You’ve found yourself in Cannes when the credits have rolled on the international film festival—what does one do now that the red carpet is gone?
Cannes is a French Riviera city first and foremost, which means it’s a popular seaside getaway no matter your film collection.
From tasting classic French seafood dishes to visiting underwater museums and the city's own small set of islands, there are plenty of things to do in Cannes whether or not you visit for the Cannes Film Festival.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France
Cannes: More than just a cinematic city
Even though the Cannes Film Festival is still a must-see...
How to pronounce Cannes?
When it's written out, you’ll be forgiven for assuming Cannes is pronounced “canes” like “gains”. It’s actually pronounced “can”, as in a “can” of soda.
How can I get to Cannes, France?
You can get to Cannes via private car, bus, and train. Keep in mind that vehicular traffic and pricing can increase the amount of time and money you devote to transportation; a huge factor to weigh if you’re only doing a day trip. Train travel around the French Riviera is fast and affordable, especially if Nice Airport is your point of arrival in the South of France.
Is Cannes a walkable city?
Cannes is a very walkable city and one of the best cities to visit when exploring the French Riviera without a car. Cannes train station is right in the city center, a ten-minute walk from the port, the beach, and the main screening areas for the Cannes Film Festival.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Philippe Turpin. Image Location: Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France
How do you spend a day in Cannes?
One day in Cannes sounds like the perfect title for a short film about your vacation. The Cote d’Azur is gorgeous so never feel guilty about spending your time by the water, whether it’s in a tourist-focused place like the Old Town or outside of the city center at Plage de la Bocca. Even though the sightseeing train isn’t a real train, Le Petit Train’s two tours give you a low-impact way to learn about the history and sites of Cannes. We trust you’ll find your own delicious food, but if you need a last-minute dinner suggestion near the train station, Le Pastis Cannes will save you from the many Western fast food chains surrounding the railway.
How many days do you need to visit Cannes?
You could spend a week lazily strolling the Promenade de la Croisette or you could accomplish a fulfilling, anything-but-rushed day trip when visiting from nearby cities like Nice, Antibes, Monaco, and Saint-Raphaël. We suggest at least one overnight if you’re wanting lots of time at the beach or a rail and sail visit to the Lérins Islands.
What’s the weather like in Cannes, France?
The Mediterranean climate of the Cote d’Azur means Cannes' weather is enjoyable throughout the year. May through September is made for swimsuits, shorts, and suntans. October and November warrant an umbrella more than any other month, and the winter weather in Cannes is mild, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 50℉, which means you can still spend your days outside without too many layers.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pavel Tochinsky. Image Location: Boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France
Cannes, France, things to do throughout the year
One of the best months to visit Cannes is May, which hosts annual events like the Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film. Plus, you’ll be in town for other major French Riviera events like the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and the Côte d'Azur Garden Festival. Here are a few other annual Cannes events to keep tabs on throughout the year:
- International Games Festival | February
- Cannes Jumping International | June
- Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity | June
- Festival of Pyrotechnic Art | July–August
- Le Bal des Fous | July–August
- Suquet des Arts | year-round exhibitions
- Les Plages Électroniques | August
- Cannes Yachting Festival | September
- Cannes International Pan African Film Festival | October
- Les Regates Royales | September
Things to do in Cannes for foodies
If you’ve yet to dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant, the South of France is a great place to do it. While Cannes doesn’t have a starred restaurant, Aux Bons Enfants earned a Bib Gourmand award for its family’s dedication to classic Provençal dishes. You’ll find the fresh seafood you want at L'Écrin Plage down near Port Pierre Canto.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Le Suquet, Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France
Things to do in Cannes for history buffs
Two of the main museums are the Musée des Explorations du Monde on the west side of the Port de Cannes and the Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal on Sainte-Marguerite Island. Both are great things to do in Cannes for museum lovers, but one of the coolest is the Underwater Sculptures Museum that you have to snorkel to off the southern coast of Sainte-Marguerite Island.
Things to do in Cannes for outdoor lovers
The beach is obviously at the top of the best things to do in Cannes for outdoor lovers. But if you don’t want to get wet, consider taking a boat trip out to the Lérins Islands where you can enjoy the fresh air, views, and sunshine without having a snorkel strapped to your head.
Cannes-do attitude
Getting to Cannes without a car is as easy as downloading the Trainline app, purchasing a cheap e-ticket, and getting around the French Riviera’s famous cities in a matter of minutes. Don't forget: France's high-speed rail network can get you to other major cities in a matter of hours. Find out how to book train tickets online in France with our handy guide.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, sneska. Image Location: Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France