Best Things to Do in Cannes

Cannes is known for its famous International Film Festival and for being a high society destination. Between glamorous corners and a Provençal landscape of contrasts, there are centuries of history of an ancient fishing village that offers much more than just cinema and luxury.

Those who visit the city can enjoy the best things to do in Cannes after exploring its charming historic center, visiting the surrounding islands, exploring museums, shopping, sampling its culinary delights, strolling along the grand promenade and experiencing its lively nightlife. In this publication you will find a guide with 12 things not to miss in Cannes.

Welcome to the glamorous and elegant Croisette, the heart of the Cannes Film Festival! This Mediterranean resort is a must-see destination for any lover of cinema and beauty. Imagine strolling along a palm-lined boulevard, with the sea in the background and stores that look like something out of a movie. Even the bus stop has a street-art look, isn't it amazing?

But that's not all, France's most legendary hotels and casinos, such as the InterContinental Carlton Cannes, are also located on the boulevard de la Croisette! Here, you'll be transported back to the Belle Époque, where sophistication and opulence were the norm.

And if sea breezes are your thing, the Croisette has more than three kilometers of fine sandy beach, perfect for those looking to relax in the sun or ride ultra-compact Segways along the boulevard. You'll never get bored in this vibrant place!

But that's not all, you can go to Chanel store number 5 and buy their famous eponymous perfume! So don't miss the opportunity to feel like a movie star while strolling along the Croisette.

If you are a perfume lover, make a note of your visit to Grasse as one of the things to do and see in Cannes. Come on, we are talking about the perfume capital of the world.

The greatest perfumers such as Galimard, Molinard or the most popular in the area, Fragonard, have their headquarters here. Why not try your hand at making your own perfume?

Spring is the best time to visit Grasse, when the fields with lavender, jasmine, roses and daffodils are in bloom and it coincides with the best season to visit the vineyards of Provence. Perhaps you could consider taking a tour of Valbonne and Grasse to prepare your perfume and taste the wines of the Château de Bellet, the most famous wines of Cannes.

Did you know that

The book and later the movie "Perfume" written by Patrick Süskind, is set in 18th century Grasse and, since then, already considered the perfume capital of the world.

Let's be honest: Cannes is known for its exclusive sites, opulence and glamour, and what else screams luxury more than a tour in a Ferrari? It's one of those irresistible guilty pleasures.

Hop into a classic red Ferrari for a private photo shoot in Cannes. With a photographer-guide at the wheel, you'll drive from La Croisette to Port Canto, all along the coastline with the gleaming yachts as canvases for memories. And, just when you spot the Lerins Islands, you make a stop to take pictures with the yacht.

You can share the experience with two other people, 3passengers for one price! After 35 minutes aboard this V8, you are taken back to the starting point on La Croisette where you receive your professional pictures.

Since 1932 the Route Napoléon acquired its official name. It is a route of about 300 km that the Emperor himself and his faithful men took a week to complete when they started the 100 Days Government that ended with the Battle of Waterloo.

Today, it can be completed in just five hours. The walk covers sections of the N85, D1075, D4085 and D6085 roads passing through Portoferraio, Vallauris Golfe-Juan, Cannes, the Côte D'Azur community, Le Cannet, Mougins, Mouans-Sartoux, Grasse, Saint-Vallier-de-Thiey and Châteauvieux.

It covers the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions and climbs from sea level to 4260 meters. It is recommended to do the route between April and October, when the weather is milder. However, prices are high in summer. The ideal is to note it among your things to do in Cannes in June, before the flood of tourists.

There are few places in the world like Cannes and when you visit one of the most famous places in the world, you have to make sure you see it all. And that's where electric bicycles or e-bikes are excellent alternatives.

Discover Cannes with a 2 or 3 hour bike tour through the old port, the Suquet district with its Church of Notre Dame de l'Esperance, the high-end boutiques facing the boulevard de La Croisette, the beaches of the Palm Beach of Cannes Californie or the monument Table d'orientation Cannes.

On the other hand, thanks to the expert guides, you can approach the corners less crowded by tourists with enough time to eat a croissant with a steaming coffee, your favorite dessert or take pictures during the ride.

First-class glamour and luxury intersect in the Principality of Monaco, and that has earned the area a reputation for elitism. However, even if you are not Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Kimi Raikkonen, you can still visit the Monaco Grand Prix circuit or buy tickets for the next race.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been in existence since the 1920s, when it was inaugurated by Prince Albert I. The track runs through the center of the city and is known for being one of the most complex circuits to overtake during a race. But that only makes it more exciting for the fans who flock every year to watch their favorite drivers compete.

The guided tour of the circuit takes 30 minutes, and is often complemented by a walk through the H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco's Automobile Collection, just a few meters from the circuit. Discover Monaco and other nearby cities in our article on the best tours and excursions from Cannes.

The gastronomy of the French Riviera is characterized by signature cuisine and fresh fruits and vegetables, a paradise for vegans and vegetarians, although they are not the only ones who enjoy. Seafood such as fresh fish is another of its star products. The result is an explosion of irresistible flavors and textures.

Among the typical dishes, you can not miss the famous ratatouille, a kind of sumptuous ratatouille with aroma of fine herbs. In addition, anchovies and bouillabaisse, a delicious fish soup, are a must on any visit to Cannes. And, of course, you can't leave without tasting the lemon tart with meringue, typical of the region.

But that's not all, in Cannes you also enjoy the authentic socca, a kind of crêpe made of chickpea flour and olive oil that is cooked in a wood-fired oven and eaten with your hands. If you try it at the Marché Forville market, you are guaranteed to receive a delicacy of the gods.

Finally, cheese lovers must try the artisanal cheeses of Ceneri. From camembert with calvados, to fresh cheese with basil or brie with truffles, every bite is a delight. And just a 10-minute walk and a 4-minute bike ride from the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, you'll find the specialists at Fromagerie Ceneri.

If you are looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with secret beaches, castles, and monuments, nothing beats a trip to the Lerins Islands. Located off the Bay of Cannes, these islands are part of the protected area of the Côte d'Azur and are accessible by a mere 15-minute boat ride from the Quai du Large harbor in the Vieux Port.

During your tour, you first pass by Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the trio in question. It occupies 2.5 kilometers long where it is home to golden sandy beaches, the former residence of the Man in the Iron Mask, an underwater eco-museum with statues by Jason DeCaires Taylor, a royal fort and wonderful nature trails. These visits are usually concentrated on this island.

Other islets that are part of the group are Saint-Honorat Island, home to monks since the 5th century, where the abbey of Lerins is located. In addition, there are the smaller sisters: the island of La Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol. If this plan calls you, be sure to read our post about the best boat trips in Cannes.

Rue d'Antibes is a famous shopping street in Cannes that runs parallel to La Croisette and is framed between Rue du Maréchal Joffres and the Rond-Point du Général Maubert. Fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, shoes? If it's sophisticated, glamorous and related to Paris Fashion Week, you're sure to find it there.

On this shopping street you'll find both well-known national brands, such as Zara and Swatch, as well as small independent stores, making it more attractive to all customers thanks to its varied price offerings compared to La Croisette.

Even if you're just browsing, it's worth the walk. Plus, you can stop at a pastry shop, restaurant or café for a gastronomic break just 450 meters from Croisette beach.

Cannes represents the mecca of European cinema and like Los Angeles has its Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Cannes Walk of Fame has been located on the Boulevard de la Croisette since 1960, right in front of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the famous festival.

The place is iconic from every perspective and, although it lacks the concrete stars, as is the case in the United States, it personalizes the memory. It currently collects over 400 handprints and signatures of celebrities including: Quentin Tarantino, Catherine Deneuve, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Deep, Sophia Loren, Pierre Richard, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese, Marion Cotillard and Leonardo DiCaprio. Bring your camera and take your pictures next to the prints of your favorite artists!

From glitz to hedonistic summers and party spirit, the lively social scene characterizes Cannes.Where to go out in Cannes at night? Jazz cafés, terraces, trendy bars, clubs, casinos and glamorous nightclubs line the coast, making it a popular destination for those looking for an exciting nightlife.

Just to name a few notable hangouts, you can head to the Barrel Pub, a lively, vintage-style bar located at 17 Rue Gérard Monod.

At Le Baoli every drink is a work of art, plus you can sample Mediterranean dishes and Southeast Asian specialties while enjoying live music and DJs. This place is located in the port Pierre Canto, on the Boulevard de la Croisette.

And if you're in the mood for a range of leisure activities, Casino 3.14 is an idyllic spot with slots, table games, a restaurant and a bar with shows during the vacation season. Whatever your taste in entertainment, Cannes has something for everyone.

Remember the walk to the museum with the flags of the world that little Willy Wonka takes in the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? A similar feeling is experienced when visiting the Castre Museum, but unlike seeing flags, this museum offers a warm historical invitation from diverse cultures around the world.

Located in the ruins of a 12th century medieval castle in the Le Suquet district, a local rendezvous before and after the festival, this museum houses an important collection of antiques, sculptures, frescoes and other pieces of art from the East and West. For the richness of its exhibition of pieces, it belongs to the set of national monuments.

The experience is rewarding. You can crown your visit from the top of the castle, after passing the chapel of St. Anne, from where you can appreciate incredible panoramic views of the bay of Cannes. As for the opening hours of the Musée de la Castre, it is open from October to March from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. The rest of the year it closes at 19:00.

And so far our proposal to discover the wonderful city of Cannes. From boat trips, excursions to Provence, Monaco, Saint Tropez or the island of Sainte-Marguerite, to bike tours or tours to discover its cultural and gastronomic richness. Check out our travel guides to not miss anything and enjoy everything the capital of the French Riviera has to offer:

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