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Cannes, France – A Prime French Riviera Vacation spot
Cannes is a splashy resort metropolis on the French Riviera, and when most of us consider it we predict Hollywood celebrities and movie pageant glam.
However. Whereas the Cannes Movie Competition is a 12-day star-studded extravaganza in Might, there are a great deal of enjoyable issues to do in Cannes yr spherical.
So A lot To Discover
Each time I go to Cannes I discover extra to discover. And, because the South of France is one in every of my essential beats as a journey author, I’m right here rather a lot, staying in the whole lot from a convent (in the course of the Movie Competition no much less) to glam 5-star resorts.
I’ve additionally taken loads of day journeys from Good to Cannes, and sure, you’ll be able to see Cannes in a day.
As this walkable metropolis is correct on the practice line, it’s additionally an excellent base for exploring different French Riviera locations like Eze, Monaco and Antibes.
That mentioned, let’s take a look on the prime Cannes vacationer sights that can assist you plan your keep.
The Enchantment of Cannes
Cannes has sandy seashores that knock most (pebbly) French Riviera seashores out of the park.
It has a large waterfront promenade, designer retailers, over-the-top luxurious resorts and streets lined with charming patios and eating places. Did I point out the yachts?
Locations to go to in Cannes embrace the outdated quarter of Le Suquet, which affords a pleasant change of tempo from the glitz and glam, whereas the peaceable Lérins Islands off the coast sluggish that tempo down altogether.
Above all, Cannes is enjoyable, as if the exuberant movie pageant ambiance lingers yr spherical. And don’t fear – you’ll be able to pose on the pink carpet any time of yr.
Greatest Issues to Do in Cannes, France
1. Window Store Your Means Up Boulevard de la Croisette
It’s simple to match the Boulevard de la Croisette to the waterfront Promenade des Anglais in Good. Each are seaside walks that curve alongside the Mediterranean and are focal factors for vacationers.
However ooh la la, there are variations.
Le Croisette is extra luxe.
On par with the luxurious retailers of Monte Carlo in Monaco, La Croisette has the very best focus of designer boutiques on the French Riviera.
(I ought to know. I used to be obsessive about discovering stylish white sneakers and beelined into each swank store on the Côte d’Azur.)
Together with haute boutiques like Chanel and Dior, you’ll discover vibrant sculptures, grand resorts and a parade of pricy sports activities automobiles.
There are not any two methods about it: Boulevard de la Croisette oozes wealth and elegance.
2. Discover the Different Facet of the Croisette
There are two sides to the Boulevard de la Croisette, nonetheless. Actually.
Cross the road to the Mediterranean facet and the boulevard is remodeled right into a vigorous beachside promenade.
Stroll previous palm bushes, seashores, meals stands, playgrounds and shiny blue chairs. If you happen to discover a free one pull it up, sit again and watch the scene.
You’ll even discover the cheery sight of a carousel, so it’s a terrific place to hang around in Cannes with household.
3. Pose on the Purple Carpet
Oh, go forward. Everybody does it. It’s foolish however iconic, and having your second on the pink carpet is without doubt one of the most original issues to do in Cannes.
The place is the pink carpet? You’ll discover it on the steps of the movie pageant constructing. It’s official identify is the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and it’s positioned on the west finish of La Croisette.
The blocky Modernist-style constructing appears awfully utilitarian for internet hosting such a glittery occasion, but it surely’s movie star central anyway.
What’s contained in the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès?
A whole lot of locations to observe movies. The constructing has 15 auditoriums.
🌴 Sightseeing Tip: The Tourism Workplace is positioned on the base of the constructing. It’s useful for selecting up a map or getting data on factors of curiosity you’ll be able to’t discover on-line. (Though they did inform me the improper bus time as soon as.)
4. Discover the Stroll of the Stars
Whilst you’re nosing across the entrance of the Palais des Festivals constructing, hold your head down and seek for the bronze handprints.
They’re the mark of many A-list celebrities on the Stroll of the Stars, L’Allée des Stars. (Hey, Meg Ryan!).
5. Go to the Vieux Port
Simply previous the Palais des Festivals constructing to the west is the outdated port, the Vieux Port.
Right here you may get so near the sleek-looking yachts it appears solely becoming the worldwide elite invite you onboard. (They could disagree.)
Nonetheless, the marina is without doubt one of the prettiest locations to go to in Cannes – stuffed with gleaming sailboats, fishing boats and floating palaces that add to the unique French Riviera mystique.
6. Discover Le Suquet – The Previous City
From the Vieux Port you’ll spot the the Previous City rising up like a hill of pink tiled roofs.
Historical past of Le Suquet
This outdated quarter of Cannes has been round rather a lot longer than the movie pageant or the flashy retailers on La Croisette.
The truth is, the Romans have been right here for 5 centuries, and the Ligurians earlier than that.
Within the twelfth century, the land turned the property of Cistercian monks who constructed a fort fortress on the prime of the hill, the Château de la Castre.
Oh, how issues change.
Rue Saint-Antoine, as soon as the area of fishermen, is now a pedestrianized avenue lined with bistros and memento retailers, with eating places like Desk 22 upping the culinary sport from touristy to connoisseur.
7. Climb the 109 Steps to the Fortress
The fort fortress is now a museum known as the Musée de la Castre, and homes a blended bag of artifacts starting from nineteenth century landscapes to Tibetan masks.
The museum isn’t going to take up a lot of your time, but it surely’s the journey that counts.
One of the vital well-liked issues to do in Cannes Previous Quarter is to stroll the 109 steps as much as the fort for the beautiful views over the Bay of Cannes.
On the prime, take a break on the shady terrace and go to the Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance, a notable Cannes landmark that took greater than 100 years to finish.
8. Feast on French Flavours at Forville Market
In terms of Forville Market, it’s not a lot about what to see in Cannes as what to style.
Positioned on the foot of Le Suquet, the Marché Forville is the place to go if a picnic is in your plans or recent native produce is looking your identify.
(What’s it about cantaloups from Provence that makes them so juicy and flavourful? Delish!)
The Marché Forville is a morning market, so get there between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. However take notice: On Mondays it’s a flea market.
9. Store on Rue d’Antibes
Whereas most vacationers window store on La Croisette … they purchase on Rue d’Antibes.
This busy purchasing avenue runs parallel to La Croisette. It’s chock stuffed with shoe shops, perfumeries and clothes boutiques.
Manufacturers vary from worldwide chains like Zara and Mango to French style chains resembling Morgan and Maison 123.
10. Take an Apero Break on Rue Hoche
On the finish of the day, chances are you’ll hear Rue Hoche calling your identify. This amiable pedestrian avenue close to Rue d’Antibes is lined with cafes and eating places.
It’s the right place for an apero, the pre-dinner drink and ‘small bites’ break embraced by so many locals.
11. Go to the Lérins Islands
The Lérins Islands are a balm to an over sightsee-d soul (which is me, all the time), and once you want an escape the French Riviera crowds, it’s among the finest sights in Cannes.
What are the Lérins Islands? The Lérins Islands are an archipelago on the Bay of Cannes.
The most important, Île Sainte-Marguerite (Saint Margaret Island), may be reached in as little as quarter-hour by ferry. Its sister island, Île Saint-Honorat, may be reached in 20.
Ferries go away from the far west fringe of the port.
Like Cannes Previous City, the Lérins Islands have been occupied by the Romans.
Later, they have been owned by Cistercian monks. They established a monastery on sleepy Île Saint-Honorat, which remains to be going sturdy right this moment.
Visiting Sainte-Marguerite Island
Sainte-Marguerite Island is essentially the most visited, and it has an enchanting previous.
It was the positioning of the jail purpose-built for the Man within the Iron Masks, a political prisoner whose identify – and face – was by no means revealed.
Visiting his cell at Fort Royal, a former fortress now residence to the Museum of the Sea, was the historic spotlight of my day journey to Sainte-Marguerite.
Different issues to do right here embrace seeing Batéguier Pond, which attracts many migratory birds, and exploring shady trails, rocky coves and small seashores – carry your swimsuit if you happen to’re so inclined.
Skip the road and ebook your ferry ticket to Sainte Marguerite Island prematurely right here.
Saint-Honorat Island
A peaceable ambiance reigns on the island of Saint-Honorat, the place the monks of Lérins have resided because the fifth century.
Go to the abbey church, store for wine, honey, olive oil and different tempting items produced by the monks, and benefit from the shoreline trails.
12. Hit the Seaside
What to do in Cannes once you’re prepared for solar? Head for the sand. There isn’t any scarcity of Cannes seashores to select from.
You’ll be able to go deluxe and pay for a lounge mattress and wait service at a non-public seashore membership like Mademoiselle Grey Plage Barrière, or seize your favorite seashore necessities and plunk your towel down at no cost in 5-star territory on the public Palais Festivals Seaside.
13. Get Out on the Water
It’s possible you’ll not have a yacht to cruise round on, but it surely doesn’t imply you have to be landlocked.
Boating is a favorite pastime on the Riviera, and there are a couple of alternative ways to get pleasure from it. If you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do in Cannes with household, take a look at these excursions:
Guided Boat Tour From Cannes: The Calanques of the Esterel
The Calanques of the Esterel Tour is a guided boat tour of the Esterel Pure Park. Skim over turquoise water, take a swim break and discover hidden coves, caves, and calanques. The boat tour is 2.5 hours.
Test costs and availability for a Calanques Cannes Boat Tour right here.
Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
Another choice for boating in Cannes is a half day catamaran journey with lunch.
Swim, snorkel and soak within the wonderful coastal views on the Bay of Cannes. Get up paddleboards and kayaks availabile, too.
Test costs and availability for a Cannes Catamaran cruise right here.
14. Have a Drink at One of many Huge 3 Luxurious Resorts
Contemplating all the celebs that hit up Cannes for the pageant, you’d anticipate nothing lower than extravagant 5-star resorts, and this vigorous French Riviera metropolis delivers.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for Cannes issues to do ‘jet-set type’, dip your toes into the opulent environment of a luxurious lodge on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Listed below are the highest three:
InterContinental Carlton Cannes Resort
The famed InterContinental Carlton Cannes Resort lately reopened after an enormous facelift (like so many different movie star glam-pusses who hang-out the Riviera).
On the very least take a glimpse of its iconic domes from the road or go to their seashore membership for some (costly) seaside refreshment.
Oh, my gosh, I had a hilarious night out on the Carlton Resort in the course of the movie pageant as soon as.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Perhaps a champagne cocktail on the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic?
The plush Fouquet’s Gallery Bar Cannes is tough to beat. Sit on the bar if you happen to’re within the temper to talk … it labored for me.
Hôtel Martinez
Opened in 1929, the Artwork Deco Hôtel Martinez rounds off this trio of prime Cannes resorts.
Now a part of the Hyatt model, it has a 2-star Michelin restaurant, La Palme d’Or, which is without doubt one of the finest eating places in Cannes.
15. Issues to Do Off the Crushed Monitor: Go to Le Cannet
If you happen to’re spending simply someday in Cannes, you most likely received’t have the ability to match this in, however if you happen to’re on the lookout for issues to do close to Cannes the typical vacationer received’t see, take into account a visit to Le Cannet.
This artsy city is mainly a suburb of Cannes. It was residence to the famend artist Pierre Bonnard, a number one gentle as artwork was transferring from Impressionism to Modernism.
Issues to see in Le Cannet embrace the Bonnard Museum on the Boulevard Carnot.
As properly, there are a selection Bonnard-inspired walks you are able to do within the lush panorama behind.
Seize a brochure detailing the assorted walks on the Cannes Tourism Workplace and head for the hills.
How you can get to Le Cannet: It’s a 30-minute stroll (at a quick clip) from Boulevard de la Croisette straight up the Boulevard Carnot or take Bus Number one.
Greatest Day Journeys from Cannes
With its prime place on the French Riviera, Cannes is a good leaping off spot for day journeys. For an in-depth look of some terrific Cote d’Azur locations, take a look at my day journeys from Good article.
The entire locations I speak about may be simply carried out as day journeys from Cannes, too.
Right here’s a fast have a look at a number of the finest locations to go to close to Cannes.
1. St Tropez from Cannes by Boat
St Tropez, the sultry vixen of the French Riviera, has a village meets extremely stylish vibe unmatched by anyplace else on the Cote d’Azur.
Pattern a candy Tarte Tropezienne, lounge with the jet set at a non-public seashore membership on the Plage de Pampelonne (Pampelonne Seaside), and make your means as much as the Citadel for views over the Gulf of St Tropez.
In summer time season, you are able to do a Cannes St Tropez day journey by boat. Test costs and availability for spherical journey transfers right here.
2. Day Journey to Antibes
Beautiful Antibes is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cannes. A fast trip on the TER, the regional practice line, from Cannes, it has a laidback really feel that units it aside from most French Riviera cities.
Go to the morning market, the Marche Provencal; discover the Vieille Ville (the Previous City) and don’t miss the Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Fortress overlooking the ocean.
3. Cannes to Good
There are such a lot of issues to do in Good, you’d be onerous pressed to see all of it in a day.
As the biggest metropolis on the French Riviera, it’s a cultural hub for the area with stellar museums just like the fabulous Mark Chagall Museum.
Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, climb Fortress Hill and go to the Previous City for ice cream at Fenuccio’s.
If you happen to’re taking the practice from Cannes to Good, you’ll be able to store on Avenue Jean Médecin all the best way again to the station.
4. Cannes to Monaco
If you happen to assume Cannes is refined, wait till you see the retailers and luxurious resorts in Monte Carlo.
An hour and quarter trip on the TER practice line, Monaco is without doubt one of the prime day journeys from Cannes.
Head to the Place du On line casino for a direct shot within the arm of glamour, wander alongside the port and stroll up the Rampe Majeure to the Previous City, the place you’ll be able to watch the altering of the guard on the palace day by day at 11:55 a.m.
Take a look at my someday in Monaco journey information right here.
5. Day Journey to Grasse
Jasmine, roses and close by lavender fields have helped put Grasse on the map because the Fragrance Capital of the World.
Go to the historic Parfumerie Fragonard Manufacturing facility, discover the Previous City and cease into the spectacular Notre Dame de Puy.
To get to Grasse from Cannes you’ll be able to take the practice, then it’s best to take a bus into city from the station.
What to Do in Cannes From a Cruise Ship
Half Day Tour From Cannes Port
If in case you have solely someday in Cannes you would possibly need to save time with a tour. This personal tour for teams of as much as 4 individuals introduces you to the highlights of Cannes and Antibes in a half-day tour.
It’s geared in direction of cruise passengers who desire a style of the French Riviera however are quick on time.
Test costs and availability for a Cannes Shore Tour: Cannes and Antibes Non-public Tour right here.
Full Day Non-public Tour From Cannes Port
This personal 8-hour tour in an air-conditioned van exhibits you the most effective locations to go to close to Cannes.
Stops embrace must-see cities like Good and Monaco in addition to smaller spots such because the medieval city of Eze and the coastal resort city of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Test costs and availability for this French Riviera Sightseeing Cannes Non-public Tour right here.
What to Do in Cannes If You’re Solely Right here For One Day
From seashores to boat journeys, we’ve checked out the most effective issues to do in Cannes total, however what are absolutely the must-do actions if you happen to’re solely doing a day journey to Cannes?
A One-Day Itinerary
First, wander up and down the Boulevard de la Croisette (simple to do as you’ll be able to hardly keep away from it), and pause for a pink carpet second at movie pageant central, the Palais des Festivals.
Stroll alongside the harbour – the Vieux Port – and make your means into the Previous City for lunch and a stroll as much as the highest of Suquet Hill.
For a day tour take the ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island, although if purchasing is extra your factor, go for Rue d’Antibes. If in case you have a full day in Cannes, you’ll be able to slot in each.
Finish your day with some genuine French delicacies at a conventional restaurant like La Brouette de Grand Mère, or up the ante with a chunk on the stylish Le Roof within the 5 Seas Resort. Cannes is a metropolis of eating places and also you’ll discover one thing for each palate.
Is Cannes Value It?
Sure! It may not have have the museums of Paris, the gardens of Giverny or Monaco’s Grand Prix, however does it want them?
It’s enjoyable, festive and the closest factor to Hollywood on the European facet of the pond.
Whether or not you’re staying for a couple of days, taking a day journey from Good, or stopping off for a fast cruise shore tour, these distinctive issues to do in Cannes ought to offer you a style of this sensational South of France vacation spot.
