Top 10 things not to miss in Cannes

Throughout the world, Cannes is synonymous with festivals. The emblem of the cinema and an annual rendezvous for the stars, the city of a thousand fireworks comes alive with authentic Provençal colours, to the rhythm of the blue waves and facing the magnificent Lérins Islands. Discover our top 10 things to see and do in Cannes.

SAIL TO THE LÉRINS ISLANDS

Discover a heavenly archipelago of translucent waters: the Lérins Islands in Cannes.

These dream islands include the lush Sainte-Marguerite and its fort, where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned, and the sacred Saint-Honorat, home to the Cistercian monastery of the monks of Saint-Honorat. Just a few minutes by boat from the Port of Cannes, the Iles de Lérins offer a harmonious combination of nature, culture and relaxation. As soon as you disembark, breathe in the scents of pine and eucalyptus. Numerous signposted footpaths await you, allowing you to discover both the botany and history of the islands. A visit to the Lérins Islands is undoubtedly one of the must-do activities in Cannes.

©Palais des Festivals et de Congrès de Cannes- KELAGOPIAN

©Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes

STEP BACK IN TIME AT LE SUQUET

An unmissable vantage point from which to admire Cannes and its Lérins Islands.

Cannes’ oldest district reveals the most authentic and picturesque face of the city of cinema. Take one of the narrow medieval streets that lead up to the emblematic parish church. At the top, from the Place de la Castre, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Cannes, its old port and the Lérins islands. Cannes has a soul, and this blossoms at Le Suquet. This hill was the birthplace of the town. Restaurant terraces and galleries dot this picturesque district, which is a must on your to-do-list of things to see and do in Cannes.

STROLL ALONG THE CROISETTE

The Croisette: a must-see when you visit Cannes!

With a length of 3 kilometres, the famous Croisette is sure to satisfy all your desires! With its palm trees, long sandy beach, legendary palaces and casinos, the Croisette offers a magnificent panorama of the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands. Stroll along the Chemin des Etoiles between the Esplanade Pompidou and the Palais des Festivals to discover the footprints of the world’s greatest actors and directors. In summer, look up to the sky and marvel at the fireworks at the Cannes Pyrotechnic Festival. Families will love the kindergartens and merry-go-rounds on the Croisette.

YOUR SHOPPING MOMENT ON THE RUE D’ANTIBES

Cannes is a shopper’s paradise!

A former main road, Rue d’Antibes runs parallel to the Croisette. It’s a one-way street that runs all the way to the town hall and the Old Port, and is home to some of the world’s biggest brand names. You’ll be spoilt for choice: haute couture and ready-to-wear, jewellery, leather goods, perfumery, beauty salons, interior design shops, art galleries… Cannes is an open-air shopping paradise!

BUY YOUR GOURMET BASKET AT THE FORVILLE MARKET

The real heart of Cannes, the Forville market is home to local market gardeners and fishermen.

In the heart of the city of Cannes, a large hall full of colour and life livens up the mornings in Cannes, from Tuesday to Sunday. The stalls of market gardeners, fishermen and other local producers will plunge you, season by season, into a charming authentic world. The pedestrianised area around Marché Forville is a great place to stroll and discover the many shops and terraces that surround it. Don’t miss out on a delicious slice of socca.

Forville market website

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BREATHE IN THE CROIX DES GARDES

A 360° panorama of the Bay of Cannes and the Esterel Massif!

The green lung par excellence, the Croix des Gardes forest park in Cannes is a natural area containing the most beautiful mimosa forest on the Côte d’Azur! As well as a wealth of flora and fauna to discover, you’ll be able to recharge your batteries with the breathtaking views over the Bay of Cannes and the surrounding area. With 80 hectares of Mediterranean vegetation, the Parc de La Croix des Gardes offers 20 kilometres of landscaped paths, a fitness trail and six lookouts offering 360-degree panoramic views. It’s a walk we recommend you take in Cannes.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE GLAMOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF THE CANNES FESTIVAL

A must-see in our Top 10 things to see and do in Cannes: the Cannes Film Festival!

Under the palm trees of Cannes, the international film competition has been giving the city its Palme d’Or for over 70 years. Every spring, Cannes transforms itself to welcome film stars from all over the world. During the Cannes Film Festival, the whole of Cannes gets into the spirit of the cinema, and everyone can enjoy it! As well as the famous ascent of the steps, why not watch for the stars at the Palais des Festivals, enjoy the Cinéma de la Plage or take to the streets with the “Cannes fait le mur” exhibition featuring XXL photos of stars and moments that have marked the history of the Festival.

The Cannes Festival website

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RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES AT BOCCACABANA

Green spaces, playgrounds and sports areas for all the family!

Coastlines all over the world are being transformed, under the impetus of current policies. By redeveloping more than 5 kilometres of its seafront pedestrian precinct, Cannes is offering a dream setting of greenery, with facilities for sports, walking and lounging. Don’t wait any longer, head for Boccacabana in Cannes!

VISIT THE SECRET OF CALIFORNIA

What to do: California, one of Cannes’ most exclusive districts!

Although many films have been shot on this hill overlooking the Bay of Cannes, the immense mansions, hidden away in an incredible heritage of vegetation, will not be revealed to the curious. California is home to a number of emblematic buildings, including Villa Domergue, designed and built by the artist Jean-Gabriel Domergue, who drew his inspiration from Venetian palaces and gardens. A true place of art, every summer in August you can enjoy the Jazz à Domergue Festival and its exceptional evenings organised in the gardens.

©CRT Côte d’Azur France – Camille Dufosse

SWAY TO THE ELECTRONIC BEACHES

What to do in Cannes: take part in one of Europe’s biggest beach parties!

Every year, the biggest names in electronic and urban music meet up in Cannes at the foot of the Palais des Festivals for one of Europe’s biggest beach parties. A megamix of headliners, artistic favourites and refreshing discoveries for a cosmopolitan, festive and cutting-edge programme. Les Plages Électroniques is 3 days of partying, 40,000 m² of dancefloor, 3 stages, over 40 artists, afterparties, a festival village and a dancefloor on fire from early afternoon in Cannes!

THE TOP 10

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN CANNES

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

If you’re a Côte d’Azur lover or enthusiast, you’ll regularly find on this site a selection of the best places to go and things to see and do in Cannes, as well as the favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.