Cannes, the glitzy French Riviera town that hosts the world's most prestigious film festival, is a place where the red carpet meets the beach, and the cameras flash alongside the waves. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there's a whole other world of nightlife that's just as captivating. From intimate speakeasies to beachside lounges, these are the spots where insiders land once the cameras stop flashing. Let's dive into the top spots for a drink in Cannes, each with its own unique vibe and charm.
The Speakeasy Experience
What makes a speakeasy so enticing? It's the air of mystery and intrigue that surrounds these hidden gems. Le Speakeasy Cannes, tucked just off the Croisette, is a perfect example. Once dinner service fades, the venue transforms into a lively late-night scene, drawing a crowd seeking something more hedonistic than the hotel bars. Espresso martinis and champagne cocktails are frequent orders as live music spills across velvet banquettes and candlelit tables. By midnight, the dinner set has given way to dancing, and last call doesn't come until 4 a.m. or until dawn, depending on the vibes. It's the kind of place where you can let loose and forget about the chaos of the Croisette.
Beachside Lounges
Cannes is all about the beach, and the Carlton Beach Club is no exception. By late afternoon, the pontoon fills with producers, studio executives, filmmakers, and the occasional model who has wandered in from a yacht. The order is instinctive: Provençal rosé, something from the grill, and a seat facing the Mediterranean. During festival season, the beach club becomes a natural extension of the Croisette, filled with long lunches, industry conversations, and sunset sips overlooking the bay. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the stunning views.
The Iconic Speakeasy
Martinez Bar, located in the heart of Cannes at Hôtel Martinez, is a vinyl-forward speakeasy that opened in March 2025. It has quickly become the room of choice for those who find the hotel lobbies too exposed. The room is intimate without feeling small, close but not claustrophobic, and perfect for the kind of conversations Cannes runs on. The signature Black Swan, with Cîroc vodka, apricot liqueur, sambuca, and a single coffee bean, is exactly the kind of drink this room deserves. Rare vinyl spins well past midnight, and so do heads and the industry chatter.
The Official Partner
Campari Lounge, now in its fifth year as an official Cannes partner, is one of the most coveted invites on the Croisette. Positioned inside the Palais des Festivals with a direct sightline to the red carpet, the space runs filmmaker conversations and live podcast recordings during the day, then shifts into a proper cocktail scene by evening. The signature drink this year is the "Red Carpet, Cannes Edition," a Negroni riff made with hibiscus-infused Campari, bitter chocolate vermouth, and Courvoisier VSOP. It's the perfect spot for those who want to rub shoulders with the industry elite while enjoying a delicious cocktail.
The Iconic Terrace
No Cannes trip feels complete without cocktails at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The legendary Antibes property is where longtime festival regulars looking to escape the chaos of the Croisette. At the Eden-Roc Restaurant terrace, classic martinis arrive cold and unrushed, the olives are delicious, and the Mediterranean stretches out past the pine trees. By late afternoon, those who know show up and settle at shaded tables as servers glide across the terrace, carrying trays filled with sunset-ready Negronis. It's the perfect spot for a romantic evening, where you can enjoy the stunning views and the classic cocktails that have made this spot so iconic.
In my opinion, Cannes is not just about the films and the red carpet; it's also about the nightlife. From intimate speakeasies to beachside lounges, these spots offer a unique experience that's just as captivating as the festival itself. So, the next time you're in Cannes, make sure to step away from the cameras and explore the vibrant nightlife that awaits you.
