Sunny discovery: A few unforgettable days in Cannes

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Practical information you need to know before visiting Cannes
How to get to Cannes?
What time of year is best to visit Cannes?
Where to stay in Cannes?
What to do in Cannes?

If you’re planning a holiday in Cannes, you’ve come to the right place. I spent all my vacations in Cannes until I was a teenager. I returned to the Côte d’Azur a few years ago with my Canadian boyfriend. It was one of the first places he wanted to visit in France. I rediscovered Cannes as an adult and loved it. Since then, we’ve made a tradition of it: every year we spend a few days in Cannes. With this article, get ready to make some sunny discoveries and spend a few unforgettable days in Cannes.

You can also find me on Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest. On Youtube you can find several of my vlogs in Cannes: here, here et here.

Practical information you need to know before visiting Cannes

The city’s atmosphere changes with the seasons. In summer the city is very lively, in winter a little less so. In May you have the Cannes Film Festival, which, as you can imagine, offers a very different atmosphere (and different prizes too!).
Although the Cannes Film Festival is the best known, it’s not the only one to take place in Cannes. Ask about the festivals when you visit.
A lot of people speak English, so if you don’t speak French you should be fine.
If you need to leave your suitcases at a concierge before your accommodation is available or before you catch your train. I’ve got just what you need. I have been using Nanny’s Bag for years now. And in Cannes I chose the one across from the train station. Super convenient.
Cannes is a small town. It makes a lot of noise and is the stuff of dreams. But it’s smaller than many people imagine.

How to get to Cannes?

By train: depending on where you’re coming from in France, you’ll probably have to make a few changes. But believe me, the view from the train as you arrive in Cannes is worth it!
By plane: if you’re coming from abroad, you can land in Nice. Then you have several options: the train, shuttle bus 81 to Nice-Cannes airport every 45 minutes, or taxi (most expensive option).

What time of year is best to visit Cannes?

Temperatures are always mild in Cannes. But I’d say that if you want to make the most of the summer experience, it’s best to stick to the summer months. That’s when all the activities will be available, and the place will be livelier. From June to September you should be enjoying good temperatures.

Where to stay in Cannes?

I always prefer to stay downtown for several reasons. It keeps me out of the car. Summer traffic in Cannes is terrible, so if you drive, be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting in traffic and looking for a parking space.

The advantage of being in the center of town: you’re close to beaches, restaurants and the train, making it easy to explore the surrounding towns (article to come on what to do around Cannes).

Here are the places we tested:

L’hôtel l’Esterel – opposite the station, very well located. Very simple room. More affordable budget.
Airbnb – we booked this Airbnb. Good location. The apartment is not very well laid out, however.

What to do in Cannes?

Obviously, the list below is not exhaustive, but it will give you some ideas:

A stroll on the Croisette

I love going for a walk on the Croisette. It’s kind of my way of saying: hello Cannes, I’m back. The Croisette runs along the beach for 2 kilometers. On the other side of the palm trees you’ll find restaurants, cafés, luxury boutiques and private beaches. My little tradition is to take pains au chocolat and croissants from Lenôtre and eat them sitting on the blue chairs. Because another of my favorite activities on the Croisette is just watching people go by. People come from all over the world and it’s a real parade of people. You’ll see every style! From the simplest to the most sophisticated.

Getting your picture taken on the red carpet

While you’re in the area, take your photo on the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival steps. I warn you: it’s far less impressive than on TV, but you’ll be able to say you’ve walked on the same ground as the world’s greatest actors. Oh yes, one last detail: you’ll have to be patient because there’s a queue. Or come early!

Search for personalities you know on Chemin des Étoiles

Cannes has nothing to envy Hollywood, we have our equivalent of the stars on Hollywood Boulevard. And between you and me: it’s much nicer in Cannes! At the foot of the Palais des Festivals, you can walk along the star trail. Discover dozens of handprints in the ground and count how many celebrities you know.

Take a guided tour

It’s a great way to discover the city. You can hear anecdotes from locals and discover less touristy corners. It’s also a good way to get an overview of the city. You can then return to the places you really enjoyed and spend more time there. Here are some recommendations for you:

Shopping in second-hand stores

It’s a new habit we’ve picked up: visiting second-hand stores in the towns we visit. It’s a great way to bring back a useful souvenir. But also to find items that you wouldn’t necessarily find in your home town. And don’t forget that there are several flea markets, including the Forville market on Mondays.

Eating a pan bagnat on the beach

I’ve got a complete list of specialties you should try on the Côte d’Azur. But this one had to have its place in the guide to spending a few unforgettable days in Cannes. Have a pan bagnat, preferably to take away from Philcat in the Vieux Port. A word of advice: don’t go too late if you want the round bread. If you have a long loaf, the bread will be different, so give it a try as tradition dictates!

Reading a book on the beach

People also come to Cannes to relax, to enjoy more free time and longer days. Choose a place that suits you and relax with a book. Without worrying about the passage of time. That’s what vacations are all about. Don’t forget your sun cream and parasol!

Play volleyball on the beach

If you fancy a more dynamic option, you can play volleyball on the beach. I’ve seen groups who’ve come to play together, but also groups who don’t know each other. It’s really friendly. Just bring your good humour. And maybe a ball to play with.

Going to a private beach

So it’s not the cheapest option. But if you like your comfort. Not having a towel full of sand. And being served drinks. This could be the option for you! Prices vary according to the time of year. For example, in September we were able to get half a day for 35€ each on the Majestic’s private beach. But this year, in the middle of July, the price was more than double that and we had to rent a deckchair for the day. You have several options along the Croisette. Compare prices and services. But bear in mind that prices vary according to location: the closer you are to the beach, the more expensive it is.

The markets

Having grown up in France, I’m a big fan of markets. Now that I’m living in Canada, it’s a little harder to recapture that atmosphere. So I love taking the time to stroll around markets in France even more. Smell the sun-kissed fruit. Smiling at the merchants. Spontaneously buying something to eat. Discovering new products. You’ve got the unmissable Forville market and the Gambetta market. Both take place every morning except Monday mornings and are located in the city center. If you’re further west, in the La Bocca district, there’s also a market open every morning. Find out more about Cannes markets here. If you’re spending a few days in Cannes, don’t forget to stock up on fresh fruit and produce for a picnic on the beach.

The night markets

Life doesn’t stop at sunset in Cannes. During July and August you can extend the day by visiting the night markets. Grab an ice cream at Niva on the Vieux Port before discovering the local vendors. You have 3 options:

Thursday evenings – Promenade Jean Hibert
Wednesday evenings – Place du Marché de La Bocca
Tuesday evenings – Esplanade Pantiero

Find out more about Cannes night markets here.

Admire the fireworks

If you visit Cannes in summer, you may be lucky enough to see some of the world’s finest fireworks. For over 50 years, international companies have been performing in the Bay of Cannes during the summer to win the prize for the best fireworks display. It’s a feast for the eyes! More information on their website.

The Plages Électroniques festival

To enjoy this big event, you’ll have to come in mid-August! And if you don’t feel like spending the money to get in, I’ve got a little advice. From the beach we could hear the music. So we couldn’t see anything, but it was still cool. And it was free. More information on their website.

Go for a bike ride

What better way to make the most of the fine weather than on a bike tour, with perfect scenery all around! There are several route options to choose from, which you can find on the Cannes tourist office website. You can rent a bike here at 25€ for the day. Helmet and basket provided.

The Rothschild Villa

A short architectural break to continue our program of a few days in Cannes. You can explore the Villa Rothschild, now transformed into a media library. It was built in 1882 by Baroness Betty de Rothschild. A few years earlier, she had stayed in a similar villa and wanted to build her own. It has been listed as a Monument Historique since 1991.

Admire the luxury hotels

Just because you’re not staying here doesn’t mean you can’t admire the architecture. The beautiful luxury hotels along the Croisette are magnificent! The one you see in the photo below is the famous Hotel Carlton. We had an impromptu photo session there, because I think it’s so beautiful.

Explore Le Suquet, Cannes’ old town

Head for the Suquet district, Cannes’ old quarter. You can have a drink overlooking the Vieux Port, stroll through the old streets. Discover restaurants with sloping terraces and much more.

Walk past the Iron Mask Tower and discover its history.
Take some time to explore the Museum of World Explorations.
Climb up to the CANNES sign seen from the Old Port.
Enjoy the panoramic view from Mont Chevalier.

Visit the Lérins Islands

You can’t spend a few days in Cannes without visiting the Lérins Islands. It’s my favorite place. It’s so much a part of my life that I’ve dedicated an article to it here.

Activities on the Mediterranean Sea in Cannes

In this section we’ll focus on the activities you can do on the water.

Take a boat trip on the Mediterranean

What better way to relax and make your few days in Cannes unforgettable? Head to the harbor for a boat tour. You have several options. You can stay close to Cannes. Or go to the Lérins Islands. And why not go further afield, to Nice or elsewhere. Here are a few examples:

Catamaran tour in Cannes (full day, half day, lunch or not)
Semi-rigid sea excursion

Paddleboarding on the Mediterranean

I’m a big fan of paddleboarding. It’s a relaxing activity that lets you discover places that aren’t accessible on foot. I’ve found several options that I haven’t (yet) had the chance to try out: Cannes Stand Up Evasion, Go Kayak Cannes, etc.