, Charly’s was formerly used as a sheepfold. Today, it offers great cocktails and a relaxed, off­-beat vibe, complete with palm-­tree décor and soft purple lighting. An essential stop on any Cannes itinerary.

Morrisons

10 Rue Teisseire

If you’ve had enough of the cram and the crush, the see­-and-­be-seen mentality and extortionately priced drinks, where do you go? Morrisons is a safe bet. It’s a delightfully unpretentious and fun-loving Irish pub that, as you’d expect, serves endless amounts of Guinness in the high season. Staff are very friendly and the prices reasonable – at least by local standards.

Carlton Bar

58 Boulevard de la Croisette

Undoubtedly Cannes’ most glamorous destination, The Carlton Hotel is where the A-listers converge during the film festival to quaff magnums of Cristal. But it is also a source of reliably excellent and innovative cocktails, expertly prepared by leading mixologist Franck Gamba. Try his incredible Tiramisu cocktail.