12 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 in this former 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 visiting its charming historic centre, visiting the surrounding islands, exploring museums, shopping, sampling its culinary delights, strolling along the grand promenade and experiencing its lively nightlife. In this post, you will find a guide to 12 things you cannot miss in Cannes.

Welcome to the glamorous and elegant Croisette, the heart of the Cannes Film Festival! This Mediterranean town 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 shops that look like something out of a film. Even the bus stops are decorated with street art. Isn't it incredible?

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 feel transported back to the Belle Époque, when sophistication and opulence were the norm.

And if you're into sea breezes, the Croisette has more than three kilometres 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 visit Chanel's flagship store and buy their famous eponymous perfume! So don't miss the opportunity to feel like a film star as you stroll along the Croisette.

If you're a perfume lover, make a note to visit Grasse as a must-see among your things to do and see in Cannes. Come on! We're talking about the perfume capital of the world.

The greatest perfumers such as Galimard, Molinard and the most popular in the area, Fragonard, have their headquarters here. And in their factories, they offer you the chance to make your own perfume. Why not try your luck at creating your best version of a perfume?

Spring is the best time to visit Grasse, when the fields of 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 Château de Bellet, the most famous in Cannes.

Did you know that

The book and later the film "Perfume" written by Patrick Süskind is set in 18th-century Grasse, which has been considered the world capital of perfume ever since.

Let's be honest: Cannes is known for its exclusive locations, 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 can travel from La Croisette to Port Canto, along the coast with the gleaming yachts as a backdrop for your memories. And, just as you catch sight of the Lerins Islands, you'll stop to take photos next to the sports car.

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

The Napoleon Route acquired its official name in 1932. It is a 300 km route that took the Emperor himself and his loyal men a week to complete when they began the 100-day government that ended with the Battle of Waterloo.

Today, it can be completed in just five hours. The route 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 regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and climbs from sea level to 4,260 metres. It is recommended to do the route between April and October, when the weather is milder. However, prices are high in summer. Ideally, add it to your list of things to do in Cannes in June, before the influx 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 want to make sure you see everything. That's where electric bikes or e-bikes are an excellent alternative.

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

What's more, thanks to expert guides, you can visit places less frequented by tourists, with enough time to enjoy a croissant and a steaming cup of coffee, your favourite dessert or take photos during the ride.

The Principality of Monaco is a place where glamour and first-class luxury intersect, which has earned the area a reputation for being elitist. However, even if we are not Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton or Kimi Raikkonen, we can still visit the Monaco Grand Prix circuit or buy tickets for the next race.

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

The guided tour of the circuit takes 30 minutes and is often complemented by a visit to the Car Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, just a few metres from the circuit. Discover Monaco and other nearby cities in our article on the best tours and excursions from Cannes.

The cuisine of the Côte d'Azur is characterised by signature dishes and fresh fruit and vegetables, a paradise for vegans and vegetarians, although they are not the only ones who enjoy it. Seafood such as fresh fish is another of its star products. The result is an explosion of irresistible flavours and textures.

Among the typical dishes, you must try the famous ratatouille, a kind of sumptuous vegetable stew with the aroma of fine herbs. In addition, anchovies and bouillabaisse, a delicious fish soup, are something you cannot miss on any visit to Cannes. And, of course, you cannot leave without trying the lemon meringue tart, typical of the region.

But that's not all. In Cannes, you can also enjoy authentic socca, a kind of crêpe made with chickpea flour and olive oil, cooked in a wood-fired oven and eaten with your hands. If you try it at the Marché Forville market, I guarantee you'll be treated to a delicacy fit for the gods.

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

If you're looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with secret beaches, castles, and monuments, there's nothing better than a getaway to the Lerins Islands. Located opposite the Bay of Cannes, these islands are part of the protected area of the Côte d'Azur and can be reached by a 15-minute boat trip from the Quai du Large port in the Vieux Port.

During your tour, you will first pass by Sainte-Marguerite Island, the largest of the three islands. It is 2.5 kilometres long and home to golden sandy beaches, the former residence of the Man in the Iron Mask, an underwater ecomuseum with statues by Jason DeCaires Taylor, a royal fort and wonderful nature trails. Most visits to the islands are concentrated on this island.

Other islets that form part of the group are Saint-Honorat Island, home to monks since the 5th century, where the Lerins Abbey is located. Added to these are the smaller islands of La Tradelière and Saint-Ferréol. If this plan appeals to you, be sure to read our post on 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 Rond-Point du Général Maubert. Fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, shoes? If it's a sophisticated, glamorous product 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 shops, making it more attractive to all customers thanks to its varied prices compared to La Croisette.

Even if you're just window shopping, it's worth the walk. You can also stop at a patisserie, restaurant or café for a gastronomic break just 450 metres from Croisette beach.

Cannes is the Mecca of European cinema and, like Los Angeles, has its own 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 to the famous festival.

The place is iconic from every perspective and, although it lacks the concrete stars found in the American version, it personalises the memory. It currently features more than 400 handprints and signatures of celebrities including Quentin Tarantino, Catherine Deneuve, Penélope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Sophia Loren, Pierre Richard, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Martin Scorsese, Marion Cotillard and Leonardo DiCaprio. Bring your camera and take photos next to the handprints of your favourite artists!

From glitz and glamour to hedonistic summers and a party spirit, Cannes is characterised by its lively social scene.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 seeking an exciting nightlife.

To name just a few notable meeting places, 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, and you can sample Mediterranean dishes and Southeast Asian specialities while enjoying live music and DJs. This venue is located in the Pierre Canto port, on Boulevard de la Croisette.

And if you fancy a range of leisure activities, Casino 3.14 is an idyllic spot with slot machines, table games, a restaurant and a bar with shows during the holiday season. Whatever your entertainment tastes, Cannes has something for everyone.

Remember the trip to the museum with the flags of the world that little Willy Wonka takes in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? You'll experience a similar feeling when you visit the Castre Museum, but instead of flags, this museum offers a warm historical invitation from various cultures around the world.

Located in the ruins of a 12th-century medieval castle in the Le Suquet neighbourhood, a local meeting place before and after the festival, this museum houses an important collection of antique sculptures, frescoes and other works of art from the East and West. Due to the richness of its exhibition, it belongs to the group of national monuments.

The experience is rewarding. You can crown your visit from the top of the castle, after passing the chapel of Saint Anne, from where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the bay of Cannes. The Castre Museum 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 that's our suggestion for discovering the wonderful city of Cannes. From boat trips, excursions to Provence, Monaco, Saint Tropez or the island of Sainte-Marguerite, to bike rides or tours to discover its cultural and gastronomic riches. Take a look at our travel guides so you don't miss a thing and enjoy everything the capital of the French Riviera has to offer:

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