Is Cannes worth a visit? Need some inspiration to plan your weekend or vacation in Provence?
Renowned the world over for the Cannes Film Festival, the city is also very popular for its famous Croisette promenade. A temple of luxury and gambling, it is home to numerous hotels, restaurants and prestigious casinos. Between the historic Suquet district, the port, the beaches, the market and the museums, you’ll love discovering this must-see seaside resort on France’s Côte d’Azur!
In this article, we give you our 12 reasons to visit the city, and a few points to keep in mind.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices, and paying all our bills in full.
Is Cannes worth a visit?
Totally! Cannes, the jewel of the Côte d’Azur, seduced us with its golden sandy beaches, its special relationship with cinema, its museums and its famous Croisette promenade. You probably know the city from the world-famous Cannes Film Festival. This event attracts celebrities from the 7th art and many cinephiles every year! Do you dream of walking up the red carpet?
Beyond the cinema, Cannes has many other treasures to offer! We loved discovering the old town and its Provencal charm. Perched on a hilltop above the old port, the Le Suquet district transported us back to the Cannes of yesteryear. For lovers of luxury, the area is renowned for its many prestigious hotels and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a glamorous, extravagant experience!
Its strategic location also makes it easy to explore the French Rivera and its charming neighboring towns. In short, it’s a versatile destination that combines entertainment, culture and refinement.
Discover our article on the best attractions in Cannes!
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
Reason 1 – For the famous Croisette promenade
The Promenade de la Croisette is a must-see avenue on France’s Côte d’Azur. It runs along the Mediterranean Sea for around 3 kilometers from the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto. It embodies luxury, glamour and the French art of living. We observed the many hotels, restaurants and designer boutiques lining the Boulevard de la Croisette. Luxury brands such as Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton follow one another.
Along the way, you’ll discover a series of beaches offering different views of the Bay of Cannes. Lost between land and sea, the Croisette is as beautiful by night as it is by day. Once the sun goes down, the lights of the waterfront are reflected in the dark water. The vibrant heart of the city, we enjoyed this stroll at the crossroads of 2 worlds: luxury and nature.
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.
Reason 2 – For its old town, Le Suquet
Le Suquet is Cannes’ historic district, situated on a hill overlooking the harbor and bay. It’s famous for its Provencal charm, with narrow cobbled streets, colorful facades and picturesque squares. We loved strolling through the narrow streets of the old town! It’s not at all the same atmosphere as on the Croisette promenade. Glamour has given way to the charm of the old and the traditional.
Housed in an ancient medieval tower, the district is also home to the World Explorations Museum. Just a few steps away, we recommend a visit to the Place de la Castre for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, visit the Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance church, with its interesting architecture and history. We were charmed by Le Suquet and its many treasures. It’s the ideal place to step back in time and discover Cannes in a different light.
Reason 3 – For its cruises
From Cannes, the view of the Mediterranean Sea is breathtaking. But if you opt for a cruise departing from the city, you’ll have the chance to discover exceptional natural panoramas! The Lérins islands, which include Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, are very popular with visitors. We particularly enjoyed these exotic expeditions, during which we were able to recharge our batteries far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Choose from a wide range of destinations, each more tempting than the last! You can also explore Cap d’Antibes and the Esterel creeks by boat.
Consult our cruise offers from Cannes.
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Reason 4 – For its luxury establishments
To take full advantage of Cannes’ potential, we strongly advise you to visit the luxury establishments if you can. Between gourmet restaurants, 5-star hotels, fashion houses and casinos, we’ve had some extraordinary experiences. We were impressed by the quality of the accommodations and their services. Discover our selection of the best luxury hotels in and around the city. There are so many exceptional addresses to choose from, it’s hard to choose!
See availability of luxury hotels in Cannes.
Reason 5 – For the beaches of Cannes
The town is renowned for its magnificent beaches along the Mediterranean coast. They offer an exceptional setting for relaxing on the water. The beaches along the Croisette promenade are the most popular, as they are equipped with numerous umbrellas and deckchairs. We enjoyed the many beach bars.
You can see that the beaches were deserted in our photos. We recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. We only came across a few sports enthusiasts on the pier at the start of the day. The city wakes up later and goes to bed later.
See our list of the most beautiful beaches in Cannes
Reason 6 – For its special relationship with cinema
Cannes is world-renowned for its close ties with the film industry, not least because of the Festival de Cannes, one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. You’ve probably already seen the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and its famous steps on TV. This is where French and international celebrities take to the red carpet every May.
On discovering the site, we noticed a peculiarity on the floor. The Chemin des étoiles in Cannes, the equivalent of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, surrounds the palace with more than 150 stars’ footprints. For fans of actresses and actors, it’s a top cinematic destination!
Reason 7 – For its excursions through Provence
Would you like to discover other towns on the Côte d’Azur? Cannes is the starting point for numerous excursions throughout Provence. Take advantage of these day trips to explore the French Riviera. You’ll have a choice of destinations, each more attractive than the last: Nice, Monaco, Grasse, Valbonne, Gourdon, Eze, Antibes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the Gorges du Verdon, Monte-Carlo, and also the Italian Riviera! For the curious, we ‘ve written an article on must-do activities in Nice.
Check out our excursions in Provence departing from Cannes.
Reason 8 – For its old port
The old port of Cannes is a place steeped in history and full of charm. Directly linked to the historic Suquet district, we imagined generations of Cannois walking these cobbled streets. The atmosphere is lively, as local fishermen sell their fresh fish on the quayside. You can also enjoy magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea and nearby islands.
It is also the departure point for boat excursions to the Lérins islands. Ferry journeys are relatively frequent and quick (20min). We advise you to book your return tickets in advance, as this is a very popular activity with tourists.
Book your ferry trip to the Lérins Islands.
Reason 9 – For its museums
Visiting the museums of Cannes is an opportunity to discover the cultural wealth of this emblematic city in the south of France. The collections are very different from one another. For example, the Musée des Explorations du Monde focuses on primitive art, orientalism and Mediterranean and Oriental antiquities. While underwater and terrestrial archaeology is the focus of the Musée du Masque de Fer and Fort Royal, located on the island of Sainte-Marguerite.
These institutions offer a fascinating insight into local history, art and culture. What’s more, the city’s museums are often housed in historic buildings with breathtaking panoramic views. They offer an experience that is both educational and visually captivating.
See our list of Cannes museums.
Reason 10 – For its architectural heritage
The architecture in Cannes is interesting and unique. The town boasts a number of ancient buildings, including the Château de la Castre, which dates back to the Middle Ages, and the Notre-Dame-d’Espérance church. The Croix des Gardes and Californie districts are home to some exceptional villas, including the famous Villa Rothschild. Listed as a historic monument, it is now the Noailles media library. We loved walking around these quieter, more natural neighborhoods.
In a completely different style, we were impressed by the facades of the luxury hotels, each more majestic than the last. Cannes’ architectural heritage is a blend of the ancient and the contemporary. For lovers of contemporary art, head to Le Suquet des Artistes, a creative residence nestled in the historic district of the same name!
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence, subscribe:
Reason 11 – For the Forville market
In Provence, and particularly in Cannes, there’s one thing you can’t do without: the historic market! Take advantage of your stroll through the old town to discover its stalls, sheltered by a charming covered market. Spices, vegetables, honeys, jams and wicker baskets – our senses were on alert!
Located in the heart of Cannes behind the Hôtel de Ville, the Forville market is a must-see place to discover Provencal gastronomy. It’s open every morning for a tasty awakening to the flavours of the South of France! Once you’re there, chances are you’ll want to fill your basket with delicious finds. We also really enjoyed the area, with its small boutiques, food shops and restaurant terraces.
Reason 12 – For its many casinos
Considered the gambling capital of Europe, Cannes has a strong casino presence. The city’s 3 establishments – Casino Barrière Croisette, Casino Les Princes and Casino du 3.14 – offer a variety of entertainment, including slot machines, blackjack, English roulette and a full range of table games. They also frequently host poker tournaments. Their renown attracts players from all over the world who appreciate the 1st-class service offered by Cannes’ establishments. Ready for a little game?
Some disadvantages of a trip to Cannes
Crowds and traffic
Cannes is very busy, especially during the Film Festival and the summer season. If you have the opportunity, we advise you to go outside these 2 highlights. Traffic jams are frequent and numerous due to the density of the population and tourism. For example, a 1-hour journey to Nice can be multiplied by 2 at peak times. If you only want to visit the city centers, opt for the train. On the other hand, don’t hesitate to take your car to visit the hinterland, which is much less crowded!
The rates
As you will have gathered from this article, Cannes is the temple of luxury and glamour. Prestigious hotels, gourmet restaurants and top fashion houses line the Boulevard de la Croisette. To really get the most out of your experience in the city, we recommend that you set aside a fairly substantial budget. Even more so if you decide to visit during the high season, when prices rise sharply.
The weather
Cannes enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. However, temperatures can sometimes rise considerably in summer, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable (especially if you’re sensitive to heat). We advise you to visit the city and its surroundings in spring, autumn or winter.
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Practical tips for getting to Cannes, France.
Cannes is located in southeastern France, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
Our Cannes map will be available soon!
How to get there
To get to Cannes, you can opt for the train. The town is directly linked by TGV to several major French cities, including Paris (5h15), Lyon (4h) and Marseille (2h).
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling by car from elsewhere in France, you can reach Cannes via the A8 motorway or the Autoroute du Soleil. For a more economical route, you can also take the national and departmental roads, such as the D6285.
Finally, if you’re traveling by car from other European countries, we recommend using European freeways, such as the A8 or the Italian A10 (or Autoroute des Fleurs).
Please note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your itinerary in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned if necessary, and that you respect the Highway Code of the countries you will be crossing.
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.
You can also choose to fly. The nearest airport is Nice, serving French and European cities such as Lisbon, Brussels and Dublin. Once there, the easiest option is to rent a car and drive to Cannes in 45 minutes.
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
