Cannes: The shimmering capital of cinema and Côte d'Azur glamour.

Cannes is best known worldwide for glamour, cinema, and luxury, but the city offers far more than red carpets and designer boutiques. Once a quiet fishing village, Cannes transformed in the 19th century when European aristocracy began wintering along the French Riviera. Grand hotels, palm-lined promenades, and a refined seaside atmosphere soon followed.

Today, Cannes blends Mediterranean beauty with layers of history. Elegant boulevards sit beside working harbors, while medieval streets rise just above the coastline. The surrounding islands provide natural escapes only minutes from shore, making Cannes surprisingly varied for such a compact destination.

The attractions below are ordered by popularity first, then grouped by proximity to help days flow smoothly. Each stop focuses on what to see, how to get there, and practical tips for enjoying Cannes beyond the festival spotlight.

Top Attractions & Experiences

La Croisette

La Croisette is Cannes’ iconic palm-lined boulevard stretching along the Mediterranean. It’s the heart of the city’s glamorous image, framed by Belle Époque hotels, luxury boutiques, and private beach clubs. Even without indulging in luxury, strolling the promenade offers classic Riviera views.

Things to do or see there

Walk the full length of the boulevard

Relax on a public beach or blue chair

Admire historic hotels like the Carlton and Martinez

How to get there Easily reached on foot from central Cannes.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Early morning and sunset are the most pleasant times for walking.

Palais des Festivals & Chemin des Étoiles

The Palais des Festivals is the epicenter of the Cannes Film Festival and one of the city’s most photographed sites. Outside festival season, visitors can still walk the famous steps and explore the Chemin des Étoiles, where film legends have left their handprints.

Things to do or see there

Photograph the red-carpeted steps

See celebrity handprints along the promenade

Explore the nearby harbor area

How to get there Located at the western end of La Croisette; walkable from most central areas.

How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes.

Address 1 Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Access may be limited during major events.

Le Vieux Port (Old Port)

The Old Port of Cannes contrasts luxury yachts with traditional fishing boats, reflecting the city’s working past and glamorous present. The harbor is especially attractive in the evening when light reflects off the water and masts.

Things to do or see there

Walk along the harbor promenade

Watch boats come and go

Enjoy sunset views

How to get there Adjacent to the Palais des Festivals.

How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes.

Address Vieux Port, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Evening strolls pair well with dinner nearby.

Le Suquet (Old Town)

Le Suquet is Cannes’ historic heart, rising above the harbor with cobblestone streets and pastel houses. It offers a quieter, more local atmosphere and some of the best viewpoints in the city.

Things to do or see there

Wander narrow, winding streets

Discover small bistros and viewpoints

Enjoy views over Cannes Bay

How to get there Walk uphill from the Old Port.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address Le Suquet, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Wear good walking shoes for the steep streets.

Musée de la Castre

Located in a medieval castle at the top of Le Suquet, the Musée de la Castre houses ethnographic art, antiquities, and musical instruments. The real highlight is the climb up the tower for sweeping views over Cannes and the Mediterranean.

Things to do or see there

Explore global art collections

Climb the Square Tower for panoramic views

Learn about Cannes’ early history

How to get there Walk through Le Suquet to the hilltop.

How much time to spend there 1–1.5 hours.

Address Rue de la Castre, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Best visited on clear days for views.

Notre-Dame d’Espérance

This 16th-century Gothic church crowns Le Suquet and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy coastline. The setting provides one of the most rewarding viewpoints in Cannes.

Things to do or see there

Visit the church interior

Enjoy quiet surroundings

Take panoramic photos

How to get there Walk uphill through Le Suquet.

How much time to spend there 30–45 minutes.

Address Place de la Castre, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Combine with Musée de la Castre for one visit.

Île Sainte-Marguerite

Île Sainte-Marguerite offers a natural escape just offshore, known for pine forests and the Fort Royal. The island’s calm paths and coastal views feel worlds away from the bustle of Cannes.

Things to do or see there

Walk forest and coastal trails

Visit Fort Royal

Relax by quiet coves

How to get there Ferry from Cannes Old Port.

How much time to spend there Half day.

Address Île Sainte-Marguerite, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Bring water and sun protection.

Île Saint-Honorat

Île Saint-Honorat is home to a centuries-old Cistercian monastery and offers a serene, spiritual atmosphere. Vineyards, ruins, and walking paths create a peaceful counterpoint to Cannes’ glamour.

Things to do or see there

Visit the monastery

Explore fortified ruins

Walk vineyard paths

How to get there Ferry from Cannes Old Port.

How much time to spend there Half day.

Address Île Saint-Honorat, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Dress modestly when visiting religious areas.

Underwater Ecomuseum (snorkeling)

Near Île Sainte-Marguerite, the underwater ecomuseum features large stone sculptures by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Snorkeling around the statues combines art with marine conservation awareness.

Things to do or see there

Snorkel around submerged sculptures

Observe marine life

Experience art in a natural setting

How to get there Boat access from Cannes; snorkeling tours available.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address Near Île Sainte-Marguerite, Cannes, France. Google map

Notes Calm seas and clear weather are essential.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Backstreets & Local Cafés

Beyond La Croisette, Cannes’ side streets reveal quieter cafés, bakeries, and everyday life. Exploring these areas offers a more relaxed perspective on the city.

Things to do or see there

Wander residential streets

Visit local bakeries

Enjoy unhurried café stops

How to get there Walk inland from the waterfront.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address Central Cannes, France. {gmap(“Cannes city center”)}

Notes Morning hours feel especially local.

Photography Hotspots

La Croisette with palm trees and sea views
Le Suquet viewpoints over the bay
Old Port at sunset
Île Sainte-Marguerite coastal paths
Palais des Festivals steps

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

Visit outside festival dates. Cannes feels calmer and more accessible.
Combine old and new. Balance La Croisette with Le Suquet.
Book ferries early in summer. Island trips fill quickly.
Walk whenever possible. Central Cannes is compact.
Check sea conditions. Island and snorkeling trips depend on weather.

A well-paced Cannes itinerary blends glamour with history and nature. From strolling La Croisette and exploring medieval Le Suquet to escaping to the Lérins Islands, the city offers variety beyond its famous film festival image. For travelers seeking the best things to do in Cannes, exploring both the waterfront and the hills above delivers a richer Riviera experience.