10 Best Things to Do in Cannes

La Croisette is a good starting point for your visit to Cannes. This 2-km-long boulevard runs along the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by a splendid beach on one side and by luxury hotels, boutiques and restaurants on the other side.

La Croisette is a great people-watching spot, especially during Cannes Film Festival, as it’s busy from early morning ‘til late. Strollers and joggers roam the wide sidewalk alongside the beach, while other people prefer to sit and relax on one of the benches. The many bars and restaurants right on the beach also offer pleasant places to watch the world go by.

Le Suquet is the old quarter of Cannes. Located at the western end of La Croisette, right next to le Vieux Port, you’ll find a great choice of quaint local restaurants in the meandering cobbled lanes, as well as a few of Cannes’ landmarks such as Forville Market, Musée de la Castre and the Tour du Masque de Fer, The Man in the Iron Mask Tower.  

If you're looking for the perfect photo op, Le Suquet is settled on a hill, so it offers stunning view of the port and the city. Be sure to take some pictures to remember this beautiful city by.

Mingle with the locals at Marché Forville, a covered market that occupies a 3,000-sq-m area located 150 metres northwest from the Vieux Port, behind Cannes City Hall. Established since 1934, it’s the most famous market in Cannes.

You’ll find a great range of fresh products here, including cold cuts and cheeses that you can sample while strolling around the stalls. On Mondays, Marché Forville becomes a flea market where you can find a hectic assortment of antiques and second-hand items for sale.

Stretching for 1.2 km from Rue du Maréchal Joffre to Rond-Point du Général Maubert, parallel to the Croisette, Rue d’Antibes is a famed shopping street in Cannes. Fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, shoes, the list of items on sale in this lively street seems endless.

Featuring famous brands such as Zara and Swatch, as well as standalone smaller boutiques, Rue d’Antibes is slightly less upscale than the Croisette. During your stroll, you can stop by one of the tearooms, pâtisseries or cafés located in this street for a gourmet break.

Officially named Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Palais is a convention and cultural centre renowned for hosting the world-famous Cannes Film Festival every year. Even if you come to Cannes outside of the festival dates, usually in May, you can still get your photo taken on the red carpet that has become the iconic landmark of the festival.

The festival itself isn't the only event worth going to. You can also attend one of the many cultural performances scheduled here, from music to theatre and from dance to comedy.

Lying about 2 km southeast of Cannes, Île Sainte-Marguerite is served all-year-round by a ferry departing from Quai du Large in the Vieux Port. As it takes only 15 minutes to get there, it’s the ideal destination for a short trip. Covered by a state forest, Île Sainte-Marguerite is a great place for a scenic nature stroll.

You can also visit the cell once occupied by the Man in the Iron Mask in Fort Royal, a historic state prison converted into a youth hotel and museum. Sainte-Marguerite village hosts a few restaurants, which open only from April to September.

Located at the foot of Le Suquet, the old quarter of Cannes, the Vieux Port is a pleasant place for a stroll and for a relaxing break while enjoying a drink on the outdoor terrace of one of the many bars and restaurants lining Quai Saint-Pierre.

Cannes Vieux Port mostly berths leisure boats, a good range of luxury yachts and a few fishing boats. It’s a place buzzing with activities, especially in September, when the yearly Cannes Yachting Festival is held. It’s one of the biggest boat shows in Europe.

Located at the top of Le Suquet hill, above the Vieux Port, Musée de la Castre is an eclectic museum in a 12th-century castle listed as a national monument. From Himalayan primitive arts to Mediterranean antiquities, and from African music instruments to oriental paintings, you’ll go for a truly global journey through history and culture at the Musée de la Castre.

Climb to the top of the square tower to take in a unique 360-degree view of Cannes. It's the perfect place to take some truly memorable selfies of this beautiful city.

Croix des Gardes natural forest park, or Parc naturel forestier de la Croix des Gardes, is a green space where you'll find trails and impressive viewpoints. The mountains in the area are particularly useful if you're trying to take in views of the surrounding nature with sights of vibrant greenery and the sea.

When you visit this park, you'll find an extensive trail network that you can traverse on foot or by bike. The trails are fairly easy as well, so don't hesitate to bring your kids along. You can get to this park by heading north from the city centre for about 12 minutes by car.

Le Croisette Casino Barrière is a glamorous venue where you can spend a thrilling night in Cannes. From slot machines to English roulette and from baccarat to poker, you can play all the classic casino games at Le Croisette.

Located at the northwestern corner of the Palais des Festivals, the casino has a certain classical touch that gives you the feeling of being in a French gangster film from the '60s. Besides gambling, you can dine or just enjoy a drink at the bar. Musicals, magic and cabaret shows are also programmed on occasions. Do not forget your passport to be allowed to enter the casino.