Cannes on the Côte d'Azur – stylish holiday destination on the Mediterranean coast

The 5 best things to do in Cannes

1. Water sports on the Mediterranean Sea
Cannes is an ideal place for water sports enthusiasts. You can go jet skiing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing or diving. The beaches slope gently into the sea, making them safe for children as well.

2. Go shopping on Rue d'Antibes
Rue d'Antibes is Cannes' main shopping street. It offers a mix of French fashion boutiques, perfumeries and exclusive shops. For high-end fashion, head to the Croisette, where you will find brands such as Dior, Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

3. Sunset boat tour
A romantic evening cruise along the Côte d'Azur is an absolute must. As the sun sets, the sky turns orange and pink, and the skyline of Cannes is reflected in the water. A boat trip along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea is perfect for couples looking for a special moment together.

4. Art and culture
Visit the Musée de la Castre in Le Suquet. This museum is located in a medieval castle and displays paintings, musical instruments and archaeological finds from all over the world.

5. French gastronomy
The harbour and Croisette are lined with countless restaurants serving Provençal cuisine such as: fresh fish, grilled vegetables, ratatouille and local rosé.

The port of Cannes – luxury yachts and lively quays

At the foot of the old town lies the Vieux Port de Cannes. Here, impressive luxury yachts liealongside traditional fishing boats. The smell of salt, the gentle lapping of the water and the gleaming lights of the boats create a special atmosphere, especially in the evening.

Stroll along the quay and admire the boats up close. During events such as the Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique (a fireworks festival) in the summer or the Yachting Festival Cannes in September, you will see the most beautiful yachts in the world. It is also a popular place for an aperitif on a terrace. On the Quai Saint-Pierre there are cozy cafes and restaurants overlooking the harbour.

In December, during the Christmas festivities in Cannes, the masts of boats are decorated with lights. In May, the harbour is home to the Cannes Film Festival. The combination of sea, atmosphere and style makes the harbour one of the most photogenic places in the city, perfect for strolling and dreaming of life on the Côte d'Azur.

The 5 most beautiful sights of Cannes

1. Boulevard de la Croisette
The Boulevard de la Croisette is the beating heart of Cannes. This elegant boulevard runs along the sea and is lined with palm trees, luxury hotels and designer shops. Stroll past exclusive beach clubs, admire the gleaming yachts in the harbour and feel the lively atmosphere that is so characteristic of the Côte d'Azur. During the Cannes Film Festival,  this is where celebrities walk the red carpet.

2. Le Suquet – the charming heart of old Cannes
If you want to get to know the real, characterful Cannes, walk up the hill to Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes. The narrow streets wind up between pastel-coloured shuttered houses, topped with the scent of jasmine and fresh herbs. There is no glitz or glamour here, but authentic charm and Provençal cosiness. The small squares have many terraces where locals and visitors enjoy a glass of wine or an ice-cold citron pressé. In the evening, you can hear the voices of people eating together, making music and chatting — exactly the atmosphere you would expect on the Côte d’Azur. Along the Rue Saint-Antoine, one of the oldest streets in Cannes, there are atmospheric restaurants where chefs serve local dishes with fresh products from the Marché Forville. From the top of Le Suquet, head to the square near the Notre-Dame d'Espérance church. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Cannes, with panoramic views over the port, the Croisette and the azure, blue Mediterranean Sea. Take a moment to sit here and enjoy the breeze, the views, and the sounds of the city below.

3. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The Palais des Festivals is inextricably linked to Cannes. The famous Cannes Film Festival on the Boulevard de la Croisette takes place here every year. Visit the building outside of festival season, stroll the red carpet, and see the handprints of movie stars on the Chemin des Étoiles, the French version of the Walk of Fame.

4. Marché Forville
At the foot of Le Suquet lies the lively Marché Forville, a covered Provençal market full of fragrance and colour. Local farmers and fishermen sell their products here: fresh vegetables, herbs, olives, cheeses, fish and flowers. This market is a popular place for residents, chefs and tourists. To discover the real France on the Côte d'Azur, a visit to Marché Forville in Cannes is definitely recommended. Tip: arrive early in the morning and get a picnic basket full of goodies, perfect for lunch on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

5. Îles de Lérins
Off the coast of Cannes lie the Îles de Lérins: Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. Both islands are accessible by boat and offer peace and nature at just a fifteen-minute boat ride away. Sainte-Marguerite is ideal for walks through pine forests and going for a swim in clear blue waters. Saint-Honorat is known for its monastery where monks produce wine. These islands are a beautiful counterpart to the lively city and are perfect for families and nature lovers.

FAQs over Cannes

1. When is the best time to visit Cannes?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal.

2. Is Cannes suitable for families with children?
Yes, the beaches are child-friendly and there are many fun activities to do with your family.

3. Can you combine a holiday to Cannes with other places?
Yes, combine it with other seaside resorts on the Côte d'Azur such as Nice, Antibes, Grasse or Saint-Raphaël.

4. Where can you find tasty food in Cannes?
In Le Suquet and at the harbour there are excellent restaurants with Provencal cuisine.

5. Where can I stay near Cannes?
Take a look at FranceComforts’ luxury holiday homes in Provence.

Practical information about Cannes

• Location: South of France, between Nice and Saint-Raphaël
• How to get there: via the A8 motorway, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport or TGV
• Climate: 300+ sunny days a year
• Beaches: public beaches and private beach clubs
• Parking: car parks at the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals

5 ways to explore Cannes

1. By foot – ideal for experiencing the atmosphere in Le Suquet and on the promenade.
2. By bike or e-scooter – convenient and environmentally friendly.
3. Takr the tourist train – great for families with children.
4. By boat – see Cannes from the water.
5. With a guide – discover stories of culture and film history.