Visiting Cannes
Cannes is one of the most iconic coastal destinations in France, holding an international reputation that extends far beyond Europe. Since the 1940s, the city has been defined by its cinematic identity. Its famous Film Festival brings global stars and industry insiders to the coast every May.
The silver screen front and center
Film is the true DNA of Cannes. You will undoubtedly pass the Palais des Festivals, where major actors walk the red carpet each year. Across the city, painted wall murals celebrate this cinematic heritage. Keep an eye out for portraits of Marilyn Monroe or Charlie Chaplin tucked into street corners. On the forecourt of the Palais des Festivals and in the surrounding gardens, you will find the famous handprints of more than 300 celebrities. This trail, known as the Chemin des Étoiles, is a major hit with children.
Between luxury and simplicity
The Croisette is the local equivalent of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Stretching for three kilometers (about 2 miles), this palm-lined coastal road makes for a scenic stroll along fine sand beaches that draw large crowds in the summer. Cannes presents two distinct sides: one ultra-luxurious with upscale hotels and casinos, and another much more authentic. To experience the latter, head to the Suquet, the oldest neighborhood in Cannes. Perched atop Mont-Chevalier hill, it offers expansive views over the coast. In the summer, wandering through its shaded alleyways up to the church of Notre-Dame-d'Espérance is a highlight. Continue down to the Vieux Port to look at the sailboats and colorful traditional fishing boats.
Two scenic islands just offshore
Cannes also boasts a rich cultural heritage. You can explore it at the musée de la Castre, housed in a medieval castle, and at the La Malmaison art center. If you have time, take the 20-minute ferry ride to the Îles de Lérins. The gorgeous islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat feature quiet beaches and wooded walking trails. The larger first island is popular with hikers and is also worth visiting for its Museum of the Sea inside the Royal Fort. The second island is home to a monastic community that runs a local vineyard.
When to go
You can visit Cannes year-round thanks to the mild climate along the French Riviera. If you want to steer clear of massive crowds, skip May during the film festival rush, as well as July and August. June and September offer ideal weather and fewer visitors for exploring the city.
How to get there
Cannes-Mandelieu Airport sits just 15 minutes from downtown. However, you will have better luck finding practical flights and reasonable fares by flying into Nice. Nice is 40 minutes away by regional train from the Cannes railway station. From North America, you fly into Nice, either on a seasonal nonstop or with a connection through a European hub.
Despite its bling-bling side, the city of palms never ceases to amaze. Along the Croisette, we happily lounge on the beach while admiring the yachts. Cannes' reputation obviously owes a lot to its grandiose events, especially the film festival, which lets you catch a glimpse of stars on the red carpet. But the city has plenty of other attractions far from the glitter. The Vieux-Port and Le Suquet neighborhoods, with their Provencal streets and old stone buildings, give a different image of Cannes. They are packed with great restaurants and offer a beautiful view of the sea from the hill.