Jewellery expert and Missoma founder Marisa Hordern has spent many of her holidays in Cannes for the past 40 years. Growing up with a French grandmother, it was only natural. This is her family insider’s guide.
Marisa has been visiting the region for over 40 years, and now as a mother herself, she’s creating new memories that her son can cherish as his own. “Many people think Cannes is only about film stars, yachts, and luxury hotels,” says Marisa. “While that world certainly exists, the reality is that it’s one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe, with beaches, islands, local markets, wonderful restaurants, history and outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s so easy to get to, which is always a bonus when travelling with kids.”
Family has always been at the heart of Marisa Hordern’s demi-fine jewellery brand Missoma: the brand is a play on the names of her mother Michele, sister Sophie, and her own name; and it was her mother who joined her at the kitchen table when she decided to start making jewellery by hand. After quitting her job as a media buyer at Richemont (which owns Cartier), she jumped headfirst into the entrepreneurship life and has since scaled Missoma to become an award-winning brand loved by the likes of Sienna Miller, Bella Hadid, and the Princess of Wales.
As the founder and creative director of a fast-growing global brand, its clear that Marisa has a lot on her plate – but when she seeks inspiration or a quick escape from it all, it’s Cannes, and the wider South of France region, that her mind wanders off to.
With the family house just twenty minutes outside of Cannes, the bustling seaside destination has become a “second home” for Marisa and her family where nostalgia lingers in every cobblestoned alleyway. She recalls her grandmother sharing memories of growing up in the glitzy Riviera of the 20s and 30s, and it’s that vibrancy and dynamism that calls Marisa back time and again. “One day you can be on a boat around the Lérins Islands, the next exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and another sourcing antiques in Provence,” she shares. “There is something about the light—that the Impressionists loved too—and the red rocks near where we live that is just magical. It is my happy place, my safe space, and definitely the place I feel I can truly relax and escape the hectic pace of everyday life.”
Whether it’s introducing children to the world of art while at a hillside museum or relishing a citron glacé delivered via ice cream boat somewhere in the Lérin Islands, Marisa shares her favourite insider tips for a sun-filled holiday in Cannes that’s as family-friendly as it is glamorous.
What makes Cannes the ideal family destination?
It’s incredibly easy. A short flight into Nice, a quick transfer and you’re immediately on holiday. There are beaches, islands, villages, markets, museums, and wonderful family restaurants. One day can be spent exploring the islands, another swimming in the Gorges du Verdon, and another wandering around Antibes or Mougins. It genuinely works for every generation.
Best time of year to travel with kids?
Personally, I love May, June and September because the weather is warm but not too hot. Easter is also wonderful. That said, there is a lovely atmosphere during the school summer holidays because there are so many families around and children see all their friends again for the first time since the previous summer.
You grew up with a French grandmother. Have you embraced any French traditions when it comes to how you like to travel?
My French grandmother always used to say, ‘Il faut être soignée pour soi-même’ – you should make an effort for yourself. She taught me that style isn’t about dressing for other people, it’s about feeling good in your own skin. I remember watching her get ready for dinner in the South of France when I was younger and she always looked so put together and stylish. Even for the most simple of evenings, she made an effort. That philosophy has stayed with me and even when travelling with a child, I like to feel comfortable but polished. The French have a wonderful way of making effortless look intentional, and I definitely try to aspire to that.
Your Cannes packing list?
I build my suitcase around versatile pieces that can take me from beach to lunch to dinner. White linen trousers, some easy shorts, some vest tops, a crochet evening dress, a few colourful day dresses, a black all-in-one jumpsuit, and of course my key Missoma jewellery pieces that will go with everything (my Zenyu Fan hoops are the perfect pair for summer evenings). For a beach day out, I have my fave Nanushka swimsuit, jewelled jelly shoes by Ancient Greek Sandals, my Missoma x Jimmy Fairly sunglasses and a Jess Collet sun hat. And for practicality, I always pack wedges or block heels because so many of the streets are cobbled.
Is there one thing you’d never leave the house without?
Well my Missoma jewellery, of course! It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the beach or for dinner, a great pair of hoops and a timeless snake chain would be my go-to. They’ll finish any look, whether it’s day casual or evening dressed-up. And even better, we’ve just launched our first water-resistant range, which means you don’t need to worry about showers, suncream, or swimming in it. It’s jewellery you literally don’t need to take off.
Is there a local delicacy that your child absolutely loves?
Pain au chocolat for breakfast and a citron glacé (a lemon sorbet served inside a frozen lemon shell) in the afternoon are always favourites.
Best place for shopping for kids?
Classic French children’s brands like Petit Bateau and Bonpoint are timeless, but I always love discovering independent boutiques in Cannes. The pedestrian streets around Rue d’Antibes are full of children’s boutiques, toy shops, and classic French brands. It’s easy to spend an afternoon browsing there.
And for yourself?
Definitely Rue d’Antibes—it’s less hectic than shopping streets in larger cities and offers a lovely mix of international brands, local boutiques, and independent designers. I particularly like Jacques Loup, which has a great range of designer shoes and bags, including some more fun and affordable pieces. Also, I am obsessed with French pharmacies. They always feel so much more chic and more of an experience than in the UK; they seem to have more independent brands and good hair accessories!
We’ve just arrived. First stop, where are you taking us?
Straight to a beach club like La Mome. Grab some sun loungers, make sure everyone has suncream on, and then order a glass of rosé to toast the start of the holiday. Maybe sit down to a late lunch and order a Salade Niçoise or freshly grilled gambas. If it’s later in the day, walk to the old town of Le Suquet—it immediately gives you a sense of the history and original charm of Cannes—I love wandering the narrow, cobbled streets, stopping for an ice cream, and taking in the views across the port towards the islands.
Which family-friendly hotels would you recommend?
Hotel Le Majestic is ideal if you want to be right in the heart of Cannes. Château de Théoule is perfect for a more relaxed Riviera escape and beautiful dinners with your feet in the sand. Hôtel Belles Rives is also one of my favourites. The Art Deco architecture, Scott Fitzgerald history, pontoon, and watersports make it special for both adults and children.
What are your go-to restaurants for family-friendly dining?
La Pizza Cresci is always a hit with children, Le Marco Polo in Théoule is wonderfully relaxed, La Plage Belles Rives is one of my favourites for family lunches. Alternatively, an early lunch at La Guérite combined with a day on the island can be a wonderful family adventure.
Do you have a favourite district or neighbourhood that you head to when seeking design inspiration?
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is one of my go-tos as the Fondation Maeght is one of my favourite museums. I love visiting the sculpture gardens before lunch at La Colombe d’Or. L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is another gem; wandering through antiques markets and vintage dealers always leaves me full of ideas and inspiration. It’s also where my husband and I got engaged.
Top spots for kids to learn more about the history and culture of the region?
Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite is fascinating because of the story of The Man in the Iron Mask. Fondation Maeght is a wonderful introduction to art, while Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Antibes, and Mougins bring the region’s history to life.
If we took a snapshot of one of your most memorable moments in Cannes, what would it look like?
One of my favourite Cannes memories is watching the summer fireworks from a boat in the bay. Every year, Cannes hosts its famous International Fireworks Festival, where different countries compete throughout the summer, each creating a spectacular display choreographed to music. We’d anchor opposite the hotels along the Croisette, tune into the soundtrack on the radio, and watch as the fireworks were reflected across the water and seemed to explode directly above our heads. Sitting there with some saucisson and a glass of rosé, it always felt completely magical. I remember doing it as a child, then as a teenager with friends, and now with my son, nieces, nephews and their friends. There’s something very special about seeing those traditions come full circle. At the end of each display, all the boats sound their horns in appreciation, and even after all these years, it’s still one of the most memorable and magical experiences of a Riviera summer.
Has Cannes and the wider South of France inspired any of your collections?
The South of France has been a huge source of inspiration for me, both personally and creatively. One of the places that has had the biggest influence on my design aesthetic is Le Palais Bulles, the extraordinary organic house designed by Antti Lovag. I’ve always been fascinated by its sculptural forms, rounded spaces and fluid architecture. There are no hard lines or rigid angles—everything feels organic and instinctive. That philosophy of softer, sculptural shapes has undoubtedly influenced the Missoma aesthetic over the years, from our silhouettes and textures to elements of our colour palette and overall creative direction.
We’d love to be out on the water. What’s the best way to do it?
Hire a boat and spend the day between the Lérins Islands, just opposite Cannes, where the water is aqua. Bring a picnic, snorkel around the underwater sculpture museum (created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor), take some waterproof shoes so you can swim to the island and explore. Flag down the ice cream boat for a citron glacé in a frozen lemon or order pizza from a sailboat that is always moored there. There are loads of other little boats that go around selling drinks and food. You can even rent seabobs, which the kids love.
Best beach clubs?
Belles Rives for families (they have great water sports for the kids), Château de Théoule for a relaxed lunch on the beach, La Môme Plage for a fun atmosphere (more for adults), Anjuna Beach for bohemian charm, and La Guérite for a quintessential Riviera experience (early sitting with kids, late sitting to party into the early evening).
Lead image: Marisa Hordern
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