Free walking tours in Cannes and what to see

Must-sees

Cannes lives facing the sea, along the Croisette, the palm-lined promenade that curves round the bay past period hotels, shops and sandy beaches. At one end is the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the film festival, with its famous steps and, on the esplanade, the handprints of actors and directors. Close by is the old port, with fishing boats beside the yachts, and the Forville market, the town’s main food market.

Behind the port climbs Le Suquet, the old quarter, with steep streets leading up to the church and the old castle, which houses a museum and has views over the whole bay. Offshore lie the Lérins Islands. On Sainte-Marguerite you can visit the Fort Royal, where the Man in the Iron Mask was held, and walk among the pines. On Saint-Honorat, monks keep an abbey and tend vineyards.

Free tours and guided visits

Civitatis offers a free walking tour of Cannes along the Croisette, the port and Le Suquet. The rest of what’s on offer is day trips: along the Côte d’Azur, to Saint-Tropez or to Monaco and Monte Carlo, the latter designed for cruise passengers. There are also private trips from the town and a light-aircraft flight to see the coast from the air. Regular boats run from the port to the Lérins Islands.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the Croisette, the festival palace, the market and Le Suquet. With two you can spend a day on the Lérins Islands, with time to walk and swim. If you stay longer, Cannes is a good base for the Côte d’Azur: Antibes, Nice, Grasse and Saint-Tropez are within easy reach by train, car or organised trip.

Where to stay

The most convenient place to stay is near the Croisette or in the centre, between the station and the sea, with beaches, restaurants and the port on foot. Le Suquet has small places to stay with more of a neighbourhood feel. Bear in mind that during the film festival and major conferences prices soar and rooms are hard to find, so check the dates before booking.