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 NiceCôte d’AzurAirport, 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 dela 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.
Luxury
- 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.
Mid-range
- 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.
Budget
- 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
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!).
