Travel Guide to Cannes, France

Ra's Travel Guide to Cannes

The home of the famous Cannes Film Festival; a complete travel guide to Cannes.

Table of Contents

Located in the French Riviera, Cannes is the home of the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. This city is known for its luxury shopping and is the hot spot for the rich and famous. In the summer, Cannes becomes one of the more popular tourist spots in the French Riviera. Use this travel guide to help plan or navigate your trip to Cannes!

Getting to Cannes, France: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

Traveling to Cannes promises a delightful experience on the French Riviera. Whether you arrive by plane, train, or car, getting to this glamorous destination is a breeze. If you're flying, Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is the closest international airport, and from there, you can take a shuttle or taxi directly to Cannes. For those opting for a scenic train journey, the Cannes SNCF station offers excellent connections to major cities like Paris and Marseille.

Bus: Many people will travel to Cannes from the Nice Airport, which has buses traveling directly to Cannes from terminals 1 and 2.

Train: Take the Monaco bound train from Nice, for a short 45 minute trip. There are two train stations in Cannes when departing, one for going towards Monaco and the other towards Antibes. Be sure to check before boarding the train to make sure you’re at the right station.

Car: Drive along the famous Cote d’Azur taking in the spectacular views of the French Riviera. Note that during the famous film festivals and peak tourist season, the road becomes congested with traffic, so be prepared with time.

Consider checking on Rome2rio, to compare travel methods and prices.

Where to Stay in Cannes, France?

Cannes offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's preferences and budget. For those seeking luxury and sophistication, the upscale hotels along the famous Promenade de la Croisette offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and easy access to the city's top attractions. If you prefer a more intimate and charming experience, consider staying in one of the boutique hotels nestled within the quaint streets of Le Suquet, Cannes' historic old town.

Additionally, there are numerous vacation rentals, stylish apartments, and cozy guesthouses scattered throughout the city, providing a homely atmosphere for a comfortable stay. For beach lovers, accommodations near Plage du Midi or Plage de la Bocca offer direct access to the sandy shores. Wherever you choose to stay, Cannes' renowned hospitality and elegance are sure to make your visit unforgettable.

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Getting Around Cannes, France

Car

While cars are available for rent in Cannes, it's not the most common mode of transportation due to the city's narrow alleyways and streets, making driving challenging with pedestrian traffic.

Bus

Explore Cannes with ease using the convenient shuttle and Palm Express bus lines that connect you to all the main tourist attractions.

Uber

In France, Uber is accessible, and in Cannes, you'll find a plethora of available drivers, ensuring minimal waiting time for a confirmed ride.

Taxi

For a more traditional option, taxi stands are scattered throughout Cannes, and hotels can even schedule a taxi in advance for your convenience.

Walking

Embrace the charm of Cannes on foot, as it allows you to savor the city's sights fully. Wander along the Promenade, soak in the scenic views, and enjoy well-lit sidewalks in the evenings.

What to Do in Cannes, France?

Le Suquet

One of my favorite spots in Cannes, take in the amazing view of the Cannes original hillside settlement, west of the harbor. Climb some of the stairways in the village to get a better overlook of the entire scene.

Église Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance

Take a step back into the 1500s and visit one of the oldest churches in the city. Step inside to marvel at the gorgeous gothic architecture from the Renaissance Era.

La Croisette Promenade

Walk the Rodeo Drive of the French Riviera. Take in the amazing views of the ocean, while shopping for luxurious fashion. Along the promenade are a variety of beautiful boutique restaurants on the water, for a meal with an unforgettable view.

Palais des Festivals

Stroll the red carpet of the famous Cannes Film Festival venue. The venue offers tours of the Grand Auditorium, where the event takes place.

Cannes Film Festival

If the opportunity presents itself, and you find yourself in Cannes during the middle of May, stop by the Palais des Festivals to watch all of the celebrities walk the red carpet with the paparazzi. Enjoy all of the festivities and parties throughout the city, celebrating the film festival.

Musée de la Castre

Still standing from the 11th century, visit the museum to learn about this famous fort and the history of Cannes. Clim 109 steps to reach the top of the fort and take in the amazing panoramic view of the city.

Search for the Painted Walls (Famous Cannes Movie Wall)

One of the most famous street art paintings in France, the Cannes movie wall contains characters from all the famous movies that have made their debut at the Cannes Film Festival. To find the wall, you must find the large hill that starts the upward journey to visit the rest of Cannes. (Or you can just cue it in your GPS 😉 ).

Go Shopping

Shop for luxury fashion along the Promenade for all the big name designers. If you’re looking for homemade souvenirs, look towards the center of the city and stop at the shops along the alleyways.

Relax on the Beach

Cannes has gorgeous white sand beaches along the Promenade, where many people sunbathe throughout the day. Be sure to get there early to find the best spot.

Get ready to walk in the steps of celebrities! With this complete travel guide to Cannes, your visit is sure to be memorable.