Are you planning a holiday on the Côte d’Azur and have a passion for history? Through our selection of the 5 best museums in Cannes, you’ll discover all the city’s cultural wealth and incredible views!
At the Museum of World Explorations, we were dazzled by the 360° panorama of the seaside resort from the top of the tower! Housed in the Château de la Castre, it boasts a rich and fascinating collection of primitive art. Do you know the mysterious legend of theMan in the Iron Mask? Visit the Musée du Fort Royal onÎle Sainte-Marguerite to delve into the heart of this fascinating historical enigma.
In this article, we give you all our photo tips for visiting these cultural sites, and having a great time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Cannes’ best museums: tips
Discover our 5 favorite museums: a plunge into the art, history and culture of this emblematic city on the Côte d’Azur. This experience will help you better understand the heritage of this seaside resort, and appreciate the artistic diversity of this region.
For more inspiration, check out our article on must-do activities in the city!
To benefit from discounts on a selection of cultural activities and events, the city offers the Cannes Pass Culture. It costs €10 for Canois residents and €15 for non-residents. You’ll enjoy reduced admission rates to the Musée des Explorations du Monde, or the Musée du Masque de Fer on Île Sainte-Marguerite. Shows programmed at the Palais des Festivals are also included. More information on the official website here.
1. World Explorations Museum – Château de la Castre (in town)
Why visit it? Our review
Located high up in the Suquet district, this museum focuses on primitive art, Orientalism and Mediterranean antiquities. Formerly known as the Musée de la Castre, it was installed in the remains of the castle of the same name. Classified as a historic monument, it was built in the 11th century. It’s one of the oldest historic sites in Cannes!
We really enjoyed exploring this place, and especially taking advantage of its 360° view over the whole city and bay. When we left the museum, we had many fond memories and, above all, many beautiful photos to share with you! So what are you waiting for?
Our 3 favorite moments
Here are our 3 favorite moments from our visit to the museum:
- the view from the tower: after climbing 109 steps, we discovered a sublime panorama of the sea, the town and the Château de la Castre!
- the Gontran de Poncins collection: this French author went to the Canadian Far North to live with the Inuit and bring back ancient tools!
- the exhibition on Egypt: between funerary stelae, bronze statuettes and a child’s sarcophagus, this section of the museum was brief but interesting!
Useful tips
- Allow 45min to 1h to visit the site.
- From downtown Cannes, it’s a 15-minute walk to the site. The path is steep.
- The museum has several narrow staircases and an uneven floor. However, tours adapted for people with reduced mobility are available on request.
- We recommend this activity for families. During the school vacations, the museum organizes workshops for children aged 3 to 5, 5 to 7 and 7 to 13.
- Price: €6.50 full price, free for under-18s.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10am to 7pm in July and August, and from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm or 6pm in low season. Check out the latest news here.
- There’s a great choice of restaurants in the vicinity, and here ‘s our selection of the best in Le Suquet.
Read our full article on the Museum of World Explorations.
WHERE TO STAY IN Cannes
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: on the Croisette
Along the seafront promenade and beaches.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Martinez – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: The Suquet and surrounding area
On the heights of the old town, with lots of charm.
- Hotel le Suquet – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Canopy by Hilton – see prices, pictures and availability
2. Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal (Île Sainte-Marguerite)
Why visit it? Our review
This museum houses a collection relating to the captivity and intriguing life of the Man in the Iron Mask. Learn more about the theories and speculations surrounding the identity of this mysterious individual, one of the most famous enigmas in French history! Find out more here.
Formerly known as the Sea museum, it also exhibits collections of regional underwater and terrestrial archaeology. From the fort’s ramparts, we enjoyed magnificent views over the island and the bay. This museum is featured in our article on the best things to do on Île Sainte-Marguerite!
Our 3 favorite moments
During our visit, 3 moments particularly struck us:
- the views over the island and the Bay of Cannes: we were totally charmed by the panorama on either side of the fortifications. The site boasts an exceptional blend of history and nature!
- the prison of the man in the iron mask: landed 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!
- paintings by Jean Le Gac: in July 1992, the painter locked himself in the Fort Royal prison to tell the story of the place and its prisoners in a different way. We really enjoyed this artist’s work, painted directly on the walls.
Useful tips
- Allow 45min to 1h to visit the Iron Mask Museum and the Royal Fort.
- Located on Île Sainte-Marguerite, you’ll need to take the ferry from Cannes harbor to reach the historic site – see prices, photos and availability.
- To reach the museum, you’ll need to climb 60 steps or follow a 350m-long gently sloping path. This road is indicated as being suitable for people with reduced mobility.
- In our opinion, Fort Royal is difficult to access, as the cobbled floor is uneven and the prison corridors are narrow.
- We recommend this activity for families. The museum offers workshops for young visitors aged 7 to 13 during school vacations.
- Price: €6.50 full price, €3.50 for 18-25 year-olds.
- Opening hours: open daily from June to September from 10am to 5:45pm, and from 10:30am to 1:15pm and from 2:15pm to 4:45pm or 5:45pm in low season. More up-to-date info here.
- Throughout the island, you’ll find several picnic tables facing the Bay of Cannes. Ideal for a gourmet and natural break. Don’t forget to prepare your packed lunch beforehand!
Read our full article on the Iron Mask and Fort Royal Museum.
3. Musée Bonnard (north of town – Le Cannet)
Why visit it? Our review
The museum is housed in the former Hôtel Saint-Vianney, with its Belle Époque architecture. Magnificently preserved and surrounded by lush gardens, it houses a remarkable collection of works by French painter Pierre Bonnard, a master of Post-Impressionism.
We gazed at her luminous, colorful paintings, which capture the beauty of the Côte d’Azur. As we explored the galleries, we immersed ourselves in the creative universe of this artist, greatly inspired by the landscapes of the South of France.
Our 3 favorite moments
During your visit to the museum, you’ll admire a collection of works that reflect the artist’s vision. Here are our 3 favorite moments:
- the view of the facade: as soon as we arrived, we were struck by the contrast between the contemporary and the old. The Art Deco architecture stands in stark contrast to the almost futuristic second half of the museum.
- the painting Vue du Cannet (1925): on discovering this work, we were instantly transported to the warm, colorful streets of this Provencal town! According to Pierre Bonnard: “Art can never do without nature”, and we’re pretty much in line with this idea.
- bronze statues: featuring female figures. The material accentuates curves and creates interesting light effects.
Useful tips
- Allow 30min to 1h to visit the site.
- From downtown Cannes, it’s a 15-minute drive by car, or 20 minutes by public transport to reach the site.
- The museum is equipped with an elevator serving all floors and the terrace. Parking spaces are reserved for people with reduced mobility.
- We recommend this activity for families. The museum organizes workshops for children. Find out more here.
- Price: €7 full price, free for children under 12.
- Opening hours: open from 10am to 6pm from September to June, and from 10am to 8pm in July and August (closed Mondays).
- Good choice of restaurants nearby, or in downtown Cannes.
Our article on the Musée Bonnard will be available soon.
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.
4. Artists’ Suquet (in town)
Why visit it? Our review
Housed in a former town mortuary, the Le Suquet des artistes residence showcases local works of art. This exhibition space hosts 2 to 3 artistic events a year. Inaugurated in 2016, the residence is located in the heart of the historic Suquet district. Its aim is to promote contemporary plastic art. We liked the fact that art was also expressed outside the building.
Contemporary art takes many forms, and here you’ll discover paintings, sculptures, installations and other original works. We loved the life-size cow on display in the garden. Would you put it in your home?
Useful tips
- Allow between 30min and 1h to visit the site.
- From downtown Cannes, it’s a 15-minute walk to the artists’ residence. The path is on a slope.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- We recommend this activity to families whose children are particularly sensitive to contemporary art.
- Price: €4.5 full price, under 18s free.
- Opening hours: open daily from 10am to 6pm in high season, and from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm in low season (closed Mondays). More up-to-date info here.
- There’s a great choice of restaurants in the vicinity, and here ‘s our selection of the best in Le Suquet.
5. Musée Picasso, Musée Magnelli and Musée de la Céramique (Vallauris)
Why visit them? Our review
Just a 20-minute drive from Cannes, Vallauris is home to a combination of 3 museums. Renowned for its close relationship with Pablo Picasso and for its expertise in ceramics, you’ll discover..:
- The Musée National Picasso: located in the Chapelle du Château de Vallauris, it houses the work La Guerre et La Paix (1952). We were speechless in front of this immense fresco in vibrant hues!
- The Magnelli Museum: admire the colorful abstractions of Italian painter Alberto Magnelli (1888-1971). Find out more about the artist here.
- The Musée de la Céramique : retrace the evolution of Vallauris ceramics through various major periods.
Our 3 favorite moments
Visiting its 3 museums, we loved certain moments in particular:
- Beyond the War and Peace fresco, we were struck by the originality of the objects on display at the Musée Picasso. Decorated with human features, the vases are atypically shaped. They capture the artist’s boundless creativity!
- at the Musée Magnelli, it was the painting La Japonaise (1914) that particularly caught our eye. This oil on canvas plays with color and proportion.
- Finally, we discovered some unique works at the Musée de la Céramique, such as Roger Capron’sElf (2006). We’d never seen anything like it before! Find out more about the ceramist here.
Useful tips
- Allow 1h30 to 2h to visit the 3 museums.
- From downtown Cannes, it takes around 20 minutes by car, or 30 minutes by public transport, to reach the site.
- The museums are accessible to people with reduced mobility. A removable ramp facilitates entry to the chapel. There are also 2 reserved parking spaces.
- We recommend this activity for families. Your kids will love discovering art in all its different forms, as well as the original, colorful works of Pablo Picasso!
- Price: €6 full price, free for under-18s. Access to all 3 museums included.
- Opening hours: open from 10am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6pm in July and August, and from 10am to 12:15pm and from 2pm to 5pm in low season (closed all year on Tuesdays). Updated information here.
- A fine choice of restaurants in Vallauris.
Our full article on Vallauris museums will be available soon.
Other museums in and around Cannes
Need more inspiration for your stay in Cannes? Find out about 2 other museums we really liked:
- Underwater Ecomuseum by Jason deCaires Taylor (Île Sainte-Marguerite): facingÎle Saint-Honorat. Are you interested in visiting an extraordinary museum? Dive in and discover incredible underwater works of art! Find out more here.
- Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins (MACM ): sadly closed for good. However, it will be replaced by FAMM: Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins in June 2024. Information and updates here.
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
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
