Best Things to Do in Cannes
The best things to do in Cannes — La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals, Le Suquet old town, the Lérins Islands and shopping, with chauffeur tips.
Cannes is more than its film festival. Behind the glamour of La Croisette lies a working fishing town, a hilltop old quarter, island monasteries offshore and some of the best shopping on the coast. Here are the best things to do in Cannes, and how a chauffeur helps you enjoy them without the parking and the crowds.
Walk La Croisette and the red carpet
The Boulevard de la Croisette is Cannes at its most famous: a palm-lined seafront of grand hotels — the Carlton, the Martinez — private beaches and designer boutiques. At its heart stands the Palais des Festivals, where the red-carpet steps host the film festival each May.
It is a place to stroll, people-watch and photograph the handprints of the stars along the Allée des Étoiles.
- The Palais des Festivals and red-carpet steps
- Grand hotels: the Carlton and the Martinez
- Private beaches along the seafront
- The Allée des Étoiles handprints
Climb to Le Suquet, the old town
Above the old port, Le Suquet is the original village of Cannes: steep cobbled streets climbing to the church of Notre-Dame de l'Espérance and the Musée des Explorations du Monde, with wonderful views back over the bay.
The nearby Marché Forville is one of the best food markets on the Riviera, perfect for a morning before the climb.
- Views over the bay from the church terrace
- The Musée des Explorations du Monde
- The Marché Forville food market
- Atmospheric restaurants in the old streets
Escape to the Lérins Islands
A short boat ride from the old port, the Lérins Islands feel a world away. Sainte-Marguerite has pine forests, quiet coves and the fort that once held the Man in the Iron Mask; Saint-Honorat is home to a working monastery whose monks make wine.
A chauffeur drops you at the port for the boat and collects you on your return, so the day flows without logistics.
- Sainte-Marguerite's forts and coves
- Saint-Honorat's monastery and vineyards
- Swimming and walking away from the crowds
- Easy boats from the old port
Getting around Cannes
Cannes is compact but busy, and parking near the Croisette is difficult, especially during festivals and congresses. A chauffeur drops you where you want to be and is a call away when you are ready to move on.
It also makes Cannes a natural base for the western Riviera — Antibes, Mougins, Grasse and Saint-Tropez are all within easy reach by car.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cannes famous for besides the film festival?
La Croisette and its grand hotels, the old town of Le Suquet, the Marché Forville, and the peaceful Lérins Islands just offshore.
Can you visit the Lérins Islands from Cannes?
Yes. Regular boats from the old port reach Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat in around 15 minutes for a half or full day.
Is Cannes worth visiting outside the festival?
Very much so. Without the festival crowds, the beaches, old town, market and islands are far more relaxed to enjoy.
Where can a chauffeur take me from Cannes?
Cannes is a great base for Antibes, Mougins, Grasse and Saint-Tropez, all within easy reach by private car.
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