- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Cannes
Once a Ligurian port, Cannes was fortified by Lérins monks who built the iconic watchtower in Le Suquet. This old quarter's medieval alleys contrast with the Belle Époque villas that sprung up after Lord Brougham's arrival in 1834, shaping the city's unique charm.
Beyond its 7.5km of sandy beaches, an essential part of visiting Cannes is the Lérins Islands. Sainte-Marguerite offers trails in its state forest, while on Saint-Honorat, monks produce a unique local wine. For panoramic views, explore Croix-des-Gardes park.
The city's culinary heart is Marché Forville, where you can find fresh socca and regional produce. For a more local experience, explore Rue Meynadier's delis, perfect for assembling a picnic of cheese, olives, and a bottle of crisp Provençal rosé wine.
- CannesFrance
- CannesFrance
- CannesFrance
- CannesFrance
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Sep-Octwarm, pleasant temps
- Wintermild, occasional rain
- #LightClothing
- #Sunscreen
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Swimwear
- #PowerAdapterTypeC
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- Euro (€)
- French
- English widely spoken
- #LaCroisette
- #PalaisdesFestivals
- #LeSuquet
- #ÎlesdeLérins
- #MarchéForville
- #BoulevarddelaCroisette
- Stroll along La Croisette
- Visit the Palais des Festivals
- Explore Le Suquet
- Relax on Plage de la Bocca
- Take a boat to Îles de Lérins
Recommended Hotels in Cannes by Experience
Things to do in Cannes
Discover
Exploring Cannes reveals its famed Promenade de la Croisette, historic Le Suquet old town, and the natural beauty of Île Sainte-Marguerite. Discover the Musée de la Castre for history and admire luxury yachts in the Vieux Port.
Experience
Enjoy sailing along the Côte d'Azur, browse the fresh produce at Marché Forville, or attend the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The city offers luxury shopping, pyrotechnic art festivals in summer, and scenic coastal walks year-round.
Promenade de la Croisette
Iconic seaside boulevard with beaches and designer shops.
Le Suquet (Old Town)
Historic quarter with winding streets and panoramic views.
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
Venue for the Cannes Film Festival on the waterfront.
Île Sainte-Marguerite
Island with forest trails and a historic fort.
Marché Forville
Covered market offering local produce and fresh seafood.
Musée de la Castre
Museum in a medieval castle with diverse art collections.
Vieux Port (Old Port)
Charming harbor with luxury yachts and fishing boats.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) for easy access. To get from Cannes airport to city center, take the express Bus 81 (~45 min). A cheaper, frequent option is the train to Cannes from Nice St-Augustin station, a short walk or tram ride from NCE.
Getting Around
The city center is very walkable. For longer distances, public transport in Cannes relies on the Palm Bus network; buy single tickets or multi-journey cards. For a unique view, hop on the solar-powered 'Bus de Mer' water shuttle across the bay.
Local Essentials
Valuable Cannes travel tips for first-timers: driving in Cannes is difficult with narrow streets and scarce parking. During festival season, book all transport well in advance as it sells out. Always carry some cash for smaller bakeries and markets.
Where to Stay in Cannes
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore authentic food Cannes offers. Taste fresh seafood platters and socca, a chickpea pancake. The local culture embraces a lengthy apéritif, a pre-dinner ritual with rosé wine and small bites before you eat.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Cannes, try Astoux et Brun's bustling seafood hall, expect queues. Le Baoli offers a glamorous vibe, dress code. Grab a classic espresso at the busy Caffe Roma, prime spot for people-watching.
Astoux et Brun
A Cannes institution for fresh seafood platters.
La Brouette de Grand Mere
Cozy spot for traditional French country cooking.
L'Affable
Elegant fine dining with a creative modern menu.
Carlton Restaurant
Iconic luxury dining on the Croisette promenade.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Cannes' heritage through its must-see traditions. Experience Bastille Day on July 14th with stunning fireworks over the bay, a key part of Cannes attractions. In September, European Heritage Days unlock historical sites for unique visits.
Enjoy
Discover modern Cannes cultural activities, from electronic music to classical concerts. Enjoy Les Plages Électroniques on the beach in August, or the intimate Nuits Musicales du Suquet with classical stars.
Cannes Film Festival
The world's most prestigious film festival, held in May.
Festival of Pyrotechnic Art
International fireworks competition over the bay in summer.
Cannes Yachting Festival
Europe's leading in-water boat show each September.
Les Plages Électroniques
Major electronic music festival on the beach in August.
Les Nuits Musicales du Suquet
Open-air classical music concerts in the Old Town in July.
Bastille Day
France's national holiday on July 14, with fireworks.
NRJ Music Awards
Major French and international music awards show in November.
Beautiful and Classy City
Cannes is a beautiful city with a perfect blend of old and new. I loved walking through Le Suquet, the old quarter, with its narrow streets. The views from the top are amazing. It's got that fancy, glamorous side, but also a really relaxed feel.
Great for a bit of luxury
The shopping here is world-class, especially along La Croisette. It's fun to just stroll along the boulevard, look at the yachts, and do some serious window shopping. Everything feels so upscale and well-kept. The perfect spot for a bit of indulgence.
Lovely Beaches
Cannes has some wonderful public beaches that are perfect for relaxing. We spent a lot of time at Plage du Midi. It's a bit quieter than the main beach and the sand is lovely. A great place to unwind and just soak up the sun without huge crowds.
Amazing Local Market
The Forville Market is a must-see. The selection of fresh produce, cheeses, and flowers is incredible. We tried some Socca from a stand there and it was delicious. It's a great way to see how the locals shop and eat. So much fresh food to see.
So Easy to Walk Around
A really walkable city. We explored most of it on foot, from the main shopping street Rue d'Antibes to the waterfront. It's so clean and safe. The views of the sea and the hills behind the city are just beautiful from almost anywhere you stand.
A Peaceful Getaway
Visiting in the off-season was a great choice. It was so peaceful. Took the short ferry ride over to Île Sainte-Marguerite for a walk in the woods. The whole place felt so serene and was a nice break from the city's usual pace. Very relaxing.