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Roll Out the Red Carpet: My Not-Quite-Glamorous, Totally Fabulous Cannes Urban Trail Experience

My Travel Shoes

If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the red carpet in Cannes, let me tell you a secret: you don’t need a designer gown or a starring role in the next big blockbuster. You just need a pair of comfortable shoes, a bib number, and a willingness to climb an astonishing number

of stairs.

That’s how, weeks into our winter trip on the Côte d’Azur, I found myself doing something very new: participating in the 2025 Cannes Urban Trail, an annual running/walking event that winds through the city’s most iconic and historic sites.

Cannes sits on the Mediterranean coast, roughly halfway between Monaco and Saint-Tropez, with 15 km of shoreline, including 7.6 km of sandy beaches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CSNl6fR5VA

Video Credit: Cannes Urban Trail

Was I a marathon runner?

Absolutely not.

Did I register before leaving Canada?

Yes. I wasn’t sure how much walking my beau and I might do together on this trip (life happens, things change).

Did I imagine that signing up - my first time ever wearing a runner’s bib - might be a fun way to see the city and maybe meet a few people?

Sure.

But not a single event volunteer spoke English. So, I settled for smiling enthusiastically, pretending I knew exactly what was going on, and clutching my event shirt like a souvenir of success.

Welcome to Cannes… urban-trail style.

Why I Signed Up

Before arriving in France, I researched hiking clubs. I wanted a way to explore Cannes on my own, and that’s when I stumbled across the Cannes Urban Trail. It takes place every January and offers options for everyone - from a hardcore 27 km run to a 1.4 km kids’ race.

While I’ve often fantasized about running a marathon, being built like a runner doesn’t automatically qualify me to be one. So, I chose the 9 km walk: proudly untimed, mercifully low-pressure, and conveniently absent from any official results board.

Honestly, that’s a blessing. Had I been brave (or foolish) enough to join the 9 km Run, I would’ve finished… second last. And only because the very last person probably stopped for snacks (handed out by volunteers along the route).

Race(?) Day

We were staying in Villefranche-sur-Mer, so I set an early alarm, woke to a glowing Mediterranean sunrise, grabbed a quick breakfast, and we drove 45 minutes along the A8 toward Cannes. No traffic. No parking issues. Was this a miracle?

With time to spare, naturally, we stopped for a cappuccino and croissant.

Registration was near the iconic Palais des Festivals. With my bib and T-shirt in hand, I joined hundreds of participants gathered on the beach. The pre-event atmosphere buzzed with cold Mediterranean wind, deep golden sand, rolling waves, and that anticipatory excitement that always feels bigger than the event itself.

I felt the adrenaline of a marathon runner - despite wearing nothing but my favourite walking shoes - and layers, including a bulky puffer vest under my t-shirt.

Eventually, the walkers were summoned, and off we went.

Douglas immediately set out in search of the perfect restaurant terrace on Rue Félix Faure to do what he does best: people-watch and soak up the sun. Win-win.

Cannes: A Tourist Route… If Your Guide Loves Sand and Stairs

The course, as it turns out, was not designed by someone fond of flat sidewalks.

Our route went something like this:

soft, deep, energy-sapping sand
a sidewalk stroll past a row of shiny yachts - Esplanade Pantiero
more sandy beach - Plage du Midi (so much deep sand!)
an uphill climb - with sand in my shoes
many, many stairs
through a building (the library - I was tempted to stop and browse)
more uphill
a rocky trail through the woods
down another set of stairs
through Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic neighbourhood
and finally, back toward the legendary Palais des Festivals

And all along the way, runners from longer distances breezed past me as though gravity did not apply to them.

I attempted conversation with fellow walkers, but no one spoke English. At times I wondered if someone had secretly added a scavenger-hunt component.

We “visited”:

Le Campus International

Where students from around the world come to perfect their French. I briefly imagined how much smoother this trip might be if I enrolled. Registration is open year-round ...

Villa Rothschild

Built in 1881, now a public media library. Elegant. Grand. Did I stop to browse?No, this was a serious event, and I had sand in my socks.

Notre-Dame-d’Espérance

A 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance gem perched high on a hill with panoramic views over town and sea. Worth every uphill breath.

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)

A Beaux-Arts beauty once known as the Hôtel des Anges. I snapped a mental photo - too focused on not tripping to take an actual one.

My Red-Carpet Moment

The finish line was anything but ordinary.

As we approached the Palais des Festivals, home of the famous Cannes Film Festival, I suddenly saw the red carpet. The red carpet. The one celebrities climb in gowns worth more than my car.

I was giddy.

I power-walked (ran?) up the steps, entered the iconic Louis Lumière Auditorium, busted out some (mental-only) dance moves across the stage, then dashed back outside and down the red carpet, through a giant Christmas tree (décor, not real), across ANOTHER red carpet, and under an inflatable FINISH arch.

Time: 1.5 hours

Snack stops: Zero. (The last-place 9 km Runner probably enjoyed a few.)

I collected my wooden medal, feeling ridiculously pleased with myself.

Douglas, of course, had missed my triumphant finish while enjoying his espresso. Naturally.

So, I called him, he returned, and, because I knew he’d want photos, I repeated the entire red-carpet routine again.

Oscar-winning performance?

Probably.

Why It Felt Special

I’d never joined an event like this while travelling, and I’d certainly never worn a runner’s bib, which promptly earned me a new nickname from Douglas: "3047".

I walked up and down stairs built for glamorous people. And I loved every moment.Not because it was easy, but because it was new.

As it turned out, we did a ton of walking on this trip and explored several towns in the region, including Cannes. We’d even done a bike tour three weeks earlier. I could have easily skipped the Urban Trail event, but I’m so glad I didn’t.

Travel, at its best, nudges us out of our comfort zone.

It invites us to learn, explore, stretch (sometimes literally, as my calves will attest). The Cannes Urban Trail let me see the city in a way I never would have otherwise - past beaches and through iconic buildings, through forests and historic plazas, over hills and into neighbourhoods where Saturday-morning café patios are their own kind of culture.

It reminded me that you don’t have to be an athlete to try something new. You just need curiosity… and, ideally, good insoles.

Final Thoughts

Would I do it again?

In a heartbeat.

The event was wonderfully organized, scenic, somewhat challenging, and unlike any “tour” I’ve ever taken. For a mere 19 euros, I got to play, briefly, at being both a marathoner and a Cannes star, and I even received official photos afterward.

If you ever find yourself in Cannes in January, check out the Cannes Urban Trail. Or next time you’re travelling, dare yourself to sign up for something unfamiliar - a walk, a workshop, a class… maybe even a trail event with sand, stairs, wind, and a red-carpet finale.

You might surprise yourself.

I certainly did.

If You Go: Cannes Urban Trail

Event: Cannes Urban Trail

More info: cannesurbantrail.fr

When: Usually held in January

Route Options:

Le Grand Cannois: 27 km Run (timed)
Le Cannes Urban Trail: 16 km Run (timed)
Le Petit Cannois: 9 km Run (timed)
Le Cannes Urban Walk: 9 km Walk (untimed)
Le Pitchoun Cannois (kids): 1.4 km / 2.5 km

Highlights: La Croisette, Plage du Midi, Villa Rothschild, Notre-Dame-d’Espérance, and the Palais des Festivals

Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and water. The terrain changes from sand to cobblestones to steep steps.

Marina and Palais des Festivals: Cannes, France

One of the many film-inspired Murals in Cannes

More Côte d'Azur

A Day in Ronda: Walking Through Spain’s City of Dreams

My Travel Shoes

Perched high above the dramatic El Tajo Gorge in Andalusia, Ronda has long carried the poetic nickname the City of Dreams. Writers, artists, and travellers have been enchanted for centuries. Poet Rainer Maria Rilke once declared,

“I have sought everywhere the city of my dreams, and I have finally found it in Ronda.”

From our first glimpse, we understood why. Ronda feels at once timeless and alive, where breathtaking scenery blends seamlessly with centuries of history. Even with just one day to explore, the town left us enchanted and wanting more.

A Walk Through History

Ronda is one of Spain’s oldest towns, with roots stretching back to the 6th century BC. Romans built the fortified settlement of Acinipo nearby, and the Moors later transformed Ronda into a thriving cultural center, leaving behind treasures like the Arab Baths and Mondragón Palace. After the Christian Reconquista, Ronda became part of the Kingdom of Castile, its streets and architecture evolving into a layered mosaic of influences.

By the 19th century, Ronda became a romantic stop on the Grand Tour, attracting legends like Hemingway and Orson Welles, who drew inspiration from its 18th-century bullring and dramatic landscapes. Despite being one of Andalusia’s most visited towns today, Ronda has preserved its charm - no high-rises or sprawling resorts here, just whitewashed walls, cobbled streets, and endless views.

Standing Above El Tajo Gorge

No picture prepares you for the moment you first see the El Tajo Gorge. Nearly 120 meters deep and carved by the Guadalevín River, the chasm splits the city in two, connected by the Puente Nuevo, or “new” bridge, completed in 1793 after more than three decades of construction.

We spent the afternoon circling viewpoints, pausing at plazas and terraces to watch how the bridge and cliffs framed the city differently from every angle. The gorge is more than a backdrop - it’s Ronda's breathtaking divide. If you only see one sight here, make it this, but allow extra time; it’s impossible to stop lingering.

Descending Into History: Casa del Rey Moro

From the opposite side of the gorge, we spotted a platform at the bottom, which led us to La Casa del Rey Moro. Despite its name, the palace, now in a state of disrepair, never housed a Moorish king. Rather, the connection to Moorish history is in the water mine, La Mina, a 14th-century tunnel carved into the rock that descends more than 200 steps to the river below.

Descending into the cool, damp passageway felt like stepping back in time. Emerging by the river, surrounded by cliffs, offered a rare moment of calm - until the steep climb back up! If the stair climb isn’t for you, the multi-level gardens and gorge views are still worth the visit.

Wandering Arches, Streets, and Terraces

From the mine, we passed under the Felipe V Arch, once a main entrance to the city. Beyond it, streets felt quintessentially Andalusian - cobbled lanes, orange trees, wrought-iron balconies. I could picture springtime with terra-cotta pots overflowing with bright geraniums.

Eventually, we found a terrace restaurant clinging to the edge of the gorge. Tapas never tasted better - paired with local wine, a view of the Puente Nuevo, and the hum of Spanish conversation.

Why Stay Longer in Ronda

Our day in Ronda was short, but the town deserves more than a day trip. Beyond the gorge and bridge, there’s plenty to explore:

History lovers can visit the Arab Baths, Mondragón Palace, and Spain’s oldest bullring.
Nature seekers can hike into the valley or try the new Desfiladero del Tajo Walkway (opened in 2024), which descends into the gorge with dramatic views of the Puente Nuevo.
Romantics can wander plazas at dusk, linger in hidden courtyards, or watch sunsets over the Serranía de Ronda.

Staying overnight allows you to enjoy Ronda without the crowds. Evenings are quieter, mornings still - perfect for slow strolls and coffee in local cafés.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ronda

Getting there: Ronda is an easy day trip from Málaga, Seville, or Granada, by car, train, or tour. Our scenic hour-and-a-half drive from Seville was effortless. Tours often include stops at other White Towns (Pueblos Blancos).
Getting around: The town is compact and walkable, but wear comfortable shoes- especially if descending into the gorge. The tourism office near the bullring offers maps and English-speaking staff to share tips.
Tickets: The bono turístico (€12) covers attractions like Mondragón Palace, Arab Baths, and the Puente Nuevo Museum. Available at the tourism office or online.
Timing: To avoid crowds, visit early or stay overnight.

Hemingway, Welles, and Ronda in Literature

At Ronda’s Parque Alameda del Tajo, statues of Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles honour two legends deeply tied to the city. Welles, a lifelong bullfighting fan, loved Ronda so much that his ashes were laid to rest on matador Antonio Ordóñez’s estate. Hemingway, who adored bullfighting, drew on Ronda’s people, history, and landscapes in his writing.

Books to read about Ronda (click on title to read more about these books, including reviews):

The Dangerous Summer (1985)

Chronicles the 1959 bullfighting season, focusing on the rivalry between Luis Miguel Dominguín and Ronda’s Antonio Ordóñez.

For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940)

Inspired by stories from Ronda, including wartime executions in El Tajo Gorge.

Death in the Afternoon (1932)

Hemingway praises Ronda’s historic bullring as a place where the corrida remains pure - considered one of the best books ever written about bullfighting.

Ronda Reflections

On our February visit, even a brief afternoon revealed why Ronda is called the City of Dreams. Between staggering gorge views, winding cobblestone lanes, and a deep sense of history, Ronda felt both romantic and unforgettable.

If there's a next time, we’ll stay longer. But even in just one day, Ronda left us with memories we’ll treasure - and dreams of returning.

If you notice any errors in the English translation above, kindly let me know. Thank you.

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My Great Italian Bellini Tour

My Travel Shoes

My very first Bellini was years ago in Venice, shared with two girlfriends on a sun-dappled pier as gondolas drifted past. Fizzy, peachy, and quintessentially Venetian, that sparkling cocktail became more than a drink. It became a memory I still treasure. Years later, on a return trip to Italy, Bellinis appeared so often at our table that I jokingly dubbed it our Great Italian Bellini Tour. While the cocktail wasn’t the purpose of our travels, it became a playful thread weaving through some of Italy’s most beautiful places.

But first, a quick backstory: The Bellini is a classic Italian cocktail created in Venice at the legendary Harry’s Bar by Giuseppe Cipriani. Inspired by the delicate pink tones in a painting by the Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini, Cipriani combined fresh white peach purée with sparkling Prosecco. It was an instant hit, first in Venice and eventually around the world. Today, it’s a timeless symbol of Italian elegance - light, refreshing, and endlessly versatile.

With that in mind, here’s how our “Bellini Tour” unfolded, one stop (and one sip) at a time.

Montisi: Bellinis Among Olive Trees

Our home base was Montisi, a charming hilltop village in southern Tuscany. With a population of just around 400, it’s small but full of life. Narrow winding streets, medieval stone buildings, and a community that still celebrates its traditions through local festivals give the village a sense of timelessness. Montisi is also known for its excellent olive oil, which explains the silvery-green orchards that stretch in every direction.

Our wonderful place overlooked an olive grove, the perfect setting for long, relaxed brunches outdoors. Surrounded by rolling hills, cypress trees, and endless Tuscan charm, it felt only natural to add a Bellini to the table. It was the perfect start to what would become a running theme of our trip.

Pienza: Renaissance Charm and Pecorino Cheese

Just a short drive from Montisi is Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful towns in Tuscany. In the 15th century, Pope Pius II redesigned it as an “ideal Renaissance town,” so every street and piazza seems carefully arranged for beauty and harmony. The views over the Val d’Orcia are breathtaking, with golden hills, cypress-lined roads, and fields that look like they belong in a painting.

Pienza is also renowned for its Pecorino cheese, celebrated each September with a lively festival. While exploring, we stumbled upon a tiny wine bar perched along the town walls, with just a handful of outdoor tables overlooking the valley. As the sun dipped behind the hills, we sipped Bellinis and soaked in what became one of the most unforgettable views of our trip. The bar quickly turned into our favourite sunset ritual. On one magical evening, a wedding party came buzzing along the road below on Vespas, tin cans clattering behind them - it felt like a scene lifted straight from a classic Hollywood film.

Florence: Bellinis in the Boboli Gardens

Florence is a city that hardly needs an introduction - art, history, and beauty at every turn. One of its treasures is the Boboli Gardens, created for the Medici family and later opened to the public in the 18th century. The gardens are more than just a green space; they’re an open-air museum, dotted with sculptures, fountains, and ornate grottos.

Sitting on the terrace with a Bellini in hand felt like stepping back into the refined life of Renaissance Florence. It was one of those moments where history and the present blend together - just as the Bellini itself blends old tradition with simple pleasure.

Portofino: The Luxurious Sip

From Florence, we headed north to the Ligurian coast and the jewel-like town of Portofino. Famous for its colorful harbor, luxury yachts, and designer boutiques, it has long been known as a glamorous destination. We didn’t know much about Portofino and hadn’t realized just how polished its reputation was - to us, it simply radiated the same effortless beauty we found throughout Italy.

On our first evening, we found a restaurant terrace overlooking the harbor and ordered Bellinis without first checking the menu. When the waiter appeared with peach purée and a chilled bottle of champagne, we knew we were in for something special. The cocktails were exquisite, but when the bill arrived, we were reminded that in Portofino, the view and the sparkle both come at a premium. It was worth it, though - at least once.

Bagni Vignoni: Hot Springs and a Sparkling Surprise

On a drive in Tuscany, we stopped in Bagni Vignoni, a small village known for its hot springs. Since Roman times, visitors have come here for the therapeutic waters. The town square is unique - it’s built around a large pool fed by the springs (though you can’t swim in it). However, a path past the “Park of the Mills”, a series of ancient mills with canals and gorges, leads to natural pools below the village, where you can enjoy the warm water freely.

We found these pools by accident, by driving down a bumpy narrow road - with a bottle of Prosecco and peach purée in the trunk. After parking in a small gravel area near a treed area, I changed into my bathing suit behind the car. Then there was a loud bang that sounded like a gun shot. I immediately thought we were caught trespassing, but it was the Prosecco cork popping after being shaken down the road. Once we realized that, we had a good laugh.

Relaxing in the hot pools with Bellinis in hand and wonderful views of the Val d’Orcia was the perfect mix of history, nature, and fun.

Sirolo: A Spontaneous Adriatic Escape

Toward the end of our trip, we decided to take a spontaneous day trip to the Adriatic coast. A few hours of driving brought us to Sirolo, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Perched on the slopes of Monte Conero, the town has dramatic sea views, medieval charm, and beaches with crystal-clear water.

We didn’t have much time to explore, but we did take a stroll along the beach and found a terrace with a panoramic view of the sea. There, with the Adriatic stretching out before us, we enjoyed a Bellini, of course. It was an unplanned stop, but a memorable one - and a perfect reminder that sometimes the best travel moments happen when you least expect them.

Priano: Afternoon Bellinis on the Amalfi Coast

After our time exploring Tuscany, Florence, and Portofino, we headed further south to the Amalfi Coast, and discovered that Praiano was every bit as enchanting as its more famous neighbors. Nestled between Positano and Amalfi, Praiano is quieter, more relaxed, and feels like the best-kept secret of the coastline.

The town spills down steep cliffs toward the sea, with pastel houses, narrow stairways, and dazzling views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once a fishing village, Praiano is now known for its charming piazzas, historic churches, and peaceful atmosphere - a perfect contrast to the busier towns along the coast.

On a sunny afternoon, we settled onto a terrace overlooking the water. With the sea shimmering below and a Bellini in hand, it felt like the perfect pause after a hectic drive to find our hotel. Praiano may not have the crowds or the buzz of Positano, but that’s exactly what made it a great place to stay for us – and why it became one of our most memorable Bellini stops.

A Toast to Italy

In the end, our Bellini toasts became magical memories and tied together so many places and experiences. Each village, city, and coastline had its own story to tell, and those peach-tinted pauses gave us a way to slow down and savor them. From the quiet of hot springs to lively piazzas and seaside terraces, the memories feel even brighter when I think of them through that sparkling lens.

If your travels take you to Italy, try a Bellini wherever you find yourself. It may not be the focus of your journey, but it has a way of making beautiful moments linger - just a little longer.

Salute!

p.s. Limoncello is another favourite!