Cannes lies on the French Riviera in the department of Alpes-Maritimes in southeast France. It is known for its beaches, casinos and the yearly Cannes Film Festival among other things. Cannes was a small fishing village before the British aristocracy made it one of their popular destination spots in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the city's growth quickened, and it is today one of the most famous holiday destinations.
In this blog, we will help you with a list of Cannes places to visit and things to do in Cannes, France.
Top Places to Visit in Cannes
- La Croisette
- Îles de Lérins
- Palais de Festivals
- Marché Forville
- Musée des Explorations du Monde
- La Croisette
Croisette Boulevard is one of the popular places to visit in Cannes. Famous for its vibrant street that stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Croisette Boulevard is a prime Cannes attraction. Lined with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and restaurants, this is a great place to enjoy the city’s modern vibe.
Things to do in La Croisette
- Shop at various luxury stores. Here, you can find anything you are looking for, from designer clothes to high-end jewellery.
- Attend the Cannes Film Festival if you are in Cannes during that time.
- Visiting the Cannes Festival Walk of Fame is one of the major Cannes things to do. Soak in its glamour, style and magnificence.
- Îles de Lérins
Îles de Lérins in French, is a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Fort Royal, a fortification from the 17th century, located on the island of Sainte-Marguerite is one of the must things to see in Cannes. For a serene experience, spending time on Île Saint-Honorat Island is a great option. With a Benedictine monastery and lovely beaches, this Cannes attraction is a great mix of spiritual and natural experiences.
Things to do at Îles de Lérins:
- Visit Fort Royal. This fort was once a prison for the Man in Iron Mask. Visiting this fort is one of the illuminating things to do in Cannes.
- Visit the 5th-century Benedictine Monastery.
- You can go snorkelling and scuba diving.
- Palais de Festivals
This is the venue where the Cannes Film Festival is hosted every year. It is also accessible to the general public for tours. Touring through the red carpet, the press area and the screening rooms is one of the best things to do in Cannes, France. And perhaps you might see or meet a few celebrities.
Things to do at Palais de Festivals
- Taking a tour of the grand Cannes Film Festival venue is one of the best things to do in Cannes.
- Attend an event. The Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and the NRJ Music Awards are just a few of the events held at the Palais des Festivals throughout the year. Plan your visit to Cannes as per the timeline for one of these events.
- Visit the permanent exhibitions: "Cannes, Yesterday and Today" and "The Art of Cinema" are two ongoing exhibits at the Palais des Festivals. The first exhibit chronicles Cannes' development from a little fishing village to a significant international film festival venue. The second exhibition showcases a collection of costumes, props, and other artefacts used to develop films.
- Marché Forville
This is a bustling market in the heart of the city. Home to a wide variety of stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, meat, seafood, cheese, souvenirs and other local products. It is a wonderful location to learn about the local culture and its atmosphere while enjoying some of Cannes' exquisite cuisine.
Things to do in Marché Forville
- There are several restaurants and cafés located in Marché Forville, where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a drink. You can try traditional Provençal dishes, such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, and pissaladière.
- Take a few pictures to remember your visit to Marché Forville.
- Shop for fresh produce or go for a stroll in this Cannes tourist attractions spot.
- Musée des Explorations du Monde
It is a museum in Cannes, France. The museum was built in 1929 by the city’s mayor, Edouard Baudoin. It comprises the most famous things to see in Cannes, artefacts from Africa, Asia, and Oceania. It also includes a collection of sculptures, weapons, musical instruments, and textiles. The museum also has a library with a collection of over 10,000 books on the history of exploration and travel.
Things to do in Musée des Explorations du Monde
- Explore the museum’s collections, including primitive art and Mediterranean antiquities.
- Explore 19th-century landscape paintings. It has paintings of the French Riviera by artists such as Gustave Courbet and Claude Monet
Best Time to Visit Cannes
Cannes has warm summers and mild winters. The warmest months are July and August when the average temperature is around 26°C. The coolest months are December and January when the average temperature is around 12°C. If you want to attend the annual film festival then you should visit in May. Overall, the best time to visit Cannes depends on your individual preferences.
Travel Insurance for Cannes
If you are visiting France from India, travel insurance is mandatory. Your travel insurance must have proper medical coverage. The travel insurance will also cover any emergency medical requirement or immediate hospitalisation during your trip, lost baggage, theft, or trip cancellation.