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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 expect 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 12 months 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 predominant beats as a journey author, I’m right here rather a lot, staying in every thing from a convent (in the course of the Movie Competition no much less) to glam 5-star inns.
I’ve additionally taken loads of day journeys from Good to Cannes, and sure, you possibly can see Cannes in a day.
As this walkable metropolis is true on the prepare line, it’s additionally a very good 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 will help 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 inns and streets lined with charming patios and eating places. Did I point out the yachts?
Locations to go to in Cannes embody the outdated quarter of Le Suquet, which affords a pleasant change of tempo from the glitz and glam, whereas the peaceable Lérins Islands off the coast sluggish that tempo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 environment lingers 12 months spherical. And don’t fear – you possibly can pose on the pink carpet any time of 12 months.
Finest Issues to Do in Cannes, France
1. Window Store Your Method Up Boulevard de la Croisette
It’s simple to check 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 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 inns and a parade of pricy sports activities vehicles.
There aren’t any two methods about it: Boulevard de la Croisette oozes wealth and magnificence.
2. Discover the Different Aspect 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 reworked right into a energetic beachside promenade.
Stroll previous palm timber, 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 among the most unusual 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 title is the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and it’s situated on the west finish of La Croisette.
The blocky Modernist-style constructing appears awfully utilitarian for internet hosting such a glittery occasion, however it’s superstar central anyway.
What’s contained in the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès?
A whole lot of locations to look at movies. The constructing has 15 auditoriums.
🌴 Sightseeing Tip: The Tourism Workplace is situated on the base of the constructing. It’s helpful for choosing up a map or getting info on factors of curiosity you possibly can’t discover on-line. (Though they did inform me the mistaken 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, preserve 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. (Hiya, 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 will get so near the sleek-looking yachts it appears solely becoming the worldwide elite invite you onboard. (They could disagree.)
Nonetheless, the marina is among the prettiest locations to go to in Cannes – filled with gleaming sailboats, fishing boats and floating palaces that add to the unique French Riviera mystique.
6. Discover Le Suquet – The Outdated City
From the Vieux Port you’ll spot the the Outdated 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.
In reality, the Romans had been right here for 5 centuries, and the Ligurians earlier than that.
Within the twelfth century, the land grew to become the property of Cistercian monks who constructed a fortress 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 road lined with bistros and memento retailers, with eating places like Desk 22 upping the culinary recreation from touristy to gourmand.
7. Climb the 109 Steps to the Citadel
The fortress fortress is now a museum referred to 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, however it’s the journey that counts.
Some of the common issues to do in Cannes Outdated Quarter is to stroll the 109 steps as much as the fortress for the gorgeous 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
On the subject of Forville Market, it’s not a lot about what to see in Cannes as what to style.
Situated on the foot of Le Suquet, the Marché Forville is the place to go if a picnic is in your plans or contemporary native produce is asking your title.
(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 observe: 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 road runs parallel to La Croisette. It’s chock filled with shoe shops, perfumeries and clothes boutiques.
Manufacturers vary from worldwide chains like Zara and Mango to French trend chains similar to Morgan and Maison 123.
10. Take an Apero Break on Rue Hoche
On the finish of the day, it’s possible you’ll hear Rue Hoche calling your title. This amiable pedestrian road close to Rue d’Antibes is lined with cafes and eating places.
It’s the proper 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 while you want an escape the French Riviera crowds, it’s probably the greatest sights in Cannes.
What are the Lérins Islands? The Lérins Islands are an archipelago on the Bay of Cannes.
The biggest, 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 Outdated City, the Lérins Islands had been occupied by the Romans.
Later, they had been owned by Cistercian monks. They established a monastery on sleepy Île Saint-Honorat, which remains to be going sturdy right now.
Visiting Sainte-Marguerite Island
Sainte-Marguerite Island is probably the most visited, and it has an enchanting previous.
It was the location of the jail purpose-built for the Man within the Iron Masks, a political prisoner whose title – and face – was by no means revealed.
Visiting his cell at Fort Royal, a former fortress now dwelling to the Museum of the Sea, was the historic spotlight of my day journey to Sainte-Marguerite.
Different issues to do right here embody seeing Batéguier Pond, which attracts many migratory birds, and exploring shady trails, rocky coves and small seashores – convey your swimsuit should you’re so inclined.
Skip the road and e-book your ferry ticket to Sainte Marguerite Island prematurely right here.
Saint-Honorat Island
A peaceable environment 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 while you’re prepared for solar? Head for the sand. There isn’t any scarcity of Cannes seashores to select from.
You may go deluxe and pay for a lounge mattress and wait service at a personal seashore membership like Mademoiselle Grey Plage Barrière, or seize your favorite seashore necessities and plunk your towel down without cost in 5-star territory on the public Palais Festivals Seaside.
13. Get Out on the Water
Chances are you’ll not have a yacht to cruise round on, however it doesn’t imply it is advisable be landlocked.
Boating is a favorite pastime on the Riviera, and there are a couple of other ways to get pleasure from it. If you happen to’re searching 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.
Examine 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.
Examine costs and availability for a Cannes Catamaran cruise right here.
14. Have a Drink at One of many Large 3 Luxurious Accommodations
Contemplating all the celebs that hit up Cannes for the pageant, you’d anticipate nothing lower than extravagant 5-star inns, and this energetic French Riviera metropolis delivers.
If you happen to’re searching for Cannes issues to do ‘jet-set fashion’, dip your toes into the opulent environment of a luxurious resort on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Listed below are the highest three:
InterContinental Carlton Cannes Lodge
The famed InterContinental Carlton Cannes Lodge lately reopened after an enormous facelift (like so many different superstar 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 Lodge in the course of the movie pageant as soon as.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Possibly a champagne cocktail on the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic?
The plush Fouquet’s Gallery Bar Cannes is tough to beat. Sit on the bar should you’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 inns.
Now a part of the Hyatt model, it has a 2-star Michelin restaurant, La Palme d’Or, which is among the finest eating places in Cannes.
15. Issues to Do Off the Overwhelmed Observe: Go to Le Cannet
If you happen to’re spending simply at some point in Cannes, you most likely gained’t be capable of match this in, however should you’re searching for issues to do close to Cannes the typical vacationer gained’t see, contemplate a visit to Le Cannet.
This artsy city is principally a suburb of Cannes. It was dwelling to the famend artist Pierre Bonnard, a number one mild as artwork was shifting from Impressionism to Modernism.
Issues to see in Le Cannet embody 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 varied walks on the Cannes Tourism Workplace and head for the hills.
Learn how to 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.
Finest Day Journeys from Cannes
With its prime place on the French Riviera, Cannes is a superb 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 completed as day journeys from Cannes, too.
Right here’s a fast take a look at a few 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 wherever else on the Cote d’Azur.
Pattern a candy Tarte Tropezienne, lounge with the jet set at a personal seashore membership on the Plage de Pampelonne (Pampelonne Seaside), and make your manner 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. Examine costs and availability for spherical journey transfers right here.
2. Day Journey to Antibes
Beautiful Antibes is among the finest locations to go to close to Cannes. A fast trip on the TER, the regional prepare line, from Cannes, it has a laidback really feel that units it other than most French Riviera cities.
Go to the morning market, the Marche Provencal; discover the Vieille Ville (the Outdated City) and don’t miss the Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Citadel overlooking the ocean.
3. Cannes to Good
There are such a lot of issues to do in Good, you’d be arduous 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 Citadel Hill and go to the Outdated City for ice cream at Fenuccio’s.
If you happen to’re taking the prepare from Cannes to Good, you possibly can store on Avenue Jean Médecin all the best way again to the station.
4. Cannes to Monaco
If you happen to suppose Cannes is subtle, wait till you see the retailers and luxurious inns in Monte Carlo.
An hour and quarter trip on the TER prepare line, Monaco is among 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 Outdated City, the place you possibly can watch the altering of the guard on the palace every single day at 11:55 a.m.
Take a look at my at some point 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 Outdated City and cease into the spectacular Notre Dame de Puy.
To get to Grasse from Cannes you possibly can take the prepare, 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
When you have solely at some point in Cannes you would possibly wish 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 the direction of cruise passengers who desire a style of the French Riviera however are brief on time.
Examine costs and availability for a Cannes Shore Tour: Cannes and Antibes Personal Tour right here.
Full Day Personal 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 embody 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.
Examine costs and availability for this French Riviera Sightseeing Cannes Personal 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 should you’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 possibly can 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 manner into the Outdated 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. When you have a full day in Cannes, you possibly can 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 Lodge. Cannes is a metropolis of eating places and also you’ll discover one thing for each palate.
Is Cannes Price 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 provide you with a style of this sensational South of France vacation spot.
