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Cannes

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Alpes-Maritimes

Cannes - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Alpes-Maritimes
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The town of Cannes is world-famous as a bastion of the silver screen. Every year in May, it hosts the famous international film festival, whose reputation extends far beyond the borders of France. The event takes place in the Palais des Festivals, recognisable by its contemporary architecture all in white and glass, and its unmistakable steps with their vermilion red carpet, walked by celebrities from all over the world.

Apart from this illustrious jet set destination, travellers should also spend some time in Cannes' lesser-known streets, which nonetheless contain many treasures. Film buffs can keep the festivities going by admiring the murals dotted about the town. To pay homage to the great film icons, some façades are draped with vintage posters and brilliantly drawn pictures of movie icons. A good addition to any film-themed tour is the Chemin des Étoiles, where you can see celebrity handprints, just like on the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard.

Step out of the spotlight for a moment to explore the quieter parts of Cannes, where life runs its peaceful course. Start in the legendary neighbourhood of Le Suquet, a former fishing village now included in the old part of Cannes, set on a small hill overlooking the sea. Hills, narrow streets, bougainvillea and old buildings reflect the rich heritage of this district, whose history dates back to one century BC! To meet the locals, don't miss the Forville market, built at the end of the 19th century in Le Suquet. Artisans of sea and land meet there to unveil their fresh produce, forming a sublime palette of colours and aromas.

At the top of Le Suquet, take a stroll among the ruins of the old medieval castle, with a remarkably well-preserved square tower and machicolations. Head to the highest point in the district for a view over the entire town of Cannes and the surrounding area. To the north lie the peaks of the Alps. To the west, the Estérel corniche is recognisable by its red rocks and peaks which delight hikers and mountain bikers. To the south, the Lérins Islands emerge from the water. Located not far from Cannes, they offer a wonderful place to get away from the urban hustle and bustle. Among the treasures of the archipelago, Saint-Honorat Island, kept by monks, enjoys a particularly peaceful setting. You can taste the wines made at its abbey, to the soothing sound of cicadas.

In the area around the town, consider taking the Golden Corniche road, overlooking the Mediterranean and the Esterel massif, whose colours are reflected in a magnificent palette of greens, reds and blues.

Good to know: if you are in Cannes during the summer season, head to the International Pyrotechnic Art Festival, where the greatest pyrotechnicians create a magnificent sound and light show flooding the dark night.

Additional information
Cannes

Cannes is located in the heart of the French Riviera to the east, just 27 km from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and west, 4.5 km from Cannes-Mandelieu airport which has the assignment of general aviation and business tourism. Bordered to the south by sandy beaches, surrounded Cannes north of municipalities and villages such as Le Cannet, La Roquette-sur-Siagne, Mougins and Vallauris.

The Greek historian Polybius, who lived in the second century BC speaks of a city: Aegyptna, destroyed by the Romans. Some "historians" Cannes willing to acquire illustrious ancestors have located Cannes. Specialists now agree to reject this location. In fact we do not know where she was. What we know is that here in early history, the first "tourists" were the Ligurian. It is they who probably settled on the promontory (Suquet today). They built a fortified camp: an oppidum. From their viewpoint they watched their fellows who had, too, fortified on the rocky hill which is now Fort Vauban, on Sainte-Marguerite Island.

At the top of the city was a fortified post called Roman Castrum (current name Castre). In the year 1000, the monks of Lerins become owners. The monks to protect against Saracens begin the construction of the Tower and ramparts. 900 at the end of the fifteenth, the history of Le Suquet is closely linked to the Monastery although in 1447, the city turns into a municipality. The monks let go their hold a little obedience cons, but are still very present.

Rue Saint Antoine, is one of the oldest streets Cannes, it had 40 merchants. In 1500, the old city contained no stairs, the streets were all sloping channel with the environment in which sewage and rubbish were thrown. In the nineteenth, big remediation, destruction of houses in ruin... Today, the Rue Saint Antoine is a mecca of local gastronomy.

It is through unforeseen circumstances that Cannes became a winter resort; in effect to stop a cholera epidemic, drastic measures were imposed by the city of Nice to travelers heading to Italy. In November 1834 the sedan English Chancellor Lord Brougham, was immobilized Var Bridge. Unable to go to Genoa, the Chancellor turned around to the small city of Cannes, stopped at Pinchinat hotel to spend the night. The beauty of the place and the kindness of Indigenous led him to stay longer. He was not to leave again, he lived in Cannes 34 years and had to die at the age of 90 in 1868. Thanks to him, the site became a place Cannes highlight of the English colony. From that date, Cannes began to feel the benefits of implementing a British colony wintering and progress of trade with wealthier earthly relationships outward. In 1871, it exceeded 10 000, becoming the second city of the district of Grasse. The impetus was given, in 1870 there were in the city, equipped with sewers, gas lighting and drinking water, 215 villas, 34 hotels and several religious buildings of various denominations. The elite German, Russian, Swiss had followed the example of the UK, and Prosper Mérimée, who had come to Cannes as inspector of historic monuments, made discover the "gentry" the charms of the city.

The Lérins Islands: A short distance from La Croisette, facing the Bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands welcome you. In an idyllic setting where nature is preserved, this Mediterranean jewel offer visitors a unique collection combines flora and fauna and a unique history mixing the mysteries of the Iron Mask with the tranquility of the Cistercian monks, a haven of peace. Everything here invites discovery.

Things to see and do

Leisure activities

Last nameActivity typeRateCity
Return-Crossing to Sainte Marguerite Island – Departing from Cannes
Entertainment16 € Cannes

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Natural sites
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

Detailed information

Cannes International Film Festival
International festival of the silver screenFrom 14 to 25 may 2024
Pyrotechnic Art Festival
A multi-coloured, musical battle that illuminates Cannes BayJuly / August 2024
Cannes Dance Festival
An overview of the contemporary international choreography sceneNovember 2025
International Games Festival
The biggest games event in the French-speaking world!February / March 2025

Photos

Seaside in Cannes
Seaside in Cannes
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The waterfront
The waterfront
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Carlton
Carlton
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Cannes (© Frantz)
Cannes (© Frantz)
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Cannes (© Frantz)
Cannes (© Frantz)
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Cannes (© Frantz)
Cannes (© Frantz)
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Martinez
Martinez
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His boat
His boat
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Cannes (© Frantz)
Cannes (© Frantz)
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Cannes (© Frantz)
Cannes (© Frantz)
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Cannes (© Frantz)
Cannes (© Frantz)
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
A hotel
A vacation rental
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A campsite
A leisure activity
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A rental car
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