Discover and book the best of Cannes with the local destination experts
Cannes' mild Mediterranean climate brings lush palm tree line boulevards and long balmy nights in the summer, along with perfect cycling, running and sailing conditions over the winter months. Basking in the sun, this is a city that the rich and famous have been coming to for over 150 years. It simply sparkles with glamour, whilst the grandeur of the coastal promenade of La Croisette and the Belle Epoque buildings reflect its aristocratic history.
Today, Cannes is still home to the internationally wealthy who provide a ready and willing clientèle to the city's numerous designer boutiques, swanky bars and lavish hotels. Plenty of gourmet restaurants with terraces spilling onto the pavements line the streets of Cannes, while its waterfront promenade is dotted with private beaches and swanky beach clubs serving delicious cocktails under the sun. No wonder Cannes has become the playground of the rich and famous.
Behind the glitz, however, there is a softer side to Cannes – the district of Le Suquet is the heart of the old town and is filled with little lanes, ancient buildings and an old harbour that is home to both traditional fishing boats and luxury yachts. Here, charming little streets lead on to picturesque squares. At the top of the hill lies a ruined 12th-century castle now host to the Museum of La Castre, affording panoramic views over La Croisette, the beach and the sparkling sea.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
See allUpcoming EventsHead out onto the beach and venture into the sparkling blue waters to enjoy a whole range of watersports or, to experience more of the coast along Cannes, hire a yacht or book a boat trip to the islands of Saint Honorat and Sainte Marguerite. There are also plenty of sporting activities on dry land such as exploring on bike or foot. Shopping is also a popular option, either at the local markets or the designer boutique shops.
There is a wealth of places to visit in Cannes, from top-class art museums to the remains of ancient chapels and famous vineyards. Thanks to its varied history, you will find reminders of the prehistoric times, the Romans and even the English throughout the region, from expensive villas and amazing architecture to ruins, churches and art. Cannes is also blessed with fabulous scenery, from the coastline of the French Riviera to the rolling hills inland.
The first settlement at Cannes dates back to the 2nd century BC. It fell under Roman domain and then was populated mainly by monks in the Middle Ages. After centuries of turmoil, Cannes flourished in the 19th century.
When it comes to sights worth seeing, Cannes is probably better known for its Belle Epoque hotels and festival halls. Yet, heading away from the red carpet to the old town of Le Suquet, you'll find a touch of its medieval history.
Cannes has several beaches to choose from, from public beaches to glamorous private beach clubs with sunloungers, DJs and flowing champagne. There are also watersports galore on offer.
Unsurprisingly, given its glitzy reputation, Cannes has some seriously good dining on offer for all budgets. If you just want to wander until something strikes your fancy, Cannes is the town to do it.
As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of things to do at night in this town, whether you’re in the mood for trying your luck at the casino, catching a concert, dancing at an exclusive nightclub or having a pint at a relaxed Irish pub.
Apart from the quintessential activity of people-watching, there are plenty of nautical adventures to be had here. The area also features several golf courses while shopping is among the most popular pastimes.
From luxury hotels and celebrity haunts to beachside villas and chateaux nestled in the hilltop villages, the city of Cannes – La Croisette, the old town and La Bocca – and the surrounding towns have a lot to offer.
