Cannes, France Travel Guide

Experience the glitz and glamour of Cannes, where luxurious beaches, world-famous festivals, and charming old towns await you on the stunning French Riviera.

Cannes is a glamorous city on the French Riviera, world-famous for its annual film festival. With its luxurious hotels, pristine beaches, and upscale shopping, it offers a taste of the high life. The city's palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette is perfect for a leisurely stroll by the sea, offering stunning views and access to high-end boutiques and restaurants. The old town of Le Suquet provides a charming contrast to the glitz and glamour. Wander through its narrow, winding streets to discover quaint houses and local markets. From the top, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The Marché Forville is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a variety of fresh local produce. Cannes is also a great base for exploring the wider region. The nearby Lérins Islands are a short boat ride away and offer a peaceful retreat with historical sites and natural beauty. Whether you're a film buff, a history enthusiast, or just looking to relax in a beautiful setting, Cannes has something to offer everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cannes.

Visit during the Cannes Film Festival in May for a chance to see celebrities and exclusive film premieres.
Make sure to explore Le Suquet for a more authentic and historical experience of the city.
Take a boat trip to the Lérins Islands for a peaceful escape and beautiful scenery.
Shop along Boulevard de la Croisette for high-end fashion and luxury brands.
Visit Marché Forville early in the morning to experience the best of local produce and seafood.

Neighbourhoods in Cannes

Palm Beach

La Croisette

Le Suquet

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Cannes

Explore Cannes: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Cannes

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Village Cap Esterel Pierre & Vacances

Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at Village Cap Esterel in beautiful Saint-Raphaël, a top holiday destination in the French Riviera.

4.0

Waterfalls of Saut du Loup

Discover the breathtaking Waterfalls of Saut du Loup, a stunning natural wonder in the heart of the French Riviera, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.1

Yourent Cannes

Discover Cannes with You Rent, your go-to rental service for bicycles, boats, and scooters along the stunning French Riviera.

4.4

Absinthe Museum

Explore the captivating world of absinthe at Antibes' unique museum, featuring rich history, intriguing artifacts, and tastings that celebrate this legendary spirit.

4.5

Best landmarks in Cannes

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Tour du Masque de fer

Discover the captivating mysteries of the Iron Mask at the Tour du Masque de fer, a must-visit museum in the heart of Cannes, France.

3.8

Bd de la Croisette

Experience the glamour of Cannes on the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, a blend of luxury, culture, and Mediterranean beauty.

4.7

Cannes Old Town

Discover the historic heart of Cannes in Le Suquet: cobblestone streets, panoramic views, and a charming escape from the city's glitz.

4.8

Fontaine de Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Discover the timeless charm of Saint-Paul-de-Vence at its heart, where history flows at the iconic Fontaine, a Provençal masterpiece since 1615.

4.6

Best restaurants in Cannes

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Le Caveau 30

Experience exquisite French and seafood cuisine at Le Caveau 30 in Cannes - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and elegance.

4.2

La Môme

Experience exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at La Môme in Cannes - where every meal is a celebration of flavor and elegance.

4.4

L'Alba - Beach Restaurant

Experience exquisite French and Mediterranean cuisine at L'Alba Beach Restaurant in Cannes, where breathtaking views meet culinary excellence.

4.4

Le Cabanon - Restaurant - Plage

Experience exquisite French and Mediterranean cuisine at Le Cabanon in Cannes, where stunning sea views meet culinary excellence.

4.4

Best bars in Cannes

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Ma Nolan's Irish Pub, Cannes

Enjoy a taste of Ireland in the heart of Cannes at Ma Nolan's Irish Pub, where live music and hearty dishes create an unforgettable experience.

4.1

Byron

Discover Byron, a vibrant Irish pub in Cannes, offering a perfect blend of traditional food, drinks, and a unique atmosphere for tourists seeking local flavor.

4.2

Morrisons Irish Pub

Experience authentic Irish culture at Morrisons Irish Pub in Cannes with great food, drinks, and live entertainment.

4.4

The Quay's Irish Pub

Experience the authentic Irish pub atmosphere at The Quay's Irish Pub in Cannes, where delicious food and live entertainment await.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Cannes

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Le Speakeasy Cannes

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Le Speakeasy Cannes, where fusion cuisine and live music create an unforgettable experience.

4.0

Bisous Bisous Club

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Cannes at Bisous Bisous Club, a trendy spot for unforgettable parties and stylish cocktails along the French Riviera.

2.1

Club - Au Son des Guitares

Discover the vibrant nightlife and electrifying music scene at Au Son des Guitares, Cannes' premier night club for unforgettable experiences.

3.4

Palm Club Cannes

Join the elite at Palm Club Cannes, where luxury meets nightlife in the heart of the French Riviera.

2.2

Best shops in Cannes

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CAP3000 - Shopping Mall

Discover CAP3000, the ultimate shopping and dining destination on the French Riviera, where fashion meets fun and relaxation.

4.4

Polygone Riviera

Experience the ultimate shopping and dining oasis at Polygone Riviera in Cagnes-sur-Mer – where luxury meets leisure.

4.3

Galeries Lafayette Cannes

Explore Galeries Lafayette Cannes for an exceptional shopping experience featuring fashion, beauty, and luxury goods in a stunning setting.

3.8

Louis Vuitton Cannes

Indulge in luxury shopping at Louis Vuitton Cannes, where elegance meets the stunning French Riviera in a premier fashion destination.

4.0

Explore Cannes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Cannes, mapped for you.

Cannes Essentials

Cannes is easily accessible via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, which is approximately 27 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use the express bus service (Bus 210) that connects directly to Cannes. Alternatively, you can reach Cannes by train, with its well-connected railway station offering regular services from major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Nice.
Cannes offers a variety of transportation options. The city has an efficient local bus service operated by Palm Bus, which covers most tourist attractions and neighborhoods. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For a more scenic mode of travel, consider renting a bicycle or electric scooter. Additionally, the city is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful, especially in central areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. Contactless payment methods are also commonly used.
Cannes is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's advisable to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as the Promenade de la Croisette and the central train station. Pickpocketing can occur in these busy spots, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious when using ATMs.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local police station and medical facilities are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do dress smartly, especially if you plan to visit upscale restaurants or attend events. Beachwear should be confined to the beach. Religion: Do show respect when visiting religious sites. Modest attire is recommended. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding buses. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and wines. Don't rush meals; dining is considered a leisurely activity.
To experience Cannes like a local, visit the Marché Forville, a bustling market offering fresh produce, meats, and flowers. Enjoy a stroll along the less touristy streets of Le Suquet, the old town, where you can find charming boutiques and local eateries. For a unique experience, take a boat trip to the Îles de Lérins, a group of islands just off the coast, offering beautiful scenery and historic sites.

When is the best time to visit Cannes?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Cannes

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Cannes. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwah]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sa vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [ah lehd]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gahrd zhuhst]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shehr]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray-mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [sept]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuff]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo eh]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell eh la-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shay (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Cannes

Cannes' history dates back to the 2nd century BC when it was a Ligurian settlement known as Aegitna. The ancient Ligurians were a group of tribes who lived along the Mediterranean coast, and their presence in Cannes laid the foundations for future settlements.
During the Roman era, Cannes became an important outpost. The Romans called it 'Canua,' and it served as a strategic location for trade and military operations. Remnants of Roman roads and structures can still be found in the area, reflecting its historical significance.
In the Middle Ages, Cannes was a small fishing village under the protection of the Lords of the Abbey of Lérins. The construction of the Suquet Tower and the fortified castle on top of Le Suquet hill provided defense against marauding pirates and invaders, shaping the city's medieval landscape.
Founded in the 5th century, the Abbey of Lérins on the Île Saint-Honorat played a crucial role in Cannes' religious and cultural history. The monks from the abbey not only cultivated the land but also contributed to the spiritual and educational development of the region.
Cannes underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century when it became a popular winter resort for European aristocracy. The arrival of wealthy British aristocrat Lord Brougham in 1834 marked the beginning of Cannes' evolution into a glamorous and fashionable destination. His endorsement attracted other European elites, leading to the construction of lavish villas and hotels.
The inaugural Cannes Film Festival took place in 1946, quickly becoming one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the festival has cemented Cannes' status as a cultural hub and a symbol of cinematic excellence.
Today, Cannes is renowned for its luxurious lifestyle, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. The city's rich historical tapestry is evident in its preserved architecture, museums, and annual events. Cannes continues to attract visitors from around the globe, drawn by its unique blend of historical charm and modern sophistication.