With its golden sands, vast yachts, casinos, luxury hotels and prestigious shops, Cannes is the ideal place to suck up the glamour of the French Riviera. Authentic, yet modern, the city has an extraordinary way of transforming itself depending upon the festivals, congresses, regattas or galas that it is hosting.
The world-famous film festival and over 50 international trade events make Cannes the second most popular business tourism destination in France. For those who are not seduced by celebrity spotting, Cannes offers enough elaborate architecture, remarkable cultural life and a wide range of activities to make your trip special throughout the year.
Cannes highlights: Where to go in the city
There are many wonderful places to discover in Cannes so we aim to give you some tips where to go first!
First of all visit Le Suquet, the old city of Cannes. The hill of the Suquet in the old town is where Cannes began. If you love to explore historical monuments, visit the Musée de la Castre, located in the ruins of the medieval castle of Lérins monks. If you wish to take a great photo, make an effort and climb the stairs in a square tower.
The views from there are stunning! You will be overlooking the town of Cannes, the Gulf of La Napoule, Estérel Mountains to the Iles de Lérins, its bay and inland towards Grasse.
Facing the Suquet hill, you will find yourself in the Old port “Quai St Pierre”, which accommodates old sailing ships as well as new modern yachts and speedboats up to 40m. In late September, the port hosts Royal Regattas, an elegant sporting event with the world's most beautiful yachts.
If you continue walking along the coast you will reach Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, which is famous since 1946 for hosting Cannes Film Festival. If you wish to walk in the footsteps of the stars, you can book a guided tour through the building. In front of the Palais, you will have the possibility to explore star-studded pavement where over 300 hand prints have been made by film directors and famous actors and other celebrities.
Stroll along La Croisette, a three kilometre-long fine promenade, lined by the sparkling Mediterranean sea, famous boutiques and luxury hotels including the Carlton, the Martinez and the Majestic, which have established Cannes’ history.
On the boulevard de la Croisette, you can enjoy the ultimate shopping experience in well-known haute-couture boutiques and prestigious jewellers including some of the top designer names. For shopping with more modest prices, head to Rue d'Antibes, a road that runs parallel to La Croisette, but lies a few blocks inland. If you love fresh local products, don’t forget to visit Forville Market in the old town.
Discover the best places in Cannes and all the hidden gems of the French Riviera through the eyes of a local guide!
Beaches in Cannes
Want to cool down in the afternoon heat? With its 7.5 km of sandy beaches, Cannes offers many bathing possibilities such as 13 public beaches, 2 municipal beaches and 33 private beaches, which belong to hotels or restaurants.
The most popular public beaches are Plages du Midi and Plage de la Boca, which are free of charge but usually very crowded in the season. Want to soak up the sun without spending a fortune paying for the private beach? Head to the beaches which are managed by the municipality - Macé Plage on the western end and Zamenhoff on the eastern end of the Croisette. The price for the umbrella and a lounge chair is less than half the price of a private beach.
SailingEurope Group offers you a great range of charter yachts in the most popular ports of the Frech Riviera. Don't miss this unique opportunity!
Cannes Tourist Office
+33 (0)4 92 99 84 22
Address: 1 Boulevard de la Croisette
Tips for trips around Cannes
Lerins Islands
Just 15 minutes away from Cannes coast, located at a perfect spot, the Lerins islands combine sea, nature, culture, history and spirituality. The bigger island, Île Ste-Marguerite, is well known for its famous prisoner, The Man in the Iron Mask, whose identity still remain mysterious. The rest of the building is dedicated to Musée de la Mer, which holds artefacts from the sea. If you want some peace and sandy beaches, head to the smaller island, Île St-Honorat. Abbaye de Lérins, founded in the 5th Century, is now home to Cistercian monks who cultivate their own renowned wine.
Massif de l'Esterel
Although you might not think about camping when visiting Cannes, you can take a hike along the stunning red cliffs of Massif de l'Estérel, located just 20 minutes away in the range of mountains formed from red-rock volcanoes. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the massive 618-meter reach and the panorama from the highest point - Mount Vinegar, are breathtaking.
Wondering why the French Riviera is so popular for holiday rentals and vacations homes? Well, a visit to Cannes is the proof you need as you can stay in the choicest holiday rentals and vacation homes. All the sparkle and glamour of this beautiful city cannot be fully described you have to experience it from a vacation rental. Rent a holiday home in Cannes for a few days or weeks and get a taste of the good life. You will be glad you got a vacation home in Cannes.
And if a vacation in a holiday rental in Cannes does not give you enough time to soak in the exquisite nature of the city then you have to try a long-term rental in Cannes. You can choose to rent an apartment or rent a villa which is available for the long-term let in Cannes and really dance to the beat of this ever vibrant city.
Or if the life you want doesn’t just suit a long-term rental in Cannes then you can live among the rich and famous in a luxurious villa for sale in Cannes. Go sailing or just enjoy a view of the sea from the terrace of a villa for sale in Cannes. You can visit the surrounding islands and explore new places when you buy any of the villas for sale in Cannes.