15 of the best things to do in Cannes

Cannes is one of the most prestigious destinations on the French Riviera. While cities like Nice, Saint-Tropez, and Antibes offer a similar appeal, It has an edge over these other Cote d’Azur cities.

Cannes has no trouble attracting people seeking a luxurious getaway to its shores. The city offers high-end boutiques, world-class 5-star hotels, and access to the Mediterranean Sea. Best of all, it hosts the famous Cannes Film Festival. We explored the city during our French Riviera tour and have no problem recommending the place for a relaxing vacation.

There's a long list of interesting landmarks and fun activities in the city. Here are the best things to do in Cannes:

1. A drive down La Croisette

La Croisette is the most famous street in Cannes. Like Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the street is bordered by beaches on one side and numerous fascinating buildings on the other. Landmarks you'll come across include the famous Carlton Cannes Hotel, Hotel Barrière Le Majestic, and Le Palais des Festivals (home of the Cannes Film Festival).

Driving down La Croisette in a convertible car and stopping at various stores along the way may be the highlight of your trip. You can shop at Hermes, Valentino, and Cartier in between basking in the summer sun and enjoying the melody of the car's exhaust pipes.

Few things can beat driving down a scenic coastal road while enjoying the Mediterranean weather.

2. La Mairie de Cannes

La Mairie de Cannes is the city's town hall. In addition to its architectural magnificence, it offers insights into the city's unique history. Its location next to the old port makes it great for taking memorable photos.

The French built La Mairie de Cannes in 1876 in a neoclassic style to reflect the town's aspirations. Visitors can marvel at its unique décor, sculptures, and Doric columns.

3. Private Yacht Cruise

The main draw of the French Riviera is the Mediterranean Sea. What better way to enjoy that than a cruise on a private yacht? The city's setting makes it ideal for serene excursions along the coast. With its azure waters and nearby private beaches, few places can beat Cannes for having a yacht party.

Many private yacht charter companies run from Cannes, allowing you to explore the French Riviera in style. You can select from various options, from small single-engine boats to superyachts.

Glorious rock formations await you on the shores of the nearby resort town, Theoule-sur-Mer. You can visit one of many secluded pebble beaches like Pointe de l'Aiguille. The benefit of a private yacht cruise is the freedom to decide where to visit.

An extended cruise with visits to islands off the coast is a great idea. However, note that yacht rental prices don't usually include what is known as Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA). APA is an additional cost that's not usually advertised. It's between 20-40% of the rental price and varies between charter companies. You should also pay attention to the charter company's cancellation policy.

4. Hike to La Croix-des-Gardes

La Croix-des-Gardes is a famous residential area in Cannes housing a large park overlooking the city and the bay. People visit this part of Cannes for hiking and cycling experiences. The views of the Mediterranean Sea, Esterel Massif, and Îles des Lérins are enough to keep your mind off the strain of the hike. Interesting landmarks in the park include the Robert W. Hornbaker Monument and Fontaine d'eau Potable.

The area is also home to some of France's finest mansions and villas. The famous 19th-century Florentine-style Chȃteau de la Croix-des-Gardes villa is located here. Alfred Hitchcock's 1955 movie To Catch a Thief featured the alluring Belle Époque home as the Standford Villa.

Today, the villa is a popular venue for events, including weddings and design shows. It also hosts some of the most exclusive parties during the Cannes Film Festival. If you want to spoil yourself, you can stay at the villa as it is available to rent. You'll enjoy days of a hard-to-match luxurious and memorable experience.

Another notable villa here is Médiathèque Noailles, also known as Villa Rothschild. James Mayer de Rothschild’s widow owned the neo-classical villa built in 1881. He was a banker and a prominent member of the Rothschild family. The building is now a public library listed as an official public monument.

5. Le Vieux Port

Le Vieux Port is a world-renowned harbor with space for vessels up to 140 meters long. The area is at the foot of Le Suquet, Cannes's oldest and most historic area. It is close to the Museum of Explorations of the World and the Notre-Dame d'Espérance Church. It is a popular destination for tourists to relax while enjoying unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Le Vieux Port offers more than maritime facilities. This part of Cannes is also a popular dining destination. Travelers visit the port to have lunch at its many fine dining establishments and climb the nearby hills for spectacular port and city views.

6. Le Suquet

Le Suquet is another of Cannes's most popular destinations. Like Nice's Vieille Ville, this historic part of town has winding streets, multi-colored houses, and rustic squares with numerous historical attractions. Many visitors are attracted by Le Suquet's labyrinthine streets, boutique shopping, cafés, and restaurants offering local cuisine.

Popular places to visit in Le Suquet include Marché Forville, a local market, and the clock tower and church, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Bay of Cannes.

7. Helicopter tour of Cannes

A private helicopter tour is a great way to see Cannes. Local outlets offer rides ranging from 12 to 60 minutes. These tours have incredible views of Cannes and other parts of Cote d'Azur. You'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of La Croisette and the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Some tours also take you as far as Gorges du Verdon, a beautiful area with lakes and large canyons.

Access to the helipad is highly restricted, so book your tour in advance, and don't forget to bring your passport. While you won't be leaving France, tour operators usually request it.

8. Musée de la Castre

La Musée de la Castre is an iconic museum in a medieval castle. It used to be home to the monks of Lerins. You can walk to the building from the city center in less than fifteen minutes. At over 1,000 years old, the building is a standout attraction. Known for housing an extensive collection of Mediterranean art and archaeological artifacts, it is a must-visit destination for history buffs.

Guided tours are available if you want a good explanation of the exhibits. The top of the medieval tower offers a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

9. Snorkeling at the Underwater Museum

Cannes offers various snorkeling opportunities, but the best is at Écomusee Sous-Marin (Underwater Eco-Museum). The museum has six large sculptures, each over two meters tall, close to Sainte-Marguerite Island's southern coast.

The artwork is the brainchild of English artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Over a 4-year period, he turned a once-neglected zone into a popular destination for keen snorkelers. The sculptures are between three and four meters deep, allowing you to explore them in the crystal-clear waters with basic equipment.

While you're snorkeling, you should be mindful of the rules, as water police often keep an eye on visitors.

10. Lérins island

The Lérins Islands are a group of four islands south of Pointe Croisette. The largest is Île Sainte-Marguerite, followed by the Île Saint-Honorat. Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat are worth exploring. The islands offer a tranquil haven to escape the stress of the city.

Île Sainte-Marguerite exudes an air of mystery with the presence of Fort Royal. It once functioned as a prison famous for housing the man in the iron mask. Today, the island hosts the Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal, an archaeology museum. If you want to visit the Fort, note that you must hike about 500 meters uphill.

By contrast, Île Saint-Honorat is a more spiritual location. It has stunning natural beauty and is home to the Abbaye de Lérins, a 5th-century Benedictine monastery with cloistered halls and quiet gardens.

11. Centre d'Art La Malmaison

Centre d'Art La Malmaison is an art gallery housed in a former Boulevard de la Croisette hotel. It closed in 2023 for extensive renovations, with plans to reopen in December 2024. Previous contemporary art exhibitions at the destination include Picasso's La Suite Vollard, Max Ernst's L'imagination en jeu, and Pierre and Gilles's Le Goȗt du Cinéma.

Renders of the new design reveal a great-looking upgrade, so if you can delay your trip until the reopening date, you'll be among the first to enjoy the gallery's new look.

12. Shopping at Rue d'Antibes

Rue d'Antibes is Cannes' main shopping street. Don't let the narrow street fool you. It has many high-profile local and international stores including Rolex, Mont Blanc, and Tommy Hilfiger.

With an abundance of cafes and restaurants in the area, you can take as many breaks as you need while shopping. You can also purchase great souvenirs to help keep your visit fresh in memory.

13. Beaches

Cannes is home to some of France's most prestigious beaches. You can access private beaches if you stay at the Carlton or Barrière Le Majestic. Here, hosts will spoil you while you enjoy the Mediterranean weather. However, if you're curious about other beaches, select from one of the following options:

Plage du Midi is one of four public beaches along Boulevard du Midi Louise Moreau, west of the Old Port. This beach is popular among families looking for shallow waters and gentle surfing.

Further out west, you'll find Plage de la Bocca, close to La Bocca District and Cannes Airport. Popular activities here include pedal boat rides and kayaking.

Finally, there's Palm Beach, a small, family-friendly beach famous for watching kitesurfers performing at sea. But don't be fooled by the name. Palm trees, while present, are not in abundance at this location.

14. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the city's most famous destination. It hosts over 150 events annually, the most popular being the Cannes Film Festival.

Even if you can't visit during the festival, you can attend one or more other events hosted here. Keep an eye on the calendar to see what interests you.

15. Cannes Yachting Festival

If you're willing to plan your trip close to the time of the Cannes Yachting Festival, you're in for a treat. The exceptional trade show hosts more than 700 boats from 5 to 50 meters long yearly. You'll find exhibits at the city's main ports, Vieux Port and Port Pierre Canto.

Many big-name yacht builders are usually well represented at the show, so if you're shopping for your next luxury yacht, the show is a good place to explore options.