Things to Do in Cannes: the French Riviera Beyond the Red Carpet

When people hear “Cannes”, they often think first of red carpets, film stars and the famous Croisette. Yet the city on the Côte d’Azur has far more to offer than its glamorous film festival, which has attracted visitors from around the world every May since 1946. Cannes is a lively Riviera city all year round. In the old town of Le Suquet, cobbled streets lead up to a medieval castle and church offering panoramic views. Just off the coast lie the Îles de Lérins, including Sainte-Marguerite, known for the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask, and Saint-Honorat with its monastery and own vineyards. The Marché Forville, the proximity to Mougins, Antibes, Grasse and Saint-Tropez, as well as excellent connections by coastal train and from Nice Airport (around 1 hour), make Cannes the ideal base for exploring the western Riviera.

Explore Le Suquet, the Old Town

Above the old harbour lies Le Suquet, the historic heart of Cannes. The cobbled streets of the city’s oldest district lead up to the church of Notre-Dame-d’Espérance and invite visitors to linger with their small restaurants and charming corners. High above the city stands the former Château de la Castre, a medieval castle that now houses the Musée des Explorations du Monde. From the panoramic tower, visitors can enjoy impressive views over the bay, the harbour and the Croisette. The view is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the Riviera glows in the warm light of the golden hour.

Stroll along the Croisette and past the Palais des Festivals

The famous Croisette is Cannes’ elegant waterfront promenade: palm trees, grand hotels such as the Carlton and the Majestic, as well as exclusive boutiques, create the unique atmosphere of the Riviera. At the Palais des Festivals, visitors can see the famous red carpet steps and discover the handprints of numerous figures from the world of cinema along the “Allée des Stars”. The walk is free to enjoy all year round and offers the perfect opportunity to experience the special charm of Cannes and watch the lively atmosphere of the Riviera.

Take a boat trip to the Îles de Lérins

Just 15 to 20 minutes by boat from the coast lie the Îles de Lérins, a peaceful island world right off the shore. Sainte-Marguerite impresses with its shady pine forests, hidden swimming coves and Fort Royal, which is linked to the legend of the Man in the Iron Mask. On Saint-Honorat, you will find an active Cistercian monastery where monks still live today and produce their own Lérins wine and liqueurs. The car-free islands are perfect for a picnic and offer a relaxing escape from the glamour of the city.

Head to the beaches

Cannes offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle by the sea. The sandy beaches along the Croisette combine classic Riviera charm with public beach areas and private beach clubs, inviting visitors to relax while enjoying views over the sea. Those looking for a quieter setting can find more peaceful beaches west of the city centre, such as Plage du Midi or Plage de la Bocca, which are particularly popular with locals. For the classic Côte d’Azur beach club experience, it is also worth taking a look at our guide to the beaches and Beach Clubs of Saint-Tropez.

Explore Marché Forville and Rue d’Antibes

A visit to Marché Forville is one of the best ways to discover the authentic side of Cannes. In the morning, visitors can find Provençal specialities, fresh flowers, cheese and regional products, while on Mondays the market transforms into a popular antiques market. Afterwards, Rue d’Antibes and Rue Meynadier invite visitors to shop, offering everything from international brands to local delicatessens. A visit is especially convenient if you want to buy regional ingredients for your own holiday home or accommodation on the Riviera.

Thanks to its coastal location, Cannes is the perfect base for discovering the most beautiful villages of the western Côte d’Azur. Numerous fascinating destinations can be reached within just a short drive. Only around 10 minutes away lies Mougins, a hilltop artists’ village with charming streets and excellent gourmet restaurants. Pablo Picasso was also drawn to the special charm of this place and spent part of his life here. In around 25 minutes, you can reach Grasse, the world capital of perfume, where traditional perfume houses such as Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard invite visitors to discover the world of fragrances.

Around 20 minutes from Cannes, Antibes and Juan-les-Pins await with their historic old town, impressive fortifications, the Picasso Museum and the scenic coastal path along Cap d’Antibes. Nearby Vallauris (around 10 minutes away) is especially known for its ceramic art and also played an important role in Picasso’s life and work. Those who want to experience the legendary Riviera atmosphere can reach Saint-Tropez with its famous beach clubs in around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Beyond the coastal towns, impressive natural experiences also await: The Gorges du Verdon, Europe’s largest canyon, can be reached in around 1 hour 30 minutes and are among the most spectacular landscapes in southern France. Around 45 minutes away, Nice and the Corniches offer a lively city atmosphere and a beautiful contrast to the smaller coastal towns. If you visit Cannes in February, a trip along the Mimosa Route is also worthwhile, with its colourful mimosa festivals.

Cannes has its own unique charm in every season. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience. In May, the famous film festival attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is especially glamorous during this time, but also much busier and more expensive. Those who want to experience the festival atmosphere should book accommodation well in advance, while travellers who prefer to discover Cannes in a more relaxed setting can choose a period outside the festival. The ideal travel months are considered to be June and September: the sea is pleasantly warm, the beaches are less crowded and prices are often slightly lower. July and August bring true summer vibes with lively streets, hot temperatures and a vibrant atmosphere. In February, the mimosa season transforms the region into a sea of bright yellow blossoms. The traditional mimosa festivals around Cannes make this time of year a particularly special experience. autumn and winter are also ideal for a visit thanks to the mild climate. During these months, you can explore Le Suquet, Marché Forville and the Îles de Lérins in a more relaxed way, without large crowds. Whether during the lively summer season or the quieter months, Cannes offers the opportunity to discover the city and its surroundings in a special way all year round.

Anyone looking to discover Cannes and its surroundings should also consider the right location and level of comfort when choosing accommodation. Holiday homes or luxury villas on the Côte d’Azur offer plenty of space, privacy and flexibility. A private kitchen, swimming pool and spacious living areas make this type of accommodation particularly attractive for families and groups, often providing better value for money than a hotel on the Croisette. Those who want to be in the heart of the action can stay directly in Cannes and easily reach beaches, restaurants and attractions on foot. Travellers looking for peace, beautiful views and Mediterranean gardens will find ideal retreats in nearby towns such as Mougins, Le Cannet, Mandelieu or Vallauris, perfect for a romantic Côte d’Azur getaway for two. A car is especially useful here to explore further villages and the many attractions of the Côte d’Azur with maximum flexibility.

At Casapilot, you will find holiday homes in Cannes and throughout the western Côte d’Azur. Discover the perfect accommodation to make your Riviera trip comfortable and relaxing.

Getting to Cannes is easy and well organised. From Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE), the city can be reached in around one hour, while direct trains along the coast provide convenient connections to the main destinations of the Riviera. Those arriving by car can quickly reach the region via the A8 motorway. Once there, the centre of Cannes with its beaches, attractions and best restaurants along the Côte d’Azur can easily be explored on foot. For trips into the countryside or to nearby villages, however, having a car is especially convenient. Boats to the Îles de Lérins depart directly from the old harbour. As parking in the city centre can be limited and expensive during the Film Festival and the high season, accommodation with private parking is a real advantage. Despite its upscale atmosphere, many experiences such as markets, beaches, islands and Le Suquet can also be enjoyed on a smaller budget. The currency in Cannes is the euro, and French is the main language spoken, while English is also widely understood in tourist areas.

Cannes is far more than the red carpet and the famous Film Festival. Between the historic old town of Le Suquet, the green islands just off the coast, the beaches and the charming surrounding towns, you will discover an authentic Riviera city that has preserved its own unique rhythm. Those who stay longer can experience the relaxed lifestyle of the Côte d’Azur, Mediterranean moments and the many little details that make this region so special.

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