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Things to do in Cannes

Get dragged along the waves on a wakeboard

If windsurfing doesn't provide enough of an adrenaline kick, get in touch with Ski and Wake Zone (tel: +33 (0) 6 63805274; www.swzteamcannes.com). Its speedboat will drag you across the water on all manner of objects: wakeboards, waterskis, inflatable bananas and, for the brave and leathery-soled, your own bare feet.

Go hiking underground

Discovered by a local farmer in 1890, the Caves of Saint Cezaire (tel: +33 (0) 4 9360 2235) are an underground world of protruding stalactites and stalagmites, and a great starting point for a hike around the surrounding countryside.

Revisit the past at Musee de la Castre

Suquet Hill is Cannes' old town quarter, and its diminutive, maze-like streets now serve as ground zero for shops, bars and restaurants. At the top is the charming Musee de la Castre (www.cannes.com/fr/culture/musee-de-la-castre.html) with its ethnographic history of Cannes. Even if you're not into the relics, it's worth the hike for the view.

Take a boat is Ile Sant Honorat

Reputation would have us think that Cannes is all about high-end shopping and champagne cocktails. If that is your vibe, all power to you. But if you want something a little more holistic, take the 15-minute boat ride to Ile Sant Honorat, home to 20 Bendictine monks. They'll even let you join them for morning mass (1125 weekdays, and 0950 Sunday).

Work out those things with stand-up paddleboarding

To the bystander, this relatively new watersport might look about as taxing as a stroll along La Croisette, but balancing on oversized surfboards is a tough workout for the lower body. It's also a novel way of exploring Cannes' scenic coastline. Hire all the gear from Cannes Stand-Up Paddle (tel: +33 (0) 6 8217 0877; www.cannesstanduppaddle.fr)

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Hotel Novotel Suites Cannes Centre

The Novotel offers good-value rack rates and some of the best online specials in Cannes. This swish, modern, all-suite hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the railway station but still delivers spacious rooms that all have microwaves and kettles, as well as large working spaces and flatscreen TVs.

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic

This belle époque palatial hotel along La Croisette fuses classic elegance with modern refinements. It has 349 sumptuous rooms, three Venetian-style lounges, five restaurants, two bars and a swimming pool. It has also hijacked part of the main beach, which means guests can enjoy bathing in private.

Hotel Colette

This 3-star stay is one of the most stylish hotels in Cannes. Its simple yet striking white colour scheme acts as a canvas for the hotel's lively blend of modern furniture, contemporary art and the odd antique. Its location opposite the railway station is convenient, albeit not the prettiest.

Hôtel Martinez

Situated on La Croisette, the 5-star Hôtel Martinez is one of the Riviera's grand palaces. Guests can take advantage of the private beach, swimming pool and spa while staying in the palatial apartments or well-appointed rooms. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, La Palme d'Or, has a reputation for exceptional cuisine.

Le Mistral

This 2-star hotel offers 10 rooms on three floors just a minute's walk from the Palais des Festivals and rue d'Antibes. The interior design is modern and stylish, and art works are usually on display. The rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned and feature free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs.

InterContinental Carlton Cannes

Old-world charm and modern convenience combine to great effect at the Carlton. The hotel has 343 rooms, including 39 suites, and there are two restaurants, two bars and a health club on the premises. The grande dame of La Croisette overlooks the Mediterranean and has its own private beach.