Cannes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cannes Harbour showing a marina
Cannes is host of a world-famous film festival and is known for its beaches, luxury hotels and glamorous visitors.

Cannes is one of the most fashionable destinations on France’s Côte d'Azur. The once sleepy fishing village is now a luxury tourist destination. The city’s waterfront promenade, La Croisette, epitomizes the city’s glamour with its high-end shops and luxury hotels, including the belle époque-style InterContinental Carlton.Much of the activity in Cannes is based along the oceanfront. Check out the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the building where movies are screened during the Cannes Film Festival. The festival began in 1946 and nowadays runs for two weeks in May, when the city is teeming with celebrities. Look for the handprints of stars, such as Bruce Willis and Joan Collins, on the sidewalk outside the Palais. Visit the Le Suquet district to see a slice of old Cannes. Cobblestone streets lead to an 11th-century hilltop fort and views of the city and French Riviera coastline. Find a collection of 200 antique musical instruments at the Musée de la Castre (Castre Museum). Stock up on locally grown produce at Marché Forville (Forville Market), which takes place on Rue Louis Blanc Tuesday through Sunday. Nearby Rue d’Antibes is the city’s main shopping street.In the La Bocca district, enjoy the public beaches spread along Boulevard du Midi. Try watersports, including windsurfing, wakeboarding and kayaking. Take a short boat trip to the Lérins Islands, which sit just off the coast of Cannes. Nature lovers will enjoy spotting birds and plants while wandering the trails on St. Marguerite Island. The Fort Royal’s prison famously held Eustache Dauger, better known as the Man in the Iron Mask, during the 1600s. On St. Honorat Island you can buy wine produced by Cistercian monks. Central Cannes is easy to get around on foot. Alternatively, buy a ticket for the “toy” train, which passes by many of the major attractions. The 35-minute tour leaves from the Palais des Festivals every hour. Driving isn’t recommended in Cannes, as parking is expensive. The city’s low-cost bus service will take you to La Bocca, and as far as Antibes, Monaco and Nice.

Where to stay in Cannes

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Cannes City Centre

5/5(4 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Cannes City Centre. Make a stop by Mace Beach or Le Croisette Casino Barriere de Cannes while you're exploring the area.

Cannes City Centre
Midi Beach featuring dining out

La Croix des Gardes

If you're spending some time in La Croix des Gardes, Midi Beach and Plage Waikiki are top sights worth seeing.

La Croix des Gardes
Cannes Old Town showing a coastal town

Cannes Old Town

5/5(2 area reviews)

Cannes Old Town is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Castre Museum and Cannes City Hall while you're in town.

Cannes Old Town
Cannes Old Town which includes heritage architecture

Palais des Festivals - Old Port

Palais des Festivals - Old Port is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Cannes Harbour or Mace Beach.

Palais des Festivals - Old Port
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Pointe Croisette

You'll enjoy the beaches and casinos in Pointe Croisette. You might want to make time for a stop at Promenade de la Croisette or Casino Palm Beach.

Pointe Croisette
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La Bocca

3/5(2 area reviews)

La Bocca is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Bocca Beach and Midi Beach.

La Bocca
Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d'Albion
Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d'Albion
4 out of 5
38 Rue Des Serbes, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$247 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$247
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, a casino, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (983 reviews)
"Great hotel loctation is oercet close to beach restaurant shopping area . Rooms are affordable during winter season. I love you watch out for the minibar and breakfast as well as parking more than the average night."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d'Albion
Hôtel Martinez, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hôtel Martinez, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
5 out of 5
73 La Croisette, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$464 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$464
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (504 reviews)
Luxury in Cannes
"A lovely hotel with all the amenities. Well located. The breakfast was lovely."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Hôtel Martinez, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
5 out of 5
10, La Croisette, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$416 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$416
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"It is a beautiful, clean and property run by professional team. We got upgraded to SeaView room and it was spacious and beautiful. We will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 29 Jan. 2024

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
ResidHotel Cannes Festival
ResidHotel Cannes Festival
2 out of 5
107 Avenue Francis Tonner, Cannes
Stay at this aparthotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and onsite car rentals. Popular attractions Bocca Beach and Midi Beach are located nearby. ...
6.2/10 (387 reviews)
"La Bocca Resid is a good place to stay close to Cannes. Train station was nearby, bus stop outside, cheap dining options, local market, pastry shop. I felt safe in the area. It was a small bus ride from Midi beach."

Reviewed on 24 Aug. 2023

ResidHotel Cannes Festival
Hôtel & Spa Belle Plage
Hôtel & Spa Belle Plage
4 out of 5
2, rue Brougham - Square Mistral, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 4-star spa residence in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Popular attractions Castre Museum and Notre Dame d'Esperance ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews)
Faultless
"Superb in every way. A modern hotel with great charm - and charming staff!"

Reviewed on 3 Dec. 2023

Hôtel & Spa Belle Plage
Citadines Croisette Cannes
Citadines Croisette Cannes
3 out of 5
1 rue le Poussin, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (417 reviews)
"The room suite arrangement"

Reviewed on 5 Nov. 2023

Citadines Croisette Cannes
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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