Shopping in Cannes

The shops in Cannes are concentrated between La Croisette and rue d’Antibes - a distance easily covered on foot. Shopkeepers who have signed a ‘Cannes Prestige’ charter will reimburse VAT, accept payment in the most commonly used currencies (at the exchange rate published in the Nice Matin newspaper, plus a maximum of 5%) and have at least one assistant who speaks fluent English.

A wide array of international designer shops line La Croisette, including Chanel, Dior and Gucci. A new Jean-Paul Gaultier opened May 2002, in the Gray d’Albion arcade.

Rue d’Antibes has the best confiseries, chocolatiers and delicatessens, including Chez Bruno, 51 rue d’Antibes (crystallised fruit and marrons glace), and Maiffret, 31 rue d’Antibes (chocolates made on the premises). Rue Meynadier is a bustling street, with a market atmosphere and bargain prices. The best cheese in town is sold at Ceneri, 22 rue Meynadier. Cannolive, 16 rue Venizelos, is good for small gifts, while film festival posters are sold at Cine-Folie, 14 rue des Freres Pradignac. La Vendange des Moines wines and Lerins liqueurs are a boat trip away on Ile St Honorat, or are sold at La Cave Forville, 3 Forville Market.

At Marche Forville (Forville Market), situated between the town hall and the railway tracks, locally grown flowers, fruit and vegetables are available. The fish on sale are from the day’s catch. Nearby is the colorful flower market, Allees de la Liberte. Forville Market is open daily (except Monday) 0700-1300.

Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 1000-1200 and 1430-1930. In high season, many shops do not close for lunch. Sales tax varies between 5.5% (food) to 19.6% (luxury goods). Visitors from outside the European Union can claim a refund upon departure for each purchase over €175.