With its Film Festival glamour, grand hotels and palm-fringed beaches, Cannes is one of the Côte d'Azur's most iconic destinations. Here are 15 of my favourite things to see and do in Cannes, from pâtisseries and perfume-making to boat trips and bay views.
I've been a regular visitor to Cannes for over two decades and just got back from another wonderful stay with my parents. I spent three days revisiting old favourites, discovering new addresses and finding even more reasons why Cannes deserves its place on any French Riviera itinerary.
1. Eat breakfast (or cake) by the Mediterranean 🥐
The best way to start a day in Cannes is to pick up a croissant (or cake) from a local boulangerie or pâtisserie and head down to the beach. Your breakfast will taste even better after a refreshing dip in the Med!
I recently came across Philippe Brito, whose pastries and sweet treats are worth the walk. Other great options include Boulangerie du Midi (try a raspberry croissant with coffee from Amamo), Philippe Tayac (the pistachio croissants are superb) and Calderon (a chocoholic's dream).
For a sit-down breakfast by the sea, stop by the newly renovated Moure Rouge on the peaceful beach of the same name. The €11 captain's breakfast comes with a pastry, baguette, hot drink and juice — and views of the Îles de Lérins.
2. Pose for your close-up at the Palais des Festivals 📸
Every year, the Palais des Festivals hosts the International Festival de Cannes, as well as countless other festivals and events. If you're in town in May, you might catch a glimpse of your favourite movie star on the red carpet (I once spotted Angelina Jolie!).
The rest of the time, you can follow in their footsteps (literally) by posing for a photo on the red carpet. Afterwards, stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette to see the Chemin des Étoiles where many A-listers have left their handprints and signatures.
3. Make a (beach) day of it 🏖
You can see Cannes' main sights in one day, but I would factor in a full day of beach time. Whether you splash out on a bougie beach club, like Hôtel Martinez or Bijou Plage Experimental, or head to a public beach, you can expect soft, golden sand and clear blue waters.
4. Explore historic Le Suquet 🏰
Le Suquet is Cannes' most historic and characterful neighbourhood, with its pastel-hued buildings and narrow, winding streets. Make the short but steep climb up to Place de la Castre and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over Cannes and the bay.
Art, music and cultural events are often held here, and there are plenty of good restaurants, but note that you may be serenaded by street musicians if you sit outside in the evening.
5. Follow a cinema-themed mural trail 🎬
A fun way of exploring Cannes' cinematic heritage is to follow the trail of movie-themed murals around the city. These street art works celebrate iconic films, movie stars and the history of cinema, from Charlie Chaplin to Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. I've mapped them all in my guide.
6. Stock up for a picnic at Marché Forville 🍇
Despite the ongoing renovations, Marché Forville, Cannes' sprawling farmers' market, is a wonderful place to shop for fruit and vegetables, local produce, street food, flowers and much more. Go early to soak in all the sights and smells, and then pick out a picnic lunch or a few gourmet snacks.
7. Unmask the history of the Lérins Islands 🏝️
If you're wondering where to eat that picnic (other than the beach, of course), why not take the short ferry ride to the Îles de Lérins, two small islands lying just 1 km offshore?
Fort Royal on the larger Île Sainte-Marguerite is where the Man in the Iron Mask was once held prisoner, although it's now just as well known for its high-end beach restaurant, La Guérite. Île Saint-Honorat is smaller and quieter, and is home to a Cistercian monastery that dates back to the 5th century.
8. See Cannes from the sea 🛥️
Taking a boat trip on the Mediterranean is one of the best ways to spend a sunny afternoon on the French Riviera. Join a small-group tour or hire a private boat (with or without a captain) to cruise along the Riviera coastline and around its islands. Sunbathe on the deck and then cool off in the sparkling azure sea.
For a more active day out, you could book a snorkelling or scuba diving trip or try your hand at sailing at Plage Moure Rouge.
9. Discover a subterranean art gallery 🎨
I've been to Cannes dozens of times but only recently found out about the art gallery in the former city mortuary. Le Suquet des Artistes showcases the work of contemporary artists in an atmospheric, underground space.
During my visit, the gallery featured Marion Charlet's Felicitá ('happiness') exhibition. Charlet's vision of happiness — vibrant colours, seaside houses with swimming pools, cats and cake — is rather similar to my own!
10. Dine on Michelin-recommended food for less 🍽️
The €43 three-course set menu at Aux Bons Enfants is one of Cannes' best bargains. Located in Rue Meynadier, the Michelin-listed restaurant has been in the Giorsetti family for four generations.
My parents and I had an exceptional dinner there last week. I started with tuna sashimi, followed by a veal dish with egg, mustard, croutons and pickles, and then chocolate with a popcorn foam and vanilla ice cream for dessert.
The food was delicious and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Book your table well in advance and note that they don't accept credit card payments. Check out my full Cannes travel guide and beach restaurants guide for more food and drink recommendations.
11. Blend your own perfume 🌸
Cannes is just down the road from Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, which is where I took a class to learn how to create my own custom fragrance. But you can also take a perfume-making workshop at Fragonard's store in Cannes.
I loved picking out my base, heart and top notes to craft my perfect blend, and I wear my perfume — Un Rêve Provençal — almost every day.
12. Take a ride on the Petit Train 🚂
The Boulevard de la Croisette is a magnificent place for a stroll or a jog, with views of the bay and the dramatic Estérel mountains, five-star hotels to admire and the iconic blue chairs where you can sit and people-watch.
If you're short on time, need to rest or want to learn more about Cannes' history, the Petit Train is a great alternative. The 'Big Tour' lasts about an hour, whisking you along the Croisette, past the Palais des Festivals and up into Le Suquet.
13. Step inside Cannes' grandest library 📚
Walk 10 minutes' west from the city centre and you'll reach Villa Rothschild. This grand neoclassical mansion was built in 1881 for Betty de Rothschild, and has been owned by the city of Cannes for more than 70 years.
Now home to Médiathèque Noailles (a public media library), its stunning reading rooms retain many original period features. Catch up on your holiday reading and then stroll through the elegant gardens outside. You're then just a short walk from Plage du Midi.
14. Shop 'til you drop 🛍️
The high-end boutiques on the Croisette are window-shopping-only for most of us. But Rue d'Antibes has a broader offering, with a mix of independent stores and French and international chains. Fragonard (fragrance and lifestyle), Bathroom Graffiti (fun homewares) and J.P. Paci (chocolate) are worth a look.
Rue Meynadier and Le Suquet are good places to shop for more affordable fashions, as well as Provençal souvenirs and gifts. The tourist office at the Palais des Festivals also has a classy selection of Cannes- and movie-themed souvenirs. And I adore the colourful ceramics at Maison Callaloo.
15. Have cocktails at the 'White Lotus Cannes' 🍸
Season four of Mike White's The White Lotus was filmed on the French Riviera this summer, and the luxe Hôtel Martinez will have a starring role as The White Lotus Cannes. I've had a couple of superb stays there in the past but it's usually very expensive.
Planning a trip to the South of France? Explore my other guides and resources:
My complete Cannes travel guide
How to spend a day in Cannes on a budget
Best Cannes beach restaurants
Cannes specialty coffee guide
Antibes one-day itinerary
Nice one-day itinerary
Making perfume in Grasse
Two days in the Gorges du Verdon
Two days in Provence
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