5 must-sees in Cannes

Cannes is the city of cinema par excellence. Every year in May, the greatest actors and directors come to give rhythm to the life of the city, to walk along its mythical Croisette, to stay in its emblematic hotels, to sip coffee on its terraces and beaches, and of course to walk the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals and its red carpet.

So many places not to be missed during a visit to Cannes, not forgetting the Lérins Islands bathed in turquoise waters, the old town of “the Suquet” with its colourful facades and its lively Forville market.

Here is a small overview of the must-see places in the capital of cinema.

Cannes, the unmissable places

in the city of the seventh art

The Palais des Festivals,

its steps, its red carpet and its path of stars

To start your day in the footsteps of the greatest names in cinema, head to the forecourt of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, at 1 Boulevard de la Croisette.

Every year in May, the Palais des Festivals hosts the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most publicised events in the world and the most important film festival.

The famous red-carpeted steps are photographed by thousands of journalists and filmed by television stations around the world. Pose like the biggest stars on the red carpet.

Empreintes De Stars©palais Des Festivals Et Des Congrès

Then walk along the Path of the Stars where actors and directors have left their signatures. All around the Palace, more than 140 handprints of the greatest film stars are moulded in the ground: Pedro Almodovar, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Leonardo Dicaprio, Quentin Tarantino, Sergio Leone and many others. Have fun finding them and remembering the films associated with them.

Cannes and its mythical

Boulevard de la Croisette

Indissociable from Cannes’ identity, the Boulevard de la Croisette is a long seaside promenade, where it is good to stroll.

Bordered on one side by the bay of Cannes, palm trees and pines, on the other by sumptuous buildings, luxurious boutiques and magnificent “palaces”, it forms a landscape worthy of a postcard.

From the Palais des Festivals to the Palm Beach, it runs along the beaches of the Bay of Cannes for 3 kilometres. It is ideal for walking, running, rollerblading or cycling, with family and friends.

Plages Croisette Cannes©mairie De Cannes

Balade Running La Croisette Cannes©palais Des Festivals

The Lerins Islands

the unforgettable and unmissable break in Cannes

In the turquoise waters of the bay of Cannes, facing the Croisette point, the two Lérins Islands cultivate an art of living where nature, spirituality, heritage and vineyards are combined. They offer an idyllic setting to recharge one’s batteries and be nourished by stories, real or imaginary.

The Lérins islands are a 100% natural interlude in Cannes, located only 15 minutes by boat from the old port. Many boats take you there.

Ile Sainte Marguerite©mairie De Cannes Jérôme Kélagopian

Fort Sainte Marguerite Iles De Lérins©h Lagarde

Sentiers Ile Sainte Marguerite©mairie De Cannes

Sainte-Marguerite Island

The larger of the two is the ideal place to explore the fauna and flora, swim from creek to creek or visit the cell of the man in the iron mask. The perfect getaway for families and friends.

Walk on Sainte-Marguerite

Saint-Honorat Island

The smallest of the islands is a monastic Mecca for history and heritage lovers. Don’t miss a visit to the monastery, whose tower offers a breathtaking view of the island, its vineyards and the Esterel massif.

Saint-Honorat Island

Lerins Islands Guide

The old town of Cannes, the Suquet

a must-see

Classified as a historical monument, the Suquet district is the oldest district in Cannes.

Nestled on a small hill, it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole town, its bay, the Lérins islands, the Croisette and the old port.

Venture into the heart of its cobbled and colourful streets. Climb to the top of Mont Chevalier and enjoy the shade of the umbrella pines to admire the view.

Discover the medieval remains of the town and its oldest monuments such as the Museum of World Explorations and its square tower, or the Notre-Dame de l’Espérance church.

This authentic district is the place of inspiration for many artists.

Visit the Museum of World Explorations

Cannes: its Forville market

an unmissable institution

Located at the foot of the old town, a stone’s throw from the old port, the Forville market is a Cannes institution. The historic market of Cannes, it is renowned for its quality local products. Come and stroll around every morning from Tuesday to Sunday.

Mingle with the locals and feast on local produce. Fresh fish of the day, seasonal fruit and vegetables from local producers, socca cooked in its traditional oven, selected meats and flowers of all kinds, come to colour the many stands. A gourmet journey awaits you!

On Mondays, the food market gives way to the flea market. Browse through old furniture and antiques and chat with the second-hand dealers.

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