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Cannes, France – A High French Riviera Vacation spot
Cannes is a splashy resort metropolis on the French Riviera, and when most of us consider it we predict Hollywood celebrities and movie pageant glam.
However. Whereas the Cannes Movie Competition is a 12-day star-studded extravaganza in Could, there are a great deal of enjoyable issues to do in Cannes 12 months spherical.
Each time I go to Cannes I discover extra to discover. And, because the South of France is one in all my major beats as a journey author, I’m right here quite a bit, staying in all the things from a convent (in the course of the Movie Competition no much less) to glam 5-star accommodations.
I’ve additionally taken loads of day journeys from Good to Cannes, and sure, you possibly can see Cannes in a day. As this walkable metropolis is true on the practice line, it’s additionally a superb base for exploring different French Riviera locations like Eze, Monaco and Antibes.
That mentioned, let’s take a look on the high Cannes vacationer points of interest that can assist you plan your keep.
Overview of What to Do in Cannes
Cannes has sandy seashores that knock most (pebbly) French Riviera seashores out of the park.
It’s acquired a large waterfront promenade, designer outlets, over-the-top luxurious accommodations and streets lined with charming patios and eating places. Did I point out the yachts?
Locations to go to in Cannes embody the previous quarter of Le Suquet, which provides a pleasant change of tempo from the glitz and glam, whereas the peaceable Lérins Islands off the coast gradual that tempo down altogether.
Above all, Cannes is enjoyable, as if the exuberant movie pageant environment lingers 12 months spherical and seeps into the boulevards and cafes. And don’t fear – you possibly can pose on the pink carpet any time of 12 months.
Greatest Issues to Do in Cannes, France
1. Window Store Your Manner Up Boulevard de la Croisette
It’s simple to check the Boulevard de la Croisette to the waterfront Promenade des Anglais in Good.
Each seaside walks curve alongside the Mediterranean with breezy sea views and it’s a straightforward comparability to make. However ooh la la, there are variations between these two well-known avenues.
Le Croisette is extra luxe. On par with the luxurious outlets of Monte Carlo in Monaco, La Croisette has the best focus of designer boutiques on the French Riviera.
(I ought to know. I used to be obsessive about discovering stylish white sneakers and beelined into each swank store on the Côte d’Azur.)
Together with haute boutiques like Chanel and Dior, you’ll discover vibrant sculptures, grand accommodations and a parade of pricy sports activities automobiles. There’s no two methods about it: Boulevard de la Croisette oozes wealth and elegance.
2. Discover the Different Facet of the Croisette
There are two sides to the Boulevard de la Croisette, nevertheless. Actually.
Cross the road to the Mediterranean facet and the boulevard is remodeled right into a full of life beachside promenade.
Stroll previous palm timber, seashores, meals stands, playgrounds and shiny blue chairs. In the event you discover a free one pull it up, sit again and watch the scene.
You’ll even discover the cheery sight of a carousel, so it’s an important place to hang around in Cannes with household.
3. Pose on the Crimson Carpet
Oh, go forward. Everybody does it. It’s foolish however iconic, and having your second on the pink carpet is without doubt one of the most unusual issues to do in Cannes.
The place is the pink carpet? You’ll discover it on the steps of the movie pageant constructing, the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès on the west finish of La Croisette.
The blocky Modernist-style constructing appears awfully utilitarian for internet hosting such a glittery occasion, however it’s superstar central anyway.
What’s contained in the Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congrès? Quite a lot of locations to look at movies. The constructing has 15 auditoriums.
Sightseeing Tip: The Tourism Workplace is situated on the base of the constructing. It’s helpful for choosing up a map or getting info on Cannes factors of curiosity you possibly can’t discover on-line. (Though they did inform me the mistaken bus instances as soon as.)
4. Discover the Stroll of the Stars
When you’re nosing across the entrance of the Palais des Festivals constructing, hold your head down and seek for the bronze handprints.
They’re the mark of many A-list celebrities on the Stroll of the Stars, L’Allée des Stars. (Howdy, Meg Ryan!).
5. Go to the Vieux Port
Simply previous the Palais des Festivals constructing to the west is the previous port, the Vieux Port.
Right here you will get so near the sleek-looking yachts it appears solely becoming the worldwide elite invite you onboard. (They could disagree.)
Nonetheless, the marina is without doubt one of the prettiest locations to go to in Cannes – filled with gleaming sailboats, fishing boats and floating palaces that add to the unique French Riviera mystique.
6. Discover Le Suquet – The Outdated City
From the Vieux Port you’ll spot the the Outdated City rising up a hill in a peak of pink tiled roofs, weathered stone and partitions of light ochre and pink.
Historical past of Le Suquet
This previous quarter of Cannes has been round so much longer than the movie pageant or the flashy outlets on La Croisette. Actually, the Romans have been right here for 5 centuries, and the Ligurians earlier than that.
Within the twelfth century, the land grew to become the property of Cistercian monks who constructed a fort fortress on the high of the hill, the Château de la Castre.
Oh, how issues change. Rue Saint-Antoine, as soon as the area of fishermen, is now a pedestrianized road lined with bistros and memento outlets, with eating places like Desk 22 upping the culinary sport from touristy to connoisseur.
7. Climb the 109 Steps to the Citadel
The fort fortress is now a museum known as the Musée de la Castre, and homes a blended bag of artifacts starting from nineteenth century landscapes to Tibetan masks.
The museum isn’t going to take up a lot of your time, however it’s the journey that counts.
One of the widespread issues to do in Cannes Outdated Quarter is to stroll the 109 steps as much as the fort for the gorgeous views over the Bay of Cannes.
On the high, take a break on the shady terrace and go to the Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance, a notable Cannes landmark that took greater than 100 years to finish.
8. Feast on French Flavours at Forville Market
On the subject of Forville Market, it’s not a lot about what to see in Cannes as what to style.
Positioned on the foot of Le Suquet, the Marché Forville is the place to go if a picnic is in your plans or recent native produce is asking your title. (What’s it about cantaloups from Provence that makes them so juicy and flavourful? Delish!)
The Marché Forville is a morning market, so get there between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. However take be aware: On Mondays it’s a flea market.
9. Store on Rue d’Antibes
Whereas most vacationers window store on La Croisette … they purchase on Rue d’Antibes.
This busy purchasing road that runs behind La Croisette is chock filled with shoe shops, perfumeries and clothes boutiques. Manufacturers vary from worldwide chains like Zara and Mango to French vogue chains like corresponding to Morgan and Maison 123.
10. Take an Apero Break on Rue Hoche
On the finish of the day, chances are you’ll hear Rue Hoche calling your title. This amiable pedestrian road close to Rue d’Antibes is lined with cafes and eating places.
It’s the right place for an apero, the pre-dinner drink and ‘small bites’ break embraced by so many locals.
11. Go to the Lérins Islands
The Lérins Islands are a balm to an over sightsee-d soul (which is me, all the time), and if you want an escape the French Riviera crowds, it’s among the best locations to go to close to Cannes.
What are the Lérins Islands? The Lérins Islands are an archipelago on the Bay of Cannes.
The most important, Île Sainte-Marguerite (Saint Margaret Island), might be reached in as little as quarter-hour by ferry, and Île Saint-Honorat in 20. Ferries depart from the far west fringe of the port.
Like Cannes Outdated City, the Lérins Islands have been occupied by the Romans, then owned by Cistercian monks who established a monastery on sleepy Saint-Honorat, which remains to be going robust at present.
Sainte-Marguerite Island
The bigger of the 2, Sainte-Marguerite Island is probably the most visited, and it has an interesting previous. It was the location of the jail purpose-built for the Man within the Iron Masks, a political prisoner whose title – and face – was by no means revealed.
Visiting his cell at Fort Royal, a former fortress now dwelling to the Museum of the Sea, was the historic spotlight of my day journey to Sainte-Marguerite.
Different issues to do right here embody seeing Batéguier Pond, which attracts many migratory birds, and exploring shady trails, rocky coves and small seashores – deliver your swimsuit for those who’re so inclined.
Skip the road and guide your ferry ticket to Sainte Marguerite Island upfront right here.
Saint-Honorat Island
A peaceable environment reigns on the island of Saint-Honorat, the place the monks of Lérins have resided because the fifth century.
Go to the abbey church, store for wine, honey, olive oil and different tempting items produced by the monks, and benefit from the shoreline trails.
12. Hit the Seashore
What to do in Cannes if you’re prepared for solar? Head for the sand. There is no such thing as a scarcity of Cannes seashores to select from.
You’ll be able to go deluxe and pay for a lounge mattress and wait service at a personal seaside membership like Mademoiselle Grey Plage Barrière, or seize your favorite seaside necessities and plunk your towel down free of charge in 5-star territory on the public Palais Festivals Seashore.
13. Get Out on the Water
You might not have a yacht to cruise round on, however it doesn’t imply it’s good to be landlocked.
Boating is a favorite pastime on the Riviera, and there are just a few alternative ways to take pleasure in it. In the event you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Cannes with household, take a look at these excursions:
Guided Boat Tour From Cannes: The Calanques of the Esterel
The Calanques of the Esterel Tour is a guided boat tour of the Esterel pure park. Skim over turquoise water, take a swim break and discover hidden coves, caves, and Calanques. The boat tour is 2.5 hours.
Verify costs and availability for a Calanques Cannes Boat Tour right here.
Cannes: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise with Lunch
Another choice for boating in Cannes is a half day catamaran journey with lunch.
Swim, snorkel and soak within the superb coastal views on the Bay of Cannes. Get up paddleboards and kayaks availabile, too.
Verify costs and availability for a Cannes Catamaran cruise right here.
14. Have a Drink at One of many Massive 3 Luxurious Accommodations
Contemplating all the celebrities that hit up Cannes for the pageant, you’d anticipate nothing lower than extravagant 5-star accommodations, and this full of life French Riviera metropolis delivers.
In the event you’re on the lookout for Cannes issues to do ‘jet-set fashion’, dip your toes into the opulent environment of a luxurious lodge on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Listed below are the highest three:
InterContinental Carlton Cannes Lodge
The famed InterContinental Carlton Cannes Lodge is simply reopening after an enormous facelift (like so many different superstar glam-pusses), so now could be the the time to guide your summer season keep.
On the very least take a glimpse of its iconic domes from the road or go to their seaside membership for some (costly) seaside refreshment.
Oh, my gosh, I had a hilarious night out on the Carlton Lodge in the course of the movie pageant as soon as.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Perhaps a champagne cocktail on the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic? The plush Fouquet’s Gallery Bar Cannes is difficult to beat. Sit on the bar for those who’re within the temper to speak … it labored for me.
Hôtel Martinez
Opened in 1929, the Artwork Deco Hôtel Martinez rounds off this trio of high Cannes accommodations.
Now a part of the Hyatt model, it’s acquired a 2-star Michelin restaurant, La Palme d’Or, which is without doubt one of the finest eating places in Cannes.
15. Cannes Issues to Do Off the Overwhelmed Observe: Go to Le Cannet
In the event you’re spending simply at some point in Cannes, you most likely gained’t have the ability to match this in, however for those who’re on the lookout for issues to do close to Cannes the typical vacationer gained’t see, take into account a visit to Le Cannet.
This artsy city is mainly a suburb of Cannes. It was dwelling to the famend artist Pierre Bonnard, who was a number one gentle when artwork was transferring from Impressionism to Modernism.
Issues to see in Le Cannet embody the Bonnard Museum on the Boulevard Carnot.
As effectively, there are a selection Bonnard-inspired walks you are able to do within the lush panorama behind. Seize a brochure detailing the assorted walks on the Cannes Tourism Workplace and head for the hills.
How you can get to Le Cannet: It’s a 30-minute stroll (at a quick clip) from Boulevard de la Croisette straight up the Boulevard Carnot or take Bus No 1.
Greatest Day Journeys from Cannes
With its prime place on the French Riviera, Cannes is a good leaping off spot for day journeys. For an in-depth look of some terrific Cote d’Azur locations, take a look at my day journeys from Good article.
All the locations I speak about might be simply completed as day journeys from Cannes, too.
Right here’s a fast have a look at a few of the finest locations to go to close to Cannes.
1. St Tropez from Cannes by Boat
St Tropez, the sultry vixen of the French Riviera, has a village meets extremely stylish vibe unmatched by wherever else on the Cote d’Azur.
Pattern a candy Tarte Tropezienne, lounge with the jet set at a personal seaside membership on the Plage de Pampelonne (Pampelonne Seashore), and make your manner as much as the Citadel for views over the Gulf of St Tropez.
In summer season season, you are able to do a Cannes St Tropez day journey by boat. Verify costs and availability for spherical journey transfers right here.
2. Day Journey to Antibes
Beautiful Antibes is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to close to Cannes. A fast journey on the TER, the regional practice line, from Cannes, it has a laidback really feel that units it other than most French Riviera cities.
Go to the morning market, the Marche Provencal; discover the Vieille Ville (the Outdated City) and don’t miss the Picasso Museum in Grimaldi Citadel overlooking the ocean.
3. Cannes to Good
There are such a lot of issues to do in Good, you’d be exhausting pressed to see all of it in a day. As the biggest metropolis on the French Riviera, it’s a cultural hub for the area with stellar museums just like the fabulous Mark Chagall Museum.
Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, climb Citadel Hill and go to the Outdated City for ice cream at Fenuccio’s. In the event you’re taking the practice from Cannes to Good, you possibly can store on Avenue Jean Médecin all the best way again to the station.
4. Cannes to Monaco
In the event you suppose Cannes is subtle, wait till you see the outlets and luxurious accommodations in Monte Carlo. An hour and quarter journey on the TER practice line, Monaco is without doubt one of the high day journeys from Cannes.
Head to the Place du On line casino for a direct shot within the arm of glamour, wander alongside the port and stroll up the Rampe Majeure to the Outdated City, the place you possibly can watch the altering of the guard on the palace day-after-day at 11:55 a.m.
Try my at some point in Monaco journey information right here.
5. Day Journey to Grasse
Jasmine, roses and close by lavender fields have helped put Grasse on the map because the Fragrance Capital of the World. Go to the historic Parfumerie Fragonard Manufacturing unit, discover the Outdated City and cease into the spectacular Notre Dame de Puy.
To get to Grasse from Cannes you possibly can take the practice, then it’s best to take a bus into city from the station.
What to Do in Cannes From a Cruise Ship
Half Day Tour From Cannes Port
When you have solely at some point in Cannes you would possibly wish to save time with a tour. This personal tour for teams of as much as 4 individuals introduces you to the highlights of Cannes and Antibes in a half-day tour.
It’s geared in the direction of cruise passengers who desire a style of the French Riviera however are brief on time.
Verify costs and availability for a Cannes Shore Tour: Cannes and Antibes Personal Tour right here.
Full Day Personal Tour From Cannes Port
This personal 8-hour tour in an air-conditioned van exhibits you the most effective locations to go to close to Cannes.
Stops embody must-see cities like Good and Monaco in addition to smaller spots such because the medieval city of Eze and the coastal resort city of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Verify costs and availability for this French Riviera Sightseeing Cannes Personal Tour right here.
What to Do in Cannes If You’re Solely Right here For One Day
From seashores to boat journeys, we’ve checked out the most effective issues to do in Cannes total, however what are absolutely the must-do actions for those who’re solely doing a day journey to Cannes?
Right here is an itinerary in a nutshell:
First, wander up and down the Boulevard de la Croisette (simple to do as you possibly can hardly keep away from it), and pause for a pink carpet second at movie pageant central, the Palais des Festivals.
From there, stroll alongside the harbour – the Vieux Port – and make your manner into the Outdated City for lunch and a stroll as much as the highest of Suquet Hill.
For a day tour take the ferry to Sainte-Marguerite Island, although if purchasing is extra your factor, go for Rue d’Antibes. When you have a full day in Cannes, you possibly can simply slot in each.
Lastly, finish your day with some genuine French delicacies at a conventional restaurant like La Brouette de Grand Mère, or up the ante with a hip-with-a-view chew at Le Roof within the 5 Seas Lodge. Cannes is a metropolis of eating places and also you’ll discover one thing for each palate.
Is Cannes Price It?
In my view, sure! It may not have have the museums of Paris, the gardens of Giverny or Monaco’s Grand Prix, however does it want them?
It’s enjoyable, it’s festive and it’s the closest factor to Hollywood on the European facet of the pond.
Whether or not you’re staying for just a few days, visiting on a day journey from Good, or stopping off for a fast cruise shore tour, these distinctive issues to do in Cannes ought to provide you with a style of this sensational South of France vacation spot.
