A must-see seaside resort on the Côte d’Azur, Cannes is also the starting point for numerous excursions throughout Provence. Whether you prefer to visit picturesque villages or take to the sea, you’ll discover exceptional Mediterranean landscapes!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Cannes to make your choice!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 4 favorite excursions in Cannes
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 4 favorites:
- embark for Île Sainte-Marguerite: between hiking, swimming and the must-see Iron Mask Museum and Fort Royal, you’ll love this green setting – book your ferry trip.
- explore the best of Provence: you’ll tour the towns of Èze, Monaco, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence in a small group, and enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the Côte d’Azur – see prices, photos and availability.
- discover the vineyards of southern France: a day between Grasse, Gourdon and Valbonne during which you’ll taste delicious French wines from the Bellet vineyards – see prices, photos and availability.
- take a catamaran cruise in Cannes: discover the Bay of Cannes from the sea and put on a mask and snorkel to explore the seabed of the Îles de Lérins – see prices, photos and availability.
1. Sainte-Marguerite Island
Why do we recommend this tour?
Just 15 minutes by ferry from the old port, this island is a haven of peace off the Mediterranean coast. We were charmed by its coves, rock formations and views of the town and the Massif de l’Estérel on the horizon. In our opinion, this is a must-do activity in Cannes!
The island’s history is also marked by the mysterious legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, who was imprisoned in Fort Royal for 11 long years. Disembarked on the island in 1687, he was locked up in a cell designed expressly for him under the orders of King Louis XIV. He was forced to wear an iron mask until his death in 1703. His identity remains a mystery to this day, even if historians have a few clues! See our article on Île Sainte-Marguerite for more information.
What you will see
Take a stroll around the island and you’ll discover..:
- the Iron Mask Museum and Fort Royal,
- the underwater eco-museum and its Jason deCaires Taylor statues,
- the state-owned forest and its biodiversity,
- incredible views of Cannes, the sea and the nearby island,
- small coves, notably Crique de la Pointe du Dragon,
- ball-bearing furnaces.
How much time should I allow?
Île Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of the 2 Îles de Lérins. Allow half a day or even a full day to visit.
Is the tour family-friendly?
We highly recommend this trip for families! In addition to the many walks and visits to Fort Royal, you can also go snorkeling along the island’s coastline. However, remember to wear swimming shoes to avoid injury, and keep a watchful eye on your children.
What’s more, you’ll find several picnic tables positioned facing the Bay of Cannes for lunch. Ideal for a gourmet, natural break!
Check out our round-trip ferry offers.
2. Saint-Honorat Island
Why do we recommend this tour?
Smaller than its neighbor, Île Saint-Honorat is particularly famous for its Abbey of Lérins. On this garden island, monks have for centuries perpetuated the art of caring for vineyards, plants and flowers. We loved discovering its rich historical heritage and natural setting. In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful islands on the Côte d’Azur!
On our walk around the island, we discovered 7 10th-century chapels and ruins dating back to the 11th century. There is also a fortified monastery and 2 churches. For more information on this island, you can read our full article here.
What you will see
On the island, you’ll be watching:
- the fortified monastery,
- Saint-Honorat church,
- Sainte-Marie Church,
- the 7 chapels,
- ball furnaces,
- vineyards,
- small natural coves,
- paths lined with olive trees and Aleppo pines.
How much time should I allow?
We advise you to allow half a day for a leisurely visit to the Abbey of Lérins, and its many buildings scattered across the island. It takes 20 minutes by ferry to reach the island from the old port of Cannes. Find out more here.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Unlike its neighbor, Île Saint-Honorat is better suited to adult visitors. We’d be more inclined to recommend visiting Île Sainte-Marguerite with your children. Discovering historic buildings and wine tasting are the main activities on this island.
3. Best of Côte d’Azur: Nice, Èze, Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Why do we recommend these tours?
Would you like to discover other Côte d’Azur towns during your stay in Cannes? We strongly advise you to opt for a guided tour. Take advantage of this day trip to explore the French Riviera and its treasures!
You’ll discover destinations each more attractive than the next: Nice, Èze, Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence! You’re sure to be captivated by the Mediterranean landscapes and charming little Provencal villages!
What you will see
Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll see:
- the medieval village of Èze and its famous Fragonard perfume factory,
- the Grand Prix circuit and the casino built by Garnier in Monte Carlo,
- panoramic views of Nice, Cap Ferrat and the Mediterranean Sea,
- the changing of the guard at Monaco’s Palais Princier,
- the picturesque village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence,
- the old town ofAntibes and its port,
- the famous Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes.
- Nice’ s old town and Cimiez district.
How much time should I allow?
We particularly recommend these 2 full-day tours:
- a guided tour of Nice, Èze, Monaco and Monte Carlo – see prices, photos and availability.
- an excursion to Èze, Monaco, Monte-Carlo, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence – see prices, photos and availability.
4. Monaco by ferry
Why do we recommend this tour?
A splendid casino immortalized in the famous James Bond saga, a Prince’s Palace perched on a rock, a mythical Formula 1 Grand Prix… Immerse yourself in the luxury of the Principality of Monaco, an extraordinary city that won’t leave you indifferent! Once you’re there, you’ll be totally free to organize your time as you see fit. Under normal circumstances, you’ll disembark around 20 minutes before the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at 11:55 a.m. at the Palais Princier.
This excursion, which combines a sea outing with a city tour, is ideal for a pleasant day out with your partner or friends. However, you’ll need to be comfortable at sea, as the ferry ride lasts 1.5 hours each way.
What you will see
On this tour, you’ll discover..:
- views of the Côte d’Azur from the water,
- the port of the Principality of Monaco,
- the Prince’s Palace and the Changing of the Guard,
- Casino de Monte-Carlo,
- the Oceanographic Museum,
- Notre Dame-de-L’Immaculée-Conception Cathedral,
- Prince Rainier III’s automobile collection,
- the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
For more inspiration, check out our article on must-do activities in Monaco to plan your day’s visits!
How much time should I allow?
It takes a full day to take the ferry to Monaco and visit the city.
See prices, photos and availability of the round-trip ferry to Monaco.
5. Wine tasting: Grasse, Valbonne and Gourdon
Why do we recommend this tour?
Picked up directly from your accommodation in Cannes, this air-conditioned minibus tour will take you through Provence. First, you’ll head for Grasse, where you’ll visit the Fragonard perfume factory. Then lunch at a charming restaurant in Valbonne, followed by a tasting of French wines from the Bellet vineyards. We particularly recommend this tour for oenophiles. Along the way, you’ll discover magnificent views of the Côte d’Azur!
What you will see
During this small-group excursion, you’ll observe..:
- the charming town of Grasse and the Fragonard perfume factory,
- the medieval village of Valbonne,
- the Rivière Loup waterfalls,
- the small fortress of Gourdon and its view of the Côte d’Azur,
- Bellet vineyards,
- Château de Crémat and its panoramic sea view.
How much time should I allow?
It takes a full day to complete this organized tour of Provence.
Book your wine tour from Cannes!
6. Calanques de l’Estérel
Why do we recommend this tour?
We loved discovering the Massif de l’Estérel, a mountainous region between Cannes and Saint-Raphaël. We were seduced by the calanques, a series of small coves and cliffs with glowing red hues. If you’ve got your sea legs, we strongly recommend a boat trip from Cannes. From the sea, you can enjoy breathtaking views of these unique rock formations. You’ll also have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea!
What you will see
If you choose to go there by boat, you’ll be able to observe:
- secret coves (only accessible by sea),
- rock caves,
- the Corniche d’Or,
- the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea,
- the panoramic view of the coastline.
How much time should I allow?
If you’re going by car, we advise you to allow half a day, or even a full day, depending on your preferences. It’s a great place to hike!
The sea trip takes between 2h30 and 3h.
Book your cruise to Calanques de l’Estérel.
7. Antibes and its cape
Why do we recommend this tour?
Located between Cannes and Nice, this Côte d’Azur town is famous for its beaches and the seaside resort of Juan-les-Pins. But that’s not all, there’s so much more! We really enjoyed its rich historical heritage and museums. You can also take part in water sports, or enjoy a pleasant stroll along the seafront.
In love with Provencal charm? You’ll find what you’re looking for in the old town of Antibes. Surrounded by 16th-century ramparts, we loved the colorful alleyways dotted with plants, cobblestone pavements and small local shops.
What you will see
When you visit the city, you’ll discover..:
- the old town and its cobbled streets,
- Fort Carré,
- the Port Vauban and its sculpture Le Nomade,
- the Tirepoil trail at Cap d’Antibes,
- the Picasso Museum,
- the Provencal Market,
- the Villa Thuret garden,
- the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse,
- Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception Cathedral,
- the beaches of Cap d’Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.
How much time should I allow?
In our opinion, you can easily spend a full day in Antibes.
From Cannes, it’s a 30-minute drive by car (or cab), or 12 minutes by train.
See our selection of must-do activities in Antibes.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
8. Mandelieu-la-Napoule and its castle
Why do we recommend this tour?
Located 25 minutes from Cannes by car, Mandelieu-la-Napoule is well worth a visit. Lost between sea and mountains, this town offers an exceptional natural setting. Its sandy beaches, picturesque coves and marina make it a paradise for sea lovers and water sports enthusiasts. We loved visiting the Château de la Napoule and its incredible gardens, a sublime heritage monument on the water’s edge. It’s a major cultural attraction!
What you will see
You’re about to find out:
- the emblematic Château de la Napoule and its magnificent gardens,
- the beaches of the Golfe de la Napoule, in particular Plage du Château,
- the Mont San Peyre departmental park, with its panoramic views of the Lérins Islands and the Esterel Massif,
- the Corniche d’Or site,
- the Old Course Golf Club.
How much time should I allow?
Allow a full day to visit Mandelieu-la-Napoule.
From Cannes, it’s a 20-minute drive by car (or cab), or a 7-minute train ride.
See our article on the most beautiful gardens on the Côte d’Azur, including Château de la Napoule.
9. Medieval village of Mougins
Why do we recommend this tour?
We were charmed by this typical village, with its narrow streets and stone houses. In turn, you’ll be seduced by the views over the Provencal countryside, the excellent restaurants and the Mougins Museum of Classic Art. The latter houses an exceptional collection of antique and contemporary works. In our opinion, it’s a cultural mecca that’s sure to please art and history lovers alike.
What you will see
As you stroll through this traditional village, you’ll see..:
- the magnificent views from the village,
- picturesque alleys decorated with vegetation and stone houses,
- the Sarrazine Gate,
- the wash-house,
- sculptures and art galleries,
- the church and its organ,
- the Mougins Museum of Classical Art,
- the photography center
- the Local History Museum.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 hour to walk around the narrow streets, and up to 3 hours if you want to explore everything and visit the main museums and/or art galleries. The Mougins Museum of Classical Art takes at least 1 hour to explore.
From Cannes, it’s a 20-minute drive by car (or cab).
See our article on must-do activities in Mougins.
10. Cannes Bay by boat
Why do we recommend these tours?
Do you prefer sailing or motor boats? You can choose between a catamaran excursion or a small-group skipper trip. Beyond the incredible Mediterranean scenery, you can swim in the picturesque coves of the Îles de Lérins, or sunbathe at the bow of the boat. A cruise under the Côte d’Azur sun will be a memorable experience!
What you will see
Depending on the tour you choose, you’ll discover..:
- panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline from the sea,
- the hidden coves of Île Sainte-Marguerite,
- Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater eco-museum,
- Île Saint-Honorat,
- the Massif de l’Estérel and the Corniche d’Or,
- the Bay of Cannes,
- the Promenade and the Pointe de la Croisette.
How much time should I allow?
Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a catamaran trip lasting just 3 hours, a half-day or a full day – see prices, photos and availability.
The private boat cruise takes 4 hours – see prices, photos and availability.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best guided tours of downtown Cannes?
To discover a city in depth, we recommend you take a tour accompanied by a local. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the life of a local, and discover some of the best places to visit that tourists don’t know about. We’ll satisfy your curiosity by sharing regional customs and traditions. Feel free to ask any questions you may have – see prices, photos and availability.
If you’re a film buff, we also recommend a guided tour on the theme of the 7th art. Accompanied by a scriptwriter, you’ll tour Cannes and its iconic landmarks, including the Palais des Festivals – see prices, photos and availability.
Where to see a beautiful sunset in Cannes?
If you want to enjoy the most beautiful sunset in Cannes, we strongly recommend a sunset cruise to the Îles de Lérins. It’s sure to be a memorable experience! This magical experience is available during the summer season – see prices, photos and availability.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
