The Côte d’Azur is known for its glamour, natural beauty and as a haven for celebrities. Although Cannes, Nice and Antibes are all within a 40-minute drive of each other, each has its own personality and attracts different types of travelers to this sun-drenched corner of France.
Visiting Cannes in brief: must-see things to do in Cannes
Located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, Cannes stretches around a large bay whose shores are lined with luxury yachts and chic restaurants along the Promenade de la Croisette. During the day, you can relax on its 2 km of beach, and in the evening, unwind in a café on the old port or enjoy gourmet dishes in a top-of-the-range restaurant.
Shopping is a pleasure, whether at the Forville daily market or along the Croisette, Rue d’Antibes or Rue Meynardier.
Explore the oldest part of town, Le Suquet, which is well worth climbing to get a closer look at the Tour du Mont Chevalier, the church of Notre-Dame de L’Esperence and the view over the bay.
Cannes offers easy access to other parts of the Côte d’Azur:
- Nice is just up the coast with its Promenade des Anglais,
- St Paul de Vence is nearby
- And to the north of the city lies Monte Carlo, home of the Grand Prix and the Grimaldi royal family.
Enjoy the beaches of Cannes, the sea in the city!
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to beaches in Cannes, and the town offers 7 km of attractive sandy beaches. You can enjoy public beaches free of charge or opt for a private beach, which offers a host of facilities and services. Many prestigious hotels have private beaches in Cannes.
The best public beaches in Cannes
Public beaches are free of charge. However, some charge a small fee for sunbeds. Plage du Casino, Plage du Midi and Plage Bocca are the main public beaches, located on the Boulevard de la Croisette. For snorkeling, head for Plage des Rochers.
Plage de la Bocca is very popular with locals and tourists alike. The beach bears the same name as a popular district of Cannes. This beach has a relaxed atmosphere and is very popular with families. Be aware that the beach is close to the airport, so expect to see planes flying overhead during the day.
Plage du Midi is the ideal place to relax after walking to the Croix des Gardes. The beach is on the edge of the Suquet area and offers a friendly atmosphere.
Best private beaches in Cannes
Private beaches are the best choice for comfort and facilities, but you have to pay an entrance fee. Some have upscale restaurants, others more casual. Royal Plage, Plage de la Croisette, Bijou Plage and Cbeach are all private beaches with entrance fees.
The Carlton beach is one of the most prestigious in Cannes. The beach is part of the famous Carlton hotel. You’ll enjoy the same 5-star service as inside the hotel. Everything is provided for you to have a good time and relax.
To enjoy the same service as the Carlton, you can visit the beaches of other major hotels such as the Martinez or the Marriott. Long Beach is the Marriott’s private beach. The advantage of this beach is that it’s right in the center of Cannes, making it easy to get to.
The Old Port of Cannes, near the Suquet district
Just outside the Suquet district is the old port of Cannes. The oldest part of the harbor is the Quai Saint-Pierre. The best thing to do is to take the time to stroll around the harbor, discovering it at your own pace and feeling its atmosphere.
If you’re an early riser, you’ll see the fishermen returning with the day’s catch, and you can buy the fish right next to their boats. It’s the freshest fish you’ll ever find. During your walk, you’ll also have the chance to see the old town and some fantastic large luxury yachts.
Discover the area around Cannes with a boat trip to the Lérins Islands
If you want to take a boat trip from Cannes, don’t miss the Îles de Lérins. It’s an extraordinary place, especially if you’re lucky enough to get there before the first tourist ferry and after the last. At these times of day, the islands are empty, except for the monks who live there!
The Lérins Islands are a group of four islands, the two largest of which are Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. The Îles de Lérins are well worth a visit. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a walk or a swim in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a beautiful place.
Treat yourself to the Croisette and a day of shopping in Cannes
Cannes’ main shopping street is Rue d’Antibes, which runs parallel to the Croisette. La Croisette boasts 3 km of high-end boutiques featuring the finest luxury brands. Rue d’Antibes offers boutiques at more affordable prices, with trendy brands and an extraordinary choice.
Discover La Bocca, a shopping center where you’ll find everything under one roof, and where parking is very easy. If you love shopping, you’ll be happy to know that Cannes also hosts a shopping festival every year! To get an idea of what the locals buy for dinner, you can visit the Marché Forville. It’s the ideal spot if you’re planning a dinner with the flavors of the South of France!
