What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Cannes”? Of course, the Cannes Film Festival, where all the movie stars walk the red carpet. But beyond this attraction, is Cannes worth a visit? Yes, because even if the cinema is one of the highlights of Cannes, this article will show you that there are many other interesting things to see and experience in this glamorous city on the Côte d’Azur.
In addition to its annual film festival, Cannes is best known for its beaches, casinos and nautical scene. For newcomers, get your bearings by strolling along La Croisette, a 2 km boulevard that runs along the shore from the Casino Barrière? This artery is lined with boutiques and restaurants, but you’ll find that there’s much more to discover in this beautiful southern town.
Here are five surprising reasons to visit Cannes…
1. The culture
La Malmaison contemporary art gallery is located right in the middle of the Croisette, on the site of a former 19th-century hotel. Although the hotel has disappeared, its games room and tea room have survived and are now used to exhibit sculptures and photographs from the 20th and 21st centuries. The Galerie Hurtebize Cannes, Vieceli de Cannes and JP Art Galerie are also nearby.
North of Avenue Bachaga Said Boualam, but still within walking distance of the center, you can admire prints, lithographs, sculptures and ceramics by Picasso, Chagall, Miro and Dali at Galerie MC, named after its owner Michelle Champetier.
Galerie Arista, to the west, presents contemporary works by Banksy and other artists.
If you’re an art lover, you’ll be delighted by the variety of renowned galleries Cannes has to offer.
2. The architecture
In addition to the remains of the aforementioned hotel, now part of the Galerie de la Malmaison, visitors can’t miss the Intercontinental Carlton hotel, just two blocks away. Built during the Belle Époque in 1911 by local architect Charles Dalmas, it features wrought-iron and stone Juliette balconies. Its two domes make it easily identifiable.
The crème brûlée-colored Cannes Town Hall on the Old Port is just as grand. Completed in 1877, the town hall features columns, statues and a clock adorned on its roof with terracotta tiles.
The Palais Bulles, located in the suburb of Théoule-sur-Mer, south of the Bay of Cannes, is more modern. Designed in the 1980s by architect Antti Lovag, it is the private residence of French couturier Pierre Cardin. The name – which translates as “bubble palace” – is apt, since it consists of a series of interconnected pink domes, dotted with round skylights like the tentacles of an octopus.
3. The story
To see a different side of Cannes, often better known for its superyachts and international film festival, take a stroll through the old Suquet district, with its pastel buildings, cobbled streets and popular restaurants so typical of the South of France.
Don’t miss the Forville covered market, at the southern end of the district, where you’ll find local and seasonal produce (olives, cheese, olive oil). It’s open every day, and you’ll find a flea market on Mondays.
While you’re in the area, take the opportunity to visit the Victor Tuby Museum, housed in a 14th-century oil mill. The eponymous sculptor and biologist transformed the mill into a workshop, but today it’s a museum about the Provence region, with exhibitions of costumes and antique furniture. It’s the perfect place for history and heritage lovers.
Let’s return to the Old Port to see the Musée de la Castre, housed in a former castle and monastery. Today, it houses a collection of medieval objects and paintings. Climb the 109 steps to the tower, then pass by the Gothic stone church, which offers breathtaking sea views.
4. Hiking
In Cannes, hiking isn’t the first activity that springs to mind. Yet, like Hong Kong and Los Angeles, the city has its fair share of forest trails. The city stretches from the airport in the west to the Vallon de Mauvarre river in the east, and in this area you can enjoy a superb hike in La Croix des Gardes.
Near Cannes, there’s an 80-hectare forest north of Plage du Midi, named after the cross at its highest point.
Walking enthusiasts can also follow a trail along the Siagne canal, which starts near the former Super Cannes observatory. Hiking is a great way to discover Cannes and the surrounding area, while discovering special places far from the crowds.
5. Water sports
If a yacht or sailing trip doesn’t appeal to you, rent a kayak from Go Kayak Cannes on La Croisette. It’s an ideal alternative for discovering the Iles de Lérins, 1.2 km away.
SeaFirst also organizes excursions from one cape to another. You can also go as far as the magnificent Cap d’Antibes – and beyond, around Nice.
Cannes Stand Up Paddle rents out boards with paddles, allowing you to paddle along Cannes beach and get a different perspective on the town.
Easy Dive School organizes daily diving sessions from April to November and weekend dives the rest of the year.
The Plongée Club de Cannes diving school is located at the other end of the Croisette, in the Old Port. Take part in a snorkeling excursion or go for a swim at Plage du Midi, a 700 m stretch of sand just beyond the marina.
You can also swim on the Croisette beach in the center of town, which is flanked by the Petit Train, a rose garden and a skatepark on the Place du 8 mai 1945.
Is Cannes worth a visit?
Cannes enjoys a privileged location on the Côte d’Azur. In addition to the fine weather, the scenery and coastline of this part of France are breathtaking. The city of Cannes itself is a glamorous place with fantastic beaches and plenty to see and do. What’s more, Cannes plays host to numerous international festivals and cultural events. So, is Cannes worth a visit? In our opinion, yes, it’s an ideal place to spend a dream vacation and discover the Côte d’Azur.
