What to see and do in Cannes? Top 10 must-see attractions

You have planned to visiting Cannes Here I present my top 10 must-see and do-things in Cannes, one of the most emblematic cities on the Côte d’Azur that has been shining internationally for decades.

Cannes often comes down to its famous international film festival, yachts, glamorous evenings and glitter….

Yet behind this aspect lies many treasures often unknown to visitors, They come only a few hours to Cannes to take a selfie in front of the steps of the Palais des Festivals and have a cocktail on a private beach before leaving…

There is much more to see and do in Cannes!

Marché Forville: full of flavors and colors

Among the things to see and do in Cannes is the Forville market, one of the most emblematic places in Cannes. It is located at the foot of the Suquet and within walking distance of Old port. This is where you can enjoy the popular Canarian atmosphere and awaken all your senses.

Farmers, fishermen, sellers of local specialties, florists, cheesemakers and others all meet there every day from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., except on Mondays when there are flea markets.

After strolling through the aisles of the Forville market, take the opportunity to sit down on one of the benches. terraces of bistros located around the market to enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are from time to time groups of musicians performing here

Tips: Visit the Socca’nnes stand to try some good food socca cooked over a wood fire (a typical Niçoise specialty: a fine pancake made with chickpea flour).

Try the local products as well: olives, pistou, tapenade, honey, zucchini flowers, seasonal products. In winter, you can buy mimosa from the florists!

One negative point: the prices have been increasing over the years…

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Walk in the old Cannes at Suquet

Start your walk in old Cannes from the port. You can walk up Saint Antoine Street, which is quite touristy with its many restaurants crammed together, but I recommend getting lost in the cross-streets.

There we discover some Picturesque alleys less frequented. You really feel like you are in a small Provençal village with its cobbled streets, its fountains and its colorful houses lined with bougainvillea

Before starting the final stage of the ascent of the Col du Suquet, stop for a few minutes on the Place Saint-Dizier, The heart of old Cannes with its bowling alley, its fountain, its popular cafes, its school, its artists’ workshops and its beautiful murals (the world of cinema)

Last stage of the journey : the panoramic view from Place de la Castre, which overlooks the city of festivals.

You'll find it there the church of Notre Dame d’Espérance and the Castre Museum (primitive art) which is the former castle of the monks of Lerins, those who founded Cannes in the 12th century.

Good deal: in July there are The Musical Nights of Suquet where international orchestras perform. Magical concerts in a unique setting, under the stars…

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Playing pétanque on the Allées de la Liberté

This large square is located in the heart of Cannes, facing the Old port. This is where the boulistes gather to play pétanque matches, which are often lively.

In December, it is on this esplanade that the Cannes Christmas Market. Every weekend from 7am to 5:30pm, it is the flea market vendors who display their finest finds on the Allées. Opposite the Allées, next to the port there is the large esplanade of the Pantiero and a few meters further on the Casino de Cannes, then the Palais des Festivals.

It's raining in Cannes... Should we go see a movie? Let's meet at... Cinema Les Arcades located right behind the Allées de la Liberté (my favorite)

Go to the Palais des Festivals

The Palace of Festivals is THE symbol of Cannes… It is known for its red carpet and its famous steps that the greatest celebrities have climbed on occasion. International film festival which takes place every year in May.

For about fifteen days, the city transforms and all the media in the world turn their attention to the capital of cinema.

The building opened in 1982 is nicknamed the Bunker and it’s true that it’s not really aesthetically pleasing… Anyway, there were renovation works in 2013 that brought a nice change of pace and harmony.
From 1942 to 1982, the film festival was held at the Palais Croisette.

The Path of the Stars Around the palace, you can see the molds of the 140 handprints of the greatest movie stars such as Pedro Almodovar, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Leonardo Dicaprio, Quentin Tarantino, Sergio Leone, and many others. Find here the list and locations

It is also in the Palais des Festivals that it is located the Cannes tourism office if you would like to have information about visiting Cannes and its surroundings.

Visit the website of the city of Cannes to learn more The history of the world capital of cinema

Morning walk on the Croisette to Palm Beach

Don’t wait for a crowd to form Enjoying the Croisette Go there early in the morning to take a walk or jog in the first light of day. The sea is calm, a few seniors are sitting on the blue chairs, playing chess or even going for their daily swim (even in winter!).

The famous Croisette is lined with large palm trees, but also with The most legendary palaces. The opportunity to discover a facet of the city through the different architectural periods of these historical buildings. There are, in particular, the Carlton hotel which dates from the Belle Epoque (1911) and a little later the Martinez hotel Art Deco style building built in 1927.

We continue our walk passing by the square of May 8, 1945, also known as the «rose garden». There are children's games and a beautiful view of the Croisette.

After passing the Port Canto, Known for its beautiful yachts, we arrive in the Palm Beach district, the tip of Cannes, known for its Casino in Art Deco style (built in 1929) and its esplanade located right opposite the Lerins Islands. In some places you almost feel you are in the Art Deco neighborhood of Miami !

It is indeed at the end of this esplanade that you will see the real «Croisette», a small stone cross placed at the time by the pilgrims who gave the name to the famous boulevard.

On windy days, dozens of kite surfers come to enjoy the very windy tip of Cannes.

Great beach deal: when I come to Cannes, I go swimming at Bijou Plage, the cleanest and quietest beach in Cannes.

Info: The whole Croisette is closed work From September 2018 to the end of March 2019, then from September 2019 to March 2020. Objectives: to re-establish and expand the beach area, then to harmonize the beach concessions by making them more aesthetically pleasing.

Taking in the view from the Croix des Gardes

Want to disconnect in a remarkable natural setting? Take in the view from the Croix des Gardes, a lookout point overlooking the sea. Forestry nature park Classified as a Sensitive Natural Space covering more than 80 hectares.

The green lung of Cannes

Just 1 km by foot from the Croisette, you can walk the well-maintained path of the 5 lookouts (Maquis, Roquebillière, de la Croix, du Cèdre and Brougham) that offer breathtaking views of the sea and the bay of Cannes. wonderful views in the Bay of Cannes, the islands of Lérins, Esterel and the hills of the hinterland.

Enjoying the sunset from the most beautiful rooftop in Cannes

Whenever I come to Cannes, I take the opportunity to admire the exceptional view from the rooftop of the Radisson Blu Cannes at sunset; it’s magical…

You can sit in large armchairs, sip a delicious cocktail, and admire the beaches of Cannes, the Croisette, the Lerins Islands, the Esterel Massif, and the Mediterranean Sea in the background.

A 360° panoramic view of Cannes

The hotel is located at the end of the Saint Pierre quay in the port of Cannes
Address: 2 Boulevard du Midi Jean Hibert – 06400 Cannes

Relaxing on the islands of Lerins

Saint Marguerite Island

The 100% nature break in Cannes located just 15 minutes by boat! On the island Saint Marguerite You can visit the old military fort where the man in the iron mask was imprisoned, but that’s not all! Walk around the island on foot, enjoy the silence and tranquility of the place, and on the other side of Sainte Marguerite you’ll find beautiful little coves where you can swim after enjoying a good picnic in the shade of the pines.

Saint Honorat Island

The second hidden island behind Sainte Marguerite is the island of Saint Honorat. This is a monastic site that history and heritage lovers must visit. Don’t miss the top of the old castle; you can enjoy an incredible view of the 40 hectares of the island and its vineyard, as well as the Esterel massif.

I recommend you have lunch at the restaurant. La Tonnelle in a unique setting by the water in a calm and serene atmosphere. You will discover all the charm of a generous and friendly Mediterranean-inspired cuisine based on seasonal products, gourmet salads, fish, grilled meats and other crustaceans.

Practical information: the boat departure to the Lérins Islands is at Laubeuf quay. See the website for details. Trans Côte d’Azur to know the departure times and to buy your tickets (15€ / person return journey)

Attending the events in Cannes

Cannes is known for being one of the world capitals of business tourism. Every year, the city hosts many Professional events like the International Film Festival (of course), MIPIM, MAPIC, MIP TV, MIDEM, Cannes Lions, Tax Free World Exhibition, L’International Luxury Travel Market, Cannes Yachting, Cannes Series, Festival, and many others…

But there are also many Public events which attract many visitors such as the International Games Festival, the NRJ Music Awards, the Pyrotechnic Art Festival, the Jazz Festival in Domergue, the Electronic Beaches, the Ball of Fools and many others…

Fly over Cannes in a private plane

With friends, we booked a one-hour private flight in a private jet at sunset fly over the bay of Cannes, The Esterel and the Gulf of Saint Tropez. A unique and quite unusual experience!
I went through the site Wingly which offers different types of services depending on the duration of the flight and the route.

Price: I paid about 50€ per person
Flight departing from Cannes Mandelieu Airport

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