cannes tour plan

One Day in Cannes Itinerary: A Day Trip from Nice

Last Updated on February 15, 2024

by Neota Langley

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Planning out the perfect one day in Cannes itinerary is one of the highlights of visiting France’s gorgeous Côte d’Azur. The beauty of the French Riviera is that it’s convenient to visit multiple cities in one trip, whether you have your own transport or rely on the excellent public transport links.

Located in the South of France, Cannes is a city perched on the glistening Mediterranean coast. Famous for the Cannes Film Festival, held in May, this city is world-renowned for its glitz and glamour. However, Cannes is not all red carpets, celebrities, luxury yachts and designer boutiques.

It’s also home to a wide range of watersports, traditional markets, sandy beaches and incredible seafood restaurants Cannes is a destination that should be on everybody’s list.  

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Cannes?

Before we dive into the itinerary, you may be wondering how many days to spend in Cannes. The city is smaller than neighbouring Nice, but there is plenty to do. You could easily spend 2 days in Cannes at a more relaxed pace but a day trip will give you enough time to visit the main attractions.

Seeing Cannes in one day is plenty of time to enjoy the best of this vibrant city. Grab your morning coffee at the Gare de Nice-Ville train station and before you know it, the short 35-minute journey will be over.

If you are considering taking a Cannes day trip from Nice, it’s important to carefully plan your day to make the most of your time in this bustling city.

You can tick off the top spots in just one day but don’t forget to keep an eye on the train timetables, it’s easy to lose track of time in such a vibrant city.

Getting To & Around Cannes

Base yourself in Nice for easy access to Cannes, Antibes, Saint-Tropez and many more. For those with limited time in the South of France, the easiest city to visit as a day trip from Nice is its glamorous neighbour, Cannes.

Nice and Cannes are close neighbours, just 30 km apart, travelling between them is affordable, quick and easy. There are 4 main ways to get to Cannes from Nice, by train, bus, personal vehicle or an organised tour. 

The train is the most efficient way to get to Cannes. Taking just 35 minutes, the trains leave Gare de Nice-Ville station every 40 minutes or so. The last train back to Nice leaves at 10pm so you can really make the most of the evening in Cannes before heading back to your hotel. You can view train schedules here.

There are also direct buses that you can take from Nice to Cannes which take around 30-40 minutes. Keep in mind that this option is not as frequent as the train.  You can view bus schedules here.

If you are on a tight budget, you can take a city bus for a very low fee but be aware, it can take much longer to reach your destination due to all the stops and the traffic along the way. Allow at least an hour and a half to make this journey. 

Whilst you don’t need a car to make the most of the French Riviera, if you have one with you in Nice you can drive to Cannes in just 40 minutes.

The downside of driving your own vehicle is, of course, the parking. There are a number of enclosed multi-storey car parks around Cannes so you will be able to find a space but at €3-4 an hour, this is one of the more expensive options. You can browse rental car options here.

Although you will end up with less time to explore Cannes itself, taking an organised tour is an excellent way to see the French Riviera. One option is this full-day tour that visits Cannes along with other stops on the Cotes d’Azur, such as Èze, Monaco , Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence

Once you have arrived in Cannes, it is easy to navigate between the main attractions on foot. For example, walking from the Croisette to Le Suquet is only 600m and the ferry across to Lérins Islands is just at the start of the iconic boulevard.

There are also dedicated cycle lanes throughout the city and hiring a bike is a popular way to get around. However, if you are only here for one day, you won’t need to venture away from the city centre so navigating on foot is the best option.

If you happen to have more time in Cannes and want to explore the outskirts of the city there is an extensive network of affordable shuttle buses. These shuttle buses cover the main hotspots in and around the city and can be an extremely affordable way to take a sightseeing tour.

There is even a convertible shuttle bus that runs along the Croisette if you want to see the sights with the wind in your hair for a low price.

One-Day Cannes Itinerary

There are so many things to do in Cannes and it has something for everyone, whether you are there to soak up the glitz and glamour or enjoy the neighbouring haven of the Lérins Islands.

Promenade de la Croisette

Kick off your one day in Cannes with the iconic Promenade de la Croisette (also known as the Boulevard de la Croisette), famously home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the Cannes Film Festival is held.

Under the shade of pine and palm trees, this boardwalk stretches for 3 km along the golden sands, coastline, Vieux Port and azure sea of the Mediterranean.

However you arrive in Cannes, the famous Promenade de la Croisette is easy to reach on foot. Cannes train station is mere 350 metres north of the iconic boulevard and there are bus stops along the seafront. The Croisette is the perfect place to soak in the atmosphere of Cannes.

The street itself is dotted with designer boutiques, chic rooftop bars, modern restaurants and hotels fit for A-list celebrities.

Of course, make sure to stop off at a local pastry shop to grab a Tarte Tropezienne, a famous pastry originating from the French Riviera. Consisting of halved brioche filled with lemon and vanilla pastry cream and topped with a generous helping of sugar. Perhaps a more decadent breakfast option but one you will certainly never forget.

If you’re a film buff, don’t miss a stop by the Palais des Festivals, which is where the Cannes Film Festival takes place every year. You can take a picture on the famous red carpet and see the handprints of movie stars outside the building. 

Next, head into the heart of the picturesque old town of Cannes, known as Le Suquet. This historic district full of winding cobbled streets is perched on a hill with far-reaching views across the sea. You can also get a lovely view of Cannes itself here.

Wander through the local markets, nestled amongst the traditional buildings. Discover beautifully handmade crafts and souvenirs, including one of the oldest shops in Cannes, the Tesi hat shop.

There are beautiful winding streets to explore and also some interesting historic sites, such as the lovely Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance – a beautiful 17-Century church.

Le Suquet is full of charming restaurants and cafes so this is the perfect spot to stop off for some lunch. Try Le Troquet à Soupes on Rue du Marché Forville for some of the city’s best soups and light bites. This affordable lunch spot is a journey through French cuisine, the owner will happily take you through the dishes, ingredients and the story of the local ingredients used.

The French onion soup is incredibly moreish and they even do a vegan version.  

Museum of World Explorations

After lunch, head over to the Museum of World Explorations (formerly known as the Musée de la Castre) situated atop the Suquet hill, this museum dominates the city of Cannes.

Climbing up the mediaeval tower rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of the bay across to the Lérins islands. A remarkable assortment of paintings, artworks, and archaeological artefacts awaits visitors inside the castle and the adjacent chapel.

The museum boasts an extensive collection of antiquities, with a particular focus on artefacts from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Don’t miss the iconic Cannes sign for a photo as you wander back into the city.

Lérins Islands

A trip to Cannes would not be complete without a visit to the Lérins Islands. This natural oasis is an archipelago made up of 4 islands, 2 of which you can visit from Cannes.

Sainte Marguerite with a military fortress now housing a museum or Saint Honorat, home to an active 5th-century monastery where you can sample the wine and liquors produced by the monks who inhabit the island. A budget-friendly 15-minute ferry crossing will whisk you away to another world, away from the hustle and bustle. You can buy tickets here .

Sainte Marguerite is the larger of the two islands, offering meandering trails through the fragrant pine and eucalyptus forests and out to hidden rocky coves. This is the perfect place to discover your own corner of the Mediterranean for a quick dip in the glistening waters or a picnic on the rocks.

The island has a rich history to discover within Fort Royal, home to the Royal Musee de la Mer. This 17th-century fort is famous for housing the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ – a prisoner during the time of Louis XIV. You may already know the story from the 1998 film, The Man in the Iron Mask with Leonardo Dicaprio.

Saint Honorat is the second largest island in the archipelago, inhabited for several centuries by the monks of the Lérins Abbey who devote themselves to prayer and the production of wine, liqueurs and olive oil.

You can enter the fortified monastery free of charge but it is highly recommended to take a guided tour of the vineyards and chapel ruins before participating in a wine tasting. There are 7 world-renowned wines produced here using ancient methods. It’s a wine-tasting tour unlike any other.

Evening in Cannes

After a busy day exploring the city and its surroundings, it’s time for some well-earned dinner. After alighting from the ferry, stroll back along the Croisette in the golden evening light to discover some of the fresh seafood Cannes is known for. 

Dining along the Croisette is a truly unforgettable experience. This iconic promenade is lined with some of the best restaurants in the world boasting unrivalled views across the shore of the Cotes d’Azur. 

Cannes is known for its vibrant nightlife, an energetic city that never sleeps. You can follow dinner by visiting one of the many chic rooftop bars and clubs along the Croisette before heading back to Nice.

Have 2 to 3 days in Cannes?

If you are lucky enough to have more time in Cannes, you can soak in this city at a more relaxed pace. Although we have covered the highlights in just one day, with extra time you will be able to enjoy the hidden gems as well as the must see attractions.

Marché Forville, Cannes’ large covered produce market is just a stone’s throw from the Croisette boulevard. The sights and smells alone are a sensory adventure. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, locally caught fish and of course, pop up vendors selling delightful street food.

Take a beach day, relax beside the sea with a good book and a glass of rosé. There are two options for lounging on the beach along the Croisette, find one of the public beaches in Cannes or visit a private beach club (such as the Carlton Beach Club).

Both have their own pros and cons but if you really want to experience Cannes, you can rent a sunlounger, towel and an umbrella from a beach club for €30-€40 per day. Although this may seem like an unnecessary expense, it comes with the added benefit of the beach club food and drinks brought directly to you.

All you need to do is soak in the golden sunshine, take a dip in the Mediterranean sea and unwind.

You could also give watersports a go. There are plenty of options for watersports along the beachfront, from kayaking and paddleboarding to jet skiing and snorkelling. Hire a boat for the day to explore the hidden coves and sandy beaches along the coast or get the adrenaline pumping and try out parasailing.

Activities range from full-day excursions to hire by the hour so there is something to suit every budget.  

It comes as no surprise that Cannes is known for its theatre scene. Visit Les Arcades Cinema or Cinema Olympia to catch the latest Hollywood blockbuster or perhaps enjoy an independent French film.     

Where to Stay in Cannes

Villa Claudia Hotel Cannes – Located in the centre of Cannes, this 3-star hotel is an excellent place to stay in this coastal French town. There are several rooms of varying sizes available, daily breakfast and a gorgeous private garden to enjoy.

Hotel Splendid – This upmarket hotel is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a luxury stay in Cannes and aren’t too concerned about their budget. There are a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with all of the amenities you would expect from this type of hotel.

La Bastide de l’Oliveraie – This is another excellent luxury option in Cannes, particularly if you’re looking to stay in a suite rather than a standard room. There are lots of choices of rooms and suites which all come with spa access.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Cannes hotels!

Cannes offers something entirely different to Nice whether that is for a day trip or a long weekend. If you can visit both cities during one trip, you will gain an entirely new perspective of the incredibly varied, Côtes d’Azur. 

Are you planning to visit Cannes? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Neota Langley

Neota is a writer for The World Was Here First. Born and bred in Cornwall, she can usually be found with hiking boots on, ready to embark on an adventure. For the last 6 years, she has travelled throughout Europe in her self-built campervan with her trusty canine companion, Ivy. She loves exploring France, the Nordics and spending time in Alpine destinations.

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3 Days in Cannes Itinerary: Best Things to do in a Weekend in Cannes

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There is nothing quite like visiting the French Riviera . With its seemingly endless sunshine, warm weather, and clear waters, who wouldn’t want to escape to this lovely destination? So, if you’re searching for the best 3 days in Cannes itinerary for the ultimate weekend getaway, I’ve got you covered.

Cannes is well known for the iconic Cannes Film Festival, a star-studded event. But even without the celebrities, this place draws a nice crowd for its sandy beaches, incredible shopping, and perfect location. 

If you’re lucky enough to have a weekend in Cannes, there are ample opportunities to enjoy the cuisine, weather, and culture of this part of the South of France. And I’m here to show you how!

3 Days in Cannes Itinerary Breakdown

Here is a quick look at the three days in Cannes itinerary. For more details, keep reading below.

Day 1: Arrive and Explore Cannes

• Admire the local products at Marche Forville
• Visit Vieux Port de Cannes
• Wander along the Croisette Promenade
• Shop (or window shop) at luxe stores
• Walk up to Place de la Castre
• Dinner and Drinks in the Suquet neighborhood

Day 2: Beach Day & a Movie

• Grab breakfast
• Relax all day at a fabulous beach club
• Catch a movie at a cinema
• Dinner in Suquet

Day 3: Day Trip of Your Choice

• Pick from a myriad of day trip options

3 Days in Cannes Itinerary

From the cinema to the beach, here is the best way to enjoy all that Cannes has to offer.

Day 1 of Your Cannes Itinerary: Arrive and Explore Cannes

Once you arrive in the city, it is time to start exploring! 

Start out your day by wandering over to the Marche Forville . This is a lovely market full of fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, flowers, and more. I personally always love visiting little markets like this, especially while in France. You can get some incredible local products and the atmosphere is always top-notch. 

Another bonus of exploring this market is that is it located next to a delightful cake shop that sells a famous pastry of the French Riviera: Tarte Tropezienne. Originally from Saint-Tropez, this cake is perfection. It consists of halved brioche filled with lemon and vanilla pastry cream and topped with sugar. 

And you can snag one of these at La Tarte Tropezienne to either enjoy now or later. 

After wandering around the market and cake shop for a bit, it is time to go explore Cannes along the sea. Heads over to the Vieux Port de Cannes , AKA the Old Port, to get a glimpse of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as well as see several yachts, sailboats, and gorgeous buildings. 

You can also spot some stunning mountains in the distance. There are ample restaurants near the port as well to stop for lunch if you are there during that time. 

After wandering around the port, walk along the Croissette Promenade which is by the Mediterranean. Here you’ll be able to enjoy several views of the sea as well as the sandy Croissette Beach . 

This promenade stretches out for a long time, so you can walk as little or as much as you’d like. On one side of the street, you have the beach, and on the other side, you have tons of luxury shops. 

So if you want to shop, this is the place for you. Designer stores like Dior, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, etc. line the street, making it a great opportunity for those who can afford it…and a fun place to window shop for the rest of us. 

But don’t worry, if designer goods aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other places to go shopping too if you wander away from Croissette Promenade and into the city. You can find both malls and stand-alone shops like Zara. 

After an afternoon of wandering around and shopping/window shopping, it is time to get ready for a nice evening on the town. 

Walk up to the Place de la Castre for some of the most beautiful views of the city and sea. This area has the Chateau de la Castre , the Cannes sign , and the beautiful Eglise Notre-Dame d’Esperance . 

Explore this area and be sure to stick around for a stellar sunset. 

Then, it is time to walk around the Suquet neighborhood for dinner and drinks! This Medieval neighborhood has gorgeous cobblestone alleys and most of the action lies along Rue du Suquet. 

This is where you’ll find incredible restaurants and fun places to grab a drink. So head to this street for pre-dinner cocktails at places like Le Jardin Secret, Charly’s Wine Bar, or Charly’s Bar Club before a scrumptious dinner.

Then, for dinner, really enjoyed Restaurant Mickaella , a cute spot run by a husband and wife serving up fresh seafood and great wine. 

This is the perfect spot to wind down your day before wandering back to your hotel. 

Day 2: Beach Day and a Movie in Cannes

After a day of exploring Cannes, it is time to relax. And what better way to relax than along a sandy beach in a nice chair with a glass of rose in hand? 

That’s right, today, you’re checking out a beach club in Cannes. Start your day off with a coffee and pastry from The Lady Coffee before walking down to Croissette Promenade. 

Remember before when I said you have views of the beach at Croissette Promenade? Well, just off the promenade are several entrances to beach clubs. And while there are public beaches to hang out and lie on the sand at, personally, I love a relaxing lounger with an umbrella and a person bringing me food and drinks. 

If you’re the same, then a beach club is a great option for this day. We loved La Plage du Festival . This place is open from 10 am-5 pm and you can walk up and rent a beach chair for the day. Prices start at around €40-50, which includes the chair, towel, and umbrella, but if you go in the off-season as we did in October, it was only €25. 

And we took full advantage of having access here the whole day. We brought our Kindles, ordered food and drinks, and swam in the Mediterranean. The weather was actually pretty warm in early October, so it was a great time to go for fewer crowds at the beach club too! 

Spend a lazy day on your beach lounger or swimming in the lovely, clear waters of the Mediterranean to your heart’s content. 

Then, after you leave, it is time to clean up and enjoy another famous thing about Cannes, its theater scene. 

Yes, there are some great places to catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters as well as incredible French films. Places like Les Arcades Cinema and Cinema Olympia offer a lot of great options. This is actually a good opportunity to enjoy some French films during your 3 days in Cannes itinerary. 

Now, if you want live shows and music, you can also visit the famous Palais des Festivals , which is where the Cannes Film Festival takes place. 

After an evening at the Cinema, I recommend grabbing dinner again along the Rue du Suquet at the oldest restaurant in Cannes: Da Bouttau Provencal Inn . With tasty delicacies from bouillabaisse to cockerels cooked over a wood fire grill, this place has certainly earned its reputation for its food. 

Day 3 of 3 Days in Cannes: Day Trip of Your Choice

At this point during your 3 days in Cannes itinerary, you have seen a lot of its fabulous highlights. So now, why not enjoy more of the South of France today?

Luckily, there are a whole plethora of options whether you want to see a lot of sites, relax, or explore other towns. 

Here are some great options for some of the best day trips from Cannes:

• Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island : Not far from Cannes is the stunning island of Sainte-Marguerite. Enjoy the natural beauty, Fort Royal, and even an underwater sculpture museum. This is a great way to escape the crowds of Cannes. 
• Full-Day Catamaran Cruise : Don’t have a yacht of your own? No problem! Today is a great day to book a catamaran cruise and swim, relax, snorkel, kayak, etc. 
• Explore Another Country: With both Monaco and Italy nearby, you can check another country off your list and take in more of the beauty of this area of the world. This is a great tour of the Italian Riviera from Cannes , and for those who want to try gambling or visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, you can take a train there. 
• Visit More of the French Riviera: There are plenty of charming towns to visit on the French Riviera including Antibes and the city of Nice that would make for great day trips. These two places are connected by train. If you have a car, you could also easily visit Saint-Tropez or other smaller towns.
• Head to Saint-Tropez Via Speedboat : Want a more adventurous way to get to Saint-Tropez? Book a speedboat tour and see beautiful sights along the way as well as enjoy Saint-Tropez at your leisure. 

A day trip is truly a fantastic way to wrap up your time in Cannes and you’ll be back in time to enjoy dinner before you depart the following day. 

Where to Stay During Your Cannes Itinerary

Cannes may be a destination for the rich and famous, but there are hotels to fit your budget. Here are some places to check out for 3 days in Cannes.

Budget: Novotel Suites Cannes Centre

Located about an 18-minute walk from the beach and 5-15 minutes or so from the main sites, this hotel is a great option for those on a budget. It has all the amenities you need like parking, air conditioning, and wifi, and is in a good location. 

Book it here!

Mid-Range: Hotel de Provence

This cute boutique hotel is located close to the shopping district and is less than a 10-minute walk to the beach. Aside from that, they have a lovely garden and offer things like an in-room massage and breakfast in the room.

Luxury: Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes

Located within steps of the beach and the famous Palais des Festivals, you’re in an ideal place for exploring Cannes. With multiple bars and restaurants (including its own beach club!), room service, and a pool with a view, you’ll fall in love with this luxe hotel in Cannes.

Getting to Cannes and Getting Around

Getting to Cannes is easy thanks to its train station. So you can either fly into Nice, Marseille, or Paris and take the train to Cannes. From Paris, it is about 6 hours away via train. It takes about 38 minutes and just over 2 hours from Nice and Marseille, respectively. 

For flight prices, I love checking Skyscanner for deals! 

Also, you can rent a car to get to Cannes. That is how we got here as we included Cannes in our Provence road trip! I love checking Auto Europe for deals. 

Once you’re in Cannes, it is a fairly walkable city, especially if you’re staying around the city center. Aside from that, there are ample buses you can take around the city to get to where you need to be. 

Check here for bus and ticket information .

When to Visit Cannes

Cannes is a great place to visit year-round. Even in the winter, you’ll find that temperatures may be cool, but not super cold. If you wish to visit for sunshine and warm weather on a beach day, then June through early October is a good time to go. 

However, it gets pretty busy between June through September for this reason. Therefore hotel prices increase and even beach space can be hard to come by. We visited Cannes in early October during our South of France road trip and not only was it warm enough for a swim and to lay out on the beach but there were hardly any crowds other than people here for a conference. 

If you want to come for star-spotting during the Cannes Film Festival, then you’ll want to plan your visit for May. It usually occurs during the month of May, but be sure to check the Cannes Film Festival website for exact dates and times. 

Just be sure to book in advance for hotels and things, otherwise, you may run out of options quickly! 

Things You’ll Need in Cannes

Before you jet off to Cannes, here are a few things to remember to bring!

• Bathing suits
• Bathing Suit Cover Up

This is how to spend 3 days in Cannes including some fun day trips, time at the beach, and even time doing some retail therapy. Have a great visit! 

Which would you most like to do during your Cannes itinerary?

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One Day In Cannes Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Cannes, France

Exploring the city of Cannes in 24 hours is undoubtedly a very entertaining thing to do, and with our quick one-day Cannes itinerary, you can easily plan an unforgettable trip. This lovely city in France is well known for its picturesque sandy beaches, luxurious hotels, and upmarket boutiques, all of which attract millions of tourists every year. Then there’s also the world-famous Cannes International Film Festival where the biggest movie stars always appear. So, a day in this wonderful city is always going to be fantastic. Here’s how best to experience this magical part of France.

Plan your trip to Cannes

1. What’s the Best Time to Visit Cannes? 2. A Few Facts about Cannes 3. One Day in Cannes Itinerary 3.1. Walk the Boulevard De La Croisette 3.2. Visit the Palais Des Festivals et Des Congrès 3.3. Explore the Old Town of Le Suquet 3.4. Purchase Some Local Fruit and Flowers From Marche Forville 3.5. Climb to Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance 3.6. Witness the Beauty of Lerins Islands 3.7. Spend your Night at Casino De La Pointe Croisette 4. Where to Stay in Cannes? 5. Day Trips from Cannes 6. How to Reach Cannes? 7. Extra Tips for Visiting Cannes

What’s the Best Time to Visit Cannes?

During the summer months, Cannes entertains plenty of visitors with its mild temperature which hovers between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius. The mild temperature of Cannes makes the city accessible throughout the year, but March to May is the best time to visit Cannes because it is the time when Cannes has a lot of hustle and bustle going on. During summer vacations, Cannes becomes the most popular city in France due to its long sandy beaches, classic restaurants, luxurious resorts/villas, and so on.

The International Cannes Film Festival , Pyrotechnic Art Festival , and Grape Festival in Frejus are the most popular festivals that take place in Cannes in the summer. Obviously, you will find plenty of other interesting events here, so you can be absolutely certain you will never be bored while visiting.

A Few Facts about Cannes

Cannes is famous worldwide for its international film festival, beaches, and great hospitality, and the fact that it’s situated on the French Riviera only adds to its allure. Before visiting Cannes, however, you might want to check out some interesting facts about this French city.

• Cannes is globally known for the International Cannes Film Festival.
• On 3rd November 2011, Cannes hosted the G20 Summit 2011.
• In the 10th century, Cannes was known as Canua.
• Cannes was converted into a medical base during WWI.
• Famous princess and actress Grace Kelly got married in Cannes.
• In the 20th century, the city turned completely to tourism, and new ultra-luxurious hotels like Majestic, Martinexm Carlton, and JW Marriott Cannes were built.
• Cannes has a subtropical Mediterranean climate.
• Summers are long and warm in Cannes.
• The temperature remains high from June to September.
• Cannes is home to the football club AS Cannes.

One Day in Cannes Itinerary

If you want to spend one day in Cannes, there are plenty of fun options for you. In this short Cannes itinerary, we are going to show you some of the best places that you can cover in a single day. We understand, exploring this place in such a short timeframe may be a little bit challenging, but there is no need to worry – we’ve got your back. Just follow this ultimate guide to Cannes, and you will make the most of your one day in this beautiful city.

Walk the Boulevard De La Croisette

Boulevard De La Croisette is also known as the Promenade de la Croisette. When you’re in Cannes during your one-day trip, you can’t afford to miss walking this wonderful road. It stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and is about two kilometers long. It has many famous shops and restaurants that are quite popular among tourists. A great place to really pick up the vibe of this city.

Address: Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: Free entry

Opening and Closing Hours: Open day or night

Visit the Palais Des Festivals et Des Congrès

Palais Des Festivals et Des Congres is one of the iconic landmarks of this city that you really should visit at least once. The reason is simple – this fabulous auditorium is the place where the annual Cannes film festival takes place. You can also book a guided tour that tells you about the significance and historical background of this place.

Address: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: $4.40 per person Opening and Closing Hours: Open 24 hours

Explore the Old Town of Le Suquet

Le Suquet is known to be one of the most picturesque and oldest neighborhoods in Cannes. It dates back to Roman times. Le Suquet has a rich history that is depicted through its old beautiful church and castle. If you are planning to explore some old-touch places in Cannes then you must add old town Le Suquet to your bucket list.

Purchase Some Local Fruit and Flowers From Marche Forville

Without exploring the local markets and spots of Cannes, thisone-day itinerary would certainly be incomplete. When you’re in Cannes you must visit Marche Forville, an absolutely lovely market with loads of beautiful flowers and fruit.

During morning hours, Marche Forville is full of vendors, visitors, and even street photographers.

Address: 6 Rue du Marché Forville, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: Free Opening and Closing Hours: 07:30 am to 01 pm (Monday Closed)

Climb to Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance

Cannes has plenty of Gothic-style churches, but Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is one of the noted churches in the world. This 15th-century church is situated on the top of the old town of Le Suquet. Among travelers, Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is quite popular as it offers breathtaking views of the old town of Le Suquet.

Witness the Beauty of Lerins Islands

Do not miss out on a trip to Lerins Islands when you’re here! These four Mediterranean islands off the French Riviera, very close to Cannes, two of which are inhabited, are an absolutely stunning destination.

You will enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean along with exotic beaches, long shores, and turquoise water. You can also enjoy many fun water activities like scuba diving, cliff jumping, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and much more.

Address: Lérins Islands, Cannes, France Cost: Free entry Opening and Closing Hours: Open 24 hours

Spend your Night at Casino De La Pointe Croisette

Among many things to do in Cannes in one day, playing Casino in Casino De La Pointe Croisette is one of the best ways to enjoy a fabulous evening, especially if you’re here with your friends. It is one of the most popular casinos around, and visitors from all over the world come here whenever they get a chance to visit Cannes.

Address: 5 Rue François Einesy, 06400 Cannes, France Cost: Free entry Opening and Closing Hours: 10 am to 03 am (Saturday 10 am to 04 am)

Where to Stay in Cannes?

Being a world-famous tourist destination, Cannes offers the best accommodation facilities to all its guests. You will find luxurious stays to budget-friendly options, from villas to hostels, you choose easily whatever fits your budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Cannes.

Five Seas Hotel

1 rue Notre Dame, Cannes City-Centre, 06400 Cannes

If you’re looking for a luxury stay in Cannes, you won’t find a better place than the Five Seas Hotel . Not only is its location fantastic, just a few steps from the beaches and very close to Palais des Festivals, but you will also be able to enjoy its rooftop bar and pool, as well as incredibly luxurious rooms. An amazing view, spa, and other five-star amenities are also included, of course.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Nemea Apart’Hotel

6 Rue André Chaude, Carnot, 06400 Cannes

Nemea Apart’Hotel is just 10 minutes away from the beach on foot and offers plenty of great amenities that are bound to make your stay very pleasant. These include a sauna, an indoor pool, and a lovely garden, plus some of the units in this place have a kitchenette. You will be staying in some really comfortable rooms, and the prices you get are more than fair for a hotel of this category.

Hotel Abrial

24 Boulevard De Lorraine, Cannes City-Centre, 06400 Cannes

Hotel Abrial was renovated in 2018, so what you will be getting here is a very pleasant place to stay that is also very close to Cannes Train Station. The hotel has a lovely terrace, and you can enjoy a lovely view of Cannes rooftops from your (very comfortable) rooms. It’s worth mentioning that Boulevard de la Croisette is very close by, and the breakfast is very tasty indeed. A great choice!

26 avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 06400 Cannes

A budget stays in Cannes doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Esperanto is great proof of that! It’s located in a nice and quiet place, but you can easily reach all the most important sights and beaches from here. Furthermore, the rooms are well equipped and very comfortable, and most of them also come with their own balconies. The breakfast is excellent, and the staff at your service, no matter what you need.

Day Trips from Cannes

The area around Cannes city boasts lovely seaside villages, stunning resort towns, astonishing scenery, and quaint hilltop towns. After exploring the major tourist attractions of Cannes, if you have extra time, you can explore some nearby spots that are equally charming. Setting up day trips like that will be well worth it.

Monaco is globally known for its picturesque shorelines, beaches, French restaurants, lush vegetation, and sublime Mediterranean climate. You can reach it very easily from Cannes, and an opportunity like this to visit Monte Carlo should not be missed. Spend one day in Monaco and see why the world’s elites can’t get enough of it.

Saint-Tropez

In recent years, Saint-Tropez has become an incredibly popular beach resort area among both national and international visitors. It has plenty of designer boutiques, fancy restaurants, and private beach clubs where you can just chill and enjoy. Musee de I’Annonciade is one of the iconic museums in Saint-Tropez, well known for its rich collection of modern art, but even aside from it, you will have plenty of places to visit.

BOOK THE TOUR

Esterel Mountains

Esterel Mountains are well known for their dramatic landscapes. This magical place rises immediately behind the Cote d’Azur coastline between Cannes and Saint-Raphael, bordered by two valleys. If you love spending time in nature and want to see something astonishing, this mesmerizing place is for you. Set up a day trip from Cannes as soon as you can.

Biot, Alpes-Maritimes

Biot is one of the villages in France near Antibes and lies between Nice and Cannes. It is well-known for its forted walls, historical landmarks, cozy French restaurants, and elevated forts. This spectacular village which is now popular for its glassblowing and ceramics dates back to the prehistoric era. Definitely a lovely day out.

How to Reach Cannes?

Being a noted travel destination in the world, Cannes is easily accessible through flights. Flights to Cannes are frequently run through different parts of the world. Nice Airport is the nearest airport to Cannes, just 25 km away. You can book a cab or taxi from the airport and later explore the city with the help of a hired car or by using public transportation. But for a one-day trip, you should get a taxi. This way, you can cover plenty of sights in a single day easily and comfortably.

And if you want to get out of the city a bit, trains are your best option.

Extra Tips for Visiting Cannes

If you are on your one-day trip to Cannes, you should reach Cannes early in the morning so that you get to explore as many sights as possible. The public transport around here is pretty good and can save you a nice amount if you opt for it. You should also try the local dishes in Cannes’ restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. So, if you want to explore Cannes in a single day, book cheap flight tickets now, pack your bags, and head to this amazing city – the French Riviera awaits!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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I just came from Cannes and used the information here as my guide. Thank you for sharing.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Cannes Tours

15 Best Cannes Tours

Cannes is one of the premier cities of the French Riviera. It is most well-known for its annual film festival that draws visitors and celebrities from all over the world.

The beachside attraction also has a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, and regularly hosts meetings of government ministers and business elite, as it did during the G20 summit in 2011.

Though Cannes is definitely not the sleepy fishing village it was in decades past, much of its quaint charm remains, yet it’s common to see world-famous actors and other globally recognized personalities.

Below are 15 of the best tours of Cannes.

1. Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

The stunningly blue waters off the coast of Cannes are best explored by catamaran, and this half-day cruise option with lunch is a perennial favorite.

Things get underway mid-morning when guests board the craft at the Old Port.

Tours include a safety briefing and a brief introduction to the things visitors can expect to see along the way.

At the Lérins Islands, guests will have ample time to relax, swim, and snorkel before dining on a tasty cold buffet with a chilled glass of wine.

Tours generally wrap-up just after two o’clock, and each guest needs to bring his or her own towel.

2. Private Half-Day French Riviera Tour in Vintage Citroën

What could be more romantic and nostalgic than touring one of the world’s ritziest stretches of real estate in a vintage French roadster?

Not much, especially for first-time visitors looking to make a big splash with an unforgettable excursion.

This half-day tour visits numerous Riviera sites in a vehicle that dates back decades, to a time when front-wheel drive wasn’t very common.

The Riviera highway stretches from Cannes to Fréjus and includes quaint villages, ultra-exclusive resorts, tons of galleries and shops, and some of the most majestic natural scenery guests will ever have the pleasure of seeing.

Tours depart twice daily, in the morning and afternoon.

View Prices & Reviews

3. French Riviera Discovery Flight from Cannes

If part of your vacation plan is to play the part of a jet-setting high-roller, then you’ve really got to take to the air to see the French Riviera’s amazing sights.

This one-hour tour won’t break the bank of most travelers and offers a truly memorable perspective of things most will only see from land and sea.

Guests will get a brief introduction from their pilot-guide before strapping themselves in and taking off.

Along the way, he’ll point out significant sights and impart interesting bits of local history.

Tour highlights include the majestic red rock cliffs at Esterel Massif and the Lerins Islands.

4. Half-Day Museums Tour with Entrance Tickets

Though it’s most well-known as the playground of the hopelessly rich and snooty, the French Riviera is also home to a number of museums that are great places to check out when the midday sun is at its hottest.

This half-day tour includes stops at three museums. There are central pick-up locations for those staying in Cannes, Nice, and Monaco.

Tour highlights include the majestic gardens at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the Chagall and Matisse museums, and the former home of Queen Victoria.

Tours last about 4 ½ hours and touch on elements of art, culture, and history.

5. Half and Full-Day Provencal Wine Tours

Provence is home to many of France’s most acclaimed wineries. Depending on schedules and interests, it’s possible to visit a number of them in convenient half and full-day tours.

A guided excursion to the Château Saint-Martin’s wine cellar is one of the tour’s big selling points, but it also includes stops at the underground cathedral at Château Font du Broc, the Chagall mosaics at Sainte-Roselyne, and time spent strolling the ancient streets of Les Arcs sur Argens.

In addition to learning about the area’s history and culture, guests will sample a number of wines before making the short drive back to Cannes.

6. 2 ½ -Hour E-bike Tour

Unlike traditional bikes that make riders do all the work, e-bikes use an electric motor to generate extra power when the going gets tough.

That means the best of both worlds for most bikers who want to burn a few calories without overdoing it.

This 2 ½-hour tour of Cannes is great for those who want to see Riviera attractions like the Old Port, the Suquet neighborhood, La Croisette Boulevard, and the swank shops along the Palace Festival.

Tours include both in town and sea view stretches, and there’s ample time to stop for a cool drink, snap a few photos, or learn about the things you’re seeing from your guide.

7. Cannes Sightseeing Tour by Vespa

From catamarans and bicycles to e-bikes and Citroëns, there is definitely no shortage of ways to experience Cannes to the fullest.

This small group, two-hour Vespa tour offers guests a fun and exhilarating way to see the Riviera without dedicating a whole day or spending countless hours on a cramped tour bus.

Much of the tour takes place along the Mediterranean waterfront, but plenty of town attractions like the venue for the Cannes Film Festival and the Promenade de la Croisette are included too.

Tours include gas and helmets, and participants may choose to ride alone or with a companion.

8. 4-Hour Boat and Snorkeling Tour

Snorkeling in the mesmerizingly blue Mediterranean waters off the coast of the French Riviera is an activity that won’t be forgotten just because you’ve returned to ordinary life when your vacation is over.

This 4-hour snorkeling tour includes a safety briefing from an expert instructor, as well as an overview of the things you can expect to see while on the water.

Guests will enjoy the ride as they make their way to the Islands of Lérins and the impressive rock formations at St. Raphael.

Water clarity isn’t an issue, so guests will have time to swim, sunbathe, and see an abundance of marine life before heading home.

9. 2-Hour Segway Tour

Cannes is a magical place regardless of how you experience it, but most visitors agree that Segway tours are among the most fun and unique ways.

Tours include all the instruction you’ll need to handle the machine like a pro. Under the tutelage of your professional guide, you’ll set out to see many of the city’s landmark attractions.

Tours begin and end at the port and include jaunts among the beaches, shops, gardens, and cultural attractions that make the area so special.

Short guided tours are great ways to get the lay of the land, and guests typically discover lots of things they’ll choose to explore in their free time later on.

10. 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour

With so many 2-hour tours close at hand, many visitors to Cannes choose to use their limited time efficiently and sign-up for more than one in a day.

This walking tour is a small group activity, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a personal touch not often found on large group tours.

Tour highlights include exclusive shopping, dining, and gallery areas, as well as Old Town, Rue Meynadier, La Croisette, and the venue where the international film festival is held annually.

Tours are laidback enough to permit inquisitive guests to ask questions without feeling rushed.

11. Guided Tour of Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence

La Croisette Boulevard in Cannes is often likened to the Beverly Hills of France.

It’s not uncommon to see poodle-wielding movie stars and royalty strolling along the designer fashion houses, luxury hotels, and glistening white beaches.

That being said, visitors don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to see how the other half lives for a few hours.

Upon seeing the sights in Cannes, guests will head to Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence, which include stunning sea views, art and cultural attractions, and historically significant sights like the fortress walls at the Bay of Angles.

Tours depart in the morning and afternoon.

12. Billionaire’s Splendors Half-Day Tour

Even modest folk with unimpressive checking account balances can experience the good life while visiting Cannes.

On this half-day tour, guests will get unique and interesting insights from their local guide into the lives of big shots who’ve made stops along the French Riviera both recently and in the past.

Tour attractions include a visit to the Picasso Museum, a drive along the Côte d’Azur, the handprints of movie stars, and a pass by the retreats at Cap of Antibes, where multi-millionaires and billionaires soak up the sun secluded from common riffraff.

Tours include transportation via minivan and a multilingual guide.

13. Discover the Calanques of the Esterel

Calanques are one of the most notable natural attractions found in abundance along the Mediterranean Sea.

They’re impressive steep-walled inlets and caves carved into rock over ages of water erosion, and this 2 ½ -hour tour is a convenient way to see them in all their splendor.

Along with a professional captain and guide, guests will explore the coastline of the Esterel and have time for swimming, sunbathing, and light refreshments served on board.

Participants will get masks and snorkels before diving in to see marine life in the blue waters. Special safety equipment is available for those traveling with children as well.

14. Provence Countryside Day Trip from Cannes

Though Cannes has enough attractions to keep visitors busy for days, trips into the countryside are perfect ways to escape the glitz, glamour, and hustle and bustle for a few short hours.

This guided tour into Provence begins in Cannes, where guests will get a historic overview of some of its main attractions.

From there, it’ll be time to head into the hinterlands to experience France’s natural beauty in its most majestic forms.

Provence is one of the world’s perfume epicenters, and tours include an excursion to a famous perfumery surrounded by impressive mountains, deep valleys, and old-world villages.

15. Monaco Small Group Night Tour

Monaco is one of the smallest and wealthiest countries in the world on a per capita basis, and it’s just a stone’s throw from Cannes.

This small group night tour takes the best of Monaco and bundles it into one unique package that’s a great value for travelers on tight schedules.

The country is known for its ritzy enclaves, Formula One Grand Prix racetrack, and its famed casino.

Tours feature elements of all three in a five-hour package that includes transportation to and from Cannes, the opportunity to gawk at the rich and famous, and an optional meal at the casino as well.

15 Best Cannes Tours:

• Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
• Private Half-Day French Riviera Tour in Vintage Citroën
• French Riviera Discovery Flight from Cannes
• Half-Day Museums Tour with Entrance Tickets
• Half and Full-Day Provencal Wine Tours
• 2 ½ -Hour E-bike Tour
• Cannes Sightseeing Tour by Vespa
• 4-Hour Boat and Snorkeling Tour
• 2-Hour Segway Tour
• 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour
• Guided Tour of Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence
• Billionaire's Splendors Half-Day Tour
• Discover the Calanques of the Esterel
• Provence Countryside Day Trip from Cannes
• Monaco Small Group Night Tour

Visit Cannes: Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in cannes: the 20 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Cannes during your stay on the French Riviera ?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the 20 best things to do in Cannes , with all must-see attractions and points of interest.

In this article, you will find all the best places to visit such as La Croisette or the Palais des Festivals, as well as lesser known attractions known only by locals.

And at the end of the article, you will also find itineraries to visit Cannes in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my selection of the best hotels depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Cannes? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. Croisette

2. the palais des festivals of cannes, 3. the legendary luxury hotels in cannes, 4. le suquet, 5. forville market, 6. the painted walls of cannes, 7. the old port, 8. the lérins islands, 9. cruise from cannes, 10. shopping in cannes, 11. la croix-des-gardes, 12. flight over cannes, 13. take a private boat trip from cannes, 14. the beaches of cannes, 15. les allées de la liberté, 16. antibes, 20. saint-tropez, 21. other organised trips from cannes, how many days to visit cannes, visit cannes in 1 day, visit cannes in 2 days, visit cannes in 3 days, where to stay in cannes, where to stay in nice, where to eat in cannes, how to get to cannes, rent a boat in cannes, tourist map of cannes, when to go to cannes, what are the things to do in cannes when it rains, what are the things to do in cannes with your family, what are the things to do in cannes in the evening, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, visit cannes: 20 must-see attractions.

This is the emblematic landmark in Cannes: la Croisette.

This long seafront promenade is lined with pine and palm trees, luxury shops and legendary hotels. It’s, with the Promenade des Anglais in Nice , one of the most famous boulevards of the French Riviera and the world.

Well developed and maintained, you will also find beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for sunbathing, swimming and having a drink on the terrace of one of the trendy establishments located there.

And if you want to try out some water activities during your stay in Cannes , you can choose between (click on the links to book):

• A wakeboard session 
• Wakesurfing, a new trendy activity involving surfing on a wave created by a boat
• Flyboarding to try some acrobatics above the water
• A jet ski ride lasting 30 minutes to 2 hours to discover the Lérins islands for example.

Before going to Cannes , you must book your “Côte d’Azur France Pass”. It offers access to 3 or 5 activities from a list of more than 100 attractions in the entire region (Nice, Monaco, Antibes…).

In Cannes, the interesting thing is that the pass includes the boat crossing to the Lérins islands or the small train tour that leaves from la Croisette.

Book your pass to visit Cannes and the French Riviera by clicking on the green button below:

A visit to the Palais des Festivals is unmissable experience in Cannes. 

This is where the Cannes Festival, the world’s largest film festival, takes place every May. . It awards the best films with the prestigious Palme d’Or trophy .

The event is a meeting place for the biggest international stars and celebrities , for whom the climb up the steps under the flashes of the photographers, is considered a consecration. Designer dresses and jewellery made by the greatest jewellers are of course on full display!

These steps have become a myth in Cannes , and you will certainly think of yourself as Angelina Jolie or Leonardo di Caprio by posing for a quick souvenir photo at the top of the steps.

Just like the “Walk of Fame” in Los Angeles , Cannes has its “Chemin des Etoiles.”

The greatest filmmakers, actors and celebrities have left their hand-prints on slabs placed on the ground. They are located on the forecourt of the Palais des Festivals and along the Georges Pompidou esplanade.

Have fun looking for those of Nicole Kidman, Quentin Tarantino or Johnny Hallyday.

The Cannes tourism office is also located in the Palais des Festivals, so take the opportunity to get a map of the city.

On your walk along la Croisette , be sure to admire the magnificent façades of the emblematic 5-star hotels in Cannes.

Who knows, you might catch a glimpse of one of your favourite actors or singers having breakfast on the balcony!

The most famous luxury hotels in Cannes include:

• The Majestic Barrière Hotel, which has a style characteristic to the 1920s, has a heated swimming pool, a spa, restaurants and luxury boutiques. You can book a night at the Majestic in Cannes by clicking here.
• The Martinez hotel was built in the 1930s and was the largest hotel in the region. If you want to spend a night in this beautiful hotel during your trip to Cannes, book here!
• The Intercontinental Carlton Cannes , built in 1909, is one of the most renowned hotels in France. To stay in this mythical luxury hotel, click here!

To explore la Croisette and discover the other districts of Cannes , you can also choose a very nice and trendy activity: a segway ride.

For 1 or 2 hours you can explore Cannes with your guide. He’s very nice and knows every corner of the city!

Book your Cannes Segway tour by clicking on the button below:

You must continue this guide to Cannes by visiting the Le Suquet district.

Le Suquet is the oldest district in Cannes . Built on a hill, the old town of Cannes offers a nice view of the bay and la Croisette .

You can also stroll through the steep medieval streets and enjoy the authentic atmosphere, shops and restaurants.

Things worth seeing le Suquet during your tour in Cannes:

• The Castre museum, which is located in the ancient castle built by the monks of the Abbaye Saint-Honorat. The site, listed as a Historical Monument, has collections of Provencal paintings, Mediterranean antiquities, primitive art and musical instruments from all over the world.
•  The square tower, where you can climb to the top to admire the 360° panorama
• The Notre-Dame de l’Espérance (Church of Our Lady of Hope) , at Castre Square, a 17th century Gothic building
• The tour du masque de fer (iron mask tower), where, according to legend, the man in the iron mask took refuge after his escape from Sainte-Marguerite island
• Rue Saint-Antoine, with its shops and restaurants

To visit le Suquet without tiring yourself out, and also la Croisette during your holidays in Cannes, you must do this tour on an electric bicycle .

Your local guide will take you to all the tourist sites of Cannes and show you the places where you can click the most beautiful photos. Tour available in English or French, click here to book:

And if you don’t feel like taking a guided tour, you can simply rent a bike in Cannes by clicking here!

The Forville market has now become a real tourist attraction in Cannes.

Every morning, from Tuesday to Sunday, you can walk the paths of this covered market and discover the stalls of market gardeners, cheese makers and fishmongers . High quality local products are on offer!

The Forville Market is located at the foot of le Suquet Hill, behind the Cannes Town Hall, not far from the Old Port.

Need a small respite? You must try the socca sold at one of the market stands.

Being from Nice, I have to recommend this speciality of Nice : a very fine pancake made from chickpea flour, which is eaten just sprinkled with pepper.

The painted walls tour of Cannes depicts the city’s cinematic history.

Several facades and walls display beautiful frescoes dedicated to the seventh art. There are 16 of them spread throughout all the districts of Cannes.

You can admire:

• “Hotel de la Plage” , at 7 rue Saint-Dizier
• “Charlie Chaplin” , 10 Boulevard Vallombrosa
• “Cinéma Cannes” , at the Cornut Gentile Square
• “Plein Soleil Alain Delon” , Avenue Francis Tonner
• “Marylin Monroe” , at 16 Boulevard d’Alsace.

All the painted walls and their location can be found here.

You’re going to Cannes?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Cannes on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Cannes.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Cannes, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Cannes!

To continue with this list of things to do in Cannes, you must go on a short trip to the Old Port and the Quai Saint-Pierre.

Here you can admire some of the moored luxury yachts . The Old Port area also has good fish and seafood restaurants.

Throughout the year, the Old Port comes alive through festivals such as the famous “Régates Royales” where exceptional sailboats compete in a race in the Bay of Cannes.

Just before the regattas, there is also the International Pleasure Festival where the curious crowd comes to admire hundreds of boats.

One of the most beautiful rooftop spots in Cannes is located at the end of the Quai Saint-Pierre .

The terrace of the Radisson Blu Hotel Thalasso is the ideal place to have a drink in Cannes at the end of the day. Sit back in the comfortable armchairs and enjoy a moment of relaxation watching the sun set over the Old Port, the Lérins Islands and la Croisette. 

The Radisson is also a very good choice of hotel to stay in Cannes . You can check the rates and make your reservation by clicking here.

If you are out of things to do in Cannes , you must visit the Lérins islands.

Reachable in just 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Cannes, the Lérins Islands are the ideal destination for enjoying nature and swimming close to the city.

They are also very popular with families, as they are well equipped for picnicking and cars are not allowed. You can therefore walk safely and quietly .

The Lérins Islands archipelago is made up of 2 islands:

1) Sainte-Marguerite Island is the largest of the 2.

An 8 km path, on the seafront and under the pine forest, allows you to walk all around the island. There are also spots for swimming in several places . It takes about 3 hours to go round the whole island on foot and more if you count picnics and photo breaks.

On the island, you can also visit the Royal Fort for €6 . This former prison where the intriguing man with the iron mask was imprisoned, now houses the Sea Museum. 

Finally, the island has a mini village with a few restaurants.

2) Saint-Honorat Island is the smallest of the Lérins Islands.

There is an abbey founded by Cistercian monks in the 5th century and still occupied by the community. You can visit the chapels, the abbey, the abbey church or the Monastery Tower.

The monks also have an ancestral vineyard, producing excellent wine . You can get it at the shop next to the pier.

You must explore the island on foot , as it can be done in just an hour.

There is also a restaurant and snack bar on the island.

To go all around Lérins islands during the day, you can also rent a kayak. You will be able to walk peacefully near the water and stop to swim whenever you want.

To rent a kayak, just click on the following button:

To go to the Lérins Islands from Cannes , the boat can be taken at the very end of the Saint-Pierre quay (follow the clearly marked signs). There is a shuttle to Sainte-Marguerite Island and a shuttle to Saint-Honorat Island.

There’s no means of transport between the 2 islands .

If you want to visit the both islands, you will have to return to Cannes after the first island and take the boat for the second. This isn’ t really feasible during the day as the boats only make the crossing every hour.

So you must decide beforehand which island you want to go to. In any case, for me, the most interesting of the 2 islands to visit is Sainte-Marguerite .

As there are always a lot of people at the ticket office, you must absolutely buy your tickets in advance here (it’s the same price as on site). At least you’ll be sure to have a seat at the time you want!

The crossing is included with the Côte d’Azur France Pass .

Another nice activity to do during your stay in Cannes: a mini-cruise.

From Cannes, you can choose between (click on the orange links or the green button to book):

1) A guided cruise of La Corniche d’Or to discover the red rocks of the Massif de l’Esterel plunging directly into the sea.

Information and reservations on the official website.

2) A combined cruise on Sainte-Marguerite Island (with stopover) + exploring the Corniche d’Or

3) A return cruise to Monaco with a stopover time of 5 hours to visit the city

4) A sea shuttle to Saint-Tropez (Book here!) and take a stroll for a few hours around the city before returning to Cannes.

You can also opt for a zodiac shuttle to go faster. 

5) A catamaran cruise with lunch and a swimming break around the Lérins islands.

You will find all the information about this cruise and you can book it by clicking on the button below:

The catamaran cruise is also available without lunch, click here to book! 

6) A trip in a zodiac boat in the calanques de l’Esterel + swimming stop.

7) A zodiac boat trip at sunset with snorkelling at the Lérins island ecomuseum which consists of 6 submerged statues between 3 to 5 metres underwater.

It’s really a great idea for an unusual activity at Cannes.

To book, click the green button below:

If you want to enjoy your trip to Cannes by whipping out your bank card, here are the best places to shop:

• Along la Croisette and rue des Etats-Unis, if you’re more of a luxury boutique person and haute couture house person like Chanel and Dior
• Rue d’ Antibes for more affordable fashion boutiques such as Zara or designer brands
• Le Carré d’Or (between la Croisette and rue d’Antibes), rue du Commandant André, for jewellery shops
• Meynadier street, a pedestrian street with numerous shops and souvenir shops.

During your visit to Cannes , you must take a little climb and go to the Croix-des-Gardes.

This 80-hectare natural park has a path fitted out with gazebos where you can walk peacefully with beautiful views of Cannes, the Lérins Islands and the Esterel massif. 

To discover Cannes, you can also opt for a flight over the city on a small private plane.

This unique experience allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the whole city and the surroundings. The pilot is ultra-professional and will even explain the different controls of the aircraft in addition to giving you explanations about the places you see.

To book your Cannes flight, just click on the button below:

These flights over Cannes are also available in a helicopter. You will have several options. Just click on the links to get details and book:

• A shared panoramic flight in a helicopter. Several circuits are available: flight over la Croisette, over the Esterel massif, flight to Monaco or flight over Saint-Tropez.
• A private helicopter flight . Here too, you can choose your tour.
• An introductory flight where you will have a theoretical course to learn how the aircraft works and then fly the helicopter in tandem with your instructor!

In the surroundings of Cannes, you can also go on a paragliding experience, allowing you to fly over the regional park of the French Riviera and admire the coast from the sky.

You can choose the duration of your flight and there is even a special flight for children under 12 years. 

Book your paragliding experience in Cannes right here:

In addition to the various boat trips I mentioned above, there are 2 other options that will allow you to discover the surroundings of Cannes by boat, away from other tourists.

To enjoy a VIP experience, you can:

1) Book a private boat trip from Cannes

I think this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea in Cannes!

You rent a boat with a captain , and he will take you to the most beautiful corners of the French Riviera .

Motor boat, sail boat, catamaran or even a yacht : you can choose the right boat for a dream day!

You must rent your boat with captain as early as possible , as you can imagine that this type of VIP day at sea is very much in demand, and it would be a shame if none are available!

You will find all the boats with captain in Cannes by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat to discover the surroundings of Cannes

If you have a boat licence, the 2nd solution for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

Simply click on the button below and book your boat immediately:

It’s impossible to visit Cannes without going for a walk on the beach!

Cannes and its coastline is home to nearly 8 km of beaches, so you have a wide variety of choices.

There are many private beaches in Cannes , most of which are located between the Cannes Palais des Festivals and the Cap de la Croisette (Palm Beach).

All of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Cannes , such as the Martinez or the Carlton , have chic and trendy Beach Club hotels. However, it costs at least €80 a day just for a deckchair.

If you just want to lay down your towel and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, you must go to one of Cannes’ public beaches. There are only 2 public beaches on la Croisette (the beach of the Palais des Festivals and that of la Croisette Est).

The others are located after the Cap de la Croisette (towards Juan-les-Pins) or after the port of Cannes, towards Boulevard du Midi and towards Mandelieu.

To finish this tour of Cannes, you must take a walk along the Allées de la Liberté , a shaded and pedestrian square where the people of Cannes engage in ultra-competitive boules games.

Several markets are held there:

• The Cannes flower market: every morning of the year except Mondays
• The crafts market, which is organised every weekend and where you will find local artisans: jewels, paintings, sculptures…
• The second-hand goods market: every Saturday / the first Sunday and the third Sunday of the month.

What are the things to do around Cannes?

If you have decided to visit Cannes for a few days , in addition to your visit to the city, you will have time to go and discover the surroundings.

Here is my list of the best places to visit in the vicinity of Cannes . I’ve selected 5 of them, all easily accessible by train, car or during organised day trips.

Antibes is an excellent choice for a day around Cannes.

The city can be reached in 25 minutes by car or in 15 minutes by train for a round-trip costing less than €10 ( information and reservations here ).

What are the things to do in Antibes?

• A walk in the old town , excellent experience with lots of restaurants and small shops
• Abundant local products at the Provencal market
• Visit the city’s museums: the Peynet museum, the Picasso museum or the archaeology museum
• Enjoy the beaches
• Walk around the Cap d’Antibes
• Go to Marineland in Antibes.

To visit Antibes, you must read my dedicated article right here: The 20 Best Things to Do in Antibes .

Among the cities to see absolutely around Cannes , there is of course, Nice!

These two emblematic towns of the French Riviera are just 45 minutes away by car or 35 minutes away by train .

In Nice, you must absolutely see:

• The Promenade des Anglais for a walk on the legendary avenue
• Old Nice with its colourful façades and numerous shops/restaurants
• The castle hill for a beautiful view of the city.

And as there are many other things to do in Nice, read my dedicated article: The 17 best things to do in Nice .

If you would like to organise a short stay to visit several towns on the French Riviera (Nice, Antibes, Cannes, etc.), you must also read my article: One-week itinerary on the French Riviera.

Still near Cannes , you must visit another unmissable city of the French Riviera: Monaco.

You can reach it in 1 hour by car or train.

Places of interest to see in Monaco:

• Le Rocher and the Prince’s Palace
• The Oceanographic Museum – Ticket for sale here!
• The Monte-Carlo district and its famous Casino
• Monaco’s exotic garden

Want to know more about Monaco? I’ve written a detailed article: Monaco: the definitive guide.

Do you want to take a guided tour of Monaco ? You don’t want to bother with organisational matters?

You must book a day trip from Cannes. Transportation , guide and pick- up from your hotel in Cannes are included.

There are 2 types of trips:

• Half a day in Monaco + a visit to the charming village of Eze
• An evening in Monaco in small groups to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the place du Casino where you can try your luck with the slot machines.

Towards Cannes , about 35 minutes away by car, lies the town of Grasse.

Grasse is considered to be the global perfume capital and has several renowned perfumeries such as Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard . Most of them are open to the public where you can learn all about the manufacturing of perfumes and even create your own and take it with you.

And to learn more about the history of this very specific industry, you can also visit the International Perfume Museum.

If you don’t have a car, you must take a day trip from Cannes with transport and guide included.

The trip includes not only the visit to Grasse and the Fragornard perfumery factory, but also a visit to the mediaeval village of Valbonne and the fortress of Gourdon . All this will end with a small wine tasting!

Book your trip to Grasse now right here:

Let’s conclude my selection of unmissable places near Cannes with the mythical city of Saint-Tropez.

It is located an hour and a half’s drive from Cannes and is therefore the ideal place to visit for a weekend in PACA , for example.

A small coastal town on the French Riviera, Saint-Tropez is known for attracting the international jet set and for its lively nightlife.

As you go on your stroll, you’ll be able to explore its citadel and its museum and then stop off to swim on the city’s trendiest beach: Pampelonne beach.

If you don’t have a car, you can easily get to Saint-Tropez from Cannes by taking the sea shuttle. This will allow you to enjoy a small, pleasant cruise.

The round trip can be booked here:

In addition to these very famous cities to see around Cannes, I have selected 2 really nice organised trips:

1) A day to visit the wine estates around Cannes.

You can discover the best wines of Provence by visiting the cellars of the Château Saint-Martin, the Château Font du Broc that produces the famous Côtes de Provence and finally the Château Sainte-Roselyne.

And of course wine tasting is included in the schedule!

Book this trip in Provence by clicking on the green button below:

2) A trip to discover the Italian Riviera.

Your guide will take you to Sanremo and Bordighera , with their famous markets, and to the charming village of Dolceacqua.

Click here to book:

One day is enough to visit Cannes and walk around the city.

On a weekend in Cannes , you can enjoy day trips to nearby towns.

Here’s the itinerary to visit Cannes in 1 or 2 days :

Here is the itinerary you must follow if you have chosen to spend a day in Cannes:

• A walk along la Croisette where you can enjoy the seafront and admire the luxury hotels
• Picture at the top of the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals
• Visit to the Old Port
• Lunch at Forville or the Old Port
• See the “Cinema Cannes” painted wall
• Explore the Suquet district
• Climb to the Croix-des-Gardes or shopping

For a 2-day stay in Cannes , continue from the day 1 itinerary.

On day 2, you have several choices:

• Trip to one of the Lérins islands to walk, have a picnic and swim
• A mini-cruise
• A visit to the surrounding towns: Antibes, Nice, Monaco, Grasse or Saint-Tropez.

If you have decided to go 3 days or more to Cannes , you won’t even have to choose. All you need to do is spend a day on each trip I’ve discussed in this guide.

Here is my list of the best hotels to stay in Cannes according to your budget. Just below, I’ll also give you the best hotels in Nice if you would prefer to stay in the city and visit Cannes from there.

• Hôtel La Villa Tosca: located 5 minutes on foot from la Croisette. Recently renovated double room from €70, breakfast at €13. Strong points: location in the city centre, proximity to the train station, warm welcome.
• Best Western Premier Mondial: located on Rue d’Antibes. Warm and comfortable double room from €110, breakfast €20. Strong points: excellent breakfast, comfortable beds. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Cannes!
• Hôtel Le Canberra: located on Rue d’Antibes, 5 minutes from the beach. Bright and spacious double room with garden view from €160, breakfast at €22. Strong points: swimming pool, comfort, location.
• Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel & Thalasso, Cannes: located in the Old Port, on the edge of the pier. Double room with elegant decor overlooking the old town or the sea and free access to the Spa, from €170, breakfast €35. Strong points: the rooftop with a magnificent view, spa, swimming pool. One of the best places to stay in Cannes.

For a higher budget, here are the most beautiful 5* hotels in Cannes:

• Five Seas Hotel: located 100 metres from the Palais des Festivals. Double room and suites with contemporary decor from €235, breakfast included. Strong points: roof-top swimming pool, spa, extremely friendly staff.
• Hotel Martinez – in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt: located on the Boulevard de la Croisette, this emblematic luxury hotel offers contemporary Art Deco-style rooms with a lounge area from €270, breakfast €42. Strong points: private beach, the gourmet restaurant (2* in the Michelin Guide), calm atmosphere, professionalism of the staff. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Cannes.
• InterContinental Carlton Cannes: also located on la Croisette, this legendary 5* hotel in Cannes offers elegant and bright rooms starting at €275, including breakfast. Strong points: private beach, breakfast on the terrace, comfortable beds.
• Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes: this splendid luxury hotel is located on la Croisette. Spacious double room with panoramic view of Cannes or the sea from €350, breakfast included. Strong points: free private beach, wellness centre, delicious breakfast. One of the most beautiful palaces to stay in Cannes.

• Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture : Located about 15 minutes from the beach on foot. Nice place, very friendly staff, great location and comfortable beds. Only 20€ per night in dormitory. Double room at 55€. This is the best hostel for a budget stay in Nice!
• Hôtel Brice Garden : Located in the hear of Nice, 5 minutes walk from the beach and Promenade des Anglais. Very well furnished and clean room from 80€ per night. Excellent value for money. Friendly and welcoming staff. The best value hotel if you want to stay in the city center! Needs to be booked as soon as possible, lots of demand.
• Hôtel le Saint Paul : Located 50 meters from the Nice harbor, in a quiet area, with an amazing sea view. Large bright room from 95€ per night, buffet breakfast for 12€. Plus: free private parking. My favorite in Nice!
• Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais : Located right on the Promenade des Anglais in a historic building. Prestigious room decorated in a classic style, very bright, from 135€ per night, breakfast at 15€.
• Hôtel Negresco: Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this exceptional hotel is simply the best in Nice. The rooms are magnificent, the view is stunning, the staff is amazing and the restaurant is one of the best in town. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Nice!
• The restaurant “La Palme d’Or”: the restaurant of the hôtel Martinez has been awarded 2 Michelin stars, it is considered the most prestigious places in Cannes.
• Le troquet à Soupes: located at Rue Meynadier. This tiny restaurant offers excellent homemade dishes made with quality products. Special items include homemade soups in winter and gaspacho/salads in summer.
• La brouette de Grand-Mère: the place to go if you want to enjoy authentic homemade local cuisine. €49 flat rate with all-you-can-eat appetisers, main course + dessert + water + 1/2 bottle of wine. Reservation recommended.

Cannes has an airport but is more focused towards business aviation, so you will have to land at Nice airport.

Since flight prices for Nice vary greatly, it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. You can rest assured that you will get the best rates.

  Here are the options to go to Cannes from Nice:

1) Private transport from Nice airport. Reservations must be made in advance by clicking here:

2) Bus: take the 200 line which goes directly to Nice airport.

3) Train: it takes only 35 minutes to get from the Nice station to Cannes.

You must check the train schedules and fares and can book your tickets here:

It might be worth renting a car when you arrive in Nice and keeping it for the duration of your stay on the French Riviera. 

The most reliable way to compare prices and see all available offers is through Rentalcars.com .

Compare car rental prices in Nice and Cannes now:

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Cannes, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Cannes? 😊

To help you visualise the city a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Cannes , with all the best places to visit and things to do in Cannes and its surroundings.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

FAQ – I’ll answer your questions about Cannes

You can visit Cannes all year round. 

All things to see, activities (except water sports) and even boats for the Lérins islands are available at any time.

If you want to go to Cannes to enjoy the beaches, the best option is to go there between June and September.

Here are some ideas for activities in case of rain during your stay in Cannes:

• Visit the Castre museum or the La Malmaison art centre
• An introduction to wine tasting
• A cinema session in one of the 3 cinemas halls of the city

If you are visiting Cannes with children, you must really visit the Lérins islands. The kids will be delighted to go for a walk , swim and have picnics.

You can also take them to Fun City , a huge indoor playground with a ball pool, slides, zip line, trampoline and even a mini-karting track.

If you feel like partying during your stay, there are many bars, nightclubs and even casinos.

The places to go in Cannes:

• The Radisson Blu Hotel’s “360” lounge-bar restaurant, which I mentioned in my article
• The Fouquet’s gallery bar for its excellent cocktails
• The Martinez bar, considered a real institution of the city
• The Gotha Club , which hosts some of the world’s biggest DJs and is a place where you may come across international stars
• The Bâoli , to party with the glitterati
• The Casino Barrière Les Princes or the Casino Barrière Croisette.

If you need help planning your stay in Cannes, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here.

French Riviera

• French Riviera: Top 25 best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 1 Week in French Riviera – the definitive guide for your 7-8 days trip
• Antibes: Top 20 best places to visit
• Cannes: The 20 best things to do and activities
• Monaco: 25 Best places to visit
• Nice: 15 things you must do and see

Other French Cities

• Annecy: 12 things to do and see
• Honfleur: Top 15 things to discover
• La Rochelle: Top 15 things to do and must-see attractions
• Lyon: 21 Best things to do
• Marseille: Top 33 best things to do and see
• Nantes: The 15 best things to do
• Reims: Top 15 things to do and see
• Rennes: The 15 things you must do!
• Strasbourg: The 25 must-see attractions

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The Republic of Rose

A California-based travel and lifestyle blog

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Cannes, France

When most people think of Cannes, bustling beach clubs and the famous Cannes Film Festival likely come to mind. Cannes is a popular destination along the famous Cote d’Azur in the south of France, somewhere between Saint Tropez and Nice.  Known for its glamour, luxury shops, gourmet restaurants, and famous beaches, Cannes attracts visitors from all over the world.

I was lucky enough to spend a few years outside of Cannes growing up and still think of the Cote d’Azur as a home away from home. Whenever I can, I go back and visit Cannes for a couple of days to enjoy the beach and soak in the incredible south of France.

There are tons of things to do in Cannes and it’s the perfect city to get to know by wandering around.  In this guide, I’ll share all of the best things to see in Cannes to help you plan your trip.

Here’s the ultimate guide to visiting Cannes, France!

How to Get to Cannes

Cannes is located in the South of France, on the French Riviera (also known as the Cote d’Azur). The closest international airport is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, roughly 20 miles from the center of Cannes. If you’re traveling from another country, this will likely be the easiest way to get to Cannes!

If you are visiting Cannes from another city in France, you’ll be happy to hear that the city is accessible via the SNCF train network, and the TGV runs directly from Paris to Cannes in about 5 hours.

Many people opt to road trip through southern France which is great as it gives you the flexibility to visit so many other destinations along the coast all the way from Provence to northern Italy if you like!

The Best Time to Visit Cannes

The best time to visit Cannes depends on your patience with crowds.  The French Riviera becomes very busy during festivals and the summer school holidays, which are most of July and August. Much of May is spent setting up for the Cannes Film Festival and the festival itself. Do not worry, as the entire region has almost 300 days of sunshine to enjoy throughout the year.

If you’re looking for an ideal time to visit with fewer crowds than usual, good weather, and time to enjoy all the sights, late-April to early-May is an excellent time to visit, and September to October is a great time as well.  Both these times allow for nice weather and fewer crowds.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Cannes, France?

To experience all of the great things to do in Cannes, it is recommended that you spend at least two full days in this beautiful town. This is because so many people visit Cannes in just one day, but giving yourself a full two days to see the city will allow you to walk around at your own pace and truly enjoy Cannes.

Where to Stay in Cannes

Cannes is known for its large seaside hotels along the Promenade de la Croisette, many of which are luxury stays. But if you’re looking to enjoy the glitz and glamour of Cannes on a budget, there are plenty of more affordable options as well.

• Le Grand Hotel Cannes : This luxurious hotel has it all.  It offers a retro look with fantastic sea views, extensive gardens to enjoy, and a Michelin-starred restaurant on site. It’s located close to the beach, boasts its beach club, and is a five-minute walk away from the superb shipping of rue d’Antibes. A fantastic hotel in a prime spot!
• Hôtel Martinez : Known for its’ Art Deco glamour, this recently renovated hotel is located directly on the beach and boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant, a beach club, and a fantastic spa. The hotel boasts 409 coastal-themed rooms, with the Premium Sea View room offering the best experience.
• Five Seas Hotel : This boutique hotel is only steps away from La Croisette and features special access to a private stretch of sand, a fantastic spa, and a rooftop terrace that features a pool and bar.  This luxurious hotel offers 45 rooms and a comfortable stay with excellent food and drink options.
• Hotel Verlaine : This hotel is located in the heart of Cannes and is only a few steps from Rue d’Antibes.  With a beautiful Belle époque exterior, you won’t be disappointed once you step into the vibrant interior, where you can relax in the small garden. Rooms are decorated in bold colors and designs.
• Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d’Albion : This central Cannes hotel channels Art Deco style for the contemporary era. There are restaurants and bars to delight visitors and a beach club in the summer. Leafy La Terrasse, the hotel restaurant, features vegetarian options. The hotel rooms have recently been renovated, with new balconies and better views.
• Villa Pruly Hotel Cannes Centre : This fashionable hotel is a converted mansion conveniently located between Rue d’Antibes and the Cannes train station.  This beautiful hotel offers several comfortable and brightly decorated rooms with amenities ranging from complimentary continental breakfast, terraces, bathtubs, and soundproofed rooms.
• Villa Claudia Hotel Cannes : A former 19th-century home is now an 18-room hotel in a convenient location in Cannes.  The Villa Claudia Hotel Cannes is a short walk from Rue d’Antibes and a 10-minute walk from the train station. The villa grounds offer an abundance of outdoor seating, and the hotel features a complimentary breakfast in the breakfast room.
• Hotel Alexandre III : Another fantastic hotel in a historical building, Hotel Alexandre III, is less than 1000 feet from the beach and features air-conditioned rooms, a private garden, a terrace, and free wifi. Rooms here are soundproofed and come with orthopedic mattresses, and you can reserve rooms with king-sized beds.

The Best Restaurants in Cannes

The south of France is home to some incredible cuisine and Cannes is a great showcase of that. From casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, there are plenty of different dining options in this city!

• Fromagerie Ceneri : Fromagerie Ceneri is the only place to shop for dairy products in Cannes.  So, if you’re visiting town and looking for an authentic Fromagerie experience from a master fromager-affineur that has been in business since 1968, Fromagerie Ceneri is your place. 
• Da Laura : Da Laura is a fantastic Italian restaurant located in the heart of Cannes that boasts a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy your authentic meal. This charming restaurant has years of great reviews on websites such as Yelp and Tripadvisor.
• B Fire by Mauro Colagreco : Restaurant goers looking for a one-of-a-kind indoor-outdoor experience will enjoy the BFire by Mauro Colagreco restaurant on its sizeable shaded terrace. Enjoy your fantastic meal overlooking the Mediterranean with unique decor and Italian and Argentinian food.
• La Table du Chef : Located right near Rue d’Antibes, this small restaurant is run by a chef the cooks with local produce and presents a new set menu at dinner. This restaurant is both Michelin-starred and TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice. You can’t go wrong here.
• Table 22 par Noël Mantel : This restaurant is located in the heart of the tourist area, only a few steps away from Marché Forville.  At Table 22 par Noël Mantel the chef’s team works to produce Provençal dishes for seasonal menus. Don’t miss out on this great French restaurant featuring regional flavors.

→ Pssst! Planning to explore more of the French Riviera? Don’t miss the Ultimate Guide to the French Riviera (all the BEST French Riviera Cities to Visit!).

Things to do in Cannes

With seaside views, charming streets and a plethora of shops and restaurants, there are plenty of things to do in Cannes and its surrounding area.

La Croisette

Here you’ll find the center of most of the activity in Cannes, this splendid Boulevard de la Croisette, also known as La Croisette. This palm-lined boulevard is full of crowds in the summer, but this is where you’ll find all the beach clubs and excellent views of the sea here.

Rue d’Antibes

This famous road runs parallel to La Croisette, a few blocks away in the city’s heart. This is the place you want to go if you love to shop. While it’s full of shops, it’s also well known for many historic buildings from the 19th century!

Le Suquet is the medieval neighborhood in Cannes, or the old quarter of the town. Visitors will recognize it once they reach the winding, cobbled roads full of local restaurants. This hill is known as the birthplace of Cannes and is my favorite areas to explore!

Spend the Day at a Beach Club

One of the best things to do in Cannes is to spend the day at the beach club. There’s nothing better than relaxing in the sun, enjoying the bar, and grabbing a bite to eat. Some of the favorites in Cannes are Hyde Beach Cannes, Palais Stéphanie Beach, and Carlton Beach Club.

Marché Forville

Marché Forville is Cannes’ big indoor market, located close to the famous La Croisette boardwalk. You can find all types of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, and more here. This is one of the top Cannes places to visit as both a tourist and a local, so don’t miss out!

Visit Île Sainte-Marguerite

Accessible by a 15-minute ferry ride, Île Sainte-Marguerite is easy to access from Cannes and makes for a perfect day trip. There are a few museums and forts to see on the island, as well as several beaches to relax on, or you could spend the day walking around and exploring!

Spend the day on a boat

Nothing is more quintessential in the South of France than spending a day on a boat.  Many companies offer daily and hourly charters. There are also options to join a group tour of the area for the day.

Day trip to Mougins

Mougins is just a 15-minute drive from Cannes and is a beautiful medieval village surrounded by rolling hills. This well-preserved village offers visitors a fantastic view of the surrounding area. As you wander through the village, you’ll learn why many famous people, including Picasso and Christian Dior, have stayed here.

Tips for Visiting Cannes

• It’s always helpful to learn a little bit of French before traveling to France. Although many locals in Cannes might know some English at the same time, it’s always good to be prepared and show respect by learning a few key phrases in French.
• Make sure to bring your water bottle with you. Most cities in France have public water fountains where you can refill your water bottle to stay hydrated. They are located about a foot or two off the ground, so you might not notice them right away!
• Cannes is a great city for walking around so make sure to pack some comfortable shoes.
• If you plan to visit Cannes in the summer, be aware of their national holidays on July 14th and August 15th as it can get quite busy in the area, sometimes with festivals taking place. Bastille Day, on July 14th, often is accompanied by a fireworks show on La Croissette!

What to Wear in Cannes

→ Planning to explore more of the French Riviera? Don’t miss the Ultimate Guide to the French Riviera (all the Best French Riviera Cities to Visit!).

How to Spend a Day at Anjuna Beach Club in Eze, France

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2 days in Cannes itinerary – What to see and do

Cannes is famous for its annual film festival, but it makes a great seaside town to visit from the spring through till early autumn. It’s one of the most iconic towns on the French Riviera and is often visited for a short stay as part of a multi-centre holiday, or for a weekend city break. We recommend you spend at least 2 days in Cannes; it’s plenty of time to see what the town has to offer! Use our Cannes 2 day itinerary to help you make the most out of your trip. We’ve included most of the top sites, our tips and recommendations and enough relaxation time to enjoy the hot Riviera sun.

Day 1 – Morning:

Marché forville.

Wake up bright an early for a morning of exploration, followed by an afternoon of relaxation. Start your day at Marché Forville, a traditional French market. Although it’s mainly for fresh produce, browsing the bright colours of the market and soaking in the atmosphere is a great way to start your morning. Stop buy a bakery stall to pick up some fresh pastries for later – we recommend the specialist Provencal bread.

Next on your Cannes itinerary should be La Suquet; the medieval quarter of Cannes. Le Suquet is our favourite area of Cannes. It’s very quiet and is made up of quaint old buildings, boutique shops and restaurants and a must-see church and castle. Step back in time, into Cannes medieval past and spend a couple of hours wandering the streets and taking pictures.

Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance

This Cathedral is right next to the castle at the top of the hill in La Suquet and it definitely has some of the best views of Cannes. It can be a bit of a workout to get to the top but once there you’ll find free entry to this beautiful church and panoramic views of the promenade and bay area. This is where you’ll capture your best photos!

Musée de la Castre

Musée de la Castre is a free museum which is worth a look as a break out of the sun. It has an interesting collection of artefacts and the outdoors gardens often have live music and performers. Take your time to take a breath at the top of the hill before heading down. Oh, and did we mention the views? You’ll also take some great photos from the castle view-point!

Stop by one of the many La Suquet cafes on the way down for a bite to eat for lunch.

La Croisette

La Croisette is the famous 3km promenade in central Cannes. Take a stroll alongside the famous Cinema de la Plage (Cannes Film Festival), luxury hotels, casinos, boutique fashion stores and yachts in on glamorous walkway. It’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere, where you’ll find everyone from the rich and famous to street salesmen selling cheap sunglasses. Be sure to stop for an ice cream in one of the beach facing cafes. La Croisette is a place that simply can’t be missed off your Cannes itinerary.

Star Studded Floor

Being the centre of the glitz and glam during the Cannes Film Festival, the town has naturally welcomed many of Hollywood’s A list actors and actresses. Stop by the ‘Star Studded Floor’ just outside the tourist office on La Croisette to check out this small version of the famous Hollywood pavement. It is quite small but it’s worth checking out the famous names as you pass by.

Plage Mace beach

Place Mace is the main beach just off the promenade. It makes a great place to relax after a morning of sightseeing, and hopefully enjoy the hot French Riviera sun. We’d recommend this beach over the nearby private beach due to cheaper rental prices and refreshments. The beach is clean, free and relaxing – a perfect place to wind down until the late afternoon.

In true World Travel Toucan tradition, we chose to only eat the local cuisine in Cannes and the variety of French restaurants here is excellent. Although you’ll find many top-rated restaurants in the main tourist area, we opted for La Mome , a trendy restaurant in the La Criosette area, which was a great setting before hitting the local bars. The atmosphere is lively and the food is delicious. Meal wise, we’d recommend the sea bass, although the homemade pastas looked particularly exciting. If you’d prefer somewhere quieter and more intimate, check out La Brouette de Grand-Mere .

If you wish to extend your evening and partake in Cannes’ vibrant and exclusive nightlife scene, best head over to La Baoli  for a drink in this glamorous venue, often frequented by movie stars during the film festival. Once you’ve soaked in the atmosphere, head to Rue Mace just off La Criosette promenade for a number more affordable late-night bars and clubs. We particularly liked Morrisons Irish Pub  and Be First .

Day 2 – Morning:

Ile sainte-marguerite island tour.

Although it’s not directly located inside Cannes, the island of Ille Sainte-Marguerite is a short ferry ride away and is well worth the visit, even if you’re only spending 2 days in Cannes. The island itself is a natural beauty that can be explored on foot. Spend your time hiking through the pine forests to find excellent mountain views, exploring the famous Fort Royal where the man in the iron mask was held and relaxing by the beach.

The ferry leaves Cannes harbour roughly every hour and it costs around 15 per person for the round trip. Bring plenty of snacks, drinks and a picnic with you, as there isn’t a great deal of lunch choice on the island. You can walk the length of the island in 30 minutes but it takes around 2-3 hours to see everything.

island activities

Whilst it’s still relatively cool and your energy is at full force, start your morning with a hike amongst the pine and eucalyptus forests. You’ll find some great views of the French mainland and island itself to take pictures of.

Port Royal fortress is the must-see historic attraction of the island, made famous by ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’. Entry costs just a few Euros and you’ll find an interesting history into the fortress and island location, as well as picturesque views of the bay. We’d recommend visiting the fortress first before relaxing on the beaches. The weather will be cooler for the trek in the morning.

Stop for lunch on one of the many grassy or seated areas and enjoy a homemade picnic. There are two restaurant options on the island but they tend to be overpriced and (in our opinion) don’t have a great variety of food. We much prefer eating snacks of our choice with the beautiful scenery to look at.

Relaxing on the beach

The water around the island is warm and clear in the summer, making it a perfect place to swim and snorkel. Be careful on the beaches though; you’ll find they’re covered with jagged rocks and sea debris, so always wear your shoes. Jellybean style swimming shoes come in particularly handy here and you can pick these up on the main Cannes promenade.

One of our favourite things about Ile Sainte-Margarite is the pure tranquillity and peacefulness of the surroundings. It’s a breath of fresh area from the densely tourist populated Cannes promenade.

Ile Saint-Honorat

Ile Saint-Honorat is the smaller island located to the south of Margarite and is just as peaceful and beautiful. This island is home to a traditional French monastery which is still in use today, with locals producing fine wines to rival that of any of Southern France. Top things to do on this island include visiting the Abbey and surrounding churches, hiking through the forest, wine tasting and relaxing by the beach. Choose Ile Saint-Honorate over Ile Sainte-Margaret if you prefer somewhere smaller and quieter – or if you haven’t been to one of them before!

Late afternoon:

Rue d’antibes shopping.

Once you’ve returned from your relaxing day of island exploration, what better time to head to the stores for some last-minute gifts and personal shopping? Rue d’Antibes is a long street packed full of high street favourites such as Zara, Pandora, Footlocker, Lacoste and many more. If you’re looking for more high-end fashion, the nearby La Croisette area has all of the famous French and Italian boutique stores.

Being the final night of your Cannes 2 day itinerary, we’d recommend reserving a place somewhere extra special for dinner. We’d heard great things about L’eponyme so just had to go. The set menus (between 30 – 45 per person) are surprisingly good value and give a great taste of traditional (and fancy) French food.

Le Croisette Casino Barriere de Cannes

Casino’s aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but even if you don’t gamble, Le Criosette Casino is worth a visit. This large and modern structure is tucked back behind the marina and is a great place to get dressed up on your last night and enjoy a few cocktails. It’s the biggest casino in Cannes and has all of the usual games and slot machines you’d expect. Chill at the bar listening to the live music or try your luck at the roulette table.

Other popular attractions to visit if you’re in Cannes for longer:

• Cannes film festival (if you’re visiting in May)
• Kayaking, surfing or paddle-boarding in the bay
• Villa Domergue
• Musee de la Mer
• Mediatheque de Noailles
• Visit a spa

Top tips for visiting Cannes

• Many people visit Cannes as part of a short city break or as part of a multi-centre trip. We’d recommend spending 2 days in Cannes and then visiting other parts of the Cote d’Azur, including Nice, Monaco, Toulon and St Tropez, to name a few.
• Cannes can be particularly expensive if you want to enjoy a grand nightlife and like to eat out. Budget to spend more than you would in other European cities. Of course, there’s dining options to suit all budgets and you can always enjoy some of the fine wines from local supermarkets to save money before heading out.
• The Cannes city centre and promenade area is very compact and everything is within walking distance. Plan your Cannes itinerary around attraction and restaurant locations in relation to your hotel so you’re not doubling back on your path.
• Cannes maintains its upmarket and vibrant nightlife film festival persona throughout the year and is well worth visiting from April to September for idyllic weather. If you’re visiting during the film festival dates, be sure to book as far in advance as possible as hotels fill quickly and rooms become expensive.

We hope we’ve given you plenty of ideas for how to spend 2 days in Cannes. Use our Cannes 2 day itinerary to plan your own trip and customise it with all of your must-see attractions. It’s a charming town where you can simply go for a long walk and relax by the beach, relax in a corner cafe or go sightseeing.

An adventurer at heart that loves anything outdoors. Beaches, mountains and amazing scenery is everything I love about travel! I also enjoy home comforts and need a nice place to relax and re-charge after every trip.

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Treasures of Traveling

15 places to visit on a walking tour of cannes, france.

Treasures of Traveling in Cannes

The south of France is known for its many beaches along the French Riviera and Cannes is just one of the many cities that stand out. It’s a great place to visit because of the beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the blue water of the Mediterranean Sea. It also has many cultural attractions like the international Cannes Film Festival that takes place once a year in May. Since it is located along the Mediterranean sea, it has a mild climate year round and perfect for relaxing on the beach from May to October. The boulevards are lined with palm trees and tropical flowers giving visitors the perspective of being in paradise. Cannes has a reputation of glamour with the number of famous and wealthy people who frequently visit the city. From private beaches to luxury yachts, along with expensive hotels and great tasting restaurants, Cannes is just one of the many treasures of traveling throughout the French Riviera. 

Map of Walking Tour of Cannes

Below is a map of the Cannes walking tour. The map lists 16 locations throughout Cannes that you shouldn’t miss. If you follow this walking tour along the Boulevard de la Croisette completing a full loop around the city back to the same boulevard. It is only 3.66 miles (5.9 km) in total distance. If you just walk and don’t stop it will take you around one hour and twenty minutes to walk the total distance. I would give yourself at least a full day to walk along the path and stop and visit many of the locations from the Palais des Festivals et des Congres de Cannes to the Notre Dame Church or enjoy the sun, sand and waves at either the private or public beaches and don’t forget to visit the local market filled with fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. Cannes can be visited in one day, but keep in mind that this is a beach town along the Mediterranean Sea so you might just want to spend some time relaxing on the beach and exploring the town on a more leisurely schedule.  

Boulevard de La Croisette

La Croisette Boulevard is one of the many iconic streets in France. It stretches the length of the seafront for a minimum of a mile and is the place to be seen. This palm lined boulevard is the first stop for many tourists in Cannes. This is where you will find many of the most luxurious hotels on one side of the boulevard, while their private beaches, where you can pay for a sun lounge chair and enjoy the service of food and drinks along the beach, are on the opposite side of the boulevard. This beachfront promenade has wonderful views of the bay and the Lerins Islands in the distance of the Mediterranean Sea. A beach boardwalk runs alongside the Boulevard de La Croisette where you can see many locals jogging or walking their dogs and just hanging out with friends on the benches underneath the palm trees. There are many upscale and expensive boutiques along the boulevard that you might find interesting if shopping is one of your hobbies. 

Martinez Beach and Macé Beach

Martinez Beach and Macé Beach, better known in French as Plage Martinez and Plage Macé are two beaches that run along the Boulevard de La Croisette. This is just a reminder that the majority of beaches that run between these two public beaches are private. If you decide to enjoy one of the private beaches, everything will be catered to you from fancy drinks and delicious food at their restaurants. Even if you don’t rent an umbrella or chair at the private beaches, you can still walk along the beach between either of these two public beaches. Just remember to bring your towel. It’s a great place to enjoy the sand, surf and sun and most days you will even see beautiful sand art created by artists. 

Palais des Festivals et des Congres and the Cannes Film Festival

The Palais des Festivals et des Congres is filled with famous celebrities when the Cannes Film Festival takes place every May. It is a red-carpet affair when movie stars and filmmakers from around the world, along with journalists and huge crowds of fans descend upon the city. The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most exciting things to occur along the French Riviera so if you are a huge movie buff, this might be an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. Throughout the rest of the year the building is used for conferences, events and other types of festivals from music to television and even the G20 Summit, as it is a convention and cultural center. The complex of buildings was built in 1982 and is continuously updated with state of the art sound and lighting systems. The majority of people visit this facility just to take a selfie in front of the red carpet! When the festival is taking place in Cannes, the movies are shown all throughout the entire city at all the local cinemas, not just this facility. While you’re exploring the outside of the convention center make sure to look down at the ground and notice the handprints and signatures of famous movie stars in what can be compared to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is interesting to see all the handprints of the different film stars and you can even try to see if your hands fit into their prints. It’s definitely probably more of an activity for someone who is interested in movies and movie history, but it is fun to see all the handprints. 

Le Vieux Port

The Le Vieux Port, also known as Port Cannes, is a nice place to walk around and look at all the luxury yachts that you probably could never afford and see the expensive play toys of the wealthy. Besides seeing so much wealth in one place, it actually is a nice place to relax and enjoy a drink at one of the many bars and restaurants along the terrace. The port also has sailboats and a few fishing boats because there has to be fresh seafood in a port town. If you love boating then you might want to visit Cannes during September when the yearly Cannes Yachting Festival occurs. It’s actually one of the biggest boat shows in Europe. 

Port de Cannes Lighthouse

While you are visiting Port Cannes, you might as well visit or at least see the two lighthouses helping to guide both fishing boats and the luxury yachts into the port. 

Plage Du Midi

Midi Beach is another public beach on the other side of Cannes, away from Boulevard de La Croisette with nice sandy beaches and spectacular views of the mountains in the distance! There are now a few private beaches popping up along this strip of sand, but in general along parts of this beach, there are no chairs or umbrellas to rent so make sure you bring your own towel and lay it out wherever you can find a spot amongst all the locals. Just remember to watch out for your valuables or better yet, just leave them in the hotel or hostel. If you get hungry and didn’t bring any snacks to the beach with you, don’t fear, as there are many restaurants and ice cream stands to cool you off and help you quench your thirst. This is also a fantastic place to view the sunset every evening as you can watch the sun descend behind the mountains! 

Le Suquet (Old Town)

Le Suquet is the oldest neighborhood of Cannes. It has cobblestone streets big enough only for people and few cars so it’s a nice area of Cannes to wander through and get yourself lost along the winding streets. Many of the streets are actually narrow staircases only. It was originally a Roman settlement located above the city on Mont Chevalier and it overlooked the bay. While walking through the neighborhood you will get a feel for what Cannes was like in the 18th and 19th centuries. 

Musée de la Castre

The Musée de la Castre is located on Mont Chevalier within the Le Suquet Old Town neighborhood. The museum is actually within a medieval castle that was once home to the monks of Lérins. This previous monastery, now listed as a national monument, has now been turned into the Castre Museum with a collection of paintings, pre-Columbian art, Mediterranean artefacts and musical instruments from around the world. One of the best things you can do is to climb the 100 plus stairs to the top of the buildings 12th century tower to take in the spectacular panoramic views of Cannes and it’s bay. 

Notre-Dame D’Espérance

Notre-Dame D’Espérance was built on the summit of Le Suquet so it has wonderful views of the city, port and bay of Cannes below. The church was built in the 14th, 15th and 16th century with a Gothic style. This church also has an old cemetery located next to it that you can visit. You can attend a religious service on Sunday, as the church is still open today. The church also has a clock tower that you can always look to if you lose track of time while visiting the Le Suquet neighborhood. 

Rue Panisse

Rue Panisse is one of the many winding streets of Le Suquent, one of the oldest neighborhoods of Cannes. This particular street is not technically a street and is just a narrow staircase and ends on one of the many cobblestone streets with small stores and family restaurantes with delicious food. There is even an old fountain at the end of the road where you can fill up your water bottle. 

Les Murs Peints – Cinéma Cannes

Les Murs Peints is one of the many painted murals located throughout the city of Cannes. This one focuses on the history of cinema in Cannes. Many of the other walls throughout the city also pay tribute to cinema and showcase famous movie scenes along with actors and actresses. This mural is located on top of the bus station Gare Autobus. Take a day while you are visiting Cannes and see if you can find the other murals located throughout the city. 

Mairie de Cannes

Mairie de Cannes is Cannes Town Hall built in 1877 so it showcases 19th century architecture. It is located right in front of the port so while you are visiting the port you can also visit the Town Hall. It is a very busy building as local French residents will come to take care of business and register everything required by the city. 

Marché Gambetta

Marché Gambetta is one of the local covered open air markets of Cannes. You can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, along with seafood, clothing and flowers. It’s a great place for local farmers to sell their produce. In the mornings it can be very hectic and if you come too late it will be completely empty as the farmers have sold their goods and left. 

Rue d’Antibes

Rue d’Antibes runs parallel to Boulevard de la Croisette, but just a few blocks inland into the city of Cannes. It is not quite as upscale as the stores on Boulevard de la Croisette, but is the largest shopping district of Cannes and is a place where you can find probably anything you might be looking for. There are still many expensive stores located on this street, but you can also find well known stores like Zara. Along this road you will also find a couple of the other theaters and cinemas where movies are shown. Even if shopping is not something you enjoy, you still should take a stroll down this street to view the architecture and even take a break, sit down, get a bite to eat and people watch others shopping for jewelry, shoes, cosmetics and fashion. 

InterContinental Carlton Hotel

There are many beautiful hotels throughout Cannes, but one of the most famous and impressive is the InterContinental aon Hotel. It was built in the 20th century during the Belle Epoque architectural period and even if you don’t stay there, it still is a wonderful place to visit to view the beautiful architecture. 

Visiting Neighboring Nice

There are many neighboring cities and small villages to visit that are close to Cannes and very easy to visit as they are accessible by using public transportation. The city of Nice is a great city to visit along the French Riviera as well. It’s just a short train or bus ride away from Cannes. Take a look at the 10 things to experience in Nice, France . 

There are many treasures of traveling to visit in the city of Cannes, along the French Riviera , as you can see on this map of the walking tour. Cannes has many things to offer any tourist and is filled with a few of the interesting treasures that France has to offer. There are also many other wonderful French cities like Nice to discover along the Mediterranean coastline. 

— Luke Keeler

Check out the map below to see where cannes is located.

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Top 25 Best Things to Do in Cannes, France

By: Author Tiana Thompson

Posted on Last updated: November 16, 2023

Categories France , French Riviera , Travel Guides

Home » Top 25 Best Things to Do in Cannes, France

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If you’re thinking of spending some time in Cannes, you’re in for a real treat!

This gorgeous city on the French Riviera has so much to offer visitors, from gorgeous beaches and yachts to fantastic restaurants and nightlife – there’s plenty to do in this chic Mediterranean city!

Whether you want to spend your days exploring its ancient streets or lounging on its famous sandy beaches, if you’re visiting the French Riviera, you can’t miss out on spending some time in Cannes.

But, I know what you might be thinking…

Is Cannes worth visiting?

What is there to see in Cannes?

And more importantly… What are the best things to do in Cannes?!

I spent an amazing year living near Cannes and had the chance to explore all the ins and outs of the city. To help you make the most of your time here, I’ve put together a list of the top 25 best things to do during your time in Cannes .

In this post, you'll find...

About Cannes

Where is Cannes, anyway?

Cannes is a city located in the French Riviera, on the Mediterranean coast of France. It is known for its beautiful beaches, its luxury hotels and resorts, and its annual film festival. It’s also a popular destination for yachting and has some of the largest marinas in Europe.

The beaches in Cannes are some of the best in the country , and are perfect for lounging in the sun or enjoying some fresh air and a refreshing swim.

There are also plenty of water sports to try out if you’re feeling adventurous, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, or parasailing!

Cannes is also known for its excellent restaurants, which offer a wide variety of cuisines from all over the world. In addition to French and Mediterranean fare, you can find anything from sushi to steak in Cannes.

The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos to keep you entertained into the early hours of the morning.

Cannes is divided into two parts – the old town (known as Le Suquet) and the newer part of town, where most of the hotels, restaurants, and shops are located. The old town is home to the city’s castle, churches, and museums, as well as some charming pedestrian streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

This city is home to many art galleries, museums, and designer boutiques, and is a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers – seeing about 4 million visitors each year!

What to see in Cannes

• The Old Town of Le Suqet
• Le Marché aux Fleurs
• Île Sainte-Marguerite
• Palais des Festivals
• Boulevard de la Croisette
• Notre-dame d’Espérance
• Cannes Yachting Festival
• Cannes Film Festival

Cannes is a resort town famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and resorts, annual film festival, and lively nightlife. It is also known as an important destination for yachting and has some of the largest marinas in Europe. The city’s old town (known as Le Suquet) is home to many historic monuments, museums, and art galleries, while the newer part of town is where you’ll find most of the shops, restaurants, and hotels.

The best neighborhood to stay in while in Cannes depends on what you’re looking to do during your visit. If you’re interested in exploring the city’s history and culture, then the old town is the perfect place for you. However, if you’re looking to be closer to the beach and nightlife, then staying in the newer part of town is a better option.

Some of the best things to do while visiting Cannes include visiting its most popular attractions, such as the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (the site of the annual film festival), La Promenade de la Croisette (a promenade lined with palm trees and luxury hotels), the Lerins Islands (a group of four small islands off the coast of Cannes), and the Port of Cannes (one of the largest marinas in Europe).

Other popular activities in the city include exploring its art galleries and museums, enjoying the local cuisine, sunbathing on one of its famous beaches, or enjoying the nightlife at one of its many bars, clubs, and casinos.

Some of the best beaches in Cannes include La Croisette Beach, Palm Beach, Plage du Midi (Midi Beach), Banane Beach, and Majestic Beach.

The weather in Cannes is typically warm and sunny year-round, with average highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit. The area does experience some rainfall throughout the year, but it’s usually light and short in duration. The best time of year to visit Cannes is during the summer months, when you can enjoy long, sunny days at one of the many beaches here.

Cannes offers something for every type of traveler, so it is definitely worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in its history and culture, its beaches and nightlife, or its shops and restaurants, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.

The amount of time you should spend in Cannes depends on your interests and itinerary. If you’re only interested in visiting the city’s most popular attractions, then you could probably get by with only a few days here. However, if you’re looking to explore everything the city has to offer, then you’ll need at least a week.

Cannes, like most of the cities on the French Riviera, is known for being expensive. Accommodations, food, and activities can be quite costly here, so you’ll need to budget accordingly if you’re planning a trip to Cannes. That said, there are some affordable options available if you know where to look. With a bit of research and planning, you can find ways to save money while still having an enjoyable and memorable visit here.

Cannes is generally a safe and friendly city, with low levels of crime and tourist scams. However, it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling and to avoid going out alone at night. With these simple precautions in place, you can have a safe and enjoyable visit in Cannes.

Cannes and Nice both offer different experiences depending on what you’re looking for, so it can be difficult to choose between the two. That said, if you’re looking for a more upscale and glamorous experience, then Cannes is probably the better option for you. If you’re interested in exploring a mix of both old and new culture, history, and nightlife, then Nice may be a better choice to fit you.

Top 25 Best Things to Do in Cannes

1. visit the marché aux fleurs.

When visiting Cannes, a trip to the Marché aux Fleurs is a must. In this charming flower market, you can find everything from roses to lilies to daisies!

Every morning, locals sell fresh flowers at the market, making it the perfect place to pick up a bouquet or two.

Marché aux Fleurs is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7am to 12:30 pm, and is located on Allées de la Liberté near Marché Forville, another popular market in Cannes. It’s the perfect spot for picking up some beautiful flowers or just people-watching the crowds nearby.

So whether you’re looking for some fresh flowers for your hotel room or simply want to take in the sights and smells of Cannes, definitely head to the Marché aux Fleurs!

2. Check out the Vieux Port

You simply can’t visit Cannes and not make a trip to the Old Port – it’s one of the essentials on the list of what to do in Cannes.

This is one of the most popular areas in Cannes, and for good reason. The Vieux Port (Old Port) is located in the heart of the city and is home to a number of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.

Built in the 1950s, this picturesque port is home to all of the yachts and boats of Cannes, and is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists due to the picture-perfect views of the sea.

There are also a number of historic buildings around the old port, including Fort Royal and the Eglise Notre-Dame de Bon Port. Plenty of bars and restaurants are located near Vieux Port, where you can enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the sea and surrounding area.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or just want to relax with a drink, the Old Port is definitely worth exploring during your trip to Cannes.

3. Admire the architecture of Le Suquet Hill

Located at the top of La Croisette, Le Suquet is one of the​​ oldest parts of Cannes and is home to a number of historic buildings, including the Château de l’Île.

Perched on top of the hill with stunning views over the city, this picturesque area is popular among tourists and locals alike who enjoy its old world charm and character. It’s a great vantage point for people watching or enjoying direct views of La Croisette Boulevard below.

There are a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops in Le Suquet as well, making it a great place to wander around, explore the area, and take in all of its beauty.

Whether you prefer strolling along quaint streets or just taking in the breathtaking views from La Croisette, don’t miss a chance to explore Le Suquet while in Cannes! It’s a lovely place to spend the morning or early afternoon exploring the historic side of town.

4. See the sights from La Castre Museum

If you are a fan of art and history, then La Castre Museum should definitely be added to your list of Cannes things to do.

Located in the tower of an 18th-century castle on Le Suquet hill, this museum houses a collection of medieval paintings, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts from around the world. With its stunning views of Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea, the museum is also a great place to enjoy the scenery.

La Castre Museum is open every day except Monday from 10am to 5pm and is located near the top of La Croisette. Tickets are ​€6, or you can get a combined ticket with the Musée de la Castre​ and Fort Royal for €10.

So if you’re looking to explore art, history, and Mediterranean antiquities while in Cannes, make sure to check out this museum while you’re here.

5. Watch a movie at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

Palais des Festivals des Congrès is one of the top attractions in Cannes, and it’s also the site of the annual Cannes Film Festival. This massive convention center is located on La Croisette and features a number of conference rooms, meeting rooms, and auditoriums.

Even if you’re not attending the film festival, you can still enjoy a movie at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. There is a ​​Cinema Le Majestic​ located in the complex with three movie screens and seating for nearly 1,000 people.

This state-of-the-art theater shows both new releases as well as classic films, making it the perfect place to enjoy some quality cinema while in Cannes.

Movie buffs visiting Cannes can even take a guided tour by a professional screenwriter , and spend the day learning about the history, culture, and even some gossip about the movie industry in Cannes.

This is a great way to see one of the city’s most iconic buildings and get a behind-the-scenes look at the film festival that happens here every year.

If you’re lucky, you might even cross paths with some movie stars on the red carpet!

6. Explore Notre-Dame d’Espérance

This 16th-century Roman Catholic church located in central Cannes is worth a visit for its beauty, history, and interesting architecture. Though little is known about the exact history of Notre-Dame d’Espérance, it was most likely built during the 16th century by Venetian merchants as a way to memorialize their fallen comrades who died in a naval battle.

With its gold paint and intricate details on the façade, it’s easy to see why ​ Notre-Dame d’Espérance​ is one of the most fascinating churches in Cannes. You can tour the inside of the church and admire its paintings and sculptures, or just spend some time relaxing on the benches in the gardens surrounding it.

If you’re looking for a place to worship or just want to admire its beauty from the outside, be sure to visit this historic site – Whether you’re religious or not, this church is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Cannes!

7. Discover local art at the Centre d’Art La Malmaison

Art lovers, this one’s for you!

Cannes is home to a number of world-class museums and galleries, including ​the Centre d’Art La Malmaison ​. Located in the heart of downtown Cannes, this museum features two main buildings that showcase a variety of modern works from local artists.

The museum also hosts a number of special events throughout the year, such as art fairs, exhibitions, and lectures. Whether you’re an artist yourself or just want to learn more about the local art scene in Cannes, be sure to add ​Centre d’Art La Malmaison​​ to your list of Cannes things to do.

The museum is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday through Sunday.

8. Grab a bite at La Petite Maison

When it comes to what to do in Cannes France, eating should be at the top of your list.

After all, after a day of exploring all the things to do in Cannes, you’re going to need a good meal.

And there’s no better place to get one than at ​ La Petite Maison ​ – a Michelin-starred restaurant serving up some of the best French cuisine in town. Add this beauty to your list of what to see in Cannes!

Located in the Le Suquet district of Cannes, La Petite Maison is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious food. The French Riviera is home to some of the most amazing foods in the world, and this restaurant definitely doesn’t disappoint.

Be sure to try their ​signature dish,​​​ Nicoise Salad – a traditional French salad made with fresh vegetables, tuna, eggs, and olives. Whether you want to stop by for a quick lunch or spend the evening dining on their amazing dishes, it’s worth checking out this restaurant if you’re looking for a taste of French culture in Cannes, France.

Delicious French food not your thing? No problem – there are plenty of other great restaurants to choose from in Cannes. No matter if you’re looking for a quick snack or a gourmet meal, this city has something to fit your tastes and budget.

Just be sure to make reservations in advance, especially if you’re planning on having dinner at one of the more popular restaurants like this one!

9. Kayak or paddleboard at Pointe Croisette Beach

Cannes is home to some of the best beaches in France, making it the perfect place to enjoy some watersports on the sea.

And one of the best places to do that is at Pointe Croisette Beach, located just next to the famous Palais des Festivals.

This public beach has everything you could want – plenty of sun, soft sand, and crystal-clear water. It’s also a great place for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking. If you’re looking to explore the coastline, there are a number of rental shops nearby where you can rent equipment for the day.

10. Sunbathe at Plage de la Bocca

If water sports aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of other Cannes France things to do.

There are tons of gorgeous beaches in Cannes to relax on, and one of the best places to go is Plage de la Bocca, a beautiful beach located right in the middle of downtown Cannes. This beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, making it a great place to relax and unwind even if you’re just visiting for the day.

The public beach is also close to a number of shops, cafes, and restaurants – so if you get hungry or thirsty, it’s easy to go grab a bite and head back to the beach. This beach is always packed with both tourists and locals playing music, dancing in the sea, having a seaside picnic with friends, or playing volleyball in the sand.

Everyone at Plage de la Boca is always in a good mood and eager to have some fun, it’s definitely one of the most upbeat things to do in Cannes!

11. Take a day trip to Ile Sainte-Margeurite

When it comes to what to do in Cannes in summer, a boat trip to this stunning nearby island comes to mind.

Cannes is located nea​r some of the most beautiful islands in Europe, making it a great place to take a day trip. One of the most popular islands is Ile Sainte-Marguerite, located just a mile and a half off the coast of Cannes.

This picturesque island has plenty to see and do, so be sure to plan a whole day for exploring everything it has to offer.

One of the most popular things to do on Ile Sainte-Marguerite is visit Fort Royal, a historic fortress that offers incredible views of the island and surrounding sea. There are also plenty of sandy beaches and paths for hiking, making it the perfect place for a day trip in nature.

And if you’re looking to do some shopping, there are a number of local markets with great deals on souvenirs, jewelry, and other goods.

You can get to Ile Saint Margeurite by ferry in just about 20 minutes. This round-trip ferry ticket to Ile Saint Margeruite will pick you up in Cannes and drop you off right back in the city, so all you have to worry about is spending a relaxing day on the island!

12. Explore the Lérins Islands

The Lérins Islands are a group of four small islands located just off the coast of Cannes.

These islands are some of the most beautiful in all of Europe, and they’re definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to relax on a quiet beach away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The largest and most popular island is Ile Sainte-Marguerite, but there are many other popular islands in the Lerins group including Ile Saint-Honorat and Ile de Lérins.

Both of these islands offer plenty of great things to see and do, so be sure to add them to your itinerary if you have time. You can get to the Lérins Islands by ferry from Cannes, and there are a number of different companies that offer this service.

Once on the islands, you can spend your day hiking and exploring the beaches, or simply take in the beautiful views of the coast.

You can even go snorkeling while on the Lerins Islands – there are a number of reefs located just offshore, providing you with the perfect opportunity to see some of the amazing marine life that the French Riviera has to offer.

On this 3-hour snorkeling tour , you’ll spend the afternoon out at sea and discover the incredible underwater world of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll get a chance to see the red rocks of the marine-protected area of Esterel-Theoule, and enjoy the charm of the Lerins islands.

Whatever you do on these islands, be sure to bring your camera – the stunning natural beauty of these small islands is not to be missed!

13. Take a food tour along La Croisette

When in France, do as the French do – and learn about (and taste) the history of some of their most iconic dishes!

There are a number of different food tours offered in Cannes that will take you along La Boulevard de la Croisette, the city’s most famous street. On these tours, you’ll learn about the origins of dishes like ratatouille and bouillabaisse, and get to taste some of the best food that Cannes has to offer.

You’ll also get to visit some of the city’s most popular restaurants and food shops, and learn about the history of some of Cannes’ most famous chefs. These tours typically last around 3 hours, but you’ll leave feeling like a real expert on French cuisine!

On this 3-hour food tour of Cannes , you’ll stroll down the Boulevard de la Croisette and explore the city’s vibrant food scene and learn about the history of some of its most iconic dishes. You’ll visit a variety of different restaurants and food shops, and get to taste some of the best food that Cannes has to offer.

This is a great way to experience the culture of Cannes and learn about the city’s culinary traditions!

14. Attend the Cannes Yacht Festival

What’s a trip to Cannes without a visit to the world-famous Cannes Yacht Festival?

This event is held each year in September, and it’s one of the most important events on the international yachting circuit. The festival draws some of the most luxurious and expensive boats from around Europe – and it’s a great way for you to see these amazing vessels up close!

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, then you can also charter a yacht for the day and explore Cannes from the water. There are a number of different companies that offer this service, and it’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

You can even enjoy some of the amazing views of the coastline while you’re out on the water – it’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Cannes Yacht Festival is a must for any traveler who wants to experience the best that this beautiful coastal city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an amazing vacation rental or just want to charter your own private yacht, it’s definitely a must-do thing to do in Cannes.

15. Sail on a catamaran around the French Riviera

See Cannes from the water on a catamaran tour of the Cote d’Azur. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective, and it’s also a great way to experience some of the amazing views of the coastline.

This private 3-hour boat tour from Cannes is fully customizable and is a great way to see all the major cities along the French Riviera and enjoy a luxury experience aboard a private catamaran. Your captain and crew will take you on a tour of the Bay of Cannes on this tour, stopping along the way for lots of opportunities to swim, snorkel, or just relax on the water.

You’ll get to see some of the most famous sights along the coast, and enjoy an optional lunch buffet. You can even stop at a private beach and enjoy exclusive access to a day in the sand!

You can choose between a half-day tour or a full-day tour, at daytime or at sunset. This is perfect for those looking for a luxury experience on the water – It’s a great way to see the beauty of the French Riviera without having to worry about driving or taking public transportation!

16. Rent a bicycle and explore Cannes

Cannes is a great city to explore by bicycle, as there are plenty of well-maintained bike paths and trails that wind throughout the city. Renting a bicycle is a great way to see the city on your own terms, and it’s also an exercise-friendly activity for those who want to stay active during their trip.

Renting a bicycle is a great way to see all the major sights of Cannes without having to worry about public transportation or driving. You can explore at your own pace, and there are plenty of different routes that you can take depending on your interests.

There are even E-Bike guided tours in Cannes that allow you to explore the city with a local on an electric bike!

Whether you want to see the front-line beaches or explore the city’s hidden alleyways, renting a bicycle and hitting the pavement is a unique and fun way to see the city.

17. Take a trip to Saint-Tropez

A visit to Saint-Tropez is a must when on a trip to the Cote d’Azur!

This charming seaside town is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches and amazing yachts. Located just 53 miles from Cannes, you can easily get to St Tropez by car in just about 2 hours.

On this full-day Saint Tropez shore excursion , you’ll get to cruise along the coast by car and experience the stunning scenery and vibrant culture in Saint Tropez. Soak up Mediterranean views as you drive along the coast and stop in the beautiful coastal town of Port Grimaud.

Once in Saint-Tropez, you’ll have the chance to admire luxury yachts docked on port waters, sample Provençal food at the local markets, browse through the boutique shops, and have a drink in one of many French cafés before heading back to Cannes.

If you want to see the best of Saint-Tropez, then you need to take a boat trip down the coast! There are many different boat companies near the Vieux Port that offer day trips from Cannes to Saint-Tropez, and it’s a great way to see the Côte d’Azur from the water.

P.S. There are a few different ways to get to St Tropez, depending on your schedule and budget. Check out my guide to the 5 Best Ways to get from Cannes to St Tropez !

18. Stroll along the Boulevard de La Croisette

For a chill day in Cannes, take a leisurely stroll along La Croisette. This world-famous promenade is located right on the water and is lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, and high-end shops.

During your walk, you’ll get to people watch, window shop, and enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery. Make sure to stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the Boulevard de La Croisette for a refreshment and to take in the stunning views of the water!

One of my personal favorites is the restaurant La Voile Rouge, which has an outdoor terrace overlooking the water.

La Croisette is generally pretty calm and slower-paced, so it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind during your trip to Cannes.

19. Sample local fresh produce at Marché Forville

If you’re looking for a great place to do some souvenir shopping while in Cannes, be sure to check out Marché Forville. This covered market is one of the best places in the city to find local produce, meats, cheeses, and more.

You’ll find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal breads and handmade chocolates. There are also a few cafes and restaurants located inside the market, so you can grab a bite to eat while you shop.

Even if you don’t end up purchasing anything, the Forville Market is worth a visit for the amazing food, atmosphere, and views.

20. Indulge in some luxury shopping on Rue d’Antibes

In need of some retail therapy while on the Côte d’Azur? Look no further than Rue d’Antibes. This bustling street is lined with some of the best luxury shops and boutiques in Cannes, so you’re sure to find something that piques your interest!

With everything from high-end fashion brands to jewelry stores and home decor shops, you’ll be able to take care of all your shopping needs on Rue d’Antibes. If you’re looking for a particular item, chances are you’ll be able to find it on this street.

And, if you get hungry from all the shopping, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants lined along Rue d’Antibes where you can grab a bite to eat.

21. Discover the Musee Picasso La Guerre et La Paix

The Picasso Museum, known as the Musee Picasso La Guerre et La Paix , is a must-visit attraction in Cannes. Located in an old castle, this museum features nearly 2,000 works by Pablo Picasso, including many of his most famous paintings and sculptures.

If you’re a fan of Picasso’s work or interested in learning more about his life and career, then this museum is definitely worth a visit.

Even if you’re not particularly interested in art, the Musee Picasso La Guerre et La Paix is still an impressive place to see. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily and is closed on Tuesdays.

22. Visit Provence and the perfume capital of Grasse

Cannes is close to so many other picturesque villages and towns on the Côte d’Azur, making it perfect for a short trip for the day.

One of my personal favorite places to visit is the town of Provence. This charming town is located in the heart of wine country and is known for its beautiful scenery and great wine! There are many different wineries located in Provence, so you can spend the day tasting different wines and enjoying the views.

If you’re not a fan of wine, there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy in Provence, such as hiking, shopping, and exploring the charming streets.

Another popular destination on the Riviera is Grasse, which is known as the perfume capital of the world. This town is home to many different perfume factories and stores, so you can learn about the history of perfume making and even create your own custom scent!

If you’re looking to take a break from the crowded beaches and resort town feel of Cannes, a trip to the surrounding regions is a great option.

This 8-hour group trip to Provence and Grasse will take you to some of the most beautiful and popular places on the Riviera. You’ll get to experience the charming town of Provence, visit a few wineries, explore the streets of Grasse, and more! This particular tour is targeted for groups of 8 or more, so it’s ideal if traveling to Cannes with friends or family.

However, you can always find another tour that is tailored to your needs and preferences, or just rent a car and explore Provence yourself!

23. Take a day trip to Nice or Monaco-Monte Carlo

Cannes may be lovely, but it’s not the only place worth visiting on the Côte d’Azur!

Nice is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. This city is known for its stunning coastline, amazing food, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re looking to relax on one of the many public or private beaches, explore different neighborhoods, or enjoy a nice dinner, you’ll find plenty to do in Nice.

There are tons of things to do in Nice , and you can easily spend a whole day (or even a few of them) exploring this scenic seaside city. You’ll want to bring your camera – there are tons of photo-ops and perfectly Instagrammable spots all over Nice !

Another nearby town worth visiting is Monaco-Monte Carlo. This glamorous city is home to some of the most famous casinos and luxury hotels on the Riviera, as well as beautiful parks and gardens. It has all the glitz and glam of Cannes, times ten.

You can spend a day exploring the streets of Monte Carlo, trying your luck at the famous casinos, or just enjoying a luxurious meal and shopping.

I recommend checking out the beautiful garden in Monaco, which is located on the grounds of the Royal Palace. This scenic garden is perfect for anyone looking to relax, as well as those who enjoy a good photo op!

If you’re interested in seeing all that the Côte d’Azur has to offer, I would highly recommend taking a day trip to either Nice or Monaco-Monte Carlo.

Both of these cities are easily accessible from Cannes by train or bus, so you can plan an excursion with ease.

The most efficient way is by train – you can take an SNCF train from the Cannes train station to Nice for about 20 euros, and the trip takes about an hour. Monaco can also be reached by train for around the same price, and is about 20 minutes longer than the trip to Nice.

You could even take a guided tour from Cannes that stops in Nice and Monaco and includes a walking tour of both cities.

24. Catch a movie at the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is the most prestigious film festival in the world, and it takes place every year in May. If you’re a movie fan, this is definitely an event you won’t want to miss!

During the festival, celebrities from all over the world. flock to Cannes to attend the screenings of films from all genres and countries. With so many events taking place at once, you may need a whole day just to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrities on the red carpet.

However, if you can’t make it for the entire festival, you can also check out one of the other popular events or attractions in Cannes.

Even if you’re not a big movie fan, the experience of attending the Cannes Film Festival is truly one of a kind. This event is definitely worth checking out, even if just for a day!

25. Spend a night at the Hotel Château de la Tour

This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Cannes, just a few minutes’ walk from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The Hotel Château de la Tour offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, as well as a delicious Michelin-starred restaurant.

It features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, spa, and a state-of-the-art gym. Private massages can be arranged, and the hotel also offers a limousine service to help you get around town. This 33-room 4-star hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Plage du Midi (Midi Beach), Vieux Port, and central Cannes, so a perfect starting and ending point to your days.

Whether you’re attending the Cannes Film Festival or just looking for an unforgettable place to stay on vacation, the Hotel Château de la Tour is sure to impress. You won’t regret spending a few nights at this luxurious and elegant hotel in a beautiful castle hotel! A double-room at this hotel starts at around 129 EUR ($130 USD) per night. You can check availability on Booking.com .

As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cannes, France! Whether you’re looking for culture, relaxation, or excitement, you can easily fill up your days (and nights) in this stunning seaside city.

From browsing through the flea market, gazing at ancient artifacts and musical instruments at Musée de la Castre, hiking up to the top of Le Suquet, sunbathing at Palm Beach or strutting down the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, there’s something for everyone in Cannes.

Where to stay in Cannes

You can browse through over 100 hotels, resorts, and vacation homes in Cannes here 👇

Thanks for reading!

I hope this guide has given you some good ideas for planning your days in Cannes. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment. I hope you enjoy your time here!

Related Reads

The French Riviera is home to many different towns and cities, each with their own unique attractions and things to do. If you’re visiting and looking for more ideas of what to do in the area, be sure to check out all my other blog posts about the South of France !

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Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!

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A 'Bonjour Tristesse'-Inspired 8-Day French Riviera Travel Itinerary

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Cannes travel blog — the fullest travel guide to cannes for first-timers.

Cannes – a beautiful coastal city located in the southern France. The world famous Cannes city is home to the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival Festival de Cannes) that held every year. Cannes is also known as a prosperous coastal city, a paradise of luxury hotels and restaurants as well as the venue for many major cultural festivals. Traveling to Cannes, visitors will have an interesting journey to discover the vibrant pace of life, attractive landmarks and many other unique cultural features. So, is Cannes worth visiting, what to do in Cannes and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Cannes for the first-time? Let’s check out our Cannes travel blog with the fullest travel guide to Cannes (Cannes travel guide, Cannes city guide, Cannes France travel guide, Cannes guide, Cannes visitor guide) from how to get to Cannes, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Cannes to find out the answer!

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This legendary resort town has all the charm and glamor of the Côte d’Azur: Private beaches, harbor filled with luxury yachts, boulevards brimming with style, elegant hotels and trendy restaurants. The world famous Cannes is known as a home of the most famous film festival. It was truly a European city, where Britain and Italy established and began to develop into leisure resorts with yachts and harbours. Today, it is home to the one of world’s most prestigious film festivals, which is held every year, and many world stars are coming for their vacations.

Cannes travel blog: Overview of Cannes

It is not easy to get a grand and bustling Cannes city as it is now, but Cannes had to go through a long period of change to get where it is today. Thousands of years ago, Cannes was just a small fishing village, under the rule of the Greeks and then the Romans, many times attacked by Muslims and pirates before returning to France. It’s a small, secluded place that no one knows about. In 1834, the English aristocrat – Lord Brougham (once prime minister of England) visited here and he was captivated by the cool climate, azure sea water with clear blue sky and beautiful scenery here. He built a house so that in the winter, he went there to rest and avoid the cold of the foggy country.

Currently, Cannes has more than 70,000 settlers. The city of Cannes is famous in the world for its Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions. This is a city of luxury and splendor. Cannes is famous for the most beautiful hotels in France. This city also has beautiful beaches, monumental architecture and many special festivals.

After that, many British nobles, imitating Lord Brougham, came here in turn to build houses and reside in the winter. Over time, from a fishing village, Cannes developed into the beautiful city as we seen today. Cannes is not only a tourist city, but also a cultural and artistic center, where many international festivals take place, the most important of which are the Music Festival in January and the Film Festival in May every year. Cannes attracts a lot of artists, painters and writers who come here to live and create. International conferences continuously take place here. This city is bustling all year round, day and night.

Cannes France travel guide: When to come?

Cannes is a tourist city. Therefore, this place is always crowded and bustling. A good time to come here is in spring, early summer or early autumn. At this time the weather is still warm and the city is less crowded. It will be easy for you to visit and explore the city.

In general, you can visit Cannes at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Cannes is in the summer. In the summer the weather is not too hot, the climate is always cool, it rarely rains, so it is quite convenient for visitors to hang out, sightseeing, bathing or take part in outdoor activities.

In addition, you can consider to come here during major festivals and events as follow.

Cannes Film Festival

Especially if you come to Cannes in May every year, they will have the opportunity to attend the prestigious Cannes International Film Festival, where many world-famous movie stars gather. However, if going around this time, the price of services in the city will increase by 30% compared to other times. Therefore, you should consider the right time to have a favorable trip.

Cannes Film Festival is one of the best international film festivals on the globe, attracting the attention of the public worldwide. At this time, the city seems to be dressed in a sparkling and beautiful beauty of world famous movie stars.

Fireworks festival in the summer

In the famous tourist cities of France, Cannes is like a charming paradise when summer comes, the journey is more sparkling thanks to the summer fireworks festival. In July and August, Cannes Bay is lit up with spectacular fireworks displays from all over the world. The fireworks festival dates back to 1967. The winning fireworks team will be honored with a Vestal award at the end. In particular, tourists can vote for their favorite and most impressive team.

Le Suquet Musical Festival

Nuits Musicales du Suquet is an annual classical music festival that takes place for a week in July. Taking advantage of the mild Côte d’Azur weather, the event often held outside in the courtyard of Notre Dame d’Espérance. This world-class festival hosts large symphony concerts and smaller solo performances by violinists, pianists and singers. The repertoire is varied and shows classical music from Mozart to Chopin.

Cannes travel guide: How to get to Cannes?

You can fly to the city of Cannes via the Nice Cote d’Azur airport. This is a fairly large international airport and on average each year this airport welcomes about 10 million passengers to France.

To arrange best flight route as well as finding cheap airfare, you can access Google Flights , Skyscanner or Kayak to hunt.

From Nice to Cannes

Cannes is also a good place to make a day trip from Nice. If you want to spend a night in a luxury hotel or shop in the upscale boutiques of Boulevard Croisette, but otherwise, it is also possible to visit this beautiful city for a day with an overnight. Here are some options for getting there:

Intercity train or known as TER. Take about 10 stops from Nice Ville to Cannes train station.

Price: about €7 Time: about 30 minutes

Take bus number 200 from Cannes via Antibes. This bus runs every 20 minutes, we do not recommend taking the bus because it takes a lot of time but it is a good way to save money.

Price: €1.5 Time: about 1 hour 30min

Cannes city guide: Getting around Cannes

Popular means of transport include bus, subway, bicycle or walking is also a good suggestion.

• Bus: Buses are convenient if you are traveling short distances. The downside is that moving is quite slow which takes a long time.
• Metro: Cheap, fast travel speed. Only about 1.70 euros/ticket, 10 tickets cost 12 euros. Suitable for moving to places in a certain area.

In addition, Cannes also has a ferry and a modern high-speed train system. As a seaport city, traveling by ferry in Cannes is very easy. A tour of Cannes by ferry takes only about 1 to 2 hours.

The high-speed train system here is the TGV train specializing in transporting passengers moving from Cannes to the main cities of France and moving within the city. You should book tickets online in advance to get a cheaper price than buying directly.

Tips: You should not rent a self-driving car here because parking fees in Cannes are always in the top of the most expensive cities in the world.

Cannes travel blog: Where to go, what to do in Cannes & top things to do in Cannes

La croisette boulevard and palace of festivals and congresses of cannes.

The boulevard runs along the coast with a length of 9km. The largest and most beautiful street is called La Croisette, on which there is a building named after the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes (Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes), where the annual International Film Festival takes place. My first thing to do when I came to Cannes was to take a photo in front of this building as a souvenir. In the past, it was the casino of the city, heavy architectural style, looking nothing special. When they built a new casino in the south of the city, this building was converted into the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes. It’s not just dedicated to cinema, but it’s also home to all sorts of festivals and conferences.

The Croisette is now a popular avenue lined with prestigious shops and luxury hotels that have made up Cannes’ history, including the Carlton, Martinez and Majestic. This most famous street has all the luxury brands of Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Celine and Valencia.

Leaving the Palace of Congress, we walked along La Croisette boulevard to the south. Unlike the beach in Nice with only pebbles (galet), in Cannes is a very beautiful golden sand beach. Rows of palm trees run along the boulevard, behind are luxury hotels.

Behind the modern look of Cannes city, there is also an old town located around the Suquet hill. The scenery here is very quiet, tranquil, in contrast to the noisy and busy life of Cannes on the coast. This is an old village that still retains the ancient architecture with a 22 meter high watchtower. On Suquet Hill, standing next to the old city wall, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Cannes below. The streets here are winding, narrow, uphill and downhill like many other villages along the blue coast. On the balconies of houses with rustic wooden windows, there are colorful flowers, most of which are mimosa, the flower chosen as the symbol of Cannes.

The district Le Suquet represents the original fishing village. The hill of “Suquet” is where the city of Cannes began to be built. In a picturesque hillside setting, the area offers exceptional views and a bygone era charm. Le Suquet has retained the atmosphere of the last century. In the city of Nice, in the castle area, you can see a different face from the luxurious entertainment city of Cannes.

Occasionally, a beautiful small yard with an old iron fence and a faucet next to the wall appears, looks really dreamy. Leaving Cannes, if you continue your journey to the west, you will pass through three beautiful villages (also three towns) of Saint-Raphael, Sainte-Maxime and Saint-Tropez. The most famous is Saint-Tropez, the jet-society classes often gather here to relax and resting, the rich in the world also race to buy houses here.

Half a century ago, in 1956, French director Roger Vadim chose the settings here for his film And God Created Woman (Et Dieu créa la femme), featuring the young girl Brigitte Bardot (B.B for short) to the position of a famous movie star around the world. Saint-Tropez is also the setting of most comedies starring comedian Louis de Funès (1914-1983).

Chapelle Bellini

Address: 67 bis avenue de Vallauris, All. du Parc Fiorentina, 06400 Cannes, France Hours: 2–5PM/Saturday, Sunday: Closed

Built in 1894 by Count Vitali, Chapelle Bellini was once part of a Florentine villa and set in a beautiful park. Under the design of the Count, the chapel has an Italian Baroque design with an impressive clock tower and exquisite wooden stairs inside. The chapel was purchased by the artist Emmanuel Bellini in 1953 and later used as his church. The Bellini Chapel is now a museum dedicated to the artist’s works represented in his own gallery space.

Sainte-Marguerite

In Cannes, visitors can book for a cruise out to sea and visit the island of Sainte-Marguerite. This island is 3km long and 90m wide. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the island of Sainte-Marguerite attracts visitors because it has a fortress that once imprisoned a mysterious prisoner named the Iron Mask (Le Masque de Fer) for 11 years.

This fortress was built in the early seventeenth century by order of Cardinal Richelieu, under King Louis XIII. This is a small fortress, built in Vauban architecture, located on the tip of the island overlooking the sea. The lower floor of the fortress is a prison, divided into cells to keep prisoners isolated. The Iron Mask was imprisoned here for 11 years (from 1687 to 1698), then was transferred to the Bastille in Paris and died in 1703. Visitors are led to see the cachot where the Iron Mask was imprisoned. There is also a chain used to bind him. The story of the Iron Mask has been the subject of many historical novels, films and television series. You can Google it to learn more about the mysterious character.

Notre-Dame de l’Espérance

Address: 1 Rue de la Castre, 06400 Cannes, France

Perch atop Le Suquet, resplendent with picturesque views of the city, Notre-Dame de l’Espérance is the most striking church in Cannes. Upon entering the church, visitors are struck by the interior and the height of the Gothic dome. The church is also a mix of architectural styles, including a Renaissance. There is also a cemetery that dates back to the 16th century.

During World War II, the church was temporarily used as a hospital. Today, the church is still sacred worship place. In July, the square in front of the cathedral is illuminated and becomes an outdoor venue for the Nuits Musicales du Suquet, a classical music festival with a week of performances under the stars.

Port town of Grimaud

Grimaud is a beautiful lakeside town located between Cannes and Saint Tropez. This town is likened to the “Venise of Provence”. In 2001, UNESCO also recognized this town as an architectural heritage of the 20th century. Coming here, visitors will be able to visit many ancient architectural works, long-standing historical sites and soaking themselves in water of beautiful beaches. The most beautiful beach here is Pampelonne. This beach is always full of people. From Russian billionaires, famous movie stars come to this beach every year.

Picasso Museum

Address: place mariejol, 06600 Antibes, France Hours: 10AM–1PM, 2–6PM/Monday: Closed

The Picasso Museum in Antibes street with a beautiful location on the coast. They invited Picasso to stay for six months in 1946 and when he left he left 23 paintings and 44 drawings to the town. It’s an opportunity to see some amazing artwork of a genius painter.

Castre Museum (Cannes travel blog)

Address: 6 Rue de la Castre, 06400 Cannes, France Hours: 10AM–9PM

On a hill overlooking Cannes Bay, the Musée de la Castre occupies a medieval monastery, now classified as a historic site. Visitors can climb to the top of the building to capture a 360-degree panorama of Cannes and its surroundings. The museum’s courtyard is also an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. The museum collects and displays a collection of antiquities from this region along with primitive pre-Columbian art.

The Musée de la Castre is situated on an ideal hilltop location. From here, Cannes tourists can overlook the most beautiful beaches in France. This historic site was originally the medieval castle of the monks of Lérins.

La Malmaison Contemporary Art Museum

Address: 47 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France Hours: 10AM–7PM

The La Malmaison Museum housed in the Grand Hôtel’s games and tea rooms, built in 1863. These rooms were used for art exhibitions organized by Aimé Maeght in 1945 and converted into a museum by the city of Cannes in 1983. This small museum displays contemporary art. The museum hosts two major exhibitions annually dedicated to famous artists who found inspiration in the Côte d’Azur, including Picasso, Matisse and Ozenfant. Other internationally renowned artists featured in the museum’s collections are Paul Cézanne, Miró and Masson.

Referring to Cannes is indispensable for fine sand beaches, warm Mediterranean sunshine. Of which, visitors can go to Lérin and Estérel beaches, stretching about 7 km in Cannes. Note, some beaches are privately owned, the rest visitors are free to experience.

Macé or Zamenhof, located near Boulevard de la Croisette, will charge a fee for loungers and parasols. The attraction of Cannes is also lies in quiet beaches such as La Bocca, Mouré Rouge beach… Or Les Rochers is an ideal place for diving and many other attractive sea sports.

Rue d’Antibes

Parallel to La Croisette Avenue, inland is Antibes Avenue. This is the commercial center of Cannes with many high-end restaurants and shops. There are many Chinese restaurants here, after walking around the streets, we just pulled here without fear of being burned out our wallets because the price is cheaper than eating at Western restaurants.

Antibes Street is a shopping paradise where you can find relatively affordable brands or famous cosmetic brands in France. Today, all major international brands names are found in Rue d’Antibes. You can also admire its architectural, with buildings from the 19th century.

Vieux Port de Cannes

Address: Jetée Albert Edouard, 06400 Cannes, France Hours: 8AM–6PM

Vieux Harbor is symbolic of Cannes’ Mediterranean landscape. This attraction is located in the famous old town Le Suquet. This place is also known as Port Cannes I, not far from the Marine railway station built in 1957.

The old port opens under Suquet. There are several luxury yachts here. In the morning, the colorful Marché aux Fleurs (Flower Market) is held here. Vieux is the peaceful anchorage of many luxury yachts in Cannes. This is the starting point of the Royal Regatta cruise. The northern view of Vieux is as perfect as the Allées de la Liberté.

Island tours

Going to Cannes, you can also leisurely take a cruise to see the sea as well as the whole city from afar, or board a boat to explore the offshore islands. Cannes is fame for its many beautiful and historic islands. The very well-known one is the Lérins Islands, consisting of two separate islands, in the center of which is a narrow strait. On the island, there are many mysterious ancient churches and monasteries.

Plage Le Goeland

As a unique seaside resort town, Cannes also has high-end private beaches that require an entrance fee of €12 to €18. There are a few cafes and restaurants on the private beach, where you can lying on sun loungers under parasols and sipping drinks and eating cool ice-cream.

Cannes travel blog: What to eat?

Cannes cuisine is not as subtle and sophisticated as Paris cuisine, but brings many distinctive features of the Mediterranean region. This place is famous for dishes such as ratatouille, pissaladière, herbs, olive oil, and special spices.

Some famous restaurants in Cannes are: La Palme d’Or, Paloma, Villa Archangel, Le Park 45.

Below are some special dishes you should try when coming to Cannes.

Socca, a type of pancake that originated in Nice and the Italian coast. This type of cake cooks very quickly, its price is cheap.

Bouillabaisse

This is a classic French fish soup from the Provençe region on the Mediterranean coast. Traditional bouillabaisse is made with a variety of fish and seafood, such as rascasse, red mullet, spiny lobster and crab.

Pan Bagnat is a sandwich. It is a specialty of this city. The sandwich consists of raw vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies or tuna, and olive oil, salt and pepper.

This is a popular and well-known delicacy in French cuisine. Foie gras is sold in a whole, or made into mousse, parfait or pâté. It is also seen as an accompaniment to other dishes, such as steak. Foie gras belongs to the cultural and culinary heritage of the French people.

Cannes travel guide: Where to stay?

La Californie ( Agoda , Booking ): This beautiful space of Cannes is the epitome of French Riviera charm. Wonderful resort villas surrounded by the cool air of palm trees. An afternoon walk with your loved one under the romantic sunset of Cannes. Maybe visitors are even more surprised when Picasso, the famous Spanish painter and sculptor once live here. It is also understandable that the poetic space of La Californie has inspired great art to so many great artists.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Hotel de Provence ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Martinez ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Le Cavendish ( Agoda , Booking )
• La Bastide De L’Oliveraie ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Splendid Cannes ( Agoda , Booking )
• Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel Cannes ( Agoda , Booking )
• Okko Hotel Cannes Centre ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Cannes on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Cannes city guide: Some notes before you go

• Cannes uses the Euro. You should bring cash, including small coins to easily buy bus tickets and pay for food and drinks. You should limit the use of credit cards because the fees are very high.
• You should be wary of pickpockets or snatching while sightseeing. When going out, do not bring too much cash or valuables.
• Cannes city is quite small, visitors can completely walk to enjoy the beautiful scenery here.
• It is not recommended to rent a self-drive car in Cannes because the parking area and parking fees in this city are very high. If you come to Cannes in winter, you need to prepare warm clothes because the winter here is very cold.
• The cost to attend the Cannes Film Festival is very expensive, so you can choose to participate in free festivals but with Cannes style and colors to have interesting experiences.

Traveling to Cannes has never been so easy. If you want to have a vacation in Europe, this will be the great city for tourists. The picturesque natural scenery, breathtaking coastline and small streets nestled around the hillsides are sure to offer an unforgettable experience.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cannes you can refer to

• Cannes Walking Tour
• Private Walking Tour in Cannes
• Cannes, Antibes and Saint Paul de Vence Village Half Day Tour from Nice
• Monte Carlo By Night: A Romantic Evening Tour from Nice, Cannes, or Monaco
• The Historical Nice City Half Day Tour from Nice, Cannes, or Monaco
• Cannes, Antibes & St-Paul de Vence Half Day Tour from Nice
• The Best of the French Riviera Day Tour From Nice or Cannes
• French Riviera Bays and Billionaire’s Splendors 4-Hour Tour from Nice
• French Riviera Full Day Tour from Nice
• From Cannes: Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island
• From Nice: French Riviera in One Day
• Cannes: Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint Tropez
• From Nice or Cannes: Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze Half-Day Trip
• From Cannes: Discover the Calanques of the Esterel
• Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
• Cannes: 4-Hour Boat and Snorkeling Tour
• Cannes: 1 or 2-Hour Segway Tour

Read more France guide here .

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Explore the Riviera

11 best cannes boat trips & tours [2024].

Cannes, in the South of France, is a wonderful sailing destination.

This charming town offers beautiful scenery from its crystal-clear turquoise waters, majestic cliffs, and beautiful sandy beaches and the best way to experience it all is by going on a relaxing boat trip.

The best Cannes boat tours will take you around the stunning bay, allowing you to admire the gorgeous coastline, its many islands, and beaches, as well as some of the most famous spots in town like La Croisette.

On these guided trips you can also visit nearby attractions such as St Tropez or St-Marguerite Island and explore other hidden gems along the way. You’ll be able to swim in crystal-clear waters and even go snorkeling and spot marine life.

In this guide, you will find all the best boat tours from Cannes.

Don’t have time to read about all the tours on the list?   No worries  — the boat tour from Cannes is hands down this Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch . It has about more than 100 excellent reviews, takes you through the most breathtaking views along the coast, and includes a delicious lunch onboard.

🏆 SUMMARY: THE BEST BOAT TOUR FOR…

• A Classic Yacht Sailing
• Enjoying a full day out in a boat
• A half-day catamaran tour with a delicious lunch
• Going to Saint-Tropez for the day
• Exploring Calanques of the Esterel
• An unforgettable sunset cruise

Keep reading for a detailed description of each of the tours.

Also, to make the most out of your trip to the French Riviera, check out the Best Boat Trips and Tours From Nice , the best Wine tours in Nice , and our guide to the Best Things to Do in Cannes .

11 Best Cannes Boat Trips

1- classic yacht sailing in cannes.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW

Experience the beauty of Cannes from a sophisticated perspective – aboard a classic wooden yacht.

Take in stunning views of the city’s iconic coastline, beaches, and islands as you sail along the Mediterranean.

Swim in crystal-clear waters, go snorkeling with the provided equipment, and even enjoy a charcuterie platter with local Rosé wine.

It was perfect: a sunny day with nice people, a wounderful Tour on board of a cozy, beautiful sailing yacht. You get information about the area and a nice stop with a bath in the Mediterranean Sea including a delicious picknick. Thank you again for this perfect day. Markus

Read: 14 Reasons why Cannes is definitely worth visiting

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera. You can also get a custom itinerary made by me here or check out this travel guide with all of my favorite addresses in Nice.

2- Classic Sailboat Private Experience

Sailing in an actual sailboat is an intimate and wonderful experience I would recommend to anyone.

For that, Classic Boat Tours is a personal favorite of mine. I went sailing with them once and had such a lovely time! The captain is not only great company but also an experience and local sailor.

During the tour, we got to see the beautiful Lerins Islands, snorkel, swim in the sea, and even learned how to sail.

3- Full-Day Catamaran Cruise Departing from Cannes

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  9 hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW

Sailing on a catamaran in Cannes is an experience nothing short of magical.

Spend a day aboard a luxurious vessel. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or just enjoy the gentle waves lapping against your boat as you travel along the stunning coast.

Lunch and wine are included (which we love to see!).

It was a great experience. The catamaran is gorgeous, clean and the crew are friendly and helpful. The meal was rich and something for everyone. Thanks, we will definitely do it again! Recommended. Viviana

✈️ Need help planning your trip to the French Riviera?

Make the most out of your trip with a personalized itinerary made just for you or book a travel consultation where I will answer any questions you might have.

4- Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

Alternatively, if you don’t have the whole day you can go on this half-day catamaran cruise – also with a delicious lunch included.

This tour will take you around the bay, allowing you to admire the gorgeous coastline, its many islands, and beaches as you swim, snorkel, or just enjoy a day out in the sun.

Wow, I can’t say enough great things about this excursion. Luckily, we went out on a week day and there were only a few other people on board. It was so nice! They had a gorgeous lunch on board for us. We sipped rose and swam behind the boat. They even had kayaks and paddle boards to try. Overall, it was a first class experience. We could not have been happier. The captain and his crew were a perfect 10.

11 Best French Riviera Boat Tours for 2023

5- Cannes: Round-Trip Boat Transfer to Saint-Tropez

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars | ⛵ BOOK NOW

St. Tropez is an iconic idyllic coastal town in the South of France.

It’s a popular tourist destination known for being where the rich and famous vacation.

A boat trip from Cannes to St. Tropez offers a wonderful opportunity to explore this beautiful area of the French Riviera and be back in Cannes in time for dinner.

→ Read: 22 Perfect Day Trips from Cannes, France

The boat trip itself and the staff on the return boat were superb and friendly. Very nice guide during the journey (approx. 1h15min) at passages of famous landmarks, historical sites and celebrities’ summer homes.

6- From Cannes: Discover the Calanques of the Esterel

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2.5 hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW

The Calanques of the Esterel are a truly impressive sight, with cliffs, hidden caves, and rocky outcrops jutting out of crystal blue waters.

On this tour, you will have a perfect day exploring the hidden coves, seeing the Calanques up close, and swimming in the sea.

The tour was a complete success: we were able to discover the most beautiful corners of the region from the water. The stops with clear water invited to go snorkeling. The guide was great and gave lots of background information. Thank you for the great experience!

7- Lérins Islands Sunset Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1.5 hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW

A sunset cruise around the Lerins Islands is unparalleled for its tranquility.

Spend a romantic evening sailing around the island and watch as the sun sets on the horizon.

I’ve had an amazing experience. Sylvain the guide was so kind and nice. He made the experience a very pleasant and nice one.

8- Scenic Coves RIB Boat Tour

Sail through crystalline waters, coves to caves, and unique cliffs, that can only be reached by boat in this tour of Calanques de l’Esterel.

9- Round-Trip Ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island

An exciting adventure awaits on a round-trip ferry to Ste. Marguerite Island.

Situated off the gorgeous coast of Cannes, France in the Mediterranean Sea, this incredible spot has something for everyone.

Enjoy a day spent swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the many historic ruins that make up the island’s landscape.

Beautiful experience that allowed us to get away from the more crowded Cannes to enjoy a day in tranquility on the coasts of Santa Margherita Island. Finding the meeting point was very simple, as was redeeming the tickets. More than recommended activity to appreciate even more the beautiful sea of the Côte d’Azur. Optimal price-quality ratio! Alice

→ Read: Île Sainte-Marguerite, the best day trip from Cannes

10- Snorkeling in the Bay of Cannes

Exploring the sparkling waters of the Bay of Cannes by snorkeling is a truly unforgettable experience.

Dipping beneath the surface, visitors can observe an array of exotic fish and other marine life, with the chance to discover hidden treasures like shells or even unusual sea creatures.

Even if you don’t know how to dive, the relaxed atmosphere and calm waves make the Bay of Cannes ideal for those looking to dip their toes in for the first time – not to mention that with some patience you may be lucky enough to spot a passing dolphin or two!

Super fun day! We had a great time and met a lot of nice people on the boat. Most people were from other countries so lots of accents and stories. The boat ride was very nice.  – Review

11- Cruise to Corniche d’Or from Cannes

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ⛵ BOOK NOW

A cruise from Cannes to the stunning Corniche d’Or is an amazing way to experience the beauty of the French Riviera.

Crystal clear, turquoise waters lap against golden sands and you can sail Golfe de la Napoule. During the journey, visitors can admire some of the area’s most famous landmarks including the red rocks of Esterel.

What to bring on a boat tour

Cannes is a sophisticated destination and therefore, you should dress appropriately for a boat tour.

For men, this means long trousers (no jeans or shorts), a shirt with a collar (preferably a polo shirt or button-down shirt), and closed shoes (no sneakers or sandals).

Ladies, on the other hand, should opt for a summer dress or skirt and a top, as well as closed shoes.

It is also advisable to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect you from the sun’s rays, and don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture those stunning views!

Finally, if you are planning on swimming during the tour make sure to have a spare set of clothes and a towel.

🧳 Still wondering what to pack for your trip? Then check out this guide on what to wear on the French Riviera .

Other tours & fun things to do in Cannes

Besides enjoying a day out in the water, there are many other wonderful things to do in Cannes. These are some of our favorites:

• Explore La Suquet, Cannes’s old town
• Private Cannes Ferrari Tour
• Go on a half-day trip to Monaco, Monte Carlo & Eze
• Buy fresh produce at Marché Forville
• Go on a day trip to Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon
• Relax on Plage du Midi beach
• Visit the Musée de la Castre
• Take a stroll along Rue d’Antibes

Conclusion: The Best Cannes Boat Tours

That’s a wrap! We hope this guide helps you to find the right one for you and that you have an amazing day sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!

Plan the perfect trip to the French Riviera

👗 Find all my favorite addresses in Nice on this travel guide.

📕 Get a personalized French Riviera itinerary here or check out my other travel planning services

🗺️ Book guided tours through Get Your Guide and Viator .

🛏️ Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com .

Continue reading:

• Nice vs Cannes: Which is Better to Visit?
• 15 Best Hotels in Cannes, France for 2024
• 24 Best Things to Do in Cannes, France
• 22 Perfect Day Trips from Cannes, France
• 5 Best Beaches To Visit in Cannes

Camila Neves

Nice to meet you! My name is Cami and I am a full-time traveler and foodie. I live in Nice in the South of France and this blog is where I share my impressions and travel secrets.

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Cannes   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Henryk Sadura | Getty Images

10 Best Things To Do in Cannes

Updated February 12, 2021

Though it's known internationally for its film festival, there's much more to do in Cannes than gaze at the silver screen. Indulge in the glamour of Cannes by window-shopping along Rue d'Antibes or testing Lady Luck at Casino Barrière Les Princes .

• All Things To Do

La Croisette La Croisette free

You won't want to miss La Croisette on a visit to Cannes. This famous promenade bursts with upscale shops and hotels like the InterContinental Carlton Cannes and the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic , as well as beaches from end to end. Once a dirt road surrounded by sand dunes, La Croisette was transformed into a promenade at the end of the 19th century, slowly turning into the elegant destination that it is today.

Recent visitors say it's a great place to take a walk thanks to the fantastic views, high-end shopping and great people-watching. However, others warned that the beach can get quite crowded.

Marché Forville Marché Forville free

Forville Market, located near Rue Meynadier, is the oldest market in Cannes. You can purchase everything from fresh vegetables and flowers to Mediterranean fish, and you just may stumble upon one of the area's top chefs also doing his or her weekly shopping.

Past visitors said the food is top quality and that there are a variety of options to suit any taste. Others recommended stopping by if you're on the hunt for a unique souvenir, such as jarred sauces. Reviewers also noted that the market is a great place to find provisions for a picnic.

Casino Barrière Les Princes Casino Barrière Les Princes free

Along with its annual film festival, Cannes is also famous for its casinos. What's more, it's the only place in France with three casinos. If you're in the mood to test Lady Luck during your trip, consider paying a visit to Casino Barrière Les Princes. In addition to its 21 tables games, the Casino Barrière Les Princes is a one-stop shop with a restaurant and two bars, but remember to dress the part; no shorts, tank tops or swimsuits are allowed.

Recent visitors said the casino is small but has a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.

Popular Tours

Private Customized French Riviera Tour from Port of Cannes 8H

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Les Murs Peints (Painted Walls) Les Murs Peints (Painted Walls) free

If you're a fan of film, take some time to admire the Painted Walls of Cannes. Found throughout the city, these walls pay a tribute to cinema with depictions of famous actors, actresses and movie scenes. Among the walls, you'll find paintings of Marilyn Monroe, Buster Keaton, James Dean and many others. For help locating the various murals, download this brochure from the Cannes Tourist Office for a full list with addresses.

According to recent visitors, the murals are a fun and interesting addition to the city (they've been around since 2004).

Fort Royal Fort Royal

Cruise over to Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite (part of the Lérins Islands) to see this historic structure. Built in the early 17th century to defend the entrance to Cannes, the fort later became a state prison in 1685 and housed the mysterious "man in the iron mask" – a famous prisoner whose face was always hidden and whose true identity is still debated among historians to this day. But before the island sheltered the fort, it was occupied by the Romans.

Reviewers said the fort has an interesting history and offers great views of Cannes. Others recommended perusing the Museum of the Sea, which displays a variety of exhibits detailing ship wrecks that were discovered off the shores of the Islands of Lérins, as well as a model of the ancient Roman water reservoir system.

Musée de la Castre Musée de la Castre

Set inside a medieval chateau – once the home of Lérins monks – the museum features artifacts hailing from five continents. Among the items on display are musical instruments, artwork, masks and antiques. Aside from the artifacts, perhaps the museum's biggest draw is its location in a medieval tower that offers spectacular views overlooking the Bay of Cannes.

Visitors say views from the museum are spectacular and that the collections are interesting. Though you'll have to climb more than 100 steps to reach the panoramic views, you'll be happy to hear reviewers say it doesn't require much effort.

Rue d'Antibes Rue d'Antibes free

For retail therapy, you'll want to head to Rue d'Antibes, a road that runs parallel to La Croisette but lies a few blocks inland. Once a road that linked Toulon to Antibes, the Rue d'Antibes is a close competitor to La Croisette. Today, it's home to stores for moderately priced brands, such as Zara and Mango, as well as the former Cannes theater. Even if you're not interested in shopping, reviewers say Rue d'Antibes is worth a stroll to admire the architecture – many of the buildings date to the 19th century with ironwork and sculptures by Pellegrini.

According to recent visitors, the Rue d'Antibes offers great shopping and even better people-watching. Visit this shopping district anytime the mood strikes; stores operate their own hours.

Palais des Festivals et des Congrès Palais des Festivals et des Congrès free

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Visit Cannes

See you at the tourist office

CANNES DO ATTITUDE

See another side to Cannes...

Head to Tourist Information... 

The official Cannes Tourist Information website and its different sections introduce you to the city's top attractions so you can make your break here a holiday to remember. The city's landmarks, history and festival, shopping destinations, shows, events, guided tours, cultural life, hotels and more.

THE BEST Day Trips from Nice to Cannes

Day trips from nice to cannes.

• Nice to Èze
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• Nice to Monaco-Ville
• Nice to Menton
• Nice to Cannes
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private 8 hour Tour or Shore Excursion of the French Riviera from Nice

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6. Private Transfer From Nice To Marseille, 4 Hour Stop in Cannes

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47 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Cannes

A world-class cinema festival, glitzy hotels, fancy yachts docked in the sparkling pier, and a famous long walkway to see and be seen at – Cannes, France is a true gem of a town located on the desirable French Riviera.

Though mostly known for its riches, Cannes has much more to offer the world! Whether it’s the incredible nature or its historic landmarks,  you’re bound to fall in love with all the incredible things to do in Cannes .

Walk down the famous Boulevard de la Croisette parallel to the magnificent Mediterranean, or book a day trip to the beautiful French towns offering quaint beauty dressed in Medieval charm.

Plan some epic hikes around Île Saint-Marguerite and nearby Verdon Gorge, and of course, spend quality time in any of the 13+ public beaches around town.

Learn the history of the fascinating Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie, its connection to Picasso, and the 10+ museums dedicated to art and the artists who were inspired by Canne’s beauty.

So, where to first? Let’s dive in and see what else you can get up to in Cannes!

1 – Fall in love with the setting of the Château de la Napoule

Only a 22-minute drive from Canne is the beautifully restored Château de la Napoule, a stunning 17th-century castle by the sea.

Learn about the impressive history of the art-loving American couple who decided to restore it back to its glory, which took around 17 years!

Before setting foot inside the castle, spend some time in the charming gardens, which were inspired by Venetian, Moorish, and Roman designs. Oozing romance and character, the garden also overlooks the Mediterranean.

The château is currently open, and it houses a beautiful art gallery that showcases the impressive sculpture collection of the American husband, Henry Clews, as well as other art pieces.

Walk along the seaside, where you can see the Baie de Cannes, the castle, gardens, and other remarkable buildings nearby.

Afterward, cool off in the beautiful Plage de la Raguette, a beautiful beach only 4 minutes away!

2 – Take a charming walk around Le Suquet

First off your list of things to do in Cannes has to be a walk around Le Suquet, a picturesque neighborhood decorated with cobblestoned streets, narrow alleyways, pastel-colored buildings, and a great variety of food stands.

Follow the food scents throughout Rue Meynadier and see various foods from cheese, fresh produce, bread, and prepared dishes. While you’re there, taste the traditional regional flatbread called Socca. To see all the food stalls in one place, step into Foville Market!

Consider joining a walking tour in Cannes, and exploring the Le Suquet district in more detail, learning about how Cannes grew from a small fishing village to worldwide stardom!

From the historic to the modern, on your walking tour, you’ll also see modern art exhibitions out in the open as a clear example of local creativity. From sculptures, and engravings, to collages and more!

• walking tours in Cannes

3 – Strut your stuff on the Boulevard de la Croisette

See and be seen walking down the beautiful Boulevard de la Croisette, a 3-kilometer-long promenade that hugs a portion of the Mediterranean!

Often the center of various events, parties, and liveliness during the summer seasons including the Cannes Film Festival, the Boulevard de la Croisette is also a hot spot for shopping and dining, of course, at a pretty penny for its location.

Check out the popular Croisette Beach on the promenade with public and private access.

The start of the famous promenade begins at the Palais des Festival all the way to the Port Canto. It is the perfect walk to take especially after a quaint dinner to catch views of large yachts, fancy hotels, a possible celebrity, or simply the beautiful sunset.

Near Port Canto is Square de Verdun, a beautiful garden to rest with a view!

4 – Get epic views of the Bay of Cannes from the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance

11 minutes away from the center of Cannes on a hill above La Suquet is the spectacular Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance , a church from the 1600s.

A charming church from the inside out with its impressive exterior stonework, all the way to its Renaissance interior architecture with Gothic influences, the church has evolved a bit lending itself to incredible spectacles.

The church has an outdoor venue that frequently hosts summer concerts of all sorts and hosts the music festival Nuits Musicales du Suquet in July. When the concert venue is not occupied, it’s open for the public to walk on the stage and be blessed with sprawling views of Cannes and the Mediterranean!

For those who want to experience mass inside the Catholic church, they are offered at various times, so check on their website.

The church is accessible by walking or taking public transport!

5 – Escape to Saint Tropez for the day

You’ve heard of Saint Tropez before, now it’s time to see it for yourself! A beautiful coastal town on the French Rivera, and only a little over 1 hour away from Cannes, hop on a day tour that will take you on a ferry to traverse the Mediterranean as part of your journey.

Known for its lavish lifestyle from beach clubs, yachts, and celebrity’s favorite holiday destination, Saint Tropez is also a historical city with cobblestone streets, ancient fortifications, and impressive coastal hikes.

When you arrive at Saint Tropez, you’ll be able to have free time to explore on your own, whether you want to dine with the rich and famous or shop like one, or you just want to roam the streets. It’s all possible on this trip!

The ferry ride is around 1.5 hours, and there is more than one departure time available.

• Saint Tropez tours from Cannes

6 – Receive your dose of vitamin D on a boat tour

The best way to explore Cannes is to do it on land and water, and there’s no better way to do it than on a boat tour with bonus activities included!

Choose an incredible catamaran tour with snorkeling and diving options for the adventurous, relaxing on the deck for those ready to chill, and a mouthwatering lunch on board to seal the deal.

Want to take up it up a notch? Consider hanging out on a wooden yacht, sailing around the bay for an elegant experience. While on board, you’ll also have the chance to take a dip in the water and even do some Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

If you rather skip the boats altogether because you want to get in the water, look into the different snorkeling tours in Cannes !  Discover the beauty of the local marine life, discovering nearby islands and their pristine snorkeling waters.

• boat tours in Cannes

7 – Explore the Bay of Cannes on a kayaking tour

Make it out to the nearby Lérin Islands to discover some of its untouched, turquoise-colored water, perfect for some quality kayaking time.

Whether you kayak all the time or it’s your first time, the experience is available to everyone interested, with the youngest guests welcomed starting at 7 years old with an adult. Kayaking on the French Riviera gives you the opportunity to take the reigns of your own exploration of the coastal beauty of Cannes.

In the supervised session, you’ll receive safety guidelines and the proper equipment (except for a swimsuit) to jet off on your own adventures in the water, steering yourself to different parts of the coast or the Lérin Islands.

As part of your journey, you’ll also receive a delicious lunch on the beach with your newfound kayaking friends!

Kayaking tours in Cannes start at $21 USD.

• kayaking tours from Cannes

8 – Adventure to nearby Antibes for the day

At only a 20-minute drive from Cannes, Antibes awaits you with a wide array of delicious and fresh produce at the Marche Provençal, a stroll through its quaint coastal historic town and beautiful culture of art and terraces.

Explore Antibes from Cannes on an easeful Antibes tour from Cannes, with other stops in other must-see coastal cities.

Choose from a tour that stops in Antibes and Saint-Paul de Vence for a total of a 4.5-hour journey if that’s all the time you have, or go bold and check out the 8-hour-long French Rivera Panorama Tour which takes you to 5 different coastal towns near Cannes!

Some tours include lunch in the price, while others don’t however finding a restaurant in Antibes certainly won’t be a problem, especially with their prominent food culture centered around fresh foods and savory flavors.

• Antibes tours from Cannes

9 – Get your tastebuds tingling at the best markets in Cannes

Enjoy the local flavors of Cannes at the Marché Forville, a covered market open from Tuesdays to Sundays in the summer. See the local fishermen and farmers gather every day, bringing their freshest produce located only 6 minutes away from the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Offering not only incredibly fresh produce and baked bread but also clothing and accessories, check out Marché Gambetta located in the heart of Cannes! Step in any day of the week (Tuesday-Sunday) between 7:30 AM – 1 PM. The market is completely covered.

Smell the fresh roses and flower arrangements at Le Marché aux Fleurs, a market dedicated to the art of flower arrangement. Le Marché aux Fleurs is located a little outside the city center, but is surely worth it for the fresh sights and aromantic scents!

10 – Witness the glamour of Cannes Film Festival

When you think of Cannes, the Cannes Film Festival may be the first thing that pops into your mind, and we don’t blame you!

The Festival de Cannes is a prestigious film event that takes place at the Palais des Festivals and screens and celebrates a wide diversity of international films while gathering international actors, film producers, and those in the world of moviemaking.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be in the movie industry to get to experience this prestigious film festival!

If you’re in town when the festival is taking place (the last few weeks of May) you can check out free film screenings available to the public around Cannes. If you’re in Cannes any other time, you can still feel close to the event by visiting the Palais des Festivals and even checking out the guided tour!

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Soar through the waters of Cannes in a foil boat

One of the best ways to experience Cannes is from the water — and you can enhance the journey on a foil boat! Designed to glide above the waters at speeds of up to 20 knots, you’ll see the French Riviera from a completely unique perspective.

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11 – Enjoy a trip to Monaco

Explore Monaco on a day trip from Cannes, while stopping at a few other notable cities along the coast like Eze, and Monte-Carlo.

On your Monaco tour from Cannes, you’ll see the beautiful historic old town of Monaco, and even stop by for a tour of a perfume factory! You’ll also get free time to enjoy Monaco on your own and stop by the Grand Prix circuit, the Casino Square, and of course, do some incredible shopping!

Want to explore even more? Look into the different French Riviera tours that offer extensive tours throughout France’s beautiful gold coast, that leave from Cannes and take you to Antibes, Saint-Paul de Vence, and so much more!

If you’re tight on time but want to see the splendor of the French Riviera, don’t think twice about booking this all-encompassing experience offering the highlights!

• Monaco tours from Cannes

12 – Do some wakeboarding on the French Riviera

Venture out to the waters on a wakeboarding activity whether you’ve never done it before, or it’s your favorite sport!

Offered in both English and French, head out for the day on this up to 2.5-hour experience, getting the hang of balancing on the board, and steering yourself while being pulled by the boat.

When planning for your activity, make sure to bring your own bathing suit, towel, and SPF, and you’re all set with everything else being provided for you!

You can book a 1- 10-50 minute session, or more depending on your schedule, with different time slots available throughout the day between 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

• wakeboarding in Cannes

13 – Plan a day trip to Eze

Tucked in between Monaco and Nice is the pristine French Riviera town of Eze, known for its impressive cliffs, views of the Mediterranean, and overall hilltop views!

The best way to see Eze from Cannes is to book a tour of Eze with a few other stops along the way. Enjoy a stroll through the stunning Botanique d’Eze for a relaxing time viewing the cactus and succulents, accompanied by incredible sea views.

Step inside the historic and oldest building in Eze, the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix, and do some incredible shopping on the main strip! Hit up Avenue Jean Medecin for tons of brand stores and beautiful restaurants and cafe terraces.

Eze tours from Cannes offer freedom with some guidance in Eze and the other quaint villages that you’ll stop by, so bring your camera to capture the photogenic cities!

• Eze tours from Cannes

14 – Soar high above on a helicopter Tour

Enjoy a magnificent view of Cannes and the French Riviera from above on a wondrous helicopter tour that won’t soon be forgotten!

While on your 10-45 minutes helicopter tour, you’ll be able to observe some of the most impressive landscapes only possible to see from the sky, from Saint Tropez to Eze, to the red rocks from the Esterel Mountains, various vineyards, and impressive cliffs off the coast.

You may choose the route in which you’d like to cross, with over 4 different routes each focusing on a different part of the French Riviera to fly over.

If you have never flown on a helicopter ride, consider this a sign to embark on one of the most wonderful experiences on the French Riviera!

Some helicopter tours start at $142 USD.

• helicopter tours from Cannes

15 – Browse through the books inside Médiathèque Noailles

Only a 5-minute drive from Cannes is the incredible Médiathèque Noailles , which in English is translated into The Noailles Media Library.

Located inside a historic mansion once belonging to the widow of James Mayer de Rothchild, Battery de Rothschild, a portion of the 1881 building was later on converted into a media library that houses several media resources for the public to enjoy. Its beautiful surrounding, and light and airy feel is an attraction all on it’s own, as are the stunning gardens on the property.

The Médiathèque Noailles is divided into adult and youth sections and is open from September 1 to June 30. There is also a video library and even a nightclub on the second floor!

Inside the library, you’ll see tons of magazines, and newspapers, on various topics, throughout time. Admission into the media library is free.

16 – Get the whole family out for some rafting

Adventurers of all ages will adore this rafting trip through the magnificent Verdon gorges, where there’s plenty of action and quieter moments to enjoy!

Admire the soaring rock walls and the undulating, greenish water around you, and enjoy the thrill of bouncing through some seriously active water!

17 – Drop some cash shopping on Rue d’Antibes

One of the things to do in Cannes other than what we’ve mentioned so far is shopping! You can’t leave Cannes without shopping on the famed Rue d’Antibes, filled with tons of boutique shops, many of which are local and international brands!

Check out Galeries Lafayette , offering a variety of stores under one roof, or stop by Marche Forville nearby to purchase a few locally made items, perfect for friends back home or for yourself!

Shopping on this famous road doesn’t have to mean dropping some serious cash, as you can also check out Declic Dépôt for some second-hand shopping, which in a place like Cannes, some items inside may be brand name and even with tags!

Not into shopping? Consider stepping inside for lunch or a midday coffee at one of the many bustling restaurants in between some shopping!

18 – See Cannes on two wheels on a bike tour

Spin your wheels around town on a fun and exciting bike tour through Cannes! Cycle your way through the numerous opulent hotels, historic mansions, and many more secret roads you may not have seen before!

Check out Boulevard de la Croisette on your bike tour, swing by a few beaches, pass fancy restaurant terraces, and so much more in a 2-3 hour long tour. The bike tours in Cannes may use e-bikes instead of the typical pedal bikes, which may actually make it easier to go up the steep hills and control the speed going downhill.

While on your bike tour, your guide will be sharing with you fun facts about the city, as well as offering local tips for you to enjoy during your stay. Plus, you’ll be able to stop at the monumental sites for awesome photo ops!

Bike tours start at $76 USD.

• bike tours in Cannes

19 – Bound into bungee jumping

Ready for a short but memorable dive?

Then head up to Artuby Bridge for a bit of bungee !

This sport is always a fun time, and all the more so with the unique plants and rocks of the gorge laid out below you … of course, you’ll be seeing them all while dangling upside down!

20 – Pop into the historic Eglise Notre Dame de Bon Voyage

Visit the recently renovated Eglise Notre Dame de Bon Voyage, a church that began as a humble chapel for fishermen in the 15th century.

The stoned-built church has withstood the test of time, as well as endured various name changes from its original name of Notre-Dame de Bon Port to what it is today. The church was said to have been a church in which Napoleon arrived after an expedition in 1815.

The church, which is located centrally in Cannes, houses organs that date back to 1901, as well as various sculptures of St. Antoni of Padua, Saint Nicholas (the patron saint of Cannes), and Saint Rita.

Step inside to view more religious antiques and read the historical plaques to enrich your experience even further.

21 – Get caught up in the beauty of the Vieux Port de Cannes

Walk around the emblematic Vieux Port de Cannes (the old port of Cannes) to see rows and rows of boats lined against the marina on one side, and historic buildings and the other.

The port is easily found at the foot of Le Suquet Hill, it’s a common sight to see many people walk through the port, taking in a quiet stroll unless there is a celebration going on, then the ambiance isn’t too quiet.

If you visit Cannes in June/July or September, you’ll find a different scene of celebration for various events that take place at the port. From the International Yachting Festival to the Royal Regatta, a prestigious rowing competition.

Depending on the boat tour, some of them will depart from this port so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it!

22 – Crack the code inside Curious World – Escape Game

Gather your friends and solve puzzles inside the tricky escape games and feel like you’ve totally stepped inside an interactive video game when you check out Curious World- Escape Game .

Check out the different themed escape rooms from mystery in Las Vegas, to curiosities of the universe, and much more! Escape rooms are typically played in under 1 hour, and the way you move up to the next clue is by solving puzzles and clues together, quickly.

Once you get out, your time gets recorded on the blackboard, so make sure to go as fast as you can to go up the ranks!

To schedule your escape room fun, make sure to make your reservations online before arrival.

Pro tip: if you speak French, it will be easier to make your reservation and play some of the escape room games.

23 – Buy some perfume in Grasse

A 29-minute journey north of Cannes will take you to Grasse, a quaint small town in the hills of the French Rivera, with tons to see and do!

Sign up for a Grasse tour from Cannes, and smell the fresh air of the mountains and lavender scents in this beautiful town, known for its perfume-making traditions.

On your tour, you’ll visit the famous Fragonard Factory, with years worth of perfume-making history. You’ll also get the chance to wander around the town with some free time, before making it to the next town over, Valbonne, known for its medieval characteristic and monastery.

To wrap up the trip, you’ll also get a chance to do some wine tasting at the vineyards of Bellet! This vineyard is known to produce some of France’s best wines, so be rest assured it’s going to be a luxurious day trip!

• Grasse tours from Cannes

24 – See the different boats featured at the Cannes Yachting Festival

Taking place between September 12th-17th, you will see Cannes flooded with yacht owners showing off their large water vessels on the old marina for the Cannes Yachting Festival .

This festival showcases over 600 boats and welcomes over 50,000 visitors to Europe’s largest in-water boat show. Come take a gander at some of the different types of boats, from sailboats to multihulls, motor boats, and everything in between.

Even if boats aren’t your thing, it’s an interesting and cultural spectacle to stop by for a bit, as there are some “sea trials” where you get to see these boats in action!

The boat tour takes place at the Old Port of Cannes as well as Port Pierre Canto, and tickets are available to purchase online.

Make your plans, and ideate the possibility of day-tripping it at the Cannes Yachting Festival!

25 – Try flyboarding

This certainly isn’t your average water sport!

Here, you’ll stand attached to a small board, and feel the jets of water beneath propelling you up into the sky.

On this futuristic device, you’ll hover effortlessly over the sea, and maybe even pull off a neat trick or two!

• flyboard in Cannes

26 – Book a tour of the Île Saint-Marguerite

Part of the Lérins Islands, Île Saint-Marguerite is a beautiful island that despite its small size, offers lots of activities to do and an opportunity to relax.

With the 15-minute ferry ride, indulge in taking a nature walk through the many trails on the island, or enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant with a terrace and an extraordinary view!

Visit the historic Museum of the Sea to learn more about the maritime history and local marine life, or learn about the local legend of The Man in the Iron Mask who was a prisoner of Fort Royal, which you can visit.

If all you seek is to relax, check out Plage des Pierres Hautes (beach) on the southeast side of the island, and enjoy the view of the flat rocks peaking out from the sea but be warned that part of the beach allows naturism.

• île Saint-Marguerite tours from Cannes

27 – Play some Golf

Visit Victoria Golf Club , the 9-hole course surrounded by endless green fields, shady trees, and peaceful lakes! Considered mostly an easy course, day passes are available for purchase online, so make sure to check them out!

Check for frequent offers on their website too such as women getting in to play for 28 euros every Wednesday, or if you come in with a group of 3, the 4th player plays for free.

Tucked in between Cannes and Grasse, and with sights of the sea and forests, Golf De Saint Donat is a wonderful golf course to spend a quaint afternoon at.

Take a lesson with a professional golfer if you’ve never played the sport before, or buy a day pass and sharpen your golfing practice with 24 posts.

Ensure to buy your day pass ahead of time on the website!

28 – Try out electric surfing

Ever heard of electric surfing? Well, now’s your chance to try out this innovative way to surf with no waves!

Essentially electric surfing is done with a specialized surfboard with a motor that can go fast and essentially surf without the need for waves. The way to control its speed is by pressing a pedal, and then you’re off!

With the capacity of 40 kilometers/hour speeds, don’t be shy if you’ve never been on one, as this activity is completely beginner friendly, and more so with a professional.

You’ll have tons of time to practice, and feel safe with the safety tips and briefing from your instructor. The activity will last for 1 hour, and you can choose your activity anywhere between 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Your activity comes with an electric surfboard, a wetsuit with a life jacket, and an optional helmet.

• electric surf in Cannes

29 – Attend a dreamy concert at the Villa Domergue

Feel the magical vibes at Villa Domergue , a mansion built in 1926 for the painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue, which today is open for the public to explore and enjoy.

Set up on the hills, the Villa Domergue offers spanning views of Cannes as well as the sea, and beyond on a clear day. You’ll quickly notice the grandeur of the property when you’re greeted with extraordinary landscaping and the facade of the home.

Make your way around the gardens, taking in the scene of freshly manicured gardens, and even a secret monument dedicated to the painter and his wife. Climb up the steps to the terrace to get an even more expansive view of the surroundings.

The Villa is used today as a venue for all sorts of concerts, mostly jazz and classical music, so make sure to keep an eye on upcoming concert dates!

30 – Get wild on a jet ski excursion

Hop on for a ride on an exciting jet ski excursion, enjoying a day out on the water and in the sun!

Jet ski your way around the beautiful Lérins Islands and Esterel Massif, as you take in views of Cannes from the water, as well as the island’s rugged nature sights. You’ll be able to choose between 30-minute to 2-hour-long jet ski experiences, so it’s really up to you how long you want to be out in the water!

If you’re unsure if this activity is for you because you’ve never been on a jet ski before, not to worry! This jet ski excursion is very beginner friendly, and a guide will be with you to help you get the hang of the experience.

All jet ski excursions are offered in both English and French and start at $150 per person.

• jet ski tours from Cannes

31 – Find the best beaches in Cannes

Centrally located in Cannes is Plage du Midi Beach, featuring over 700 meters of warm sand, dotted by numerous restaurants and cafes, and even a play area for children. Perfect for families!

For the perfect balance of peace and adventure, check out the public beach, Port Palm Beach, located west of Cannes near Pointe Croissette. Its small distance keeps this beach a hidden gem.

Rent a beach chair and set it under a palm tree at Plage Mace Beach, a public beach with nearby restaurants and cafes to buy snacks at the beach. Keep in mind only food and drinks purchased at the beach are allowed.

Tucked between St. Raphael and Cannes is Corniche Esterel Beach, a stretch of red rock, green forest, and sandy beaches like Plage Baumette and Cap Antheor, a pebbled beach. Relax on the shores, or rent a boat, another popular activity!

32 – Sip on sophisticated wines

Taste some of the finest French wines on a fabulous wine tour, stopping by some of the best wineries set in the most beautiful medieval towns and countryside.

When you book a wine tour you’ll travel to the Bellet Vineyards, a winery running since 1906, where you’ll sample varieties of roses, whites, and reds.

As part of your tour, you’ll stop by Grasse, where you’ll get to visit the famous perfume factory, Fragonard Perfume Factory, as well as have some free time exploring the local charm.

Next, you’ll head to another medieval town called Valbonne, getting impressive nature views of waterfalls and deep gorges.

Depending on the wine tour you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy a nice picnic lunch as part of your experience. All tours are a minimum of 8 hours long and will provide a comfortable bus and guide.

• wine tours in cannes

33 – Learn about the fascinating history of Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie

Known as a chapel where stillborn children were baptized and buried, and the house next to the chapel as one of the last residencies of Picasso, the 12th-century Chapelle Notre-Dame de Vie is a short 10-minute drive from Cannes.

Despite its slightly sonder past, today, the chapel is open for visitors to walk and enjoy its inevitable intrigue, with its towering cypress trees, and figures of bulls around the outside.

Set on the top of the hills of Cannes once again blesses with clear views of the city and sea below, making it obvious why people have always seen the property as a place to “breathe.”

Dig a bit more into the history of the property and check out the small museum on the ground floor of the house, with a few artifacts. Next stop by the chapel to see some of the religious relics inside.

34 – Fly like a bird over the Verdon Gorge

Take a journey to the beautiful site of Verdon Gorge, a canyon located on the southeastern side of France, that was created by the force of the Verdon River and its wild rapids.

With so much to do and see, from walking the hiking trails, tanning on the beaches, or getting lost in the idyllic villages nearby, one of the best things to do actually doesn’t involve any of that, but rather taking a scenic helicopter tour!

See it all, and enjoy sights that you wouldn’t imagine seeing in the French Rivera on a helicopter tour, reaching around 700 meters. Take a look at the impressive limestone cliffs, the kayakers down below in the turquoise-colored water, and various animals all in one go like the Golden Eagle and the Griffon Vulture.

Learn about the nature of the sight with your professional helicopter pilot as well.

• Verdon Gorge tours from Cannes

35 – Look carefully at Les Murs Peints

You might be thinking that your eyes are playing tricks on you, but in actuality, the Les Murs Peints are one of the most famous public murals with a few optical illusions throughout Cannes.

The paintings, which started to pop up around town in 2002, have been well-received by locals and visitors alike for the freshness they add to the city as a whole.

Take the time to admire the imagery, much of which has a lot of reference to French cinema, and a few international and recognizable movie stars like Marylin Monroe and Charlie Chaplin.

There is more than one painting, so make sure to spot them around Cannes, and even take a selfie with one! Sometimes they’ll even sneak up on you if you don’t look hard enough, so make sure to keep your eyes open for the smaller ones!

36 – See the French Rivera paragliding

Why keep the fun tame, when you can do something fun like go paragliding on the French Riviera?

The weather and perfect winds make for an incredible paragliding playground around Cannes, especially in the center of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Park, only 45 minutes northwest of Cannes.

With sights of the rolling hills, medieval constructions on the hilltops, pastures on the fields, and more, it’s truly a sight to see!

Make sure to pack some comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes for this experience! All other equipment plus a safety briefing will be provided as part of the paragliding experience.

Paragliding experiences near Cannes start at $90 USD.

• paragliding in Cannes

37 – Do some museum hopping at the best Cannes museums

Musée Bonnard is a museum dedicated to the French artist Pierre Bonnard, a famous painter and sculptor with two major exhibits in summer and in winter to check out!

Once a medieval castle that housed a monastery, the Musée des Explorations du Monde houses numerous 19th-century paintings, inside a historic and beautiful setting. Be sure to stop by the gardens for a peaceful moment!

On Lérins Island is the famous Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal , where you’ll be able to see artifacts rescued from shipwrecks as well as check out the seaside prison cells.

Classical art lovers, check out the pieces inside Musée d’Art Classic de Mougins (MACM), located in Mougins only 45 minutes away.

Because Picasso spent his final days in Cannes, his Musée National Pablo Picasso, La Guerre et la Paix is a great place to check out some of his collections from ceramics to murals.

38 – Enchant your senses at the Jardins du Musée International de la Parfumerie

Enjoy the aromas and sites of the roses and other botanical beauties at the Jardins du Musée International de la Parfumerie , only 24 minutes away from Cannes.

Divided based on the scent and fragrance of the flowers, the garden does a great job teaching visitors about the scents that come from different plants, and how that has impacted the perfume industry in local communities.

Come learn about scents like citrus, fruity, musky, and much more while admiring the constellation of colors from the plants.

As you pass certain gardens, you’ll be invited to touch certain trees and leaves that leave a pleasant smell, and as you move to the conservatory, you’ll learn more about scent extraction.

The garden goes above and beyond to truly show the cultivation of certain fragrances, their origins, and other uses aside from perfumes too.

For the best experience, consider a tour guide!

39 – Get some dust on your shoes with a nice hike

With its impressive terrain and wide-open spaces, there’s always a good hike to be had around here… day or night!

Search the skies for vultures, trek out on distant trails to see landbound critters like ibexes or marmots, or explore canyons and caves as you soak up the wilderness.

Or come out to Mercantour National Park at night to explore the silhouettes of the landscape under a jaw-dropping blanket of stars!

40 – Catch more of Cannes on a Segway tour

Hop on an exciting segway tour to explore Cannes in a fun and unique way, as you follow your guide through the city’s uphills and downhill streets.

Discover hidden gems throughout the city like the Les Murs Peints, and other main landmark sites like various markets and the Boulevard de la Croisette, and the old port to see what’s up.

If you’ve never ridden on a segway, it’s basically a self-balancing motorized vehicle with two wheels, and very beginner friendly. If you can’t bike around, a segway tour is the way to go!

Some segway tours start as low as 75 euros, and the tours can go between 1-2 hours.

41 – Hop on board a sunset cruise to the Lérins Islands

To end the perfect day, hop on a sunset cruise to the Lérins Islands, with snorkeling, diving, and a bit of swimming as part of the fun itinerary!

Whether you’re looking for something romantic to do in Cannes, or you want to see the beautiful sunset from the boat, a sunset cruise to the Lérins Islands is a great way to get into the water without too many other boats or people out.

It’s a moment for true serenity and enjoyment, so don’t miss out.

Past visitors truly enjoyed the commentary of their boat captain, as well as their knowledge about the French Riviera, and all the natural sights on Lérins Island.

Looking for a sporty activity? Check out a kayaking adventure to the Lérins Islands instead! Kayaks are equally amazing because they allow you to get closer to the island, and the famous red rocks.

• sunset cruises from Cannes

42 – Jump with style at the Salto Trampoline Arena

Jump into some fun at the Salto Trampoline Arena , an indoor trampoline park where no matter your age, you’re bound to have some incredible fun!

Enjoy the 16 different sections of the trampoline arena, from the foam pit to literally bouncing off the walls in the Pro Zone, playing dodgeball, or walking and maintaining balance on the slacklining challenge.

While you’re having fun, take on the challenge of perfecting your jump, with the tips from the staff members at the park. Just ask them for an example of what the jump should look like, and off you go!

If you don’t have kids but want to go anyways, the trampoline park also offers fitness classes to burn off some calories in the most fun way, as well as parkour trampoline jump lessons.

Prices vary based on activity, so make sure to check beforehand.

43 – Spend the night in a palace like the rich and famous

Appreciate VIP treatment at Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes , and enjoy views of the Mediterranean as well as of the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. By night, dine at 1 of the 3 on-site restaurants offering French and Italian cuisine.

Enjoy the exclusive amenities at Hôtel Carlton Cannes like the private beach and pier and classically designed and decorated rooms with sea views, inside the 1901 historic hotel.

Set in the heart of Cannes, Hôtel Martinez is a wonderful option to rest and socialize at, from the glitzy Martinez Bar to the terrace seating at the on-sight restaurant Le Jardin du Martinez.

Rest up every night at the Five Seas Hotel Cannes by slipping into the comfortable robe and slippers, inside the modern chic rooms. If relaxation is what you’re searching for, the hotel is rated highly for its spa services and treatments fit for royalty.

44 – Satisfy your tastebuds with some fine dining

Try delectable dishes like lobster ravioli with tender leek or ask for the chef’s recommendations based on the season when dining at table 22 par Noël Mantel .

Dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant L’AFFABLE known for its seasonal approach to the food served and delicate presentation. The restaurant is a beautiful modern bistro, set in the heart of Cannes.

Order the “Surprise Menu” at La Table Du Chef , an offer that allows the chef to create a fully seasonal and creative menu that you’re sure to love! For 60 euros, you’ll enjoy 4 courses including dessert.

Indulge in the best of French cuisine at Aux Bons Enfants , a welcoming restaurant that offers classic French dishes, as well as a great range of desserts like parfaits and creme brulee.This is the place to go for a casual night out with high-quality food.

45 – Relax and unwind at the best beachclubs in Cannes

Be seen at the Ritzy Carlton Beach Club on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, featuring delicious bites like grilled seafood, a few meat dishes, and of course, the perfect craft drink in hand.

If Carlton Beach Club is booked out, move next door to Annex Beach ! Rent a comfortable sun lounge chair under a big umbrella on the club’s private beach, and fall asleep to the sweet sound of the Mediterranean beside you.

On a bit more of a money-conscious note, check out La Mandala Cannes , a perfect slice of Cannes heaven with its own private beach, and a delicious restaurant with the best wine pairings!

Looking for something a bit more family friendly? Check out Vegaluna , which has entertainment for both parents and children!  The typical prices for a lounger and umbrella starts at 45 euros for the first row in the summer months.

46 – Get rich at the best casinos

Hit the slots at the best casinos in Cannes, and see if you hit a lucky strike!

Check out Casino Barrière le Croisette, set inside a historic theater! The very opulent casino will make you feel lavish with its grand aquarium, extensive wall carvings, and golden figures reminiscent of Greek mythology.

With over 245 machines, video poker machines, English roulette stations, blackjack games, and more, you’ll probably see that you’ll want to spend some time between admiring the space, to actually playing the games.

Owning equal luxury is the Casino Les Princes, featuring grand chandeliers, mirrored ceilings, fancy furniture, and mood lighting right beside the Mediterranean. This casino has over 90 different slot machines with various games like English Roulette, and Electronic Blackjack, as well as Poker and Punto Banco.

Enjoy a hearty meal at one of their exquisite restaurants or hit the bar for a refreshment.

47 – Get out and experience the nightlife

Have a sophisticated night out at Le Bar A Vin , an intimate space to enjoy the company of friends, new and old, as you indulge in some of the best wines of the South of France. Because of its extensive wine list, this bar offers wine by the glass, allowing you to sample more than one type of wine.

Bâoli is the perfect place to start out with drinks and stay for endless dancing moments. Typically the place where the local younger crowd goes for a night out, don’t be surprised if you see yourself dancing next to models, and even an incognito actor here and there.

Sunset, breeze, and the sea are the vibe and view at the Sunset Terrace , at the JW Marriot with pool access. Locals recommend visiting the rooftop bar during the bright fireworks display in July and August for the best views!

Looking for shore excursions in Cannes?

Check out all the different shore excursions from Cannes to nearby towns like Eze, Monte-Carlo, and Monaco for a true French Riviera tour on a world-class ship!

These experiences include a private tour guide and a stop at the numerous towns with guided sightseeing, and typically last from 6-8 hours. Plus, get toured around on a large cruise ship!

• shore excursions in Cannes

How to get to Cannes?

The main way to get to Cannes is to fly to Nice International Airport (NCE) or Cannes-Mandelieu (CEQ), and then take an airport transfer from either airport into Cannes.

To get from the airport to Cannes, the best option is to pre-book an airport transfer, which will take anywhere between 15-25 minutes to arrive at Cannes, and your hotel.

Where to stay in Cannes?

Consider a beautiful stay at Château de Castellaras in one of the many rooms with opulent views of the hills and sea. Feel like royalty sleeping in a classically decorated room in a chateau or the chapitre.

Rest every night at Hôtel Château de la Tour , situated close to Midi Beach, and Cannes, with a pool, a deluxe buffet breakfast, and more within a chateau.  This is the perfect hotel for those wanting to peace and tranquility during their stay.

Hotel des Congres et Festivals is a spectacular choice, with its closeness to the train station and the beach. Wake up to beautiful views of Cannes narrow streets and the sea at a distance, while enjoying the quiet of a residential area.

Hotel Verlaine offers a modern option with beautiful greenery everywhere. Enjoy a delicious breakfast daily in the dining room, and by night, enjoy cocktail hour in the garden.

• best hotels in Cannes

Visiting Cannes on a budget?

Make sure to take advantage of free walking tours in Cannes , which offer local knowledge of the main landmarks while showing you secret gems and even restaurant and bar recommendations to enjoy later!

Free walking tours are also awesome to get the lay of the land, and learn how to get around on your own for the remainder of your trip!

Where to go next?

Extend your fun, and check out the many other fun things to do near Cannes, starting with Monaco.

Experience the ruins of the Fort Antoine Theatre in Monaco , and then plan a trip to the dreamy Port de Fontvielle for some serious yacht spotting! Afterward, take a breather at the Exotic Garden of Monaco.

Feel the inspiration at Castle Hill in Nice , taking in the views of waterfalls while walking the defensive wall ruins, or take a sunny walk on the Promenade des Anglais. For those with an inner aristocrat, check out the Musée du Palais Lascaris.

Marseille will dazzle you with incredible beauty, starting with the views from the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the beautiful Cathédrale La Major. Get all your pictures taken early at the Palais Longchamp.

Right next to Marseille, Aix-en-Provence is also a must-visit, with its natural hot springs and charming Cours Mirabeau lined with cafes and fountains. Explore its rich history at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral and enjoy the lively markets showcasing local Provencal goods.

Finally, visit Montpellier , known for its vibrant mix of medieval and modern architecture, charming squares and vibrant cultural life.

As you can see, there are tons of amazing places to visit in France , so what are you waiting for?

Final thoughts

Did you find your favorite items to add to your things to do in Cannes bucket list? With so much glamour and beauty, it’s hard to pick between natural sights like the Île Saint-Marguerite, or visiting Boulevard de la Croisette.

We hope however that our list helped you plan out your trip to see all sides of Cannes, and enjoy it the way it deserves!

Happy travels!

Best Time To Visit Cannes: Travel & Climate Guide | Marchay

Home to the Cannes International Film Festival, iconic views of the white mast-lined French Riviera, and a charming old town full of storied walkways, Cannes has become a hotspot where culture and lifestyle merge. Experience the A-list atmosphere during the May film festival or plan a beach getaway for your summer vacation. And when the cold weather descends upon France during the winter, Cannes bills itself as a wintertime retreat where you can enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate.

With Cannes high on the bucket list for many of our Marchay members , our exclusive services will ensure you touch down on the South of France destination at the best time of year.

Table of Contents

When Is The Best Time To Visit Cannes?

The mild Cannes weather makes it a year-round travel destination. It’s known for its warm summers and mild winters. So, with a full calendar to decide, when is the best time to visit Cannes?

Visiting Cannes will let you experience many of the city’s attractions at any time. Peak travel seasons from late Spring to Summer are always favorites. However, it’s a popular winter retreat destination as well.

Cannes is famous for the Cannes International Film Festival, which draws more than 200,000 people to its nearly two-week-long events during the month of May. The film festival rush brings new energy to Cannes, where you’ll see many superyachts, star-studded events, and the top hotels accommodating the festival attendees.

Alternatively, the summer months are the peak travel time, with travelers looking forward to experiencing perfect weather for outdoor activities. Cannes sits on the coast, so beaches like Plage de la Bocca and La Croisette Beach are popular destinations, or taking a cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.

Travelers seeking a winter escape can retreat to the mild temperatures experienced for the season in Cannes. While no major events happen during the winter, it’s a place for a quiet, relaxing holiday away from snowfall found in other regions around France.

When Is The Worst Time To Visit Cannes?

There isn’t truly a bad time to visit Cannes with perks to visiting at any time of year. However, there are times of the year more favorable than others depending on why you’re visiting.

In terms of tourist crowds, the worst time to visit Cannes is during the late spring and summer. This time of year hosts the annual Cannes Film Festival, directly followed by the summer peak season. Sightseeing, dining, and even accommodations can get booked quickly due to the number of visitors during this time. In addition, the laid-back coastal atmosphere becomes obsolete as it attracts celebrities and vacation-goers worldwide.

While Cannes has mild weather all year long, it’s rainiest during the fall and coolest during the winter. The changing weather and low travel season make many private beaches close for the year. As a result, these months are the worst time to visit if you’re hoping for a Mediterranean beach holiday or swimming in the sea. In addition, you won’t find as many events happening during these months if you want to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage through film or music events.

Deciding the kind of vacation you want can significantly change your preferred time to visit. Our experts at Marchay help our members determine how to get the most from their Cannes vacation.

Visiting Cannes In The Spring

With its idyllic Mediterranean climate re-emerging from the cool winter, Spring ushers in a new era in Cannes. The spring months of March to May are peak season for Cannes, with movie stars and critics arriving for the film festival, students arriving for their spring study semester, and others enjoying a spring break getaway on the French Riviera.

With moderate high temperatures in the 50s to low 60s Fahrenheit, Cannes begins to warm up this season for outdoor fun. The days get longer, providing plenty of daylight hours to explore the town or along the coast. The once-quiet beaches from the winter start to fill up with people swimming in the sea or lounging on the beach.

May is the most popular month to visit Cannes, thanks to the annual Cannes Film Festival, which lasts nearly two weeks. But with more than 200,000 people visiting during this brief period, you’re sure to see large crowds hanging in Le Suquet quarter, the Cannes Promenade, and other popular areas. In addition, local cruises, restaurants, and other venues may require prior reservations to guarantee a space to enjoy them.

Visiting Cannes In The Summer

With the Cannes Film Festival events ending in spring, the forthcoming summer months from June to August signal that the Cannes fun is only just beginning. Summer is one of the best times to visit Cannes to take advantage of the warmest time of year.

The Mediterranean climate in Cannes swells to average temperatures in the high 70s-80s Fahrenheit, peaking in august as the hottest month. These months also average 11-hours of sunlight, giving plenty of daytime hours to enjoy all the outdoor fun around town.

Tourism levels are at their busiest in the summer, noticeable when visiting famous landmarks. Climb to the top of Le Suquet to enjoy panoramic views of Cannes from the 16th century Notre-Dame de l’Espérance. People watch on the beachfront Cannes Promenade de la Croisette and admire stunning yachts docked along the shore.

Tons of tours activities are available during the summer high season. Set sail on the Mediterranean Sea for a sunset cruise on a catamaran boat, see French fashion at its finest with shopping during Les Soldes, or go on a self-guided tour around town to discover the artistic film-inspired graffiti paintings decorating antique walls.

Visiting Cannes In The Fall

Travelers who want to experience the local essence of Cannes will have the best chance of experiencing its magic during the fall season. Fall is a unique time of year when the weather is comparable to the summer, but without the tourist crowds during the busy summer months.

Cannes’ fall season lasts from September to November. Temperatures of this coastal town peak at an average high of mid-70s during the day. You can even expect mild temperatures in the high-50s if you’re looking to have nighttime strolls along the promenade. Although the weather remains relatively warm, October and November have the most rainy days out the year.

Just as with the temperatures, many activities available in Cannes during the summer are also possible during the fall. You’ll have a better chance at experiencing Cannes with all the tourist fun. Streets previously filled with tourists allure fall travelers with their local charm as you enjoy sightseeing and curb-side dining in Cannes Old Town.

Take advantage of the beaches until late September, when they close until the following year. However, you can still enjoy views from the waterfront promenade and see yachts returning from summer excursions.

Visiting Cannes In The Winter

If you’re deciding whether to visit Cannes during the winter, consider that the city grew in popularity as a winter retreat for English and Russian aristocrats around the 18th-19th century. Compared to other locations like the cold French Alps, the mild weather gives an excellent alternative to escaping the chilling weather of the winter season.

Cannes stays true to its Mediterranean coastal climate by cooling to an average in the low 50s and low temperatures in the 40s Fahrenheit. Even so, it’s much warmer than other regions. January is the coldest month but experiences low precipitation since the rain settles significantly from the fall season.

Plan your seaside winter escape to Cannes during the months of December to February. It’s a low season compared to the spring and summer but remains a great time to visit. Go sightseeing in the Le Suquet district or travel along the coastal destinations of Côte d’Azur. Also, take advantage of winter sales of French fashion along Rue d’Antibes that tend to clear out before the new spring styles arrive.

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Attractions & Things to Do In Cannes

#1. Sail Around The French Riviera

The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea kiss shores of charming coastal towns as you sail the French Riviera. Dock at the local marinas while hopping between Monaco, Monte Carlo, Saint Tropez, and Marseille.

#2. Visit La Mairie De Cannes (Town Hall)

Beautiful 19th-century French architecture emerges from the waterfront as La Mairie De Cannes, the town hall, stands overlooking Cannes’ harbor.

#3. Browse The Finest Local Produce At Marché Forville

Brilliant colors of fresh fruits and vegetables fill the vendor stalls every Tuesday to Sunday for the historic Marché Forville market. After filling your canvas bag with fresh local produce, taste one of the ready-made meals, or pick up spices to accentuate your food pickups.

#4. Go For A Stroll Along La Croisette

The waterfront Promenade de la Croisette runs parallel with the Boulevard de la Croisette. Enjoy views of the French Riviera as sea breezes cool you along the 1.2-mile long paved walkway strolling past fine dining restaurants and designer fashion boutique stores.

#5. Visit The Cannes Yachting Festival

See superyachts, motorboats, hull boats, and more sailing the ports along the Côte d’Azur for the Cannes Yachting Festival. Find your favorite out of 600 boats exhibiting their nautical flair.

#6. Spend The Day At Île Sainte-Marguerite

Catch a boat to the nearby Lérin Island chain to experience the remote beauty of Île Sainte-Marguerite. Explore its history at the Royal Fort complex, famous for holding the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ captive but now housing the Royal Musee de la Mar Maritime Museum. Later watch the sunset from the rocky beaches looking back at the French Riviera.

#7. Trek Through Le Suquet (Old Town)

The medieval charm of Le Suquet, Cannes’ Old Town, enchants travelers. Explore the narrow streets of this hilltop district that lead to landmarks like the Castre Museum and indulge in the local gastronomy of the restaurant and bar scene.

#8. Explore île Saint-Honorat

On an island once only inhabited by monks, Ile Saint-Honorat is now a popular day-trip destination for visitors interesting in exploring the second-largest of the Lérins Islands. Dock on the rugged coastline and walk the historic Cistercian Abbey, a 500-year-old fortified monastery.

#9. Go Back In Time At Musée De La Castre

Sitting atop Suquet Hill, exhibitions of the Musée De La Castre decorate the historic walls of this ancient 11th-century castle. Explore fine art paintings, antique objects, and other artifacts before ascending to its tower top for sweeping views of Cannes.

#10. Take In The Views Around La Croix-Des-Gardes

Hike the La Croix-Des-Gardes loop trail to encounter stunning views and points of interest along its approximate 3-mile route. The namesake La Croix-Des-Gardes is a lavish mansion famously used in an Alfred Hitchcock film, coastal scenery overlooking the Bay of Cannes set behind a large cross, and the Esterel Massif Mountain Range in the distance.

The Bottom Line

Cannes is a cultural and historical hub in France, offering a year-round escape for travelers excited to experience the French Riviera. Its famous film festival is just one of the many reasons why Cannes is continuously talked about in affluent traveler circles.

Many people book Cannes on their calendar in May for its signature festival. However, savvy travelers know that Cannes has so much more to offer and can be a destination during any season. Whether looking for a seasonal escape or indulging in the local cultural offerings, Cannes will fulfill all your travel wishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need in cannes.

The Cannes film festival is usually the first thing you think about when talking about this coastal destination in the south of France. However, Cannes has charmed travelers with its coastal location lined with yacht-filled marinas and sandy beaches. Additionally, a walk through the Cannes Old Town will reveal its rich history, still preserved for an authentic view of its past.

Cannes makes an excellent destination for any vacation or holiday. To fully appreciate Cannes, stay a few days while touring along the French Riviera or a week or more when taking advantage of seasonal holidays or attending the 12-day long film festival events.

You can fill your Cannes travel itinerary with activities every day during your visit — even during the winter! In addition, there are plenty of day trips to nearby towns, the riviera, the countryside at Provence, or islands offshore in the Mediterranean to add plenty of variety during your stay.

Is Cannes a good place for families?

Looking for a family-friendly travel destination in France. Travel down to the Mediterranean coast to Cannes, sitting on the French Riviera. Cannes is a good place to travel with families where everyone can have a good time.

You’ll create lasting family memories while walking the Promenade de la Croissette, exploring restaurants and shops throughout Le Suquet, or sightseeing landmark buildings like the Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival is held. Plan a family beach getaway where kids can join in water activities like boating, playing in the warm sands of Zamenoff or Gazagnaire Beach, and even welcome to tours to the Lérin Islands.

With kid-friendly hotels, casual restaurants for family dining, and more, Cannes has plenty for the entire family.

What is Cannes famous for?

While Cannes gained initial popularity as a winter retreat for royalty, it’s the Cannes Film Festival creating all the modern-day buzz about the coastal town. The Cannes Film Festival began as the International Film Festival in 1946 and later rebranded to spotlight its host city. Hundreds of thousands of film-industry professionals, celebrities, media, and fans, flock to the French Riviera every May for the 12-day festival. Films compete to win the prestigious Palme d’Or and Grand Prix awards.

Although the Cannes Film Festival is invite-only, there is a big buzz about the festival around town with special events, appearances, screenings, and more! Cannes celebrates its film heritage with film-inspired murals seen around town.

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