Cannes

Cannes, located on the French Riviera, is synonymous with luxury, glamour, and cinema. The city is best known for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival, where celebrities from around the world gather to showcase and celebrate the best in cinema. Cannes' picturesque promenade, La Croisette, is lined with luxury hotels, boutiques, and palm trees, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The city's Old Town, known as Le Suquet, features narrow winding streets, charming restaurants, and a panoramic view of the bay. Cannes is also home to beautiful beaches, where visitors can relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine. The city's lively markets, such as the Marché Forville, offer fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties. Cannes' blend of elegance, culture, and scenic beauty makes it one of the most glamorous destinations on the French Riviera.

Top attractions & things to do in Cannes

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Cannes, this guide brings together the top attractions and must-see places to visit in Cannes. The top picks below highlight the most visited sights for first-time visitors, plus a few local favorites worth adding.

Abbaye de Lérins

Abbaye de Lérins is a historic monastery located on the Île Saint-Honorat, one of the Lérins Islands off the coast of Cannes. Founded in the 5th century, the abbey has been a place of worship and reflection for centuries and is still home to a community of Cistercian monks. The serene island setting, surrounded by the blue waters of the Mediterranean, provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Cannes. Visitors can tour the abbey, learn about its rich history, and taste the wines produced by the monks, which are renowned in the region. The site also features ancient chapels, fortifications, and stunning views, making it a unique combination of spiritual, historical, and natural experiences. The monks still use a 4th-century irrigation system for their vineyards. Don’t miss the Chapelle de la Trinité, a secluded chapel with frescoes from the Carolingian era.

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Île Sainte-Marguerite

Île Sainte-Marguerite is one of the Lérins Islands located just off the coast of Cannes. Known for its rich history and natural beauty, the island is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape from the city. It is famous for Fort Royal, where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. Visitors can explore the fort, which now houses a museum dedicated to the island’s history and artifacts from shipwrecks. The island is also home to tranquil pine and eucalyptus forests, offering walking trails and picnic spots with stunning sea views. Recent excavations uncovered a Roman freshwater reservoir, hinting at ancient settlements. The island’s Musée de la Mer displays relics from 17th-century Spanish galleons, adding maritime intrigue.

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La Croisette

La Croisette is the famous promenade that stretches along the Mediterranean coastline in Cannes. Known for its glamorous atmosphere, this iconic boulevard is lined with luxury hotels, upscale boutiques, and trendy cafes. Visitors often stroll down La Croisette to enjoy the sea views, palm trees, and the lively ambiance. It is also home to the renowned Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place annually. La Croisette is a symbol of luxury and style, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the French Riviera. Originally named Boulevard de la Croisette in 1860, the promenade was designed to rival Nice’s Promenade des Anglais. Today, it hosts the exclusive Cannes Yachting Festival, attracting elite boating enthusiasts from around the world.

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Le Suquet

Le Suquet is the oldest quarter in Cannes, known for its charming narrow streets, historical significance, and panoramic views of the city and sea. This medieval area is filled with quaint houses, local shops, and restaurants serving traditional Provençal cuisine. Visitors can climb up to the top of Le Suquet to see the Notre-Dame d’Espérance church and enjoy sweeping views of the harbor. The area’s cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect place to experience the authentic spirit of Cannes. Hidden beneath the church lies a 11th-century watchtower, once used to spot pirate raids. Every July, Le Suquet hosts the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique, where fireworks light up the bay in dazzling displays.

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Les murs peints

Les murs peints are one of the most captivating artistic attractions in Cannes, transforming the cityscape into an open-air gallery. These large, intricately designed murals are spread across various buildings and celebrate the city’s longstanding relationship with cinema. Each painting tells a unique story and features iconic film scenes, famous actors, and symbolic elements related to film history. Initiated to honor Cannes’ status as the home of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, these artworks bring vibrancy and cultural depth to the streets. Walking through Cannes and spotting these masterpieces feels like embarking on a treasure hunt where each discovery reveals another aspect of film heritage. The murals include tributes to Alfred Hitchcock and Grace Kelly, who frequented the festival. One mural on Rue d’Antibes uses trompe-l’oeil techniques to create a 3D illusion of a classic movie reel.

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Marche Forville

Marche Forville is a popular market in Cannes that showcases the finest local produce, seafood, cheeses, and flowers. Open most days of the week, this bustling market is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Visitors can sample fresh foods, buy Provençal specialties, or simply take in the lively atmosphere. On Mondays, the market transforms into a flea market, offering antiques and unique treasures. Located just a short walk from the Old Port, Marche Forville is a must-visit for those who appreciate authentic French culture and cuisine. The market’s 19th-century building features a wrought-iron structure reminiscent of Parisian halls. Don’t miss the socca stalls, serving crispy chickpea pancakes—a Niçoise delicacy adored by locals.

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Musée de la Castre

Musée de la Castre is housed in a historic castle that overlooks Cannes from the hill of Le Suquet. The museum is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including antiquities from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The building itself is a relic of medieval times, adding to the allure of the exhibits. Visitors can climb the castle tower for panoramic views of Cannes and the surrounding coastline. The museum’s diverse exhibits and historical setting make it a unique destination for culture and history enthusiasts. Its 12th-century architecture includes a chapel with frescoes depicting medieval pilgrims. A hidden gem: the museum’s Tibetan ritual objects, collected by a Cannes explorer in the 1800s.

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Old Port of Cannes

The Old Port of Cannes, known as Vieux Port, is a charming area that reflects the city’s maritime heritage. It serves as the starting point for many boat tours and offers picturesque views of both luxury yachts and traditional fishing boats. The port is surrounded by restaurants and cafes where visitors can relax while taking in the stunning views. With its backdrop of Le Suquet and the Mediterranean, the Old Port is a perfect place to experience the laid-back charm of Cannes. It is also the site of various events and festivals throughout the year. In the 19th century, fishermen here pioneered the tonnara tuna-fishing technique. The port’s Régates Royales—a classic yacht race—draws vintage vessels from across Europe every September.

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Palais des Festivals

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the world-famous venue that hosts the Cannes Film Festival each year. With its iconic red carpet and modern architecture, the building has become a symbol of international cinema and celebrity culture. Outside of the festival season, visitors can take tours to explore the interior and learn about its history. The surrounding area features handprints of film stars, contributing to the allure of this prestigious landmark. The Palais also hosts various conventions and events throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the globe. Built in 1982, its sleek glass-and-steel design contrasts with Cannes’ historic charm. One lesser-known fact: the building’s rooftop offers a 360-degree panorama of the city and sea, accessible during guided tours.

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Statue de Lord Brougham

The Statue de Lord Brougham stands as a tribute to Henry Peter Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux, a prominent British statesman who played a pivotal role in establishing Cannes as a sought-after resort destination. Situated in a charming square near the Palais des Festivals, this statue commemorates Brougham’s significant influence on the city’s development. In the 19th century, Lord Brougham visited Cannes and, captivated by its scenic beauty and climate, decided to build a residence there. His endorsement and presence attracted European nobility and aristocrats, transforming Cannes from a modest fishing village into a renowned luxury destination. The statue was unveiled in 1898, funded by grateful locals. Nearby, the Villa Eléonore—his former home—still stands as a private residence, inaccessible but iconic.

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