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Cannes
Cannes

a sumptuous Provençal town on the Mediterranean coast

Cannes in short

Why go to Cannes?

Whether you like sunbathing on the beach, hiking through epic landscapes, discovering historical monuments or shopping, Cannes is for you.

This small coastal town is full of markets, cultural activities and restaurants, all on the shores of the Mediterranean. Along the Promenade de la Croisette, famous for hosting the Cannes Film Festival every year, you can indulge in luxury hotels, designer boutiques and artisan perfumers.
Tired of the city? Discover the islands of Lérins in the Bay of Cannes, Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite. One is home to the oldest religious community in Europe, where time seems to stand still, while the other is full of seabed to explore and coves to walk in.

Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes

The historic district of Cannes is famous for its impressive monuments.

While strolling around, you can visit :

  • The Museum of World Explorations, an incredible museum that traces the primitive arts of ancient civilisations from all over the world. Located in the medieval castle of the monks of Lérins, overlooking the Bay of Cannes, a chapel is dedicated to local musical instruments.

  • Church of Notre Dame d'Espérance. A fabulous church built 400 years ago on the heights of Cannes.

Beach and nautical activities under the sun

Cannes has several beaches. Some are just a stone's throw from the city centre and offer water activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, buoys or even windsurfing.
Others are more eccentric and a little wilder. Cannes also has a beach with the handicapplage label, the Plage du Bijou.

Delicious restaurants and trendy bars

Cannes is a city of luxury and good taste. Visitors marvel at the variety and quality of the restaurants in this city, where you can eat according to the catch of the day and the seasons.

If you like to go out at night, Cannes has many bars. There are all atmospheres, for all tastes!

Hiking on the coastal path

Cannes is a treasure trove for walkers who enjoy the steep paths along the Mediterranean coast. Close to several sections of the Coastal Path, Cannes is a good starting point for walks by the sea or in the Alpes-Maritimes mountains.

Who is a stay at Cannes for?

The whole family can enjoy themselves in Cannes. Many activities are available for children.

Prices

Cannes is one of the most expensive cities on the French Riviera. Due to the prestige of the Palais des Festivals and its proximity to beautiful sandy beaches, it is not recommended for all budgets.

What to eat in Cannes?

Cannes is famous for its authentic Provençal cuisine. The people of Cannes love fish and seasonal vegetables. As a result, most restaurateurs buy directly from the market every morning.

We advise you try:

  • La socca'nnes ;
  • Olives dipped in oil ;
  • Anchoîade ;
  • Provençal-style fried aubergines;
  • octopus salads.
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The must-sees

All the must-sees

How to get there?

Cannes has a small airport for arrivals by sky. Cannes Mandelieu Airport is serviced by the majority of European cities.

It is also possible to fly to Marseille or Nice airport and come to Cannes by rental car, for example.

Where to stay?

Cannes is a destination full of luxury hotels. For smaller budgets, we have rounded up the 6 best hotels in the city center under £80 a night.

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Practical information

When should you go to Cannes?

Cannes is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the Cannes Film Festival. It fills up during the last two weeks of May and during the summer season from June to August.

Accommodation prices go up, activities and restaurant tables are often already booked.
So if you are coming to Cannes without attending the festival, we advise you to avoid this period.

Similarly, if you can postpone your holiday, we advise you to go in the low season, in May, June or September, when the weather is still nice and warm. You will have more opportunities to find hotels, restaurant tables, guided tours, etc.

Where can I hire a car in Cannes?

Car hire in Cannes is commonplace. Thus, you will find several rental agencies.

We recommend:

Rent A Car, at the airport

Address: Near Cannes Mandelieu airport, Zi les tourrades, 240 Av. Francis Tonner, 06150 Cannes

Opening hours: 7:30 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., every day except Saturday and Sunday. Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

ADA | Car and van hire Cannes city centre

Address: 44 Boulevard de Lorraine, 06400 Cannes

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., every day except Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Saturday: 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday: 8 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

What vaccinations are required to travel to France?

In general, the compulsory vaccines for traveling to France are:

  • Diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis (DTP);
  • Whooping cough;
  • Haemophilus influenzae type B invasive infections;
  • Hepatitis B;
  • Invasive pneumococcal infections;
  • Serogroup C meningococcus;
  • Measles, mumps and rubella.

What budget should you plan?

The average budget to plan for per person is £50-60 per day per person for a trip for two. Of course, the restaurants and activities you choose will greatly influence this budget, which is given as an indication.

Administrative procedures for going to Cannes

If you are a French or European citizen, you do not have to follow any particular procedure to travel to France and go to Cannes.

Other travelers should check with their embassy to find out how to travel to France.

If you need a visa, the government siteFrance-Visas will assist you in your procedures.

COVID situation in Cannes

As of the end of 2022, no COVID-related restrictions have been implemented in France.

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

Take advantage of the proximity to the Mediterranean and go boating, the south of France is full of beautiful bays only accessible by sea.

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