Culture Francia
Table of Contents

28 Things to Do in Cannes

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW

Sections

  • ACTIVITIES
  • 8 STROLLS
  • 2 PANORAMAS
  • 5 BEACHES
  • 2 FOOD MARKETS
  • 2 CRAFT MARKETS
  • 3 MUSEUMS / EXHIBITS
  • 3 CHURCHES
  • 2 PARKS
  • WALL PAINTINGS

Map

Click on the icon  in the top-right corner to view the map in full screen and show or hide layers as needed.

Activities don’t appear because they’re not necessarily tied to a fixed location.

STROLLS

Name Appeal Type
1 La Croisette ✦✦✦✧✧ Seafront
2 Le Suquet ✦✦✦✧✧ Old Town
3 City Center ✦✦✦✧✧ City Center
4 Les Marches ✦✧✧✧✧ Walk of Fame + Red Carpet
5 Boulevard Jean Hibert ✦✧✧✧✧ Seafront
6 Quai du Large ✦✧✧✧✧ Seafront
7 Promenade Gazagnaire ✦✧✧✧✧ Pier
8 Jetée du Moure Rouge ✦✧✧✧✧ Pier

1. La Croisette

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Type  Seafront

Full Name
La Croisette

You can’t think of Cannes without thinking of La Croisette. This palm-lined promenade stretches along the bay, blending beachy vibes, high-end fashion, and non-stop buzz. It runs from the Palais des Festivals all the way to Pointe Croisette, with views of the Mediterranean and the Lérins Islands..

You’ll pass legendary hotels like the Carlton and the Martinez, real Belle Époque icons, and a row of luxury boutiques that fashion lovers and jewelry fans go crazy for.

La Croisette isn’t just a walkway, it’s the symbol of Cannes, where elegance meets energy. Walking along this seafront ribbon, it’s like stepping into a postcard, soaking in that perfect mix of glamour and the Mediterranean.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

2. Le Suquet

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Type  Old Town

Full Names
Le Suquet
Vieux-Cannes
Vieille Ville

Up above the old port, you’ve got Le Suquet, it’s the oldest part of Cannes, and it feels like stepping into another world. The streets are steep and narrow, lined with old stone walls and houses with colorful shutters. It’s nothing like the flashy seafront full of luxury hotels. The main street, Rue Saint-Antoine, is known for its low façades, old shop signs, and little vaulted passages that remind you of how simple life used to be here.

At the very top, Place de la Castre gives you a stunning view over the bay and the Lérins Islands. You’ll also find some iconic spots in the neighborhood, like the church Notre-Dame-d’Espérance, built in the 1600s in a Provençal Gothic style, or the Suquet tower, which was used as a lookout. There’s also the Museum of World Explorations, set inside the former castle of the Lérins abbots.

When evening comes, the vibe changes completely. The little streets come alive with cozy restaurants and warm terraces, perfect for a night stroll or a quiet dinner. Le Suquet really captures the spirit of Cannes, a mix of medieval charm and modern energy.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

3. City Center

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Type  City Center

Cannes is more than just beaches and its famous festival, the city center is full of life, with lively streets, markets, and little squares. Les Allées de la Liberté, a shaded walkway with a music pavilion, hosts a daily flower market and, on weekends, a vintage flea market that draws in collectors and curious passersby.

Just around the corner, Rue d’Antibes stretches out with chic shop windows: it’s the main shopping street in town. For something more down-to-earth, Rue Meynadier is where you go. It still feels like an ancient street, packed with food artisans and colorful little shops. And if you love local markets, don’t miss Marché Forville, it’s all about fresh fish, fruits, veggies, and those Provençal smells.

Right across from there is the old port, where traditional fishing boats sit next to shiny yachts. And in the background, Le Suquet is always watching over, with its pastel houses above the docks. Just a bit further, the Palais des Festivals stands out with its modern shape, reminding you Cannes is a huge name in the film world.

The city center is really where Cannes shows its true colors, Provençal, stylish, and totally international.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

More

4. Les Marches

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Type  Walk of Fame + Red Carpet

Full Names
Marches du Festival de Cannes
Chemin des Étoiles

Cinema is everywhere in Cannes, and you can’t miss the famous Palais des Festivals: that big glass-and-concrete building where the world’s biggest movie stars gather every spring.

But even when the festival’s not on, the red carpet is still there, draped over the big staircase, just waiting for you to strike a pose and snap a photo.

📍 Google Maps

All around, the Pompidou esplanade honors the stars with the Chemin des Étoiles: over a hundred handprints from actors, directors, and celebrities set right into the pavement.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

Between the building’s modern style and the movie buzz all around, this spot sums up what Cannes is all about – one of the true capitals of world cinema.

5. Boulevard Jean Hibert

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Type  Seafront

Full Names
Boulevard Jean Hibert
Promenade Jean Hibert

Boulevard Jean Hibert runs along the coast to the west, linking the city center to Midi Beach. It’s quieter than La Croisette and gives you a more relaxed, family-friendly side of Cannes. This stretch really shows the easygoing beach vibe of the town, a nice break from the glitz and glam.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

6. Quai du Large

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Type  Seafront

Full Name
Quai du Large

Down by the old port, Quai du Large stretches out into the sea like a quiet pier. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll, with views over the bay. At the very end, a small lighthouse keeps watch over the harbor entrance.

📍 Google Maps

7. Promenade Gazagnaire

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Type  Pier

Full Name
Promenade Gazagnaire

At the far eastern end of La Croisette, you’ll find the Gazagnaire Promenade: calm and simple. Right next to a family-friendly beach, it’s a peaceful place where you can enjoy views of the bay and the Lérins Islands, far from the glitzier parts of town.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

8. Jetée du Moure Rouge

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Type  Pier

Full Name
Jetée du Moure Rouge

Moure Rouge port still feels authentic, with its little boats and sailboats bobbing in the water. The pier stretches into the sea and gives you a wide-open view of the whole bay. It’s a quiet, no-frills corner of Cannes.

📍 Google Maps

PANORAMAS

Name Appeal Type
1 Place de la Castre ✦✦✦✧✧ Elevated Square 0
2 Tour de la Castre ✦✦✦✧✧ Tower €6.50

1. Place de la Castre

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Type  Elevated Square
Price  Free

Full Name
Place de la Castre

At the very top of Le Suquet, Place de la Castre looks out over Cannes and gives you one of the best views in town. Surrounded by old stone walls and remnants of the medieval village, the place still holds that ancient vibe. From here, the view opens wide across the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands.

📍 Google Maps

👀 Google View 360° – Panorama

Just a few meters away, you’ll also find the Cannes Sign, a large set of letters spelling “CANNES”.

📍 Google Maps

2. Tour de la Castre

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Type  Tower
Price  €6.50

Full Names
Tour de la Castre
Château de la Castre
Tour du Suquet

Built in 1385 by the monks of Lérins, the Castre Tower stands tall over the Suquet hill. It’s a big square tower that used to serve as a lookout, keeping watch over the bay and the city’s surroundings.

If you climb the 109 steps to the top, you’ll get an incredible 360° view of the Mediterranean, the port, and the mountains beyond.

Today, it’s part of the Museum of World Explorations, with exhibits covering archaeology, tribal art, and ethnography.
So if you want to go up the tower, you’ll need to buy a museum ticket.

📍 Google Maps

👀 Google View 360° – Panorama

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

BEACHES

Name Appeal Length
1 La Croisette ✦✦✦✧✧ 1300m (4250ft) Public/Private
2 Midi ✦✦✦✧✧ 1500m (4900ft) Public/Private
3 Bijou ✦✦✦✧✧ 300m (1000ft) Public/Private
4 Gazagnaire ✦✦✦✧✧ 600m (2000ft) Public
5 Palm ✦✦✧✧✧ 150m (500ft) Public/Private

These 5 beaches all have fine sand.

In Cannes, beaches are a huge part of the city’s sunny, seaside image. Some are public and open to everyone, while others are more exclusive: beach clubs with sun loungers, restaurants, and fancy service in a glamorous setting that keeps the Croisette vibe going strong.

Whether they’re simple or stylish, all these beaches show what Cannes is all about, that perfect mix of Mediterranean chill and high-end flair, blending laid-back beach life with a touch of prestige.

Beach Clubs

🍹 List of Beach Clubs (plageprivee.com)

1. La Croisette

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Length  1300m (4250ft)
Ownership  Public and Private

Full Name
Plage de La Croisette

🏖️ Info & Photos (plage.tv)

📍 Google Maps

2. Midi

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Length  1500m (4900ft)
Ownership  Public and Private

Full Name
Plage du Midi

🏖️ Info & Photos (plage.tv)

📍 Google Maps

3. Bijou

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Length  300m (1000ft)
Ownership  Public and Private

Full Name
Bijou Plage

🏖️ Info & Photos (plage.tv)

📍 Google Maps

4. Gazagnaire

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Length  600m (2000ft)
Ownership  Public and Private

Full Name
Plage de Gazagnaire

🏖️ Info & Photos (plage.tv)

📍 Google Maps

5. Palm

Appeal  ✦✦✧✧✧
Length  150m (500ft)
Ownership  Public and Private

Full Names
Plage de Palm Beach
Plage de la Pointe Croisette

🏖️ Info & Photos (plage.tv)

📍 Google Maps

FOOD MARKETS

Name Appeal Opening Setting
1 Forville ✦✦✦✧✧ Tue* to Sun mornings Covered
2 Gambetta ✦✧✧✧✧ Tue* to Sun mornings Covered

*Also on Monday mornings during July and August.

1. Forville

Appeal  ✦✦✦✧✧
Opening  Tuesday to Saturday mornings
Setting  Covered

Full Name
Marché Provençal Forville

This is the foodie heart of Cannes. Under a big covered hall, Marché Forville comes alive with colorful stalls. You’ll find fresh produce from Provence, fragrant flowers, just-caught fish, and local specialties. It’s where you grab a basket and fill it with authentic flavors, all while hearing that lovely southern accent from the vendors. More than just a market, Forville reflects the true spirit of Cannes, generous, Mediterranean, and rooted in its culinary culture.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images – Interior

⚙️ Hours (City Hall Website)

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

Most of it is under the main hall, but a small part also spills out onto the nearby Allées de la Liberté square.

📍 Google Maps

More

2. Gambetta

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Opening  Tuesday to Saturday mornings
Setting  Covered

Full Name
Marché Gambetta

Just a short walk from the train station, Marché Gambetta brings a lively feel to one of Cannes’ more down-to-earth neighborhoods. It’s smaller than Forville with stalls selling fresh produce, clothes, and all kinds of accessories.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours (City Hall Website – Fr)

CRAFT MARKETS

Name Appeal Opening Setting
1 Allées de la Liberté ✦✧✧✧✧ Weekends Outdoor
2 Forville ✦✧✧✧✧ Mondays Covered

1. Allées de la Liberté

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Opening  Weekends
Setting  Outdoor

Full Name
Marché Gambetta

Along the Allées de la Liberté square, you’ll find a lovely craft market. Handmade jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and local creations fill the stalls.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours (Tourist Office Website)

2. Forville

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Opening  Mondays
Setting  Covered

Full Name
Marché Forville

Outside of food, Marché Forville turns into a craft market on Mondays. Under the same roof, you’ll find decorative objects, vintage pieces, fabrics, and handmade goods on display.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours (Tourist Office Website – Fr)

Night Markets

During July and August, Cannes lights up with some night craft markets. The vibe is festive and family-friendly, with stalls full of jewelry, paintings, home decor, and local creations. Strolling under the moonlight through these colorful displays keeps that Mediterranean vibe going late into the night.

⚙️ Hours & Locations (Tourist Office Website)

MUSEUMS

Name Appeal Theme
1 Explorations du Monde ✦✦✧✧✧ World Arts €6.50
2 Suquet des Artistes ✦✧✧✧✧ Contemporary Art €4.50
3 Malmaison ✦✧✧✧✧ Contemporary Art €6.50

1. Explorations

Appeal  ✦✦✧✧✧
Theme  World Arts
Price  €6.50

Full Names
Musée des Explorations du Monde
Musée de la Castre

At the top of Le Suquet, inside the former castle of the Lérins monks, the Museum of World Explorations invites you on a journey far from the glitz of Cannes. Behind its medieval walls, you’ll find an eclectic and surprising collection: from Mediterranean archaeology and Oriental antiques to pieces from Asia, Africa, pre-Columbian America, and Oceania. Masks, musical instruments, sculptures, and ceramics tell the story of human cultures and the exchanges that shaped them.

The setting adds to the experience: this fortified castle, listed as a historic monument, keeps the medieval spirit of Cannes alive.

Climb up the 14th-century square tower and you’ll be rewarded with a  panoramic view of the bay and the Lérins Islands.

The whole place has a unique feel, where global heritage meets local history. It’s a peaceful, inspiring spot that invites you to slow down and explore.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images – Interior

⚙️ Hours (City Hall Website)

⚙️ Prices (Tourist Office Website)

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

More

2. Suquet des Artistes

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme  Contemporary Art
Price  €4.50

Full Name
Suquet des Artistes

Suquet des Artistes is set in a former morgue turned cultural space. It hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that shine a light on contemporary artists and modern creative practices. It brings a fresh, artistic energy to the historic Suquet area, creating a space for locals, artists, and curious visitors to connect.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours & Prices (City Hall Website – Fr)

3. Malmaison

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Theme  Contemporary Art
Price  €6.50

Full Name
La Malmaison

Facing La Croisette, the Malmaison is a refined 19th-century villa that once served as a private home. Today, it’s a contemporary art space showcasing both big names and up-and-coming artists. The exhibitions include paintings, sculptures, and installations, all in a chic, intimate setting.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours & Prices (City Hall Website – Fr)

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

CHURCHES

Name Appeal
1 Notre-Dame d'Espérance ✦✦✧✧✧
2 Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage ✦✧✧✧✧
3 Notre-Dame des Pins ✦✧✧✧✧

1. Notre Dame d'Espérance

Appeal  ✦✦✧✧✧

Full Name
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance

Standing tall over Suquet hill, the church of Notre-Dame d’Espérance is the main religious building in Cannes. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, it draws you in with its simple lines and peaceful atmosphere.

Inside, the high vaulted nave is flanked by side chapels filled with altarpieces and statues. The marble main altar adds to the solemn beauty of the place.

Outside, its square bell tower topped with an iron campanile stands proudly against the blue sky, a landmark visible from across the bay.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images – Exterior

🏞️ Google Images – Interior

👀 Google View 360° – Interior

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

More

2. Notre Dame de Bon Voyage

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧

Full Name
Église Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage

Right next to the Palais des Festivals, the church of Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage was built in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style. A place for quiet reflection, it offers a spiritual pause just steps from the glamorous buzz of Cannes.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images – Exterior

🏞️ Google Images – Interior

👀 Google View 360° – Interior

📜 Wikipedia (Fr)

Notre-Dame des Pins

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧

Full Name
Église Notre-Dame des Pins

Built in the 20th century, Notre-Dame des Pins stands in the Pointe Croisette area. With its modern look and simple façade, it reflects the city’s more recent urban expansion. Surrounded by greenery, this neighborhood church is a peaceful and much-loved spot for locals.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images – Exterior

🏞️ Google Images – Interior

PARKS

Name Appeal
1 La Roseraie ✦✧✧✧✧ 0
2 Parc Noailles ✦✧✧✧✧ 0

1. La Roseraie

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Price  Free

Full Names
La Roseraie
Square du 8 Mai 1945

By the sea, La Roseraie is a little park filled with colorful flower beds, benches and grassy lawns. It’s a nice place for a quiet break.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours (City Hall Website – Fr)

2. Parc Noailles

Appeal  ✦✧✧✧✧
Price  Free

Full Name
Parc Noailles

Parc Noailles surrounds a former Rothschild mansion from the 19th century, now home to the city’s media library. Its shaded paths, old trees, and open lawns create a calm, welcoming space, ideal for a walk or a moment of reading in peace.

📍 Google Maps

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Hours (City Hall Website – Fr)

📜 Wikipedia

WALL PAINTINGS

Appeal  ✦✦✧✧✧

Full Name
Les Murs Peints

In Cannes, art spills out onto the walls thanks to the huge murals scattered around the city. These painted façades pay tribute to cinema and its legendary figures. You’ll spot the silhouettes of famous actors, iconic movie scenes, and clever nods to film classics. The murals turn entire buildings into open-air movie screens.

They’re a constant reminder of Cannes’ deep connection with its festival. Wandering through the streets suddenly feels like stepping right into a cinematic adventure.

📍 Google Maps Search List

🏞️ Google Images

⚙️ Info & Map (Official Website – Fr)

Plan an Amazing France Trip !  👉 Home Page