Looking for the best things to do in Cannes? This iconic French Riviera city is best known for its film festival and glamorous image, but there’s far more to Cannes than red carpets and luxury boutiques.
Located just 35 minutes from Nice by train, Cannes is an easy day trip yet rewarding enough to justify a longer stay. I’ve visited Cannes many times over the years, in different seasons, and this guide reflects what actually stands out once you look beyond the clichés.
In this article, I highlight the cultural attractions, seaside experiences, scenic viewpoints, food spots, and leisurely ways to explore Cannes, whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning to slow down and immerse yourself in the French Riviera atmosphere.
So, are you ready to discover the best things to do in Cannes? Let’s go!
This guide features the top things to do in Cannes, along with practical tips for planning your day trip or longer stay.
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Things to do in Cannes
Cannes is famous for the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, the elegant hotels lining Boulevard de la Croisette, and its sandy Mediterranean beaches. Beyond the red carpets, the city also offers historic streets in Le Suquet, island escapes to the Lérins Islands, lively markets, scenic parks, and excellent restaurants.
Before we dive in, be sure to read my step-by-step guide on how to get from Nice to Cannes, where I break down the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient travel options.
Cannes has much more to offer beyond its famous festival moments. This Cannes travel guide helps you put the highlights into context, with tips on beaches, nearby islands, neighborhoods, and how to plan your visit beyond a quick stop.
Also, keep in mind that some attractions have seasonal opening hours, and beach experiences can vary significantly between public and private stretches. Checking practical details ahead of time will help you plan a smoother visit.
Here’s my Cannes bucket list.
1. Walk La Croisette
Boulevard de la Croisette is Cannes’ most iconic seaside promenade, running for about 2 km between the Palais des Festivals and the area around La Roseraie. Starting near the Palais feels natural, with a glamorous atmosphere that gradually becomes more relaxed and holiday-like as you walk east.
The central promenade is lined with palm trees and separates the beachfront from the city’s main coastal road.
On one side stand the elegant façades of Cannes’ legendary palace hotels, including the Carlton Cannes, Hôtel Martinez, and Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic. One of them, the Hôtel Martinez, is set to appear in the upcoming season of The White Lotus.
On the seafront side, La Croisette is lined with public beaches and private beach clubs, with palm trees and Mediterranean pines in the backdrop. There are snack kiosks along the promenade, but lines can be long in peak season, and shade is limited during the hottest hours of the day.
2. Explore Le Suquet
The historic quarter of Le Suquet is the old town of Cannes, rising on the hill just behind the harbor. Its narrow streets and staircases wind upward past the Musée des Explorations du Monde (World Discovery Museum) and the hilltop Notre-Dame de l’Espérance, with painted walls and murals tucked into corners along the way.
The neighborhood grew around the Château de la Castre, a fortified site established by monks from the Abbey of Saint-Honorat to protect the coast from pirate and Saracen raids.
While Le Suquet doesn’t quite match the authentic atmosphere of the Old Towns in Antibes or Menton, it offers one of the best viewpoints in Cannes. From Place de la Castre, you can climb the square tower of the Château for a 360° panorama over the port, La Croisette, and the Bay of Cannes.
The area also has a pleasant, local feel around Place Saint-Dizier, with good restaurants like Le Bistrot de Grand-Mère by La Brouette and excellent ice cream at La Gelateria just around the corner.
Le Suquet is also a living, creative neighborhood. The artists’ residence Le Suquet des Artistes hosts painters, writers, and photographers. There’s a pop-up gallery on weekends where they showcase their art. The Old Town is also home to some particularly well-located accommodations, including Traverse des Artistes, the perfect place to stay close to the Old Port while escaping the bustle of La Croisette.
One of my favorite spots of Le Suquet hides in plain sight: Mont Chevalier Square, a beautifully landscaped garden just below the Place de la Castre, and a true hidden gem. Colorful ceramic artworks decorate the paving, benches, and even the waste bins, giving the small park a charming and intimate atmosphere.
Le Suquet feels like Cannes stepping away from the spotlight: quieter, simpler, and more local than the glamour below.
3. Enjoy the Vieux Port de Cannes
The Vieux Port of Cannes, located at the foot of Le Suquet, is where the city’s history began. Over time, the port evolved from a fishing harbor into a hub for yachting and major maritime events. Cannes owes much of its international reputation to this transformation: the Vieux Port now hosts prestigious gatherings such as the Cannes Yachting Festival, attracting hundreds of boats each year.
Even outside event periods, it’s a pleasant area to walk around, watch boats come and go, and connect easily with Le Suquet, La Croisette, and ferry departures.
4. Visit the Lérins Islands
The Lérins Islands are one of the best escapes from Cannes, with ferries departing from Quai Laubeuf, near the old port. There’s no combined ticket: ferries run separately to Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, each with a very different feel. You can book your ferry tickets here.
Sainte-Marguerite, home to the Royal Fort, famous for the Man in the Iron Mask, is the largest of the two and better suited for walking and hiking. Saint-Honorat is quieter and known for its monastery and vineyards.
An alternative to the ferry is exploring the area by boat. Last summer, my family and I rented a solar-powered boat from Pointe Croisette. A license is not required (although I do have one), and the trip to the lagoon between both islands takes around 45 minutes. From there, you can swim straight to the coast of Île Sainte-Marguerite or snorkel to discover the submerged statues of the Ecomuseum. It’s a fun experience, with pizza and snack boats circulating among anchored boats, but it does get crowded in high season.
5. Relax on Cannes’ sandy beaches
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Cannes is its sandy beaches, which are relatively rare on the French Riviera. Because of this, the beach clubs here are more about the Cannes lifestyle than added comfort, unlike in Nice, where private beaches offer a real escape from pebbles.
Among the public beaches, Plage Macé, near the Palais des Festivals, is a popular option and gives access to the Plages à la Plage beach library. Zamenhof Beach, located closer to La Roseraie, is another favorite of mine for its lovely views over La Croisette and the bay. The city manages it and offers the opportunity to reserve parasols and loungers at very reasonable prices.
Don’t overlook the quieter beaches along Boulevard du Midi or around Pointe Croisette either, which tend to be less crowded than the central stretch.
6. Spend the day at a beach club
Private beach clubs line much of Boulevard de la Croisette, many of them linked to famous hotels such as the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, Hôtel Martinez, and Carlton Cannes. I haven’t tried them all myself, but La Môme Plage is particularly well known for its lively atmosphere. For a more under-the-radar experience away from the Croisette, La Petite Cannoise offers the perfect little oasis.
Expect rows of sunbeds, umbrellas, restaurant service right on the sand, and a stylish crowd enjoying long lunches by the sea. If you want to experience one of Cannes’ beach clubs, booking well in advance is essential, especially in summer and during the Cannes Film Festival.
7. Explore the lively Forville market district
At the foot of Le Suquet, the Marché Forville area is one of the most atmospheric parts of Cannes and a welcome contrast to the polished glamour of Boulevard de la Croisette.
The covered market itself is the heart of daily life in the city. Local vendors sell everything from Provençal vegetables and fresh seafood to cheeses, olives, and flowers. It’s one of the best places in Cannes to get a glimpse of everyday French Riviera rythm beyond the luxury hotels.
Because of ongoing renovations, part of the market temporarily spills out onto Rue Félix Faure, where additional stalls line the street just outside the historic hall.
The surrounding streets are equally lively, especially Rue Meynadier, a pedestrian lane packed with bakeries, delicatessens, and long-standing family shops. Some stores date back over a century, such as Tesi, the hat shop on the corner of Rue Blanc. While the street can feel a bit touristy at times, it’s still worth walking through for its lively atmosphere and contrast with the more polished parts of the city.
You’ll also find several excellent restaurants around the market square. One of my personal favorites is Astoux & Brun, famous for its seafood and oysters.
8. Discover Cannes’ art, villas & cultural spots
Cannes isn’t primarily known for major museums, especially compared with nearby Nice or Antibes. Still, the city offers a small selection of boutique cultural spots that combine architecture, gardens, and contemporary art.
La Malmaison Art Center, located on La Croisette, hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions by international artists and is housed in an elegant historic building with a panoramic terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
Another interesting place to visit is the Médiathèque Noailles, the municipal library housed inside the former Villa Rothschild near Boulevard du Midi. The villa’s gardens are beautifully landscaped and offer a surprisingly peaceful escape from the busy center.
The villa shouldn’t be confused with the famous Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint‑Jean‑Cap‑Ferrat, one of the French Riviera’s most famous historic villas.
If you’re already exploring Le Suquet, you can also step into the Musée des Explorations du Monde, located inside the medieval castle overlooking the harbor.
9. Take a boat trip along the Cannes coastline
Seeing Cannes from the water offers a different perspective on the city, with several boat tours departing directly from the Old Port. Most options focus either on cruising toward the Lérins Islands or following the coastline in the direction of the ochre-colored cliffs of the Estérel Massif, often passing Mandelieu-la-Napoule and its distinctive seafront château.
Tours range from relaxed sailing boats and catamarans to faster speedboats, with options both with and without a skipper. Some include drinks or light catering, while others keep things simple. It’s a flexible half-day activity that works well if you want to enjoy the sea without committing to a full island visit.
10. Visit Cannes’ parks and gardens
For a quieter side of Cannes, the city also has a few pleasant gardens and green spaces tucked away from the seafront.
The garden of the Médiathèque Noailles is a beautiful little oasis where palm trees, sculptures, and manicured lawns surround the historic villa.
Closer to the old town, a small but charming green space sits just below the Place de la Castre in Le Suquet. The Mont Chevalier Square is rarely crowded and offers lovely views over the harbor.
The largest natural area is La Croix-des-Gardes Natural Park, a forested hill west of the center with around 20 kilometers of walking trails. The paths wind through umbrella pines and Mediterranean vegetation and offer beautiful views over the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands. And the park’s resident donkeys are always eager to greet visitors.
11. See the red carpet & Cannes Film Festival landmarks
Cannes’ global fame is inseparable from the Cannes Film Festival, and the focal point is the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, located at the western end of La Croisette. Even outside festival season, it’s fun to walk past the famous steps, spot the handprints of film stars at de Chemin des Étoiles (Cannes’ Walk of Fame), and imagine the red carpet moments that take place here each spring.
The area around the Palais is lively year-round and makes for a natural stop while strolling along La Croisette. It’s also close to Rue d’Antibes, Cannes’ main shopping street, which you can easily combine with a visit, whether you’re window-shopping luxury brands or simply enjoying the buzz of the city center.
12. Go shopping in Cannes’ Carré d’Or
Shopping is part of Cannes’ identity, and the best place to experience it is the Carré d’Or district, situated between the Rue d’Antibes and the Croisette.
Rue d’Antibes is the city’s main shopping street, lined with fashion boutiques, French brands, and independent stores. The closer to the Boulevard de la Croisette, the more you’ll find luxury boutiques and designer flagship stores.
Here you can browse brands such as Prada, Gucci, and other high-end fashion houses that cater to Cannes’ glamorous clientele.
Even if you’re not planning to shop, the area is fun for window-shopping and people-watching.
The area around the Palais is lively year-round and makes for a natural stop while strolling along La Croisette. It’s also close to Rue d’Antibes, Cannes’ main shopping street, which you can easily combine with a visit, whether you’re window-shopping luxury brands or simply enjoying the buzz of the city center.
13. Enjoy the best viewpoints in Cannes
For panoramic views over the city and the Bay of Cannes, head to Le Suquet, where the square in front of Église Notre‑Dame d’Espérance offers one of the most beautiful perspectives over the harbor.
Another scenic viewpoint can be found in Croix-des-Gardes Natural Park, which overlooks the Lérins Islands and the Esterel coastline.
14. Enjoy dinner and drinks in Cannes
Dining out is a big part of the Cannes experience. While rooftop restaurants with sea views are popular, the city also has many lively streets where locals and visitors gather for dinner and evening drinks.
One of the best rooftop views can be found at Marea Cannes, located on top of the Canopy by Hilton Cannes, overlooking the harbor and bay. Le Rooftop at the Five Seas Hotel is another well-known option.
Closer to the market district, seafood lovers often head to Astoux & Brun, an institution famous for its oysters and shellfish.
For a more casual evening atmosphere, Rue Hoche is one of the liveliest streets after dark. This pedestrian area fills with restaurant terraces and cocktail bars, making it a great place to enjoy dinner or simply soak up the evening buzz.
15. Visit The White Lotus filming locations in Cannes
The upcoming season of The White Lotus has chosen Cannes as one of its filming locations, bringing the hit HBO series to the French Riviera.
While full filming details have not yet been revealed, several scenes are expected to take place along Boulevard de la Croisette, the glamorous seafront promenade lined with luxury hotels and beach clubs.
One of the most iconic locations here is the legendary Hôtel Martinez. This historic Art Deco hotel has long been associated with the Cannes Film Festival and the Côte d’Azur’s glamorous lifestyle. In the series, the hotel will reportedly appear under the fictional name “White Lotus Cannes”, following the tradition of previous seasons where real luxury resorts are reimagined as White Lotus properties.
Even before the new season airs, visiting these locations offers a glimpse into the cinematic side of Cannes that continues to attract filmmakers and celebrities from around the world.
Map of things to do in Cannes
To help you plan efficiently, I’ve created a map showing all the main things to do in Cannes, including landmarks, beaches, viewpoints, and key areas to explore.
Practical tips for visiting Cannes
Cannes is compact and easy to explore, but a few practical tips will help you make the most of your visit, especially if you’re coming on a day trip from Nice or visiting during busy periods like summer or festival season.
If you’re short on time, I also recommend reading my detailed guide on how to plan a day trip from Nice to Cannes, where I share suggested itineraries, timing tips, and what’s realistically doable in one day.
How to get around Cannes
Cannes is a very walkable city. Most major sights — including the Old Town (Le Suquet), the Croisette, beaches, and the harbor — are within comfortable walking distance of each other. The Little Train (Le Petit Train) is perfect for a quick hop-on, hop-off tour along the highlights.
If you’re heading further out, such as toward La Bocca or neighboring towns, the local Palm bus network is reliable and affordable. Trains are ideal for day trips along the coast, with frequent connections to Antibes, Nice, and Monaco.
Boat shuttles are the best way to reach the Lérins Islands, departing directly from Cannes’ Old Port and running regularly in season.
Where to stay in Cannes
Cannes has accommodation options for every travel style, from central apartments and boutique hotels to luxury beachfront resorts. Where you stay matters more here than in some other Riviera towns: the Croisette, Le Suquet, and the area around Rue d’Antibes all offer very different experiences.
In my in-depth article on where to stay in Cannes, I walk you through the best neighborhoods and hotel options so you can choose what truly fits your trip. Here are some of my favorite options.
FAQ about visiting Cannes
When are you planning to visit Cannes?
Cannes may have a glamorous reputation, but at its core, it’s a laid-back Riviera city with excellent walkability, beautiful sea views, and easy island escapes. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a longer stay, there’s plenty to enjoy once you know where to look.
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