Cannes Old Town Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Cannes Old Town
Sightsee the old quarter of Cannes, where narrow streets are filled with historic buildings and the views of the city and sea are mesmerizing.

Spend some time in the place where the city got its start, Cannes Old Town. Amble along medieval cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and boutiques. These streets snake their way through this hilltop quarter, also known as Le Suquet. The genteel, peaceful neighborhood is a world away from the glitz and glamor of the city’s beaches, casinos, super yachts and film festival.

An enjoyable part of any visit to the old town is finding a perch to look down on the city below and the hive of activity around the harbor. For a really good viewpoint, go to the old castle and climb to the top of the tower. Take in sweeping vistas of the sea, the city and the mountains.

The castle is also the home of the Castre Museum. Browse its fascinating collections, which include 19th-century landscape paintings that reveal how Cannes looked many years ago. There is also a collection of musical instruments in the castle’s 12th-century chapel.

Next door to the castle is the Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Esperance, a Gothic church from the 17th century. Gaze up at its tall tower and then step inside the building to view its beautiful carved wooden pulpit and other pieces of religious art. Delight in more scenic vistas of Cannes by climbing up the steps to the top of the tower. If you are in the city at Christmas, view the church’s nativity scene. During the summer, watch open-air concerts in front of the entrance and in the courtyard of the castle.

Before you go up to the old quarter, check out some of the sights at the foot of the hill it sits on. Browse a fresh produce market and observe the super yachts docked in the harbor. Getting to Cannes Old Town involves a short stroll from the busy beach area. Parking is available, for a fee, in the garage near the harbor.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Cannes Old Town Hotel Deals

Hotel America
Hotel America
4 out of 5
16 Rue Notre Dame, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$176 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$176
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Cannes Harbour and Promenade de la Croisette ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (293 reviews)
"Really friendly and helpful staff, great location"

Reviewed on 20 Feb. 2024

Hotel America
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 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$416
per night
1 Apr - 2 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
Canopy by Hilton Cannes
Canopy by Hilton Cannes
4 out of 5
2, boulevard Jean Hibert, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$322 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
AU$322
per night
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Castre Museum and Notre Dame d'Esperance ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
"We stayed at this hotel on our honeymoon. All of the staff were professional, friendly, and helpful. Our room was very comfortable, as well as - I dont often say this about hotels - very well designed; The finishings and cabinetry are modern and warm as well as quite functional. I recommend this ..."

Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2023

Canopy by Hilton Cannes
Hôtel & Spa Belle Plage
Hôtel & Spa Belle Plage
4 out of 5
2, rue Brougham - Square Mistral, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$313 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$313
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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
Five Seas Hotel Cannes, a Member of Design Hotels
Five Seas Hotel Cannes, a Member of Design Hotels
5 out of 5
1 Rue Notre Dame, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
The price is AU$403 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$403
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (382 reviews)
"We had such a wonderful time!!! The hotel itself is beautiful with lots of original pieces of artwork. It’s ideally located with lots to do within walking distance. The staff were so helpful, friendly and attentive. One of my best hotel stays anywhere in the world!"

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2024

Five Seas Hotel Cannes, a Member of Design Hotels
Hotel Splendid Cannes
Hotel Splendid Cannes
4 out of 5
4 Rue Felix Faure, Cote d'Azur, Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$220 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$220
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cannes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (430 reviews)
"Loved the old school feel. The room was small but it had a bathtub! Very well located.Didn’t eat there but the dining room looked lovely."

Reviewed on 10 Nov. 2023

Hotel Splendid 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Cannes Old Town

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Le Suquet

Spas, bars and seaside views are just a few things travellers enjoy about Le Suquet. Check out Castre Museum or Cannes City Hall while you're exploring the area.

Le Suquet
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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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
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Prado - Republique

Gardens, shopping and beaches highlight some of the notable features of Prado - Republique. Make a stop by Carnot Boulevard while you're exploring.

Prado - Republique
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Riou - Petit Juas - Av de Grasse

While there might not be top attractions in Riou - Petit Juas - Av de Grasse, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Forville Provencal Food Market and Cannes City Hall.

Riou - Petit Juas - Av de Grasse
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Carnot

4/5(1 area review)

Carnot might not have many top sights, but Forville Provencal Food Market and Le Croisette Casino Barriere de Cannes are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Carnot

Cannes Old Town Travel Guide

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