Cannes
Festival glamour, white-sand beaches & golden-hour Croisette
Cannes
Tucked between the glittering Mediterranean and the sun-drenched hills of Provence, Cannes casts a spell the moment you arrive. This iconic Southern France town is drenched in golden light, and every narrow street in Le Suquet echoes with centuries of fishermen, artists, and dreamers. Beyond the red-carpet glamour lies a town made for wandering — morning espressos at the Vieux Port, long afternoons on powdery white sand as the Îles de Lérins shimmer on the horizon, and evenings when the coastline glows amber as the sun slips behind the Massif de l'Estérel.
The Good
- Relatively small town, very walkable
- Amazing shops, restaurants, bars & bakeries
- White sand beaches — some of the best in the South of France
- Central home base to explore the Côte d'Azur
- Countless things to do for all ages
Worth Knowing
- Very expensive
- Lodging costs can be high
- Beach clubs charge premium prices
- Parking is limited and pricey
- Old-school dress codes apply to many restaurants & nightclubs
Luxury
If you have gobs of money and want "to be seen", stay in the main part of town by La Croisette or the Palais des Festivals.
Beach
Want to stay by a beach without breaking the bank? Find a place along Plage du Midi — an easy 10–15 min walk into town.
Character
If you're a foodie who loves winding streets and steep hills, consider Le Suquet or near Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance.
Budget
OK taking a bus into town? Look north in Le Cannet for a more local experience with lower prices.
Raimbault Pâtisserie/Boulangerie
6 bd du Midi Louise Moreau, 06400 Cannes
L'Établi
26 Boulevard Jean Hibert, 06400 Cannes
Good burgers and snacks. Good people watching.
Visit WebsiteLe Saint Antoine
6 Place Bernard Cornut Gentille, 06400 Cannes
Good sweet treat place. Bakery & sweets.
Visit WebsiteBars / Night Clubs
Le Bâoli
Iconic Asian-fusion restaurant that transforms into a buzzing club after midnight.
Port Pierre Canto, Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Visit WebsiteGôpí
Trendy rooftop cocktails with panoramic views over the bay.
Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Morrison's Irish Pub
Lively pub with live music, darts, and a friendly international crowd.
10 Rue Teisseire, 06400 Cannes
The Duke's Pub
Porn star martini and beers. Good people watching.
53-59 Rue Félix Faure, 06400 Cannes
Visit WebsiteNight Life
Le Salon
Stylish cocktail lounge with DJs and a chic late-night vibe.
13 Rue du Dr Monod, 06400 Cannes
Palais Club
Cannes' premier nightclub housed inside the famous Palais des Festivals.
Palais des Festivals, 06400 Cannes
Medusa Cannes
Heels required, hard to get into but amazing on the inside.
Pl. Franklin Roosevelt, 06400 Cannes
Visit WebsiteGet Lost in Town
Just walk around town. There is plenty to see and really no areas that are risky. If you don't like wandering and want a map, use Google Maps — not Apple — to navigate.
Shopping
If you like high-end shopping, Cannes will be your dream experience. From designer boutiques along La Croisette to charming local shops in the side streets.
Le Suquet
Walk to the top of this legendary hill for the view — about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace. Visit Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance, Musée des Explorations du Monde, or Château de la Castre. Walk down via a different route through Tra. De la Tour and Rue du Suquet for great restaurants and bars.
View on MapWalk of Fame
Visit the iconic stairs with the red carpet where movie stars pose during the Cannes Film Festival. Note: the stairs are not always open for tourists to pose or take pictures!
View on MapVieux Port de Cannes
Love fancy yachts? Stroll around the Old Port. Walk out to the Quai du Large on the west side, then to the Jetée Albert Edouard on the east. The walk takes 25–30 minutes with spectacular views and jaw-dropping yacht gazing.
View on MapRue Saint-Antoine
Fun street to walk up or down in the evening. Lots of restaurants and bars.
Beach Clubs
La Croisette Beach Clubs
Iconic and luxury — pick a place that fits your budget and taste.
View on Map
Located right off the coast of Cannes, the Îles de Lérins are a quick boat ride away and offer spectacular beauty and unique experiences. Take the Trans Côte d'Azur ferry to get there.
Île Sainte-Marguerite
The biggest of the Lérin Islands — a fantastic place to hike, swim, explore and photograph. Don't miss the Fort Royal. There are a few food spots, but if you want the real restaurant (La Guérite Cannes), reserve in advance.
Île Saint-Honorat
Easily reachable via ferry from Cannes. This more groomed island includes a large Monastery (Abbaye de Lérins) and a Fortress (Forteresse de Saint-Honorat).
The Channel
A stunning channel between the two islands with crystal-clear turquoise water. Boats anchor here for swimming and sunbathing. "Delivery boats" sell pizza, sandwiches and Aperol Spritz right to your boat — bring cash!
Dozens of towns, villages, and sites are easily accessible from Cannes — by rental car, public transport, or guided tour. Read tour descriptions carefully and remember that tips are generally expected.
- Grasse: Don't miss Parfumerie Fragonard
Too Far for a Day Trip
While tempting, Provence, Verdon, Luberon, the Calanques, Les Alpilles and Marseilles are more than a couple of hours away. If these are must-sees, consider basing yourself closer.