Things to do in Cannes
I ordered them as a walking route, from the old town to the Croisette, with the islands last. Prices and hours are from official sources as of October 2026. To see where Cannes sits among the other towns, read my French Riviera guide.
At the foot of the old town, near the Old Port, this historic market sells local produce, fish, fruit and vegetables, socca and flowers. On Mondays, the food market gives way to a flea market.
Cannes' oldest district is a listed historic monument. Its cobbled, colorful lanes climb to Mont Chevalier. You will find the church of Notre-Dame de l'Espérance and the Musée des Explorations du Monde.
At the top of Le Suquet, the hill gives a panorama over the bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands. It is the best viewpoint in town and it costs nothing.
Housed in the castle of Le Suquet, it covers Mediterranean and Eastern antiquity to non-Western art, plus orientalism and temporary exhibitions.
This is where you catch the boat to the islands, and the nicest way into Le Suquet. Yachts and fishing boats share the water, with restaurants facing the harbor.
The forecourt where the Cannes Film Festival takes place each year is the best-known spot in town. Outside events, the red-carpet steps stay open to the public for a souvenir photo, from the Pompidou forecourt. During the Festival, they are reserved for invited guests.
Around the Palais, more than 140 handprints of film stars are set into the ground on the Esplanade Georges Pompidou.
This seafront promenade runs 3 km (1.9 miles) along the beaches, from the Palais des Festivals to Palm Beach. You can walk, run, rollerblade or cycle it, and it gives Cannes its chic image, with grand hotels and boutiques.
West of the port, free sandy beaches with views of the Estérel mountains and the Lérins Islands. They are quieter than the Croisette beaches and suited to families.
Two islands about 15 to 20 minutes by boat. Sainte-Marguerite, the larger, has trails, coves and the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask. Saint-Honorat, the smaller, has the abbey, chapels and a vineyard. Full detail in my Lérins Islands guide.
Itinerary
One day is enough for the market, Le Suquet and the Croisette. Here is the order that avoids backtracking.
By interest
Le Suquet, Mont Chevalier, the Croisette, the Palais steps, the Walk of Fame and the public Midi beaches are free. The museum is free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March. You can fill a day without buying a ticket.
The sandy Boulevard du Midi beaches are described as family-friendly, and the boat to the islands is an outing in itself. The child fare to Saint-Honorat is €12. The boats are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
The museum and the Forville market (partly covered) are sheltered. Save the islands, Mont Chevalier and the Croisette for a clear spell.
The Croisette and the Old Port are where evening life concentrates. I name no venue until I have tested it myself.
Where to base yourself
The town stretches east to west along the bay. These are the areas to know.
| Neighborhood | Feel | What to see |
|---|---|---|
| Le Suquet and the Old Port | Lanes, views, village feel | Mont Chevalier, museum, Forville market |
| La Croisette | Chic, seafront | Palais des Festivals, Walk of Fame, beaches |
| Palm Beach | End of the Croisette, calmer | End of the promenade, the point |
| Boulevard du Midi | Public beaches, family | Free beaches, island views |
The public beaches of Boulevard du Midi, west of the port, are free and open daily, with views of the Estérel and the Lérins Islands. Dogs are allowed from November 1 to May 1. Along the Croisette, much of the seafront is taken by private beaches: I did not record which sectors are public and will not guess.
Cannes works as a day trip from Nice, but sleeping here lets you enjoy the Croisette in the evening and the islands in the morning. The center and Le Suquet let you do everything on foot. I give no hotel prices until I have a dated check: rates rise around the Festival, and the detail will come in my Cannes hotel picks.
The center, Le Suquet and the Croisette are walkable. From Nice, the train takes 27 minutes on the fastest services and 37 minutes on average, with 91 trains a day between 5:33 am and 11:29 pm (timetable seen for Friday, October 16, 2026). Many trains also stop at Antibes, Juan-les-Pins and Golfe-Juan–Vallauris. Nice is the best base for getting around without a car. The boat dock is about a 10-minute walk from the station.
Calendar
The 80th Cannes Film Festival runs May 11 to 22, 2027. During those dates the Palais steps are reserved for invited guests, the town is crowded and hotel prices rise. To go, book early: dates, public access and tips are in my Cannes Film Festival guide.
All eventsWhere things are
The ten places in this guide. Hover over a name to find it on the map.
Keep going
Your questions
Don't miss Le Suquet and the view from Mont Chevalier, the Forville market in the morning, a walk along the Croisette and the photo on the Palais des Festivals steps. If you have half a day more, take the boat to the Lérins Islands.
Yes, if you like the sea, a seafront promenade and old quarters. Cannes has a hilltop old town, a 3 km (1.9 mile) promenade, beaches and islands 20 minutes away by boat. It is also an easy day trip from Nice, by train, in under 40 minutes.
One day covers the market, Le Suquet and the Croisette. Add a second day if you want the Lérins Islands or the Midi beaches. A third day makes sense if you plan day trips to neighboring towns such as Antibes.
Yes, outside events. The steps stay open to the public for a souvenir photo, from the Pompidou forecourt. During the Festival, they are reserved for invited guests. I found no official dress code for casual visitors; I will not state one without a source.
By train: 27 minutes on the fastest services, 37 minutes on average. There are 91 trains a day between 5:33 am and 11:29 pm (seen October 16, 2026). Some trains make extra stops, for example at Antibes.
To Saint-Honorat, the crossing is €19.50 for an adult and €12 for a child in 2026 (Planaria), about 20 minutes. To Sainte-Marguerite, expect €18.50 to €19 with Riviera Lines and Horizon. Check the timetable before you go.
Who writes this guide
The French Riviera has been my passion for years. I explore its towns, beaches and hotels to bring you the addresses and advice I would like to receive before every trip, from Menton to Saint-Tropez.
By Enzo
