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There are an array of things to do in France, with Cannes sharing quite a few of those!
Welcome to the sparkling gem of the French Riviera, where the azure waters meet the golden sand and yachts gleam under the Mediterranean sun.
Cannes is not just a city, it’s a style, a state of mind that exudes elegance, opulence, and glamour.
From strolling along the palm-lined Promenade de la Croisette to sipping champagne on luxurious rooftop terraces, from marveling at prestigious art exhibitions to indulging in gourmet cuisine, there is no shortage of things to do in Cannes.
So come immerse yourself in the joie de vivre of this iconic destination and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Cannes:
1. Promenade de la Croisette
Promenade de la Croisette is a luxurious palm tree-lined boulevard in Cannes, France, extending along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
What to see or do:
Don’t miss:
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or early evening when the promenade is less crowded.
2. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is a world-renowned convention center and event venue located in Cannes, France.
What to see or do: The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès hosts various international events throughout the year such as the Cannes Film Festival, MIDEM (the international music market), MIPCOM and MIPTV (international television markets), and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
Don’t miss: If you happen to be in Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival, make sure to catch a glimpse of all the glittering movie stars on the famous red carpet.
Insider travel tips: If you plan to attend an event at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance as hotels can fill up quickly.
Additionally, many events require passes or tickets, so be sure to check the event’s official website for more information.
3. Le Suquet
A historic district located on a hill overlooking the harbor of Cannes, France.
What to see or do: Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways, admire the architecture of the colorful houses and buildings, visit the Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance church, and explore the Musée de la Castre, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views of Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea from the top of the hill, especially at sunset.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are steep and uneven. Le Suquet is a popular area for dining, so be sure to try some of the local restaurants and cafes.
The district can be crowded during peak tourist season, so plan accordingly.
4. Musée de la Castre
Musée de la Castre is a museum located in the old quarter of Cannes, France. It is housed in a medieval castle built in the 11th century.
What to see or do: The museum has an eclectic collection of art and artifacts from different regions of the world, including pre-Columbian America, the Mediterranean, the Himalayas, and Oceania.
Visitors can see ancient Greek and Roman ceramics, Islamic art, and antique furniture. The museum also has a collection of musical instruments from different cultures.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the panoramic view of Cannes from the top of the tower of the castle. It offers a stunning vista of the city and the harbor.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can be reached on foot from the city center of Cannes or by a tourist mini-train.
5. Île Sainte-Marguerite
Île Sainte-Marguerite is a beautiful island located just off the coast of Cannes, France.
What to see or do: The island consists of stunning natural landscapes, white-sand beaches, and historic fortifications. Visitors can explore the island’s walking trails and discover the numerous hidden bays around its coastline.
The island is also home to the famous Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned, which can be toured.
Don’t miss: A visit to Île Sainte-Marguerite is not complete without taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters and relaxing on the idyllic beaches.
Additionally, be sure to check out the island’s underwater museum, Musée de la Mer, showcasing artifacts from shipwrecks around the island.
Insider travel tips: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch on one of the island’s secluded beaches. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Ferries to the island are available from Cannes and the journey takes around 15 minutes. It is best to visit the island during the weekday to avoid crowds, as weekends can be quite busy.
6. Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance
A stunning Catholic church located in the heart of Cannes, France.
What to see or do: Admire the beautiful neo-Gothic facade and intricate stained-glass windows. Take a moment to appreciate the calming and serene atmosphere inside the church.
Don’t miss: The unique bell tower, which features a star-shaped lantern and a statue of the Virgin Mary at the top.
Insider travel tips: – If you plan to attend a mass, make sure to check the schedule beforehand.
7. Marché Forville
A lively market in the heart of Cannes that offers a variety of fresh produce, cheeses, meats, fish, flowers, and local specialties.
What to see or do: Explore the colorful stalls, sample the local treats, and chat with the friendly vendors.
Marché Forville is a great place to shop for ingredients for a picnic or to try some of the region’s delicious street food.
Don’t miss: The seafood stands, where you can find fresh oysters, sea urchins, and other delicacies from the Mediterranean.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best selection. Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
And if you’re staying in an apartment or hotel with a kitchen, Marché Forville is the perfect place to stock up on ingredients for a home-cooked meal.
8. Boulevard Carnot
Boulevard Carnot is a famous street in Cannes, located in the heart of the city. It is known for its luxurious shops, restaurants, and hotels, which attract tourists from all over the world.
What to see or do: While walking along Boulevard Carnot, visitors will be able to admire the stunning architecture of the buildings, as well as enjoy some world-class shopping and dining experiences.
There are plenty of high-end boutiques and designer stores to explore, offering everything from clothing and accessories to jewelry and watches.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Boulevard Carnot is the beautiful Christmas decorations that adorn the street during the holiday season. The decorations are festive and magical, and many people come to Cannes just to see them.
Insider travel tips: Visitors who want to make the most of their trip to Boulevard Carnot should try to visit mid-week, as it can get quite crowded on the weekends.
It is also a good idea to bring comfortable shoes, as there is plenty of walking to be done. Finally, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the beautiful sights and scenery along the way.
9. Musée de la Mer
The Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea) is a small but fascinating maritime museum located in the historic Fort Royal on the island of Sainte-Marguerite, just off the coast of Cannes.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the island’s maritime history, from ancient shipwrecks to modern scuba diving equipment.
One of the highlights is the famous “Iron Mask” cell, where the Man in the Iron Mask was supposedly held captive in the 17th century.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the fort’s ramparts for stunning views of the bay and the surrounding islands. There’s also a botanical garden on the island, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Insider travel tips: The island of Sainte-Marguerite is accessible by ferry from Cannes.
The museum has limited hours and is closed on Mondays during low season, so be sure to check the schedule before you go.
The island can get crowded during the high season, so plan to arrive early to beat the crowds.
10. Plage de la Croisette
Plage de la Croisette is a famous and glamorous beach located in Cannes, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can relax on the beach and soak up the sun while enjoying stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are also several beach bars and restaurants offering drinks and snacks throughout the day.
For those feeling more adventurous, there are many water sports activities available, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset from the beach is an unforgettable experience, with the sky turning pink and orange over the sparkling sea.
Visitors should also take a stroll along La Croisette, the long promenade that runs parallel to the beach, filled with high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants.
Insider travel tips: For those wanting a quieter experience, it’s recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon, as the beach can get quite crowded during peak hours.
Visitors should also bring their own towels and umbrellas, as rentals can be quite expensive.
11. Le Vieux Port
A charming old port area in the heart of Cannes, France.
What to see or do: Stroll along the picturesque port and admire the yachts and sailboats. Take a boat tour of the French Riviera and soak up the stunning sea views.
Explore the many restaurants, cafes, and bars that line the port area.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunrise or sunset over the bay from the port. Visiting the Marché Forville, a local market full of fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets.
Try the seafood at Chez Astoux, a popular local restaurant.
12. Lérins Islands
A group of four islands located off the coast of Cannes, France.
What to see or do: Visit the Monastery of Lérins, which dates back to the 5th century and houses a collection of ancient manuscripts. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Take a stroll around the islands and explore the picturesque landscapes, dotted with eucalyptus and pine trees.
Don’t miss: The Fort Royal de l’île Sainte-Marguerite, a 17th-century fortress that once served as a state prison and now houses a museum.
Sample the local wine produced by the monks of the Lérins Abbey.
Insider travel tips: Take a ferry from Cannes to the islands, which operate throughout the day. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the islands at their peaceful best.
And be sure to wear comfortable shoes – the terrain can be hilly and rocky in places!
13. La Malmaison Art Center
La Malmaison Art Center is a historic mansion turned contemporary art museum located in Cannes, France.
What to see or do: The art center hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works of internationally acclaimed artists.
From paintings to sculptures and multimedia installations, the exhibitions cover a variety of artistic styles and genres, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: The stunning architecture of La Malmaison Art Center is as much a work of art as the exhibitions it holds. Be sure to explore the mansion’s beautiful gardens while you’re here.
Insider travel tips: – Check the museum’s website for the latest exhibitions and events schedule.
14. Cannes City Hall
The Cannes City Hall is a beautiful historic building located in the heart of Cannes.
What to see or do: Visitors can appreciate the grand architecture of the building, which includes an impressive clock tower.
Don’t miss: Be sure to stop by the square in front of the City Hall, where you can enjoy outdoor concerts and cultural events throughout the year.
Insider travel tips: You can take a guided tour of the City Hall and learn more about the history of the building and the city of Cannes.
The City Hall also has a tourist information center inside, where you can find helpful maps and tips for exploring Cannes.
15. Forville Farmer’s Market
Forville Farmer’s Market is a bustling market in the heart of Cannes that offers various fresh produce to locals and tourists.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander around the lively market and explore the different stalls offering a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and seafood.
Apart from the food items, there are also flower stalls, pastry shops, and local crafts on offer.
Don’t miss: The market’s olive oil vendors should not be missed. They offer samples for tasting and purchasing of the region’s most popular product.
The market is also well-known for its colorful displays of flowers.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and get the best selection of produce. Don’t forget to bring cash as most vendors do not accept credit cards.
Try to haggle with the vendors to get the best prices on the items that you decide to purchase.