Best Things to Do in Cannes

Cannes is known for its famous International Film Festival and for being a high society destination. Between glamorous corners and a Provençal landscape of contrasts, there are centuries of history of an ancient fishing village that offers much more than just cinema and luxury.

Those who visit the city can enjoy the best things to do in Cannes after exploring its charming historic centre, visiting the surrounding islands, exploring museums, shopping, sampling its culinary delights, strolling along the grand promenade and experiencing its lively nightlife. In this publication you will find a guide to 12 things not to miss in Cannes.

Welcome to the glamorous and elegant Croisette, the heart of the Cannes Film Festival! This Mediterranean resort is a must-see destination for any lover of cinema and beauty. Imagine strolling along a palm-lined boulevard, with the sea in the background and shops that look like something out of a film. Even the bus stop has a street-art look, isn't it amazing?

But that's not all, France's most legendary hotels and casinos, such as the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, are also located on the boulevard de la Croisette! Here, you'll be transported back to the Belle Époque, where sophistication and opulence were the norm.

And if sea breezes are your thing, the Croisette has over three kilometres of fine sandy beach, perfect for those looking to relax in the sun or ride ultra-compact Segways along the boulevard. You'll never get bored in this vibrant place!

But that's not all, you can pop into Chanel boutique number 5 and buy their famous eponymous perfume! So don't miss the chance to feel like a movie star while strolling along the Croisette.

If you are a perfume lover, make a note of your visit to Grasse as one of your must-see things to do and see in Cannes. Come on, we are talking about the perfume capital of the world.

The greatest perfumers such as Galimard, Molinard and the most popular in the area, Fragonard, have their headquarters here. Why not try your hand at making your own perfume?

Spring is the best time to visit Grasse, when the fields with lavender, jasmine, roses and daffodils are in bloom and it coincides with the best time to visit the vineyards of Provence. Perhaps you could consider a tour of Valbonne and Grasse to prepare your perfume and taste the wines of the Château de Bellet, the most famous in Cannes.

Did you know that

The book and later the film "Perfume" written by Patrick Süskind, is set in 18th century Grasse and since then it has been considered the perfume capital of the world.

Let's be honest: Cannes is known for its exclusive sites, opulence and glamour, and what else screams luxury more than a tour in a Ferrari? It's one of those irresistible guilty pleasures.

Hop into a classic red Ferrari for a private photo shoot in Cannes. With a photographer-guide at the wheel, you'll drive from La Croisette to Port Canto, along the coastline with the gleaming yachts as canvases for memories. And, just as you catch sight of the Lerins Islands, you stop to have your photos taken with the yacht.

You can share the experience with two other people, 3passengers for one price! After 35 minutes on board this V8, you are taken back to the starting point on La Croisette where you receive your professional photos.

Since 1932, the Route de Napoléon has been officially named the Route de Napoléon. It is a route of about 300 km that the Emperor himself and his faithful men took a week to complete when they launched the 100 Days Government that ended with the Battle of Waterloo.

Today, it can be completed in just five hours. The walk takes in sections of the N85, D1075, D4085 and D6085 roads via Portoferraio, Vallauris Golfe-Juan, Cannes, the Côte d'Azur community, Le Cannet, Mougins, Mouans-Sartoux, Grasse, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and Châteauvieux.

It covers the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions and climbs from sea level to 4260 metres. It is recommended to do the route between April and October, when the weather is milder. However, prices are high in summer. Ideally, make it one of your things to do in Cannes in June, before the tourist rush.

There are few places in the world like Cannes and when you visit one of the most famous places in the world, you have to make sure you see it all. And that's where electric bicycles or e-bikes are excellent alternatives.

Discover Cannes with a 2 or 3 hour bike ride through the old port, the Suquet district with its Church of Notre Dame de l'Esperance, the high-end boutiques along the boulevard de La Croisette, the beaches of the Palm Beach of Cannes Californie or the monument Table d'orientation Cannes.

On the other hand, thanks to the expert guides, you can get to the less touristy spots in plenty of time to have a croissant with a steaming coffee, your favourite dessert or have your photo taken along the way.

First-class glamour and luxury intersect in the Principality of Monaco, and this has earned the area a reputation for elitism. However, even if you're not Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Kimi Raikkonen, you can still visit the Monaco Grand Prix circuit or buy tickets for the next race.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been around since the 1920s, when it was inaugurated by Prince Albert I. The track runs through the centre of the Principality. The track runs through the centre of the city and is known to be one of the most difficult circuits to overtake during a race. But that only makes it more exciting for the fans who flock every year to watch their favourite drivers compete.

The guided tour of the circuit takes 30 minutes, and is often complemented by a walk through the H.S.H. Prince of Monaco's Automobile Collection, just a few metres from the circuit. Discover Monaco and other nearby cities in our article on the best tours and excursions from Cannes.

The French Riviera's gastronomy is characterised by signature cuisine and fresh fruit and vegetables, a paradise for vegans and vegetarians, although they are not the only ones who enjoy it. Seafood such as fresh fish is another star product. The result is an explosion of irresistible flavours and textures.

Among the typical dishes, don't miss the famous ratatouille, a kind of sumptuous ratatouille with the aroma of fine herbs. In addition, anchovies and bouillabaisse, a delicious fish soup, are not to be missed on any visit to Cannes. And, of course, you can't leave without trying the lemon tart with meringue, typical of the region.

But that's not all, in Cannes you can also enjoy the authentic socca, a kind of crêpe made of chickpea flour and olive oil that is cooked in a wood-fired oven and eaten with your hands. If you try it at the Marché Forville market, you are guaranteed to receive a delicacy of the gods.

Finally, cheese lovers should try the artisanal cheeses of Ceneri. From camembert with calvados, to fresh cheese with basil or brie with truffles, every bite is a delight. And just a 10-minute walk and a 4-minute bike ride from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, you'll find the specialists at Fromagerie Ceneri.

If you're looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with secret beaches, castles, and monuments, nothing beats a trip to the Lerins Islands. Located off the Bay of Cannes, these islands are part of the protected area of the Côte d'Azur and are accessible by a 15-minute boat ride from the Quai du Large harbour in the Vieux Port.

During your tour, you'll first pass the largest of the trio, Île Sainte-Marguerite. It is 2.5 kilometres long and is home to golden sandy beaches, the former residence of the Man in the Iron Mask, an underwater eco-museum with statues by Jason DeCaires Taylor, a royal fort and wonderful nature trails. This island is where these visits tend to be concentrated.

Other islets that form part of the ensemble are Saint-Honorat Island, home to monks since the 5th century, where the abbey of Lerins is located. The smaller sister islands of La Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol are also part of the group. If this plan appeals to you, be sure to read our post about the best boat trips in Cannes.

Rue d'Antibes is a famous shopping street in Cannes that runs parallel to La Croisette and is framed between Rue du Maréchal Joffres and the Rond-Point du Général Maubert. Fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, shoes? If it's sophisticated, glamorous and related to Paris Fashion Week, you're sure to find it there.

On this shopping street you'll find both well-known national brands, such as Zara and Swatch, as well as small independent shops, making it more attractive to all customers thanks to its varied price range compared to La Croisette.

Even if you're just browsing, it's worth the walk. You can also stop at a patisserie, restaurant or café for a gastronomic break just 450 metres from the Croisette beach.

Cannes represents the Mecca of European cinema and like Los Angeles has its Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Cannes Walk of Fame has been located on the Boulevard de la Croisette since 1960, right in front of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the famous festival.

The place is iconic from every perspective and, although it lacks the concrete stars, as is the case in the United States, it personalises the memory. It currently holds over 400 handprints and signatures of celebrities including: Quentin Tarantino, Catherine Deneuve, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Deep, Sophia Loren, Pierre Richard, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese, Marion Cotillard and Leonardo DiCaprio. Bring your camera and take your pictures next to the footprints of your favourite artists!

From glitz to hedonistic summers and party spirit, the lively social scene characterises Cannes.Where to go out in Cannes at night? Jazz cafés, terraces, trendy bars, clubs, casinos and glamorous nightclubs line the coastline, making it a popular destination for those in search of exciting nightlife.

Just to name a few notable hangouts, head to the Barrel Pub, a lively, vintage-style bar located at 17 Rue Gérard Monod.

At Le Baoli every drink is a work of art, plus you can sample Mediterranean dishes and Southeast Asian specialities, while enjoying live music and DJs. The bar is located in the Pierre Canto harbour on the Boulevard de la Croisette.

And if you fancy a range of leisure activities, the Casino 3.14 is an idyllic spot with slots, table games, restaurant and a bar with shows during the holiday season. Whatever your taste in entertainment, Cannes has something for everyone.

Remember the walk to the museum with the flags of the world that little Willy Wonka takes in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? A similar feeling is experienced when visiting the Castre Museum, but unlike seeing flags, this museum offers a warm historical invitation from diverse cultures around the world.

Located in the ruins of a 12th century medieval castle in the Le Suquet district, a local rendezvous before and after the festival, this museum houses an important collection of antiques, sculptures, frescoes and other pieces of art from East and West. For the richness of its exhibition of pieces, it belongs to the set of national monuments.

The experience is rewarding. You can crown your visit from the top of the castle, after passing the chapel of Saint Anne, from where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the bay of Cannes. As for the opening hours of the Musée de la Castre, it is open from October to March from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. The rest of the year it closes at 19:00.

And this is our suggestion for discovering the marvellous city of Cannes. From boat trips, excursions to Provence, Monaco, Saint Tropez or the island of Sainte-Marguerite, to bike rides or tours to discover its cultural and gastronomic richness. Check out our travel guides to make sure you don't miss anything and enjoy all that the capital of the French Riviera has to offer:

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