The 14 things to do in Cannes

Weekend or holiday on the French Riviera? Make a stop to visit Cannes! La Croisette is waiting for you!

Cannes has linked its name to the world of cinema, and this long sequence plan has been going on since 1946. Moreover, it is mainly thanks to its film festival that the city is now world famous.

However, visiting Cannes is not only walking on the mythical red carpet during a world-class evening. In the shade of strawberries and paparazzis, Cannes has preserved its authentic and provencal charm. So it went for a close-up on the 14 must-sees not to be missed to visit Cannes!

1. Le Suquet

« Suquet » means « top » in Provencal, and this name is not anodin! Indeed, the oldest canois district is located on Mont-Chevalier. From here, the view of the bay and the interior of the land is unbearable. The panorama starts from the Saint-Pierre dock and runs to the Old Port.

This shaded area brings the freshness very sought after during the hot summer days. Advent yourself in the narrow and steep streets of the old town. Climb to Notre-Dame d’Espérance Church and admire the city’s most cinematic panorama.

2. The Promenade de la Croisette

Inseparable from the Cannes identity, the Boulevard de la Croisette forms a long walk lined with palm trees and pines. Recalling the Promenade des Anglais de Nice . This sophisticated place elegantly connects the beach and the city. While on the one hand the beaches of fine sand, on the other there are many luxury brands, but also large hotels and palaces.

You can't visit Cannes without strolling on the Croisette. This mythical walk along the bay of Cannes on three kilometers. Under the warm sun of southern France, it forms a landscape worthy of a postcard.

3. The old port

At the foot of Mont-Chevalier stands the Vieux Port de Cannes and the Quai Saint-Pierre. From the emblematic site, they retrace the history of the city of Cannes, former fishing village.

Alongside an idyllic seafront, the Old Port enjoys a privileged location. Originally, it was only intended for the trade and transport of passengers.

But, having expanded over the years, it has become today a marina that houses prestigious sailing boats. To visit Cannes at best, make a small detour to admire one of the oldest ports in the French Riviera.

4. A boat ride

If you are on the Mediterranean coast, it is a step that you should not miss under any pretext: boat rides!

Indeed, Cannes offers very nice excursions to be made by boat, such as the one leading to the Corniche d’Or, between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes, allowing to enjoy the calanques and guarantee a show with strong emotions.

It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Cannes , and thus miss this splendid setting.

5. The beaches of Cannes

In total, the crane coastline runs close to 8km of beaches. This is why you can’t visit Cannes without taking the time to swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

Among the most beautiful beaches of fine sand in Cannes, the most famous are those along the Croisette. But if you are looking for a quiet swimming area, prefer the beaches around the Pointe de la Croisette or those of Boulevard du Midi, west of the Suquet.

6. The Lérins Islands

Faced with the Old Port are the Lérins Islands, the must-see rendezvous to visit Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are two unique jewels where natural and cultural heritage shine.

Saint-Marguerite Island

Sainte-Marguerite Island is the largest in the Lérins Islands. It offers an idyllic setting, between coves and pine and eucalyptus forest. Welcome to the paradise of hikers. The island has more than 22 km of trails , all offering unique landscapes.

Sainte-Marguerite Island also has a rich historical heritage, including archaeological remains and Fort Royal. If you want to visit Cannes in depth, don’t forget to stop in the Lérins Islands!

Saint-Honorat Island

Separated from Sainte-Marguerite Island by only 600 metres from the sea, Saint-Honorat Island also has a rich historical past. Its Abbey of the Monks of Lérins, as well as the remains of a fortified monastery and many chapels, make the island a place for meditation.

Long 1500 meters, Saint-Honorat is ideal to explore on foot. Indeed, it is wooded with parasol and maritime pines, and offers nice views. Whether you are a visitor in search of spirituality as a lover of authentic sites, discover these treasures of the French Riviera!

7. Cannes and cinema

Since 1939, Cannes has become the city of cinema. The Festival de Cannes is today a world resonance designation. Thus, admire the Palais des Festivals, its mythical marches and its famous red carpet, is obviously a must to visit Cannes.

But it is not only in May, at the time of the Festival, that we can not enjoy the cinema. Indeed, all year Cannes pays tribute to the cinema by offering its walls gigantic frescoes representing the greatest stars and the best memories of the canvas. So walk around town looking for Charlie Chaplin or Marilyn Monroe!

8. The Way of the Stars

Get rid of yourself, you’re not at home United States on the famous Walk of Fame! No, you're actually visiting Cannes. As in Los Angeles , the Chemin des étoiles de Cannes pays tribute to the directors, actors and other celebrities of the 7th Art that have marked History.

Here you will find the hand mouldings and signatures of more than 300 personalities who have marked the history of the city. Come and discover these fantastic slabs that play on the parvis of the Palais des Festivals and walk on the esplanade Georges Pompidou and in its gardens. The Star Path offers you the opportunity to approach and touch the hand of your favourite actor!

9. Luxury hotels

Visiting Cannes is combining culture, heritage and art of living in French. The city therefore offers a large hotel offering, with six five-star hotels and more than 100 properties from two to four stars. The majority are located along the famous Croisette with its private beaches. Even if you don’t want to stay here, the look is worth a visit!

10. Casinos

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the city of Cannes is the European capital of games. Between Black Jack, Poker and roulette, Cannes is the only city in France to host three casinos. As prestigious as the city, each establishment cultivates refinement and elegance to welcome players from all over the world.

11. Museums of Cannes

The Canadian cultural heritage is rich and varied. Take the time to enjoy it properly, for example by visiting the museum of the sea or the museum of the Castre.

The museum of the sea

If during your stay you visit the island of Sainte-Marguerite, visit the museum of the Sea. It occupies the oldest part of Fort Royal, classified as a historic monument. You will discover an important submarine archaeological material from wrecks found around the Lérins Islands, but also fragments of Roman frescoes and the cell of the former state prison!

The Castre Museum and its square tower

The Musée de la Castre stands in the heights of Cannes, at the top of the Suquet. Located in the medieval castle, it is composed of the Sainte-Anne chapel and the Castre tower. Moreover, both are classified as Historical Monuments.

The museum brings together a rich collection of primitive art and Mediterranean antiques. Also, he is renowned for his musical instruments from all over the world.

Malmaison

Malmaison is a cultural space where major contemporary art exhibitions are held each year. This is the only pavilion that remains the Grand Hotel in Cannes, built in 1863 by architects Vianey and Blondel. This prestigious place takes place on the Croisette.

12. The Forville market

The Forville market is a mandatory passage to visit Cannes! These are seasonal products, local fishing and flowers that are available. This large covered market is located in the heart of Cannes and is open every morning except Monday where he leaves room for the crusher.

The Forville market is a real invitation to a gourmet trip to Provence. You can also discover the many shops and terraces around it. Go there to taste the general atmosphere, but also enjoy some local specialties. Socca and panisses will surely be your taste!

13. The Guards Cross

Visiting Cannes is also enjoying vegetation and greenery. The Canadian natural heritage is as rich and astonishing as its history is. So to appreciate the beauty of the city's landscape, go to the Guards Cross for a pleasant walk to the sound of cigales.

Less than a kilometre from the city centre, the Croix des Gardes is located on a hill overlooking the city behind the Suquet district. It is a Sensible Natural Space known as the “green lung” of Cannes. Indeed, the large forest park of the Croix des Gardes is a unique reserve for Provençal fauna and flora.

14. La Villa Rothschild

Villa Rothschild is located in the Guards Cross area. It was built in 1881 for the Baroness of Rothschild. This beautiful villa and its park are both classified Historical Monuments. So if you come to visit Cannes, this place is not to be missed.

From the neo-classical style to the English gardens, this romantic place par excellence is a remarkable witness to the holiday architecture on the French Riviera. In 1947, the villa was confiscated to its owners during the occupation. It thus becomes owned by the city, which installs the Noailles Municipal Library and hosts many cultural events.

How to get to Cannes?

To get to Cannes, there are many alternatives:

By plane

If you take the aircraft to come to Cannes, there are several options available to you:

• The first one is located at Cannes-Mandelieu Airport, only 15min from downtown.
• Otherwise, choose the Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport. Since it is ranked second airport in France, you will easily find a flight that suits you.

To help you in your research, a Compare flights can be useful.

By train

It is quite possible to come to visit Cannes in train . Indeed, the city is widely served by the TGV, which connects it to all French regions and to the largest cities in Europe. This mode of transport will allow you to discover spectacular landscapes from the seaside to the foot of the Estérel massif.

• From Toulon : barely more1h
• From Marseille : 2h
• Or since Aix-en-Provence : 3h
• From Lyon : 4h
• From Paris : 5h

By car

Finally, to visit Cannes in car , borrow “La Provençale”, or A8 motorway . And take it exit 41 direction Cannes-La Bocca or exit 42 direction Mougins/Cannes if you come from Aix-en-Provence.

Where to stay in Cannes?

From the big hotel to Airbnb , the city offers many alternatives. A wide choice of hotels is available to you. So it is possible that one Compare hotels helps you in your steps.

Otherwise, for prices generally more accessible, you can rent an Airbnb apartment in the center of the city as in the surroundings. Choose Antibes or Saint-Tropez to stay at the nearest. You can also opt to Nice the capital of the department. A little further on the French Riviera, sleep in Menton or in Monaco!

Whatever your place of residence, now that you know all the secrets to visit Cannes, your stay can only be wonderful!