The French Riviera shimmers with a particular kind of glamour, and nowhere is this more palpable than in Cannes. While the city is globally synonymous with the red carpets and yachts of its annual Film Festival, there is a deeply authentic and historically rich destination waiting beyond the flashbulbs. From the narrow, winding alleys of its old town to the pristine sands of its public beaches, Cannes offers a surprisingly diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler.
Visitors often arrive expecting a playground exclusively for the rich and famous, yet they quickly discover a city that is remarkably welcoming and accessible. You do not need a VIP pass to enjoy the breathtaking views, the Mediterranean sunshine, or the Provençal culture that defines this corner of the Côte d’Azur. The city balances its jet-set reputation with traditional markets, quiet gardens, and a palpable sense of local life that has existed for centuries.
To truly understand Cannes, one must look beyond the Croisette’s luxury boutiques. The city’s history stretches back to Roman times, but it truly began to flourish in the 19th century when the European aristocracy discovered its mild climate. This legacy of leisure has shaped the city into a compact, walkable hub where art, history, and natural beauty coexist seamlessly along the waterfront.
Exploring the city on foot is one of the greatest pleasures of a visit here. The contrast between the glistening marina filled with superyachts and the rustic charm of the Suquet district provides a dynamic visual narrative. Whether you are interested in maritime heritage, impressionist art, or simply finding the perfect spot to watch the sunset, Cannes delivers with an effortless sense of style.
Planning an itinerary requires a blend of the iconic and the hidden. While walking the legendary Boulevard de la Croisette is a must, so too is venturing to the offshore islands or hiking up to the medieval castle that watches over the bay. The city is compact enough that you can move from a luxury shopping street to a quiet, flower-filled square in a matter of minutes.
To help you navigate the best of this Mediterranean jewel, we have compiled a list of the essential sights and experiences. Whether you are here for a day trip or a week-long holiday, these destinations capture the diverse spirit of Cannes.
Le Chemin Des Etoiles
| Address | Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The place was great with a good atmosphere. they were many few star hands on the floor even the film stars, I’ve never heard of.
Good to see famous actors hand prints on the floor.
Nothing special. The building is old, unsightly...it survives thanks to its old glory
The hand prints don't seem to be very taken care (example: some of the them had rails on top of them so we could not appreciate them, those rails could have been stored a bit further away from the hand prints) also the hand prints could have a plaque beneath with the name of the stars as some of them are not perceived as they are signed by the stars.
Great looking for the top stars - just like the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. There's a lot more than you expect so keep following the trail. Our favourites were Meryl Streep and Ben Kinsley.
Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance de Cannes
| Address | 1 Rue de la Castre, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 97 06 16 75 |
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance is a beautiful historic church located on Le Suquet hill, the oldest district of Cannes. The church offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets below and features stunning architecture, beautiful stone details, and incredible views over the city, harbor, and Mediterranean from its surroundings. The atmosphere inside is calm and reflective, making it a wonderful place to visit for both its history and its beauty. The walk up through the charming old streets of Le Suquet makes the experience even more memorable.
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance de Cannes is an old church on the hilltop of Cannes. One has to climb some way stiff. From the top, beautiful views of Cannes city, port and beach can be enjoyed. history.
It is a quiet church, ideal for calmness. The architecture is good.
Iconic church which overlook Cannes' Bay and located in the heart of Le Suquet, it was built in 1627 when the town had barely a thousand inhabitants ... but it was only completed in 1641 !
Its construction lasted over a century and was constantly interrupted by invasions and outbreaks of plague. Since then, it has replaced the former Sainte-Anne Chapel, which was then considered too small and is now part of the Castre Museum. A single nave with four bays flanked by eight side chapels and a semicircular chancel constitute the main part of its mediocre interior decoration. It is particularly distinguished by its entrance portal and its bell tower, erected as an extension of the facade on a postern gate of the old fortified castle walls.
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance in Cannes is a true piece of historic art, standing proudly atop Le Suquet with breathtaking views of the city and sea. The church’s charming architecture and serene atmosphere make it an ideal escape from the bustling streets below. Whether you’re admiring the intricate details of the interior or enjoying the peaceful courtyard, it’s a place where hours pass without even noticing. The tranquil setting makes it perfect for reading, reflecting, or simply taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Beautiful old church on top of the hill where the origin of Cannes begin. Nowadays a beautiful square with a great view over Cannes. The pines on the square create a welcome shadow on a hot summer day.
You can visit the church and/or castle by foot (either walking up the road or taking stairs) but this place is also visited by the tourist train which starts at Palais de Congres.
Cannes Free Walking Tours
| Address | 14-20 Rue Venizelos, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Alejandro was our tour guide during our trip to Cannes. Kind, knowledgeable, funny and generous are good adjectives to describe his tour. Thank you for going forward with the walking tour and for your dedication! I recommend everyone to have a walking tour with him.
We had a fantastic walking tour with Cedric as our guide in Cannes. He was friendly, well spoken and time flew by. If you want to see all the beautiful and historic spots, book in. He kindly recommended a few restaurants and areas too. It was a pretty easy walk, thankfully it was a cloudy morning, as the sun in July makes things hot.
The group was small enough, we walked at a relaxed pace, and got to know each other a little. A friendly time. We also bumped into him later in the week and he was more than happy to chat to us. Enjoy!
This was an interesting and fun walking tour of Cannes. We came to Cannes via a cruise ship and the timing of the tour was perfect.
Free walking trail, from the airport direct transportation available to the location. Easy to navigate with the help of Maps. Spent close to 3 hrs beautiful views , great food , great atmosphere. Will recommend visiting. Nearby attractions are church, boats, etc.,
I learned a lot more than expected! This ended up being a favorite stop! Got to see where the Man in the Iron Mask was kept!
Mural - Cannes Cinema
| Address | 1 Quai Saint-Pierre, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Before coming to Cannes, I had researched the city's famous painted murals and was especially excited to see the giant“Cinéma Cannes” mural painted on the side of the main bus station. The mural celebrates Cannes' connection to the movie industry and features many famous actors and film characters.
After seeing this mural, I wanted to find more, and it turned into a fun challenge as we explored the city. We did a lot of walking, but each mural felt like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Spotting these larger-than-life artworks throughout town made our visit even more enjoyable and gave us a unique way to experience Cannes beyond its famous beaches and film festival.
Street Murals depicting Cinema traditions of Cannes. Lovely murals near old town, Cannes
Cannes was our last port of call, before disembarkation at Civitavecchia near Rome. Again we took a city walking tour, the Museum of World Explorations and the painted wall were impressive. The harbor was beautiful.
Yet another beautiful mural in Cannes. I think this one is my favourite - it’s a wonderful tribute to the film industry and the world’s most prestigious film gathering. A+
Great view of the side of the building looks very cool and is free. Easy to spot on the way up the hill to the museum, Cannes sign and view of the city.
Cannes Sign
| Address | Musée de La Castre, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The Cannes sign is one of the most iconic spots in the city. It’s a beautiful place to visit, take photos, and enjoy the view. A perfect landmark that represents Cannes and a must see for anyone visiting the area.
It’s a great place to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Cannes. You really get a different perspective of the city from up here, especially with the coastline and rooftops stretching out below.
The climb can be quite steep and a bit tiring, particularly on a sunny day, so it’s best to take it slow and pause when needed. That said, once you reach the top, all the effort feels completely worth it.
It’s a lovely spot to spend some time, take photos, and simply enjoy the view.
We took a very long cruise last summer from Venice to Portugal. On NCL. One stop was Cannes. We got off the ship and took a self guided walking tour using google maps and my research. We decided to climb up to see the Cannes Sign and the views which were very nice. The climb is rather steep so go slow.
It’s a nice sign. I just wish it was made further back so you can take a photo in front of it. There isn’t sufficient space to get a photo in front only from behind.
The walkway to get there is nicely paved and doable even with children or a stroller.
The view is spectacular.
Be prepared for a steep climb but it’s worth the view from the top of city of Cannes. We did this early morning early July this year but still was very hot.
Amazing views of the city from the top is a bonus as well as the church on the top.
Petit Train de Cannes
| Address | Gare Maritime, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 06 20 98 48 32 |
Well worth the money and a great, easy-going way to see Cannes. The Petit Train tour is well paced and takes you around some of the landmarks giving you a good overview of the city without feeling rushed.
There’s also a 10-minute stop at a viewpoint, which was a lovely addition and gives you the chance to get out, take some photos and enjoy the views.
The tour lasts roughly an hour, and the information provided through the headphones is available in several different languages. At €15 per adult, we thought it was very reasonably priced.
Just for information it’s cash only, but overall, a really enjoyable tour and well worth doing if you’re visiting Cannes.
Very disappointing experience. The driver was extremely rude and unfriendly, and his behavior toward my wife and 2 year old daughter was very disrespectful. I was traveling with my sick two-year-old daughter and my wife, who could not walk easily, so this put us in a very difficult situation. When I spoke with the manager afterward, he clearly understood our English and responded to us in English, but then stated that he did not speak English. Given the circumstances, this felt intentional and only added to our frustration.
The driver might have some personal issues and I don’t blame him as he looked extremely anxious and on the edge, but ideally the company should consider hiring drivers with a better personality
Great trip.
€15 each and cash only but there is an ATM nearby.
Took us to all the places we couldn’t be bothered to walk to including a nice view point.
Great way to see Cannes in a nutshell when here for a short stay. Ticket prices are reasonable and they installed glasses all around the train cabs so even if cold or winds it's well covered. There's a recorded audio-guide for each passenger in 8 languages with music in between attractions. Very satisfied overall, the train accesses pedestrian-only areas that would otherwise require 2-3 days to visit by walk.
Nice tour taking you around Cannes. 14 euros per person which was not bad value , ride took about an hour.
Headsets available with commentary, which is a little intermittent.
If you want to have a look around the city this is a great way.
Cannes Walk of Fame
| Address | 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The Cannes Walk of Fame, located near the Palais des Festivals, is a fun and unique stop for movie lovers visiting the city. Inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it features handprints and signatures of famous actors, directors, and filmmakers who have been honored during the Cannes Film Festival. It is a great place to walk around, search for your favorite celebrities, and appreciate the connection between Cannes and the world of cinema. While it is not a large attraction, it is a memorable photo stop and a reminder of the city’s role as one of the most important film destinations in the world.
Not sure why expected anything more than hand prints from people I've never met lol. It's worth a little stroll, if your in the area, the other strange part is taking pictures on the red carpet...people were lining up like they were are the post office 🤣
After the famous film festival, the hall is going through renovation probably and also the walk of fame is not fully accessible. Only few plaques with hands prints are visible to touch and take a photo with.
So much fun walking around the hand prints. Love that you can put your hand in the prints and see how small your hand is compared to some famous celebrities. I did that with Sylvester Stallon. It was a lot of fun.
It was fascinating to see the handprints of some of my all-time favourite movie stars at the Cannes Walk of Fame.
Standing there and recognising names you’ve watched on screen for years feels surprisingly special and a bit surreal at the same time. It’s a fun little stop, especially if you love movies and cinema history.
Les Murs Peints - Marilyn Monroe
| Address | 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
There was no missing the Marilyn Monroe Painted Wall in Cannes. The massive black-and-white portrait covers the entire side of a building at 16 Boulevard d'Alsace, making it one of the most striking murals in the city. As we continued our challenge of finding Cannes' famous painted walls, this one immediately caught our attention. Part of the city's collection of cinema-themed murals, it pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood's most enduring stars, and celebrates Cannes' long-standing connection to the world of film.
A stunning homage to Marilyn Monroe, reminding everyone in Cannes of her timeless charm!
Beautiful wall mural located right next to the train station—an excellent photo spot! The easiest way to capture it from the best angle is to take the elevator inside the station up to the 3rd (top) floor. From there, you’ll have the perfect view for photos just like the one shown.
Great day walking around Cannes!
Beautiful tribute, iconic mural
De Cannes
| Address | 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes
| Address | Palais des festivals et des congrès de Cannes, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 92 99 84 00 |
We were at Cannes just 2 days before the Great Cannes Festival, so there were barricades everywhere and there was no Red Carpet. But ofcourse it felt amazing to be there and guess, ya that was the spot where the actors were seen posing for photos.
Felt amazing!
The Palais des Festivals is not about polished luxury — it’s about power, presence, and global relevance.
Yes, parts of the building feel dated. But that becomes irrelevant the moment you step onto the Croisette side and feel the pulse of the Cannes Film Festival. This is where the world’s most influential voices in film, media, and culture converge — where careers shift, deals close, and stories move from idea to global stage.
The iconic red carpet isn’t just a photo moment — it’s a symbol. Being here means you’re in the room where it happens.
Come for the energy, the access, and the undeniable sense that something important is always unfolding inside.
Not the most beautiful venue — but arguably one of the most powerful.
Great experience at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès while attending World AI Cannes Festival. The venue is modern, well organized, and perfectly located by the harbor. It’s exciting to be in such an iconic place. Definitely worth a visit when in Cannes!
Attended the 79th Cannes Film Festival and spent 10 days at the Palais. The venue is well organized despite the huge crowds.
One tip that many first-time attendees don’t seem to know: if you already have your QR code and your passport/ID, you can use the self-service badge machines to print and collect your accreditation yourself.
On the first day, the badge pickup queues were extremely long, but the self-service kiosks made the process much faster. Definitely worth knowing before you arrive.
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cannes and a must-see for movie lovers. Standing on the famous red carpet steps and seeing the place where the Cannes Film Festival takes place is a memorable experience. The line to take photos on the steps can be very long, and we waited almost an hour, so plan accordingly if you want that classic Cannes photo. Even with the wait, it was exciting to see such a legendary location connected to so many famous films, actors, and international events. The surrounding area is beautiful, with the harbor, waterfront, and La Croisette nearby, making it a great stop while exploring Cannes.
Tour du Masque de fer
| Address | 27-1 Rue Georges Clemenceau, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Not open, the outside is just a mask and a written plaque of the story behind it nothing special but it's on the way to the top of the hill for the views of the city.
There wasn’t a mask when I visited. Just a locked door and some writing. Open 24hrs feels a bit misleading when one can’t go inside…
No mask here 🙁
See the whole controversal story on wikipedia under „Man in the Iron Mask“ and the theory from Voltaire.
Is this place ever open. Just seems to be an image on a wall. The local area is lovely though
Belvedere
| Address | 20 Bd Alexandre Lacour, 06400 Cannes |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
One of the best views of Cannes, you can see both the city and the Lérins islands from there.
Beautiful views. Sometimes the inclination gets tough, but it’s worth the effort.
beautiful place!
it’s just amazing
One of the best view of Cannes
Estacade
| Address | Phare de Cannes, Quai du Large, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The helicopter tour is a must and the lighthouse has been a constant presence, witnessing the city's transformation over the centuries. Its location on Quai du Large, a bustling waterfront area, provides easy access to other attractions, including the Lérins Islands, which are just a short ferry ride away. Île Sainte-Marguerite, the largest of the Lérins Islands, is known for its natural beauty and historical significance. Visitors can explore the Fort Royal, which once housed the Man in the Iron Mask, and wander through the island's lush forests. Île Saint-Honorat, the smaller of the two islands, is home to a working monastery where monks produce wine and honey. A visit to these islands offers a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to connect with nature and history. Back on the mainland, Le Suquet, Cannes' old town, is a must-see. This historic district, with its narrow, winding streets and charming architecture, offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Tucked into the pine forests along the scenic Clackamas River, the historic city of Estacada is only 30 miles southeast of Portland and offers an awesome base camp for hiking, hot springs, art and more. Founded as a timber town about a century ago, the community of approximately 5,000 people today is growing quickly for good reason. You can spend your days playing disc golf, rafting through rolling rapids and wandering among millions of acres of wilderness right out the door. As evening, you'll find fun breweries and restaurants to keep you going. Here is a quick roundup of all that's fun in Estacada.
Nice to go for a stroll and enjoy the view from a different angle. Mostly rather quiet. Sometimes you could see helicopters landing/departing at the airport next to it.
Embarking on a leisurely stroll along the stunning Cannes port offers a mesmerizing experience where you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the sea and its surroundings.
Nice walk out to an old lighthouse marker.
Cannes
| Address | 3 Rue Merle, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Lettres #CANNES
| Address | 5 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Tips for Visiting Cannes
While Cannes is often associated with high-end travel, a little local knowledge can go a long way in making your trip smoother, more affordable, and far more authentic. Understanding the rhythm of the city, from its public transport to its dining habits, will allow you to experience it like a local rather than a passing tourist.
- Utilize the Public Beaches: While private beach clubs offer luxury loungers and service, they can be incredibly expensive. The public beaches, such as Plage du Midi and Plage Macé, are completely free, well-maintained, and offer the same beautiful Mediterranean water and soft sand.
- Explore the Covered Market Early: For the best selection of Provençal produce, flowers, and local specialties, visit the Marché Forville before 10:00 AM. This is where chefs from local restaurants shop, and it offers a far more authentic—and affordable—lunch option than waterfront dining.
- Take the Ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite: A short boat ride from the Vieux Port will take you to a completely different world. The island is a protected natural space with quiet trails, rocky coves, and the historic Fort Royal. Pack a picnic and water, as amenities on the island are limited and pricey.
- Embrace the "Plat du Jour": Eating out in Cannes doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for restaurants offering a "menu du jour" or "plat du jour" at lunchtime. These set menus typically offer two or three courses at a significantly reduced price compared to the à la carte dinner menu.
- Walk or Use the Palm Bus: Driving and parking in central Cannes, especially during the summer or the Film Festival, is notoriously difficult and expensive. The city is highly walkable, and the local "Palm Bus" network is efficient, affordable, and connects all major attractions, including the hilltop neighborhoods.
- Timing is Everything: If you want to experience the glamour without the crushing crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of May, June, or September. The weather is still glorious, the sea is warm, but the summer rush has subsided, making hotel rates and restaurant reservations much more accessible.
Ultimately, Cannes is a city of delightful contradictions. It is a place where a billion-dollar yacht can be moored just a few hundred meters from a fisherman mending his nets in the old port. It rewards those who are willing to look past the surface glamour and explore the layers of history, art, and natural beauty that have made it a beloved destination for nearly two centuries.
Whether you spend your days hiking through pine forests on the Lérins Islands, tracing the footsteps of famous actors on the red carpet steps, or simply sipping a coffee while watching the world go by on the Croisette, Cannes leaves a lasting impression. It is a city that understands the art of living well, and it invites every visitor to share in that experience.
