If you love cinema, the city of Cannes on the beautiful French Riviera is definitely worth visiting.
Home to one of the most prestigious international film festivals, Cannes attracts stars and filmmakers from around the world every year. Whether or not you’re in town during festival season, there are plenty of activities to experience in this beautiful city.
How to get to Cannes
For those looking to visit Cannes, there are a few different possibilities for transportation.
One of the most popular methods is by plane. Flying into Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is the best option for reaching Cannes quickly, although you can also fly into Marseille. Flights are available from most UK airports.
If you’re already in France, you can take high-speed TGV trains from other cities, such as Paris and Lyon, which will bring you to Cannes.
Alternatively, if you’d like to enjoy the journey a little more, a scenic car ride through some of southern France’s stunning countryside might be the way to go. If you’re travelling from the UK, you can catch the ferry or Eurotunnel to cross the channel.
Just remember to make sure you have everything sorted for driving abroad before you leave.
10 best things to do in Cannes
So without further ado, here are the best things to do in Cannes.
1. Visit one of its many beautiful beaches
Cannes is a beach lover’s paradise and offers visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful shorelines.
La Croisette is one of the most popular beaches in Cannes, offering stunning views and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. For those looking for something quieter, Plage de la Bocca is ideal as it provides a more relaxed and local atmosphere. You can read about the best beaches in Cannes here.
2. Explore the Old Town or Le Suquet
The charming, cobblestone streets of the old town, also known as Le Suquet, are a must-visit in Cannes.
Wander through its narrow alleyways, lined with colourful buildings, and discover hidden gems like Place de la Castre or the many cute local restaurants hidden in the side streets L’enoteca and Le Xxiv are two of the best.
3. Take in the art and architecture
Cannes is home to lots of impressive architecture, from the iconic Hotel Barriere Le Majestic with its grand balconies overlooking La Croisette to the beautiful and vibrant old town.
Not only that, but it is also a city of art. Numerous galleries throughout the city showcase artwork from local artists and international masters, making Cannes an ideal destination for those interested in art and culture.
4. Shop till you drop at La Croisette or Rue d’Antibes
Cannes is known for having some of the best shopping in the South of France, with high-end boutiques along La Croisette lined up next to street vendors selling local arts and crafts.
For luxury shopping, La Croisette is definitely the place to be. For a mix of designer and local shops, head to Rue d’Antibes, where visitors can find designer clothing, jewellery, and more.
5. Get a taste of the local cuisine at Marché Forville
Marché Forville is a great place to visit if you want to experience the flavours of Cannes. Here, local vendors gather every morning to sell their fresh produce, including local specialties like cheese, olives, honey, and freshly-caught seafood.
You can also find amazing restaurants serving traditional French cuisine at reasonable prices in this area.
7. Enjoy Cannes’ vibrant nightlife
Cannes is well known for its spectacular nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Even though the city is smaller, a lot of people consider Cannes better than Nice for partying.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back evening or an all-night party, there’s something here for everyone.
8. Take a day trip to nearby Lerin islands
Cannes is ideal as a launchpad to explore some of the French Riviera’s stunning islands. The Lérins Islands are located just off the coast and feature vibrant marine life and picturesque beaches.
Head to Ile Saint Honorat for a tranquil and spiritual experience or to Ile Ste Marguerite if you’re looking for a more lively beach atmosphere.
9. Visit Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance
The stunning Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance is located in Le Suquet and is one of Cannes’ most iconic landmarks. It stands atop a hill with breathtaking views of the city, and the church’s interior is equally impressive, with its intricate stained glass windows and ornate décor.
10. Take a cruise along La Croisette
Last but not least, it is impossible to think of Cannes without thinking of La Croisette.
La Croisette is the most iconic place in Cannes and also home to some of the best hotels in the city.
Taking a cruise along the promenade is one of the best ways to experience this iconic destination and soak up the city’s glamorous atmosphere.
How much time should you stay in Cannes?
When planning a trip to Cannes, there are a few factors to consider when deciding how much time you should stay.
If you’re looking to fully experience all that the city has to offer, then you should stay at least three days so that you can enjoy its beaches, take part in some of its amazing activities, and also immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere which is only found here in Cannes.
However, if you are limited on time or would prefer to make it a day trip from Nice, one day is more than enough to see Cannes’s main attractions and experience the city.
Best time to visit Cannes
Visiting Cannes during the spring or summer months of April to September is an ideal time for those wanting to experience the beautiful weather and partake in all the outdoor activities that this area of France has to offer. The temperature is mild and makes exploring the city much more enjoyable.
Also, from April to June, flowers bloom around town, displaying vibrant colors that make the city even more charming.
That’s a wrap! As you now know, there are many great things to explore in Cannes.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments. Bon voyage!
