Cannes – Beaches, Attractions and Where to Stay

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Cannes – Beaches, Attractions and Where to Stay

Cannes is one of the most famous destinations on the French Riviera. The city is internationally known for its film festival, luxury hotels, sandy beaches and elegant promenade, but it also offers historic streets, colourful markets and peaceful Mediterranean islands.

Visitors can spend the morning exploring the old town, relax beside the sea in the afternoon and enjoy waterfront restaurants or evening walks along La Croisette. Cannes is suitable for a romantic break, a beach holiday or a convenient base for exploring the Côte d’Azur.

Walk along La Croisette

La Croisette is the most recognisable part of Cannes. This palm-lined promenade stretches beside the Mediterranean and is surrounded by beaches, luxury hotels, designer shops and restaurants.

A walk along La Croisette leads past several of the city’s best-known buildings, including the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. The promenade is particularly attractive in the evening, when the hotels and waterfront are illuminated.

Visit the Palais des Festivals

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the main venue of the Cannes Film Festival. Visitors can see the famous red-carpet entrance and explore the nearby Allée des Étoiles, where handprints of actors, directors and other film personalities are displayed.

Even outside the festival period, the building remains one of the city’s most popular landmarks. The surrounding area also provides easy access to the marina, beaches and shopping streets.

Explore Le Suquet

Le Suquet is the historic heart of Cannes and offers a completely different atmosphere from the modern seafront. Its narrow streets, traditional buildings and small restaurants climb the hill above the harbour.

From the upper part of the district, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Cannes, the marina and the Mediterranean. The area around Place de la Castre is particularly attractive around sunset.

Discover Marché Forville

Marché Forville is one of the best places to experience the local character of Cannes. The covered market offers fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, cheese, flowers and regional products.

It is located close to Le Suquet and the old harbour, making it easy to include in a walking tour of the historic centre. The surrounding streets also contain cafés, bakeries and restaurants serving Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine.

Relax on the beaches

Cannes is known for its sandy beaches, which are unusual compared with the pebble beaches found in several other destinations along the French Riviera.

Some beaches are operated by private beach clubs connected with hotels and restaurants, while public sections are also available. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, enjoy watersports or walk along the waterfront between La Croisette and the beaches west of the old port.

The beaches near La Croisette are convenient for travellers staying in the city centre. The Plages du Midi, located west of Le Suquet, can provide a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

Take a boat trip to the Lérins Islands

The Lérins Islands are located just off the coast of Cannes and can be reached by boat. They offer quieter surroundings, walking paths, rocky coves and clear Mediterranean water.

Sainte-Marguerite is the largest island and is known for its forest paths and Fort Royal. Saint-Honorat is smaller and famous for its historic monastery, vineyards and peaceful atmosphere.

A visit to the islands is an excellent option for travellers who want to escape the busy city centre for a few hours.

Food, shopping and evening entertainment

Cannes offers traditional French restaurants, Mediterranean seafood, international cuisine and elegant waterfront dining. Rue Meynadier and the streets near Marché Forville provide more casual cafés and local shops.

Luxury shopping is concentrated around La Croisette and Rue d’Antibes. In the evening, visitors can choose between beach clubs, hotel bars, restaurants and relaxed walks around the old port.

Where to stay in Cannes

Choose La Croisette for beaches, luxury hotels and easy access to the Palais des Festivals. This area is ideal for travellers who want to stay close to the city’s most famous sights.

The streets around Cannes city centre and Rue d’Antibes offer a convenient location near shops, restaurants, the railway station and the seafront.

Stay in Le Suquet for historic surroundings, traditional restaurants and views over the harbour. Apartments and smaller hotels in this district can provide a more atmospheric experience.

La Bocca is a good option for travellers looking for a quieter stay, family accommodation or easier access to beaches west of the centre. Cannes offers everything from furnished apartments and guesthouses to traditional hotels and luxury properties.

Plan your stay in Cannes

Cannes can become particularly busy during the Film Festival, trade events and the peak summer season. Accommodation prices may rise considerably during these periods, so booking early usually provides a wider choice.

Compare the distance from the beach, railway station and city centre before choosing your accommodation. Cannes also has convenient train connections with Antibes, Nice and other destinations along the French Riviera.

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