Known for its film festival red carpets and Mediterranean charm, Cannes is one of those destinations that effortlessly blends Hollywood glamor with laid-back seaside living. Beyond the city's namesake film festival, you will find plenty of shopping, beautiful beaches, and fantastic restaurants that reveal a town that is unapologetically polished, but also accessible.
During the off-season, hotel rates in Cannes are reasonable and the weather remains mild enough to enjoy seaside strolls and outdoor dining. If you are visiting during the Cannes Film Festival (mid-May) or summer months, when prices soar and crowds descend, it is easy to experience Cannes as a day trip from Nice (37 minutes), Antibes (10 minutes), or even Monaco (1 hour). Regular trains run along the coast, making Cannes an easy addition to any French Riviera itinerary.
So, whether you are visiting for a week-long getaway or simply as a day trip from nearby Nice, here is your guide to the best things to do in Cannes and why this Riviera town deserves a spot on your French Riviera itinerary.
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From its palm tree-lined promenade and lavish beach clubs, Cannes is more than its namesake film festival. These are our five favorite things to do in Cannes, France.
No visit to Cannes is complete without a walk along La Croisette, the city's glamorous waterfront boulevard that curves gracefully along the Bay of Cannes. Walking along La Croisette is less about getting somewhere and more about taking in the view.
When it comes to shopping, Cannes reigns king on the French Riviera. While Nice and Antibes offer plenty of high-end boutiques and local designers, Cannes is the true mecca of luxury shopping and fashion. Walking along the Boulevard de la Croisette, you will find a lineup of iconic names like Dior, Celine, Cartier, Hermes, Versace, Loro Piana, and Louis Vuitton, along with refined French labels and chic resort-wear stores that are curated for Riviera living. If you are planning for a luxury shopping spree during your time in the French Riviera, no place does it better than Cannes.
Even if you are just window-shopping, the experience is unmistakably Cannes: polished storefronts gleaming under the Mediterranean sun, elaborate window displays that rival London at Christmas, manicured floral arrangements, and an atmosphere that lands somewhere halfway between a fashion show and a seaside stroll.
If you plan to make a few purchases while in Cannes, it is worth noting that non-EU visitors can claim a VAT (tax) refund on qualifying purchases. In France, this refund (known as détaxe) applies to goods totaling over €100 from the same store, on the same day. You will need to present your passport at the time of purchase, and the retailer will issue you a tax-free form to validate at the airport (or seaport) before your departure from the EU. You also must be staying in France for less than six months.
Global Blue, Planet Tax Free, and other tax-free companies facilitate the VAT refund process in France. The company that you need to provide your détaxe form to after it has been validated should be clearly stated on your paperwork. You will need to provide them with your completed form, show your passport, and provide your contact information when processing the refund.
Keep in mind that there may be administrative fees deducted from your refund. You can expect to receive a refund of anywhere between 10-15% of the total price of your purchase, after administrative service charges.
When your feet, or your wallet, need a break, grab a seat along the promenade and enjoy some of the best people-watching in the French Riviera. Mornings bring locals walking their dogs; by afternoon, you will spot visitors drifting between boutiques with plenty of shopping bags on their arms, film buffs snapping photos of the iconic red carpet, flashy sports cars driving past, and yacht tenders moving in and out of the marina. Across the street, the beaches feature perfectly aligned rows of beach chairs and umbrellas, framed by the elegant silhouettes of the Carlton Cannes and Martinez hotels.
As you wander down La Croisette, continue east toward Port Pierre Canto. The crowds will thin and the horizon opens toward the Lérins Islands. It is here that Cannes feels its most cinematic.
At the far end of La Croisette, Port Pierre Canto serves as an alternative to Cannes’ Vieux-Port, which is closer to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes (the location of the Cannes Film Festival). You will still see rows of impressive yachts, but the area is far less crowded. It is a good spot for a quiet walk, especially in the late afternoon, and you will get a clear view across the Bay of Cannes.
The Lérins Islands are a pair of small, forested islands just offshore from Cannes. The larger of the two, Île Sainte-Marguerite, is known for its walking trails, quiet beaches, and the fortress that once held the “Man in the Iron Mask.” Its smaller neighbor, Île Saint-Honorat, is home to a centuries-old monastery and vineyards managed by the Cistercian monks who still live there.
We ran out of time to visit the islands on our trip to Cannes in April 2025, but they are high on our list for next time (especially Île Sainte-Marguerite). If you are interested in visiting, our affiliate partner, GetYourGuide, offers ferry tickets and excursions to the islands, making it easy to plan a half-day trip from Cannes.
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is that Cannes has sandy beaches which is a rarity along the French Riviera. (Instead, most stretches of coast here are pebbled.) If you are someone, like me, who loves long walks along the beach or simply prefers soft sand to rocky shores, Cannes is your spot!
The city’s shoreline is split between public and private beaches. Public options like Plage du Midi and Plage Zamenhof are completely free, lively, and close to the city center, perfect if you just want to dip your toes in the Mediterranean Sea. On the other hand, private beaches and beach clubs along La Croisette offer a more indulgent experience, complete with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and table service right by the water.
Even if you are visiting in the off-season, the beaches in Cannes make for a great stroll. The beaches are wide, walkable, and framed by the sea on one side and palm trees on the other. It is one of the few places on the Riviera where you can truly feel sand between your toes while still being in the heart of the town.
We found that spending at least one afternoon at a private beach was worth the splurge. The service was impeccable, the atmosphere relaxed, and the view of the bay is beautiful. We ended up at Vilebrequin La Page Cannes and had a phenomenal experience! If you are looking for other options, Hyde Beach Cannes, Carlton Beach Club, and La Plage du Festival are among the most popular. If you are visiting Cannes during the peak summer season, you may want to consider making reservations. However, if you visit in the shoulder season, like we did, you can often find daybed rentals anywhere and availability at the beach clubs in Cannes without having to book in advance.
If the Boulevard de la Croisette is emblematic of Cannes at its most glamorous, then Le Suquet, or Cannes Old Town, is where the city shows its quieter, more historic side. Perched on a hill above the harbor and Vieux-Port, Cannes Old Town is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with pastel buildings, bougainvillea, and small family-run restaurants that fill the air with the scent of garlic and grilled fish. Le Suquet feels worlds away from the glittering opulence of La Croisette, and much more like the towns of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice).
As you explore Le Suquet, climb the gently sloping Rue Saint-Antoine. It is here, where bistros spill onto the street and menus feature Provençal favorites like moules marinières and ratatouille, that Cannes feels its most authentic. At the top, you will reach Musée des Explorations du Monde or Museum of World Explorations (formerly the Musée de la Castre, or Castre Museum), set in a former medieval castle. Its collection of art and artifacts is worth a look if you have time to spare, but the real highlight is the panoramic view from the castle's watchtower.
We did not spend nearly enough time wandering these streets, but even so, we instantly understood why visitors call Le Suquet the soul of Cannes. It is small, walkable, and filled with history. Le Suquet is a great reminder that Cannes was once a small fishing village, long before film directors arrived vying for an illustrious Palme d'Or.
Located in Le Suquet is Marché Forville, the local market in Cannes. The covered market is a favorite amongst both locals and tourists picking up fresh seafood, flowers, and Provençal produce.
Almost every town along the French Riviera has its own version of a local market. For example, Nice has Cours Saleya, Antibes has Marché Provençal, and Cannes has this one. While these markets share the same charm, Marché Forville feels a bit more polished, reflecting the town's refined personality.
If you are visiting Cannes for the day, you can easily skip the market and still see the town's highlights. However, if you are staying longer, it is worth a stop - even just to grab a snack, browse the local products, or pick up a small souvenir like locally-made lavender soap or a small bottle of olive oil.
Marché Forville is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Keep in mind that vendors may begin packing up their stalls before the 1:00 PM closing time.
On Mondays, Marché Forville plays host to a flea market. The Monday flea market in Cannes is from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Whether you visit for the traditional market or the flea market on Mondays, be sure you have cash as many vendors are cash-only. For additional information about the markets in Cannes, please visit the Cannes Office de Tourisme website.
Cannes' dining scene reflects the town itself - stylish, international, and best enjoyed with a view of the water. From open-air beach clubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, you will find a mix of fine dining and relaxed Mediterranean fare that captures the essence of the French Riviera.
For a taste of refined French cuisine, La Palme d’Or (inside the Hôtel Martinez) offers Michelin-starred dining with impeccable service and incredible sea views. Table 22 by Noël Mantel, located in Le Suquet, is another favorite.
From our experience, you really cannot go wrong with food in the French Riviera, and Cannes is no exception. The city has no shortage of great places to eat, whether you are after a Michelin-recommended restaurant or something more casual by the water.
The beachfront restaurants along La Croisette are perfect for long, leisurely lunches. Yes, they are on the pricier side, but the setting and quality make it worth it. Even the private beach clubs serve surprisingly great food; the kind you will want to linger over while stretched out on a sunbed, rosé in hand, and a platter of grilled seafood arriving right to your spot on the sand.
We had a late lunch/afternoon snack at Vilebrequin La Page Cannes on our half-day trip to Cannes from Nice. The chill vibe was exactly what we were looking for and we loved everything we had, especially the sorbet for dessert! While we did not spend nearly enough time in Nice to provide you with a long list of restaurant recommendations, I highly recommend checking out Tripadvisor or TheFork to help you find some of the best-rated restaurants in Cannes.
One of the best things about visiting Cannes is how easy it is to explore the rest of the French Riviera. Thanks to frequent train connections and short travel times, it is easy to plan a day trip from Cannes to nearby towns like Antibes, Monaco, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, or Nice. So, whether you are based in Cannes for a few days or a full week, these destinations make it easy to experience more of southern France without going too far.
Just 10 minutes away by train, Antibes makes for the easiest and most relaxing day trip from Cannes. In a little more than a half-day, you can wander through its Old Town, browse the local market (the Marché Provençal), and visit the Picasso Museum overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. For more inspiration, check out our Antibes Travel Guide. Antibes was easily one of our favorites towns along the Côte d'Azur.
If you are interested in art, incredible gardens, and fabulous architecture, head east to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, home to the famous Rothschild Villa (Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild). The pastel-pink mansion and its gardens are among the most elegant spots on the coast and make for a great half-day trip from Cannes.
For something a little more glamorous, take the train to Monaco, in just about an hour. This tiny country may be known for its luxury, but it is surprisingly easy to experience without spending a fortune. Our guide on How to Visit Monaco on a Budget covers how to enjoy the highlights, from the Prince’s Palace to the Monte Carlo Casino, while keeping your trip affordable.
If you have yet to explore Nice, particularly Old Town Nice (Vieux Nice), it is another must-see on the French Riviera! Just 37 minutes from Cannes by train, Nice offers a lively, more local vibe. Think: colorful markets, narrow alleys, and one of the best seaside promenades in Europe. While you are there, do not miss the Colline du Château for incredible views of the Mediterranean coastline.
To purchase your train tickets for Cannes (and elsewhere in the French Riviera), I recommend using the SNCF Connect app which is available for both iPhone and Android. The app is the quickest and easiest way to purchase train tickets. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased using the kiosks at the train station.
Before you go, here are a few quick answers to the most common questions about what to do in Cannes and how to plan your trip along the Côte d'Azur.
Absolutely, but it depends on what you are looking for in your experience traveling through the French Riviera. If you are drawn to glamor, luxury, and sandy beaches, then, yes, Cannes delivers. Between its beaches, stylish promenade, and upscale dining scene, Cannes is ideal for travelers who are looking to experience the polished, sophisticated side of the French Riviera.
However, if you are looking for a destination that is more laid-back or authentic, consider nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, or Nice, where the vibe is a little less curated and better for the everyday traveler.
Two to three days lets you see the highlights in Cannes, including La Croisette, Le Suquet, and even the Lérins Islands, while still leaving time to enjoy the beaches and dining scene. With that being said, you can also see a lot in a single day in Cannes, you will just will not be able to see it all!
Both! Cannes has a mix of public and private beaches. Public beaches like Plage du Midi and Plage Zamenhof are free to access, while private beaches along La Croisette offer lounge chairs, restaurants, and bar service for a fee.
Early mornings are best for peaceful walks and photos, while golden hour is perfect for cocktails along the water. If you are looking to spend time swimming or laying out under the Mediterranean sun, then you will want to visit the beach midday. Keep in mind that the Mediterranean Sea is still fairly cold until late-May, so if you are visiting Cannes during the shoulder season, particularly in April and early May, the water may be too cold to swim without a wetsuit. However, If you are planning a trip in September or October, you will still catch warm water and plenty of beach days, especially through the first half of October.
The shoulder seasons, late April and early May (before the Cannes Film Festival), as well as, September and October are ideal. The water is still warm, the crowds are thinner, and prices for the private beach clubs are much more reasonable. Avoid mid-May if you want to skip the Film Festival chaos, unless that is part of your reason for traveling to Cannes.
Yes! It is easy to visit Cannes as a day trip from Nice, Antibes, or Monaco thanks to frequent train connections along the coast. We visited as a half-day trip from Nice. In the time we spent in Cannes, we walked along La Croisette to Port Pierre Canto, did some shopping, saw the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, visited the Vilebrequin La Page Cannes for drinks, small bites, and dessert, and even had time to explore a bit of Le Suquet before heading back to Nice for dinner.
Cannes is very compact and walkable, making it easy to see a lot in a short period of time. The entire stretch between the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and Port Pierre Canto, along La Croisette, is only about 1.4 miles (2.2 km). Plus, the walk between the Cannes train station and the beach takes less than 10 minutes.
While we personally based ourselves in Nice during our time on the French Riviera, Cannes makes a fantastic place to stay, especially if you are looking for easy beach access and a bit of that red-carpet, Hollywood glamour. My in-laws have stayed in the Carlton Cannes , and they still talk about it as one of their favorite hotels. The recently renovated property captures everything the city is known for: timeless elegance, sea views, and that unmistakable Riviera charm.
However, if you are looking for something a little more approachable - both in price and atmosphere - there are several excellent hotels located between the train station and La Croisette. In my opinion, and based on my time in Cannes, this is the ideal area to base your stay: close enough to walk to the beach, shops, and restaurants, while being quieter than staying directly on the promenade. A few highly rated options to consider, include:
If you are wondering what to do in Cannes, the beauty of this town is that it does not ask you to choose between glamour and relaxation, it offers both. Spend your mornings strolling La Croisette, where the Mediterranean Sea sparkles beside designer boutiques, and your afternoons stretched out on the sandy beaches that make Cannes such a gem on the French Riviera. Wander the cobbled lanes of Le Suquet, linger over a long lunch or dinner with a view of the Mediterranean, and leave room in your itinerary for a day trip (or two) to nearby favorites like Antibes, Monaco, and/or Nice.
Every part of Cannes, from its glamorous reputation to its quieter corners, feels distinctly Riviera, yet entirely its own. It is a town that invites you to slow down - to linger over a glass of rosé, watch the sunset over the bay, and simply enjoy being by the sea.
Planning a longer trip along the Côte d'Azur? Do not miss our French Riviera Travel Guide for more ideas on where to go, what to see, and how to make the most of this incredible stretch of southern France.
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