Visit Cannes: Insider’s Guide to an Opulent Destination

Blue Chairs on the Croisette in Cannes

Visit Cannes and you’ll have the time of your life. Here you’ll find some of the best things to do and see in this sun-drenched paradise.

We’ve also thrown in a few useful apps for your stay in Cannes.

Essential Details

  • Postcode: 06029 / 06400
  • Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
  • Department: Alpes-Maritimes
  • Population: 73,603
  • Elevation: 0 – 260 m
  • Geo-coordinates: 43°33′05″N 7°00′46″E
  • Distance to Nice airport: 27 km (30 mins drive)
  • More info on Wikipedia

Cannes’ must visit areas

The glittering city of Cannes is one of the most fabulous destinations in the world. Sitting between St Tropez and Monaco, Cannes is right in the heart of the French Riviera. This former fishing village is famous for its golden beaches, exciting events and luxurious boutiques. Overlooking the Mediterranean and surrounded by lush green hills, Cannes enjoys one of the most idyllic and picturesque settings on the Côte d’Azur. Each neighbourhood is more glamorous than the next and there are endless opportunities to enjoy yourself while you’re in town.

The place to be seen

The Croisette is where you’ll find Cannes’ designer boutiques and luxury goods stores. Stretching along the seafront for 2 kilometres, this is the place to be seen while you’re in town. Overlooking the Mediterranean and fringed by palm trees, the Croisette is also home to the fabled Palais des Festivals. An imposing modern convention centre set right on the beach, this is where all the city’s major events are held.

People watching central

By day the Carré d’Or is another exciting shopping district with lots of boutiques But when night falls, you’ll find a wide variety of tempting bistros and restaurants plus dozens of busy bars. With most places open well into the night and live music pretty much guaranteed, the Carré d’Or is one of the most lively neighbourhoods in the city.    

Historical wonderland

The oldest part of Cannes, Le Suquet was once a humble fishing village. But these days it’s an up and coming neighbourhood with charming narrow streets, steep stone staircases and popular restaurants and bars. At the top of the hill you’ll find the original Medieval castle which was transformed into an art museum back in 1919. With breathtaking views over the city and the Mediterranean, it’s well worth making the climb to the very top of the old town for.

A place to set sail from

Back down at sea level, you’ll find the Port area with one of the finest collections of superyachts along the coast. Overlooking the Croisette and the Mediterranean, there are lots of lovely little restaurants and bars tucked away in this pretty part of town.

Trendyville

High in the hills above the city are 2 of the most exclusive neighbourhoods in Cannes. La Californie is surrounded by gentle hills and boasts many of the city’s original art deco villas. This area was once home to some of the greatest names of the 20th century and has inspired countless artists with its golden sunlight and breathtaking views.

It’s all in the name

And just a couple of minutes away you’ll find Super Cannes, with some of the most luxurious properties in the area. Surrounded by shady pine trees and peaceful olive groves, this area is a little taste of Provence, right in the heart of the city.

Beaches in Cannes

Blessed with several kilometres of golden sand, Cannes has some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. From sophisticated private plages to quiet little coves on the headland, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to soak up the sun. Spend the day on trendy ZPlage, officially the hippest beach in town with its live DJ and gala dinners. Or go low-key at Palm Beach on the Cap de la Croisette and enjoy a casual picnic overlooking the Ile Sainte Marguerite. They don’t call Cannes the best beach resort on the French Riviera for nothing!

Eating out

France is famous for its incredible gourmet food and Cannes is no exception to the rule. When it comes to eating out, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this glittering city. The Cannes restaurant scene covers everything from gourmet meals in a Michelin-starred palace to huge portions of pasta in a local bistro or local treats in a beach club resto. Take advantage of being so close to the Mediterranean and try some of the best fish dishes in the Côte d’Azur, or opt for Provençal specialities made with ingredients grown in the hills around Cannes. From delectable gourmet ice-creams to classic French dishes with a twist, you’ll love discovering the spectacular selection of restaurants and bistros.  

Eating out in Cannes
Beachside dining anyone?

Nightlife

Cannes is world famous for its vibrant nightlife. This is the place to be for the very best parties on the French Riviera. Sip delicious cocktails at the chic beach clubs along the Croisette, put it all on red at one of the city’s 3 glamorous casinos, or dance the night away in a fabulous nightclub. Discover 1920’s themed piano bars hidden in the streets of the old town, sip a pint of Guinness in one of the town’s Irish pubs or simply order a bottle of local rosé and people watch on one of the many café terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. We guarantee, whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Cannes.

Things to do

You’ll never be at a loss for something to do while you’re in Cannes. From museums to art galleries, water sports to festivals, Cannes has got it all and then some. Check out the wide range of watersports along the Croisette from paddleboards to paragliding. Or take in a contemporary art exhibition at the Centre d’Art la Malmaison. Get out onto the water with a trip to the mysterious Iles de Lérins just off the coast or watch the sky light up during the International Fireworks Festival. The only problem we predict you might have is finding time to fit it all in while you’re in town!

Cannes From Above
Cannes from above

Shopping

The Boulevard de la Croisette is home to the most exclusive and luxurious boutiques in Cannes.

Browse the very latest fashions, this season’s It-bag or a timeless piece of jewellery in the French Riviera’s chicest shopping street. And just a few minutes away from the Croisette you’ll find the Rue d’Antibes which is packed with stores offering home goods, fashion and one of a kind gifts. Pop into the narrow streets of Le Suquet for local goods such as Provençal soaps, olive oils and delicious wines and cheeses to take home. And don’t miss the weekly antiques market held in the Place du Marché every Monday. This is the place to pick up fabulous antique glassware or porcelain, vintage French posters and lovely lace tablecloths as a unique souvenir of your trip.

Must attend events

Every year, Cannes hosts some of the most some of the most dazzling events on the planet. From films to fireworks, music to fashion all eyes are on Cannes during the festival season. Here’s our pick of the must-attend events to enjoy while you’re in town:

  • MIPIM: The world’s leading property market~ March
  • MIPTV: The world’s most-established TV and digital content market~ April
  • Cannes Film Festival: The most important film festival held worldwide ~ May
  • Cannes Collection: A unique showcase of the exceptional, the beautiful & the rare ~ June
  • MIDEM Music: The leading music industry event for the music ecosystem~ June
  • Cannes Lions: A festival of creativity ~ June
  • Cannes International Fireworks Festival: The finest fireworks display in Europe ~ July
  • Cannes International Yacht Festival: The biggest boat show in Europe ~ September
  • MIPCOM: The world’s entertainment content market ~ October
  • Cannes Dance Festival:  Major meeting for the world of contemporary and current dance~ December

Where to stay for these events: Cannes apartments and villas

Getting there

Getting to Cannes couldn’t be simpler. Make your way to the French Riviera by air, sea or road. Cannes is situated between Nice and Toulon with access to 2 international airports plus its own private airport. A modern railway station is conveniently located in the centre of town and offers a high-speed rail link to Paris. And the port is the ideal spot to drop anchor in your superyacht and explore the city.

Here’s a quick recap of all your travel options:

  • By plane: Fly into the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport or the Toulon-Hyères Airport
  • By helicopter: Transfer from Nice to Cannes in less than 10 minutes
  • By rail: Travel by high-speed rail link to Cannes’ modern railway station in the city centre
  • By car: Hire a car at the airport and take in the stunning scenery along the coast
  • By yacht: Reserve a yacht berth in the Vieux Port and sail into town in style

Useful apps for your Cannes visit

As the slogan goes, “There’s an App for that” and a visit to glamorous Cannes is no exception. To make the most of your time in the chic beach resort, download these apps today and get ready for the ultimate luxury vacation on the French Riviera.

This handy city guide is the perfect way to keep your finger on the pulse while you’re in town. Check out an event guide, plus recommendations for restaurants, sport, leisure and other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Discover more about the city’s history, read about local traditions and track down historic monuments all over town via a fun interactive game. The app also gives you access to offline maps which will ensure you always know exactly where you are in the city.

The city’s official guide to any and all events which are held in Cannes throughout the year. Learn more about cultural and sporting events, local festivals and global conferences and then put them in your online agenda to make sure you won’t miss a thing.

Another useful little app from the city of Cannes, this is an interactive guide to the Rothschild garden in the centre of town. Discover the history of the villa and its gorgeous grounds, enjoy panoramic photos and take a multimedia audio tour, all from the comfort of your telephone.

Stay ahead of the game with all the latest news and coverage of the Cannes Film Festival. Watch interviews direct from the red carpet, get exclusive newsflashes and use the interactive diary to schedule your choice of this year’s screenings.

Get information and recommendations for the finest shops and restaurants in the city with the Cannes Code app. Featuring beautiful photography and up-to-date information, you’ll always be ahead of the crowds with this practical little app.

Where to stay when you visit Cannes?

We provide outstanding apartment and villa rentals in the best locations around Cannes. Browse our collections below.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, send us your holiday criteria and we’ll get back to you with some possible options. See you in Cannes!

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