France travel guide

Cannes

Glamour, palm-lined boulevards and relaxed Mediterranean life – Cannes is one of the most iconic cities on the French Riviera.

Cannes lies beautifully along the coast of the Côte d’Azur and is world-famous for its international film festival, where actors, directors and celebrities gather each year. The city has long been a symbol of luxury, elegance and sun-filled days by the Mediterranean.

Along the famous seafront promenade La Croisette, you will find exclusive hotels, stylish boutiques, palm trees and wide sandy beaches. In the harbour, impressive yachts sit side by side, while the city combines sophistication with the relaxed mood that makes the Riviera so distinctive.

Behind the elegant façade, Cannes also has a more authentic side. In the old quarter of Le Suquet, narrow streets climb towards viewpoints, small restaurants and historic corners with panoramic views over the city, the harbour and the glittering Mediterranean.

Cannes guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Cannes is much more than film festivals and red carpets. Here you find an elegant mix of beaches, historic quarters, Mediterranean atmosphere, shopping, boating and memorable excursions along the Riviera.

From La Croisette and Le Suquet to markets, islands and nearby coastal towns, Cannes makes it easy to combine relaxed days by the sea with sightseeing and cultural experiences.

Boulevard de la Croisette – The famous seafront promenade with palm trees, luxury hotels, exclusive boutiques and private beach clubs.
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès – Visit the home of the world-famous film festival and see the iconic red-carpet steps.
Le Suquet – The historic old town with narrow cobbled streets, small restaurants and fine views over the harbour.
Port de Cannes – One of the Riviera’s most impressive harbours, with yachts and waterfront restaurants.
Plage de la Croisette – A popular sandy beach in Cannes with beach bars and Mediterranean views.
The Lérins Islands – Take a boat trip to peaceful islands with nature, beaches and historic monasteries.
Île Sainte-Marguerite – The largest Lérins island, known for walking paths and the fortress linked to the Man in the Iron Mask.
Marché Forville – A lively food market with seafood, cheeses, Provençal produce and local flavour.
Antibes – A beautiful harbour town about 20 minutes from Cannes, with old walls and Port Vauban marina.
Grasse – The world capital of perfume, where you can visit traditional perfume houses and learn how fragrance is made.

Cannes is also an excellent base for day trips along the Côte d’Azur, allowing you to combine beach life, city atmosphere, culture and gastronomy in one holiday.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

Cannes has an exciting restaurant scene, from beach restaurants along La Croisette to refined addresses in the old town and elegant bistros just outside the centre. Mediterranean flavours, fresh seafood and classic French cooking are easy to combine here, often served with sea views, attentive service and a relaxed Riviera atmosphere.

Whether you want an exclusive dinner with sea views or a warmer evening in Le Suquet, the city offers several memorable places to eat, ranging from Michelin‑listed restaurants to charming local favourites where food, setting and ambience come together.

La Palme d'Or – One of Cannes’ best-known gourmet restaurants, with creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Table 22 par Noël Mantel – Elegant restaurant in the old town with modern French gastronomy and seasonal ingredients.
La Table du Chef – Intimate restaurant where guests sit close to the kitchen and enjoy creative dishes based on local produce.
L'Affable – Classic French restaurant with refined cooking and a welcoming atmosphere.
Da Bouttau – Historic restaurant in Le Suquet serving traditional Provençal flavours.
La Plage du Martinez – Elegant beach restaurant with Mediterranean views and Riviera mood.
Fouquet’s Cannes – Sophisticated brasserie on La Croisette with a classic French menu.
Bistrot des Anges – Popular bistro in Le Cannet with creative Provençal dishes.

Tip: Many of the best restaurants are found along La Croisette, in Le Suquet or just outside the centre in Le Cannet. Choose the seafront for classic Riviera glamour, beautiful sea views and lively evenings, or head to the old town for a warmer, more local atmosphere and a slower pace.

Riviera favourite Cannes with beach, promenade and Mediterranean atmosphere

Cannes – glamour and beaches

Today, Cannes attracts travellers from across the world who come for sunny beaches, excellent food, stylish shopping and a refined Riviera atmosphere. At the same time, the city also has a more authentic side, especially in the historic old town.

Cannes is inseparable from the Cannes Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world. Every May, the city becomes an international centre for cinema as stars, directors and producers gather here.

Why travel to Cannes?

La Croisette with palm trees, luxury hotels, beach life and classic Riviera atmosphere.
The old town of Le Suquet with narrow streets, restaurants and fine views over the bay.
An excellent base for day trips along the Côte d’Azur and into Southern France.
An elegant combination of glamour, beaches, culture and good food.

Although Cannes is best known for beaches, luxury and the film festival, it is also well placed for discovering the wider Côte d’Azur, nearby islands, perfume country and coastal towns.

Beaches Film festival Riviera

Côte d’Azur – timeless elegance on the French Riviera

Mediterranean Luxury and charm

The Côte d’Azur is one of Europe’s most iconic coastlines. With bright Mediterranean light, blue sea, palm-lined promenades and a glamorous history, the region offers a distinctive mix of luxury, culture, nature and charm. It is a place for seaside towns, beautiful beaches, lively markets and scenic viewpoints along the coast, where relaxed coastal life blends naturally with a timeless Riviera atmosphere.

The best beaches in France

Atlantic coast Mediterranean

France is one of Europe’s most varied beach countries. With coastlines facing the Atlantic, the Channel and the Mediterranean, it offers everything from wild dunes and dramatic cliffs to turquoise coves and family-friendly beaches. There are coastal gems for swimming, surfing and quiet days in the sun, as well as lively seaside towns, charming fishing villages and long sandy stretches perfect for relaxed summer holidays.

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