Top 10 things not to miss in Cannes | Côte d’Azur France / French Riviera

VOGUE TO THE LÉRINS ISLANDS

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

Among these dream islands, the lush Sainte-Marguerite and its fort where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned; and 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

STOP TIME AT THE SUQUET

A must-see vantage point for admiring Cannes and its Lérins Islands.

The oldest district in Cannes 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 that soul flourishes at Le Suquet. This hill was the birthplace of the town. Restaurant terraces and galleries dot this picturesque district, not to be missed in your to-do-list of things to see and do in Cannes.

TAKE A WALK ON THE CROISETTE

The Croisette: a must-see when visiting Cannes!

With its 3-kilometre length, 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 its 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 Festival Pyrotechnique de Cannes. For families, your children will enjoy the kindergartens and rides located on the Croisette.

YOUR SHOPPING INSTANT ON RUE D’ANTIBES

Cannes is a shopper’s paradise!

A former national road, Rue d’Antibes is the great parallel to the Croisette. A one-way street that continues all the way to the town hall and the Old Port, the big shop windows and signs of the biggest international brands can be found in Cannes. 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 a real paradise for open-air shopping!

DO YOUR GOURMET SHOPPING AT MARCHÉ FORVILLE

A real popular heart of Cannes, the Forville market welcomes local market gardeners and fishermen.

At the heart of the city of Cannes, a large hall fed with colours and surrounded by life animates Cannes mornings, from Tuesday to Sunday. 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.

The Marché Forville website

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RESPIRING IN THE CROIX DES GARDES

A 360° panorama over the Bay of Cannes and the Massif de l’Estérel!

A 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 heritage of flora and fauna to discover, you’ll be rejuvenated by the breathtaking views over the whole bay of Cannes and the alentours. 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. A walk we recommend you take in Cannes.

PLUNGE INTO THE EFFERVESCENCE AND GLAMOUR 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 town its Palme d’Or for over 70 years. Every spring, Cannes transforms itself to welcome film stars from all over the world. During the Festival de Cannes, the whole city of Cannes gets into the spirit of the cinema, and everyone can enjoy it! So beyond the famous ascent of the steps, why not keep an eye out for the stars at the Palais des Festivals, enjoy the Cinéma de la Plage or take to the wall across the city with the “Cannes fait le mur” exhibition unveiling XXL photos of stars and moments that have marked the Festival’s history.

The Cannes Festival website

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RESOURCE YOURSELF AT BOCCACABANA

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

Coastlines around the world are being transformed, driven by current policies. By redeveloping over 5 kilometres of its seafront pedestrian area, Cannes is offering a dream setting of greenery, with facilities for sport, walking and lounging. Don’t wait any longer, head for Boccacabana in Cannes!

VISIT IN THE SECRET OF CALIFORNIA

To do: La Californie, one of Cannes’ most select districts!

While 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 iconic landmarks, including the Villa Domergue, designed and built by artist Jean-Gabriel Domergue, who found his inspiration in 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

BREAK OUT WITH 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 must-see headliners, artistic favourites and refreshing discoveries for a cosmopolitan, festive and cutting-edge programme. Les Plages Électroniques, it’s 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

Lovers and enthusiasts of the Côte d’Azur, regularly discover on this site the selection, good addresses or even favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.