Glamorous and sun-soaked Cannes is the Riviera's toney answer to Nice's more urban delights and it's an easy day trip from Nice. Cannes is internationally famous for the Cannes Film Festival but the town is well worth a visit any time of year. The shopping is great, the elegant La Croisette promenade borders a string of sandy beaches and the Cannes old town, Le Suquet, is enchanting.
If you come during the Film Festival (two weeks in May), the atmosphere is electric and you might even glimpse a celebrity. On the downside, the streets, restaurants and bars are jammed with people who put the business in "show business". Prices are higher and it's difficult to get around but it is exciting.
Although it's only a 40-minute drive from Nice to Cannes, a car is not recommended. Traffic can be slow getting into and out of town during rush hours. There are a number of large parking garages that cost €3 or €4 an hour and very little street parking.
The train from Nice to Cannes makes the most sense as it's fast and frequent. Trains run from Nice's train stations up to every half-hour (€6.70) and take only about 30 minutes. Plus, it runs along the sea. Sit on the left to take in the coastal scenery.
Check schedules and buy tickets on thetrainline.
Bus 620 (€2.50) from Parc Phoenix is another possibility but it takes over an hour and makes many stops along the way. It ends at the Cannes train station.
Bus 81 from Nice Airport is quicker but costs €19 and takes the very un-scenic autoroute.
After leaving the train station, take any road downhill and you'll come to rue d'Antibes. This straight street with its 19th-century buildings runs parallel to the beach and is entirely devoted to shopping, mostly at the budget and mid-range level.
rue d'Antibes
Head downhill a street to rue Notre Dame and the Eglise Notre Dame de Bon Voyage. A plaque on the outside of the 16th-century church informs you that Napoleon stopped here on his return from Elba island in March 1815.
The church was rebuilt in the 19th century and rebuilt again after allied bombing in 1944.
Keep heading downhill and you'll come to the Palais des Festivals, ground zero for all the action at the Cannes Film Festival. Inaugerated in 1982, this massive structure hosts two major auditoriums, Salle Lumiere and Salle Debussy where most Festival screenings take place.
If it's not busy, you can take a selfie on the red carpet but it's occupied most of the year with major international conferences. You can find the event schedule here.
Outside the Palais is a line of handprints from the stars who have visited Cannes (Sharon Stone, Clint Eastwood, Penelope Cruz, Julia Roberts and nearly 150 more).
Head inland at the Place Charles de Gaulle and walk up to the rue Meynadier, a colorful old street crammed with souvenir shops and clothing boutiques.
rue Meynadier
Follow the street to Cannes covered market, the Marche Forville.
It's a good place to pick up picnic supplies and local snacks (open Tues-Sun).
A few steps away on charming rue de la Misericorde
is the Chapelle de la Misericorde.
Built in 1617, it's a jewel of old Cannes. Peek inside for a look at the splendid baroque altar.
The church is on the edge of Cannes' historic Le Suquet district. Take the cobblestoned rue Saint Antoine, lined with bistros and restaurants, as it winds its way uphill.
Don't miss the 12th-century well set into a wall.
Wander onto the side streets for a glimpse of local life.
At the top of the hill is the Notre Dame d'Esperance church.
Completed in the mid-17th century, this Gothic-style church is notable for its 19th century organ and a succession of beautiful chapels. Notice the chapel dedicated to Saint Peter decorated by local fishermen.
But perhaps the best reason for climbing to the top is the view over Cannes.
Before descending, check out the Museum of World Explorations .
Located in the former stronghold of the monks of the Lerins islands, this museum (formerly Musée de la Castre) displays art and objects from Oceania, the Himalayas, Iran and Mediterranean antiquities. Temporary exhibitions are often devoted to Cannes history. The medieval courtyard and gardens have been carefully restored. You can even climb the tower for a sweeping view of the region (admission €6.50; open Tues-Sun).
As you head back down to central Cannes, take a walk around the Old Port with its very new sailboats and luxury vessels
And no visit to Cannes would be complete without a stroll of La Croisette, maybe the world's most elegant seaside promenade. Modelled after Nice's Promenade des Anglais, La Croisette is a more tranquil experience with potted plants and palm trees instead of busy lanes of traffic. Go past the busy area around the Palais des Festivals and walk at least to the Hotel Carlton with its renowned cupolas.
On the north (land) side of the street are the luxury shops such as Chanel, Fendi and Jimmy Choo.
Cannes coastal strip runs over seven kilometers and contains over 30 private beach clubs with restaurants. Yet there are plenty of free public beaches where you can enjoy the sun, sand and calm waters. See more about Cannes beaches.
The Iles de Lerins are spectacular islands lying just offshore. Both islands are carpeted with pine forests and bordered by rocky beaches. Ile Sainte-Marguerite is the larger of the two and also houses the fort where The Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. Boats run frequently from Cannes Old Port and the ride only takes 15 minutes.
Ile Saint-Honorat is the home of a working monastery that can be visited. Boats are somewhat less frequent and take about 30 minutes.
Ile Sainte Marguerite
Ile Saint Honorat
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Hi! I'm Jeanne and I've been living on the Riviera for years. With my local insights your trip will be easy and fun. And, do check out my book Nice Uncovered: Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about me here.
