What to see and what to buy in Cannes

Cannes on the Cote d’Azur is one of the most appealing cities on the French Riviera. Cannes is strongly linked to major festivals like the Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Lions Advertising Festival, the International Fireworks Festival and other significant events such as the Cannes Yacht Show, the MIPIM, the Mipcom, and the Midem.

History of Cannes

In the 2nd century BC, a fishing village on the Mediterranean sea was established under Aegitna. The village was used as a guarding port to the Lerins Islands. In the 10th century, the city became known as Cannua, named after the reeds in the swamp (Canne). These small Ligurian ports had a tower that overlooked the swamp where the city of Cannes would later rise. The main activity at that time was the defence of the Lerins islands. The Lerins islands consist of four islands off the coast of Cannes. The two major inhabited islands are Ile Sainte Marguerite and Saint Honorat. The other two islands are uninhabited Ilot Saint Ferrol and Ilot de la Tradelière.

The year 891 started with an attack by the Saracens (Muslims) to occupy the islands. Allah Akbar indeed, but the Christian monks beat the attack on the Lerins Islands off and settled a fort on the mainland to protect the population. They built a castle and laid the foundation for the city of Cannes. On the islands, the monks constructed two towers to ensure safety for Cannes against fanatical Muslim fighters. In 1530, Cannes became increasingly more robust and independent of the monks. During the 18th century, the English and Spaniards tried several times to gain control of the Lerins islands, but the French army repulsed the attacks. Those who take a ferry go to the Lerins Islands and can wander between small roads and ancient ruins that have been left behind. The silence gives room for memories that here people never fought so violently.

The islands were under the control of many dignitaries such as Jean-Honoré Alziary, abbot of St. Paul and the Bishop of Fréjus. The Lerins islands have many purposes; In the 17th century, the Fort Royal prison on the island of St. Marquerite was feared; the most dangerous criminals were exiled here. The Man in the Iron Mask was the most famous criminal of that time. No one knew his identity as an iron mask on his face was deformed. Historians believe it was the twin brother of Louis XIV. An exciting movie The Man in the Iron Mask with Leonardo di Caprio includes the Iles de Lerins.

The Lerins Islands

You visit the Lerins islands with special ferries that leave every hour from the port of Cannes. An excellent trip of 20 minutes over the Mediterranean. On the island, you may stay as long as you want, but do not miss the last boat at 16.30. The soul of the Man the Iron mask still seems to wander around…

Be surrounded by international style

The Cannes International ambience, of course, did not come by itself; an English aristocrat had to help the French. According to the British, their British Lord Brougham invented the city of Cannes internationally in 1834. Milord Brougham was on his way to Italy but had to wait because of a cholera quarantine order to cross over the river Var. To kill time, he built villa Eleonore-Louise on a hill in Croix des Gardes, just outside the city. One can spend less valuable time. The mild climate suited him so well that many of his friends and the English nobility came to the French Riviera. In over forty years, they built beautiful villas and palaces in Cannes’s hills now called Super Cannes. Drive today over the old Chemin de St. Antoine; you, unfortunately, see only high gates and sturdy fencing. Thanks to Google Earth, we mortals can secretly see what beautiful things are hidden here. On the centenary of his birth, the inhabitants of Cannes honoured Lord Brougham with a statue that can be found on the Allées de la Liberté de Gaulle.

The once-poor fishing village of Cannes flourished into a centre for nobility and wealth. More and more British and Russian aristocrats came to the Riviera for their health; the mild climate and delicious local cuisine proved an excellent remedy for sickness and boredom. Entrepreneurs saw an opportunity in emerging tourism and built on the Croisette fantastic luxury hotels with the most exquisite cuisine and excellent international service.

People that had the money built sumptuous villas in the style of Russian Trianons and Indian palaces. Plants were imported from around the world to dress the landscape: from Africa came the Eucalyptus plant, Australia brought the fragrant mimosa tree, and in 1864 the first Phoenix canariens arrived, better known as the palm tree.

At the end of the 19th century, projects such as the Boulevard Carnot, the rue d’Antibes and the Carlton Hotel got built on the Promenade de la Croisette. After the Casino des Fleurs (Gallia) closed, a luxury successor has created for the wealthy clientele in the winter months: the Casino Municipal next to the pier Albert-Edouard. This Casino was eventually demolished and replaced by the new Palais des Festival in 1979.

In the 20th century, more new luxury hotels, such as the Miramar and the Martinez. There were fewer British and German tourists after the First World War, but more and more Americans discovered the ‘French Riviera’. To further develop winter tourism, a casino was built in Palm Beach. For many Americans, that corner became the upscale California district logically.

Enjoy the Cannes Film Festival

The first edition of the Cannes Film Festival was a bit mistimed: just before the Second World War in 1939. In 1946, the Cannes Film Festival was re-launched as part of an intelligent city marketing strategy to get more PR value for this small French village. The ’50s were decisive for long-term success; great movie stars on the movie screen, such as Kirk Douglas, Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot, Cary Grant, Romy Schneider, Alain Delon, Simone Signoret and Gina Lollobrigida, came to Cannes. Many bought a second home and came back for a beautiful holiday. And the magic has remained around the movie stars of today and tomorrow; thousands of people spend hours waiting to catch a glimpse or a picture of their idol on the famous red carpet in front of the Palais des Festival.

Fireworks Festival

Summer months in Cannes are extra special thanks to the international fireworks festival. On the sandy beaches, locals gather with wine and snacks in coolers on the sand, while tourists have booked an expensive hotel table on the beach to enjoy the evening dress their champagne. All wait anxiously until the ‘moment supreme’: when the light fades out, both on the street as all façade lighting. In the dark, the announcer calls everyone welcome, the music starts, and the fireworks at sea start with a loud crack.

Cannes Beaches

A beach with pebbles has advantages; you do not get sand between your stuff. Other people want sand in their hair and between their toes. On the Côte d’Azur, you find beaches for everybody. Those who prefer not to come stumbling out of the sea due to the pebble beaches will be happy with Cannes’s fine white sand beaches, a real treat for your feet. Officially the Cannes coastline is 15 kilometres long, including the Lerins islands. On the mainland lies 7.5 kilometres of sloping sandy beaches with many good restaurants. There are 13 public beaches, two town beaches, and 33 private beaches. On secluded beaches, you can rent a deck chair and umbrella for a price that fluctuates between 10 and 15 euros per day.

Nobody knows this

Of course, there is a part that only locals know. You can rent very cheap sunbeds and parasols on Plage Zamenhoff (right next to the car park Parc Croisette) and Plage Macé (near the Palais des Festivals), both public beaches are exploited by the municipality. It will save you, on average, half the regular commercial rates. The only rule is that you do not bring your snack or drink but buy at the stalls on the boulevard. Here you buy a salad Niçoise for about 5 euros. On these beaches are neat showers and toilets.

Are you standing in Cannes with your nose to the sea? There are four areas where you can enjoy the sea and the sun. From left to right, the Gazagnaire Plage, Plage Porto Canto, Plage Croisette Boulevard and the Plage du Midi pass into the Mandelieu beaches.

Public beaches in Cannes

Here are all the public beaches where you can bring your stretcher.

Plage Macé

To the left of the Palais des Festivals. During the Cannes Film Festival, a large screen is placed for the audience to watch special avant premieres. Walk left along the surf (direction Nice); then you get to Plage Casino, also called C Plage.

Plage du Casino (C Plage)

The beach is for sports enthusiasts; many volleyball matches are played here. If you walk through, just before the turn of the beach, you see Plage Zamenhoff.

Plage Zamenhoff

Here you can rent sunbeds for about 4 euros per day. Come early because the locals are here, all around 9 am. Direction Palm Beach is finally Bijou Plage.

Bijou Plage

A favourite big white sand beach where no cigarettes will be found; here, it is forbidden to smoke. You can now walk around Palm Beach to the Boulevard Gazagnaire. Here you will find a public beach, Plage Moure Rouge.

Moure Rouge

The most eastern beach of Cannes with a broad view over the sea towards Cap d’Antibes. Locals and (kite) surfers love her. For a good reason, there is a First Aid post.

On the other side of the harbour (back and past the Palais de Festivals) is the Plages du Midi.

Plage de l’Abreuvoir

Just next to the port, ideal for children due to the lack of waves. Between Okey Beach club and the old port. The more public beach is here to La Bocca, the westernmost corner of Cannes.

Plage du Midi

A public beach which also widely played volleyball, a trendy sport in South France. Just beyond lies Plage Laugier.

Plage Laugier

The small public beach between Blue Beach and Belle Plage. If you want to be quieter, head towards Mandelieu to Plage de l’Abreuvoir.

Plage du Trou de l’Ancre

This beach is also partly used by Les Sables d’Or. Look to the right; you will see the famous rock of La Bocca.

Plage de La Bocca

A special place with a striking rocky outcrop protruding from the water. This is the second beach in Cannes where it is forbidden to smoke.

Find all beaches in Cannes on this page

Beach restaurants in Cannes

Nothing is as relaxing as a day lounging on a deck chair with an attentive waiter at your feet. Cannes knows how the adventurous tourists should be entertained; you get up, take a dip in the sea, lie down again, check your mail using the free WiFi, and order yet another drink whilst reading the menu for the extended lunch you have soon at the table or on your deckchair.

You can see the beaches and beach restaurants on this map.

Monuments and historic buildings in Cannes

In addition to all the shops, the glorious sea, the restaurants, and the alluring beach, of course, you still want some culture. Cannes has, again, a lot to offer. From beautiful churches to romantic parks and famous statues to famous museums.

Eglise Notre-Dame d’Espérance

1 Place Castre 06400 Cannes

Eglise Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage

2 rue Notre Dame

Chapelle et butte Saint Cassien

269 avenue Francis Tonner

Memorial Saint-Georges

73, Allée du Parc Spring Country

Eglise Saint-Joseph

1 Place Castre

Eglise Sainte-Marguerite La Bocca

1 Rue Barthélémy

Château Scott

151, avenue du Marechal Juin

Château Vallombrosa

Avenue Jean de Noailles

Statue de Lord Brougham au center des allées

Allées de la Liberté

Parc Residence Champfleuri

44 avenue du Roi Albert Avenue de la Favorite

Villa Montrose

9 avenue Montrose

Eglise Notre-Dame des Pins

32 Boulevard Alexandre III

Eglise réformée

9 Rue Croix

Château Eléonore

Avenue du Dr Picaud

Villa Victoria

Avenue du Dr Picaud

Villa Marie-Therese

Avenue du Docteur Picaud

Villa Nevada

Boulevard des Pins

Chateau Louis XIII

Avenue de la Tropicale

Villa Wenden

Avenue de la Favorite

Villa Fiorentina

Poralto Avenue / Avenue de Vallauris

Villa Kazbeck

Avenue du Roi Albert.

Château La Croix-des-Gardes

Boulevard Leader

museums

Musée de la Castre et a tour carrée

In the hills of old Cannes lie the ruins of the old castle of the monks of the Lerins islands. Tour Carrée is the watchtower. Here overseas from you, like the monks at that time, the Croisette, the bay and the Lerins Islands. The museum also has an art collection from Oceania, America and the Himalayas. Especially to visit. Between lunch and closed on Mondays.

+33493385526

Place de la Castre – Le Suquet 06400 Cannes

Musée de la Mer

Follow the footsteps of the Man in the Iron Mask and visit the Musée de la Mer in Fort Royal on Ile Sainte Marguerite. Visit the prison cell of France’s most famous criminal. Open all day but Monday.

04.93.38.55.26

Fort de l’Ile Sainte Marguerite

Centre d’Art la Malmaison

An intimate museum on the Croisette with changing exhibitions of modern art. There were famous French painters such as Matisse, Picasso, and Ozenfant. They have it right here in southern France inspired. It was closed on Mondays and in the offseason also at noon.

+33497064490

47 La Croisette

Bellini Chapelle et Parc Fiorentina

A fine baroque-style chapel and park, part of Villa Fiorentina. This property shows how one early 19th-century sumptuous villa built the Cannes gave the international standing. Since 1953, the work is also exhibited by the local painter and architect Emmanuel Bellini. Closed on weekends.

+33 (0) 4 93 38 61 8067

bis avenue de Vallauris

Le Moulin de Forville

Viktor Tuby sculptor, biologist and founder of the Academy Provençale, gathered an extensive collection of unique Provencal art and objects in his old olive mill. The mill was in his estate a museum and a gift to the scientific and literary community of Cannes. Open every first Saturday of the month from 3 to 6.

33 (0) 6 63 14 01 68

Avenue Docteur Tuby

Eglise Saint-Georges

The beautiful 19th-century building, in memory of the Duke of Albany, son of Queen Victoria. He died in Cannes. This church still belongs to the British Royal family, but you may enter. Every Saturday, there is a 17:30 mass.

33 (0) 4 93 43 76 4929

Avenue du Roi Albert

Eglise Russe

The Russians arrived early on the French Riviera and shared their wealth with the population. The Russian church is an excellent example—Built-in in 1894 as a gift from the couple Tripet-Skrypitzine, wealthy residents who founded this district. The family of Tsar Alexander the Third then carried out the opening. The church is filled with gifts from Russians who came in the winter in Cannes to hibernate and enjoy the Mediterranean climate. Visiting is possible on Saturday at 18:00.

+33 (0) 9 51 44 45 45

Boulevard Alexandre III

Grand Jas Cannes

Grand Jas Cemetery is less than 9 hectares and is after Père Lachaise in Paris, one of the most remarkable cemeteries in France. Of course, the location is lovely, with old trees and many flowers. Many people come here to walk and to meditate. Meanwhile, you can look at the tombstones of famous dead as Lord Brougham, Martine Carol, Georges Guetary, Lily Pons, Jean Mineur, Karl Fabergé and Prosper Merimee. They all thought once: buying an apartment in Cannes is a good idea.

+ 33 (0) 4 97 06 41 52

Avenue du Grand Jas

Espace Miramar

Gallery Miramar is found on the ground floor of the former Palais Miramar on the corner of Rue Pasteur and Boulevard de la Croisette. A cultural meeting point for mostly temporary photographic exhibitions. Free admission from 14.00 to 18.00. Monday closed.

+33 (0) 4 97 06 44 90

Boulevard de la Croisette

Archives Espace Calmette

The municipal archives of Cannes. Here you can browse old pieces. It organizes workshops and organized tours for anyone who wants to know more about Cannes.

33 (0) 4 89 82 20 7018

rue du Docteur Calmette

Cinema

Olympia Cinema
After a day of shopping, what can be more relaxing than watching a good movie? Olympia is located in the heart of town on the famous shopping street Rue d’Antibes.

Casino

Cannes is the only French town that has three casinos. So many people, so much money, where else to spend it? If you like to play some roulette, blackjack, or drop coins in a slot machine, here are the places:

In Palm Beach, all the way left from the centre (when facing the sea). Lots of pluche and gold, a restaurant, a nightclub, and a beach. Count your money and your blessings.

Casino Palm Beach Cannes

Pointe de la Croisette
Contact: 00 33 497 06 37 15;
Open: daily 12.00 tot 03.00 or later

Casino Barrière

This Casino is hidden in the Palais des Festivals, close to the harbour. Lots of tables and machines, a bar and a restaurant with views of the harbour.

Casino Barriere Palais Cannes

1 Espace Lucien Barrière, Palais des Festivals
Contact: 00 33 492 98 78 00
Open: daily from 12.00 to 03.00 or later

Casino Barrière Les Princes

Another hotel-casino from the same chain can be found in Hotel Palais Stéphanie on the Croisette.

Casino Les Princess Cannes

50 La Croisette
00 33 497 06 18 50;
Open: daily 12.00 04.00

Restaurants

You will find many tastes at the harbour and the streets behind, from extraordinary to budget-friendly. You can wander round and follow your nose and your stomach.

Tripadvisor Top 10 for Cannes

Aux P’tits Anges‪‬‪

‪Il convivio‪‬

‪Le Salon des Independants‪‬

‪La Table du Chef‪‬

‪Da Mimmo‪‬‬

‪Couleurs caraibes restaurant glacier‪‬

‪Brouette de Grand-Mere‪‪

‪Plage Belle Plage‪‬

‪Da Stefano‪‬

‪Le Bouche a Oreille, Cannes‪‬

‪

Nightclubs

Nightclubs in Cannes may stay open until 7 am, just in time to score a warm croissant and a cup of coffee at the bakery. At the bar, they stop serving at 5:30, so you have one and a half hours to come to your senses.

Le Square Dansant
It is located on the Place Verdun, opposite Bijou Plage. Here you can still dance to nostalgic, old-fashioned style and modern music. With live orchestra. Open from 20:30 to 00:30.

La Chunga
Is it a restaurant with a nightclub or a lounge with a restaurant open until 5 am? In any case, it is the only night restaurant in Cannes. Live music, great food and a great atmosphere. Opposite the Martinez hotel at the Croisette.

The Gotha Club
Only open during the Film Festival and the entire summer. All night clubbers come here at 24:00; the entrance is between 25 and 50 euros. Reserve a private table with liquor bottles through 04 93 45 11 11. What great artists are there again this year stands at wwww.gotha-club.com

Da da da Club
Open on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until 7 am. To 01.00 free entrance for ladies.
15 rue des Freres Pradignac 04 93 39 91 97

Charley’s Wine Bar
It opens every day at 17.00, but the real fun starts around 23:00. Alternating DJs and a dance floor. Open until 02:30
Five rue du Suquet

Hotel 3.14 rooftop
Feel like standing on a roof with your headphones on? These ‘silent parties’ result from noise complaints by the neighbours. Now they see every Thursday and Saturday night, hundreds of people go crazy with music on headphones. Reservation is necessary because it is a hit.

www.3-14hotel.com

Baoli Cannes
Perhaps the hippest nightclub-restaurant in Port Canto on the Croisette. Here you can dance shoulder to shoulder with Paris Hilton and other celebrities. Free admission, but a long queue for the giant wooden doors. Everyone wants to dance under the stars. Food is tasty and precious. The dress code is chic and glamorous. Reservations 04 93 43 03 43

Les Marches Nightclub
Here you are welcome for an apéro (South French aperitif ) from 19.00, overlooking the harbour and Le Suquet. Around midnight the DJs go crazy, and the tent suddenly becomes a swinging club. Free admission and drinks for 15 euros. Found in the Casino on the Croisette, the harbour.

Club 7
This is Cannes’ top gay club for boys and girls. Free admission from 21.30 except Saturday, then it costs a tenner.
7 rue Rouguiere

Jane’s Bar
According to insiders, the best club in town is also visited by international stars. Theme nights from the 60, 70 and 80 luxurious VIP lounges for more privacy and an extensive collection of cocktails. During the Film Festival, they open only on invitations. Access inc drink 15 euros.

38 rue des Serbs, Cannes Hotel Gray d’Albion
Phone: +33 (0) 4 9299 7959

Caliente
An ideal nightclub for a romantic evening by candlelight. Latin American music and delicious tropical cocktails complete the atmosphere.
84 Boulevard de la Croisette

Cat Corner
You know the saying ‘like a cat sitting in the corner? “So you feel in this club. Always crowded and always very pleasant. Live music and very popular.
22, rue Macé

Le Bal des Fous Cannes

A crazy idea went viral, and now Cannes has, every year, the Crazy People Party. Seven days of dressing crazy and dancing crazily on the roof of Le Palais du Festival.

Terrasse Riviera – Palais des Festivals

Cannes buzzes throughout the year and dramatically appeals to wealthy tourists who like luxury shopping. All major brands are represented in the most famous shopping street, Rue d’Antibes. On this street, Arab sheikhs stop with their limousines in front of reputable stores. They can easily buy 200.000 euros in clothing. This only happens when the stores are officially closed, and the streets are almost empty.

That sheikh’s shop here does not mean Cannes is expensive; like everywhere on the Cote d’Azur, you can make life as luxurious and crazy as you want. This applies to a restaurant visit, a pair of shoes and even a home. Want to buy a luxury villa or a cosy, maintenance-free ‘pied a Terre’ for yourself? You buy an apartment in Cannes for 100,000 euros, and villas are for sale for up to 40 million. Cannes has it all!