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What to do in Cannes: the best activities

Hotel Carlton in Cannes

Cannes is an attractive destination for tourists. It is ideal for a weekend or vacation. In addition, it hosts many congresses for business travelers.

Cannes is a multi-faceted city. Cannes is an ideal place to have a good time. The city offers various activities for congresses, weekend stays or holidays. These are available both day and night.

Everyone then asks the question "What can I do in Cannes?". We present here a selection of the best addresses and the best activities in Cannes.

Cannes: an exceptional destination in the heart of the Côte d'Azur

Located on the splendid Côte d'Azur, Cannes is an emblematic city that evokes glamour, luxury and elegance. Known worldwide for its famous Cannes Film Festival, the city offers much more than red carpets and celebrities. This seaside destination on the French Riviera is full of exciting activities, beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes and a rich culture. Whether you are a cinema lover, a history buff or a sea lover, Cannes will seduce you.

Old Port in Cannes

View of the Old Port of Cannes from Le Suquet

Stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette and explore the city center

La Croisette in Cannes is world famous.

During your visit to Cannes, start your discovery with a stroll on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. This emblematic avenue runs along the seafront and offers panoramic views of the turquoise sea. Stroll along the boulevard, admire the majestic palm trees and soak up the lively atmosphere of this popular destination.

Boulevard de la Croisette is lined with magnificent buildings. Luxury boutiques, casinos, refined restaurants and prestigious hotels are found there. The Carlton, the Majestic and the Martinez are among the most famous of these hotels. They have all been recently renovated.

Boat rental Cannes with skipper

Cannes boat rental with skipper

Go shopping in the rue d'Antibes in Cannes

After your stroll on the Croisette, be sure to visit the city center of Cannes. Listed as a historical monument, the city center is full of charming alleys, picturesque squares and period buildings. Lose yourself in the cobbled lanes, explore the local shops and savor traditional dishes in one of the many quaint restaurants. Be sure to visit the Forville market, where you can discover fresh and tasty local products.

Rue d'Antibes is Cannes' main shopping street. You will find major international brands such as Zara, Fnac, Darty and Monoprix. Famous fashion brands are also available: Weston, Repetto, Sandro, Villebrequin, Soeur, Zadig & Voltaire, Claudie Pierlot, Bash, Tommy Hilfiger, etc.

Discover the Suquet district and the Old Port of Cannes

Located at the foot of the hill, the Suquet district is a real historical jewel of Cannes. Le Suquet is classified as a historical monument. It offers authentic charm with its steep streets and colorful houses. There are panoramic views of the city and the bay.

Climb to the top of the hill to admire the breathtaking panorama from the Suquet tower. On your way back down, go to Old Port of Cannes, where you can observe the fishing boats and enjoy the lively maritime atmosphere.

beach in Cannes

Croisette beach in Cannes

Explore the Lérins Islands: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat

You can also visit the Lérins Islands, located not far from the Old Port of Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are known for their beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. They are also home to historical monuments such as forts, monasteries and churches.

You can explore these islands and soak up the peaceful atmosphere there. Rent a boat in Cannes to get there..

Go to Sainte Marguerite Island. Famous for its fortress. It housed the Man in the Iron Mask. Stroll through the wooded paths, visit the fort royal, listed as a historic monument, and relax on the fine sandy beaches.

Here you will find the famous restaurant La Guerite Cannes. An incredible place to party during the day.

Another island not to be missed is Île Saint-Honorat, known for its monastery dating from the 5th century. Visit the benedictine abbey, explore the peaceful gardens and taste the wines produced by the monks. The Lérins Islands offer a quiet getaway unspoiled by the hustle and bustle of Cannes.

Discover the famous Palais des Festivals in Cannes

Cannes is also a paradise for art and culture lovers. Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the famous Cannes Film Festival takes place every year. Explore the places where movie stars walk the red carpet and soak up the glamorous atmosphere during the festival. The supreme reward, the Festival's Palme d'Or, is known worldwide.

The Palais des Festivals hosts several famous congresses:

- The Mipim for international real estate

- The Cannes Lions for advertising

- Mapic for commercial real estate

- The Midem for music

- Ipem for investment funds, etc.

Every year, thousands of business travelers come to attend these conventions. Cannes has just obtained the prestigious World Travel Awards 2022 label: best destination in the world for events and congresses.

This is the first time that a French city has won this famous award. cannes had already received the prize for the best european destination. Now the city has been awarded globally!

In summer, Le Bal des Fous is organized on the Riviera Terrace of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. This party brings together many young people for a totally offbeat experience!

La Terrasse Riviera is located in the open air, with an incredible view of the Croisette and the port of Cannes. In the evening, it turns into an open-air discotheque. Customers dress as smartly as possible.

Street in Cannes

Street in Cannes

Nightlife in Cannes

Nightclubs, clubs and bars in Cannes

What to do in Cannes? Let yourself be carried away in the bars of trendy hotels or in the many ephemeral nightclubs. Your nights in Cannes promise you a clubbing and festive atmosphere in unique settings. We recommend the Baoli or the Gotha Club…

For restaurants, you will find many in Cannes. We particularly appreciate the New York New York in front of the Palais des Festivals.

Discover the best restaurants in Cannes. You can also read our article on restaurants in Cannes to party.

Casino gambling in Cannes

There are 3 casinos in Cannes. In Mandelieu la Napoule, near Cannes, there is also a casino in the Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino Hotel.

In Cannes, next to the Old Port, the main casino in Cannes is the Barrier Casino La Croisette, in the Palais des Festivals. Another Barrière casino, Les Princes is located on the Croisette. Next to Port Canto, you will find the Palm Beach Casino, currently closed for renovations.

The most beautiful beaches in Cannes

Cannes has wonderful beaches, most of them along the Croisette. There are 13 public beaches and 33 private beaches in Cannes.

Public beaches in Cannes

Of the 13 public beaches located in Cannes, only 3 are located on La Croisette. You will find them at both ends of the Croisette and in the Centre.

Palais des Festivals Beach is located near the Old Port of Cannes. This beach is appreciated for its fine sand.

Close to the Martinez hotel, in the Center of the Croisette, the beach of La Croisette is crowded in summer. Finally, Bijou Plage, located near Port Canto, has disabled access (Handiplage label).

Private beaches in Cannes

The city of Cannes has more than 30 private beaches. These beaches are managed by the main hotels on the Croisette. You will find mattresses, a restaurant or a lounge.

Each beach has its own rates. It is advisable to reserve your mattress in advance in summer. Five-star hotels are known for their private beaches. Examples: Hotel Majestic, Le Martinez and Hotel Carlton (at the end of renovation works).

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