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What to do in Cannes: the best activities

Updated: Mar 10

Hotel Carlton in Cannes
Cannes is an attractive destination for tourists. It is ideal for a weekend or vacation. In addition, it hosts many conferences for business travelers.

Cannes is a city with many facets. Cannes is an ideal place to have a good time. The city offers various activities for conferences, weekend stays or vacations. These are available both day and night.

Everyone then asks themselves the question “What can I do in Cannes?”. Here we present to you a selection of the best addresses and the best activities in Cannes.


Cannes: an exceptional destination in the heart of the Côte d’Azur

Located on the splendid Côte d'Azur, Cannes is an iconic city that evokes glamour, luxury and elegance. Known worldwide for its famous Cannes Film Festival, the city offers much more than red carpets and celebrities. This French Riviera seaside destination is full of exciting activities, stunning beaches, picturesque landscapes and rich culture. Whether you are a cinema lover, a history buff or a sea lover, Cannes will seduce you.


Old Port of Cannes
View of the Old Port of Cannes from Le Suquet

Stroll along Boulevard de la Croisette and explore the city center


La Croisette in Cannes is world famous.

During your visit to Cannes, start your discovery with a walk on the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. This emblematic avenue runs along the seafront and offers panoramic views of the turquoise sea. Stroll along the boulevard, admire the majestic palm trees and soak up the lively atmosphere of this popular destination.

Boulevard de la Croisette is lined with magnificent buildings. Luxury boutiques, casinos, refined restaurants and prestigious hotels are located there. The Carlton, the Majestic and the Martinez are among the most famous of these hotels. They have all been recently renovated.


Cannes boat rental with skipper
Cannes boat rental with skipper

Explore the Lérins Islands: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat

You can also visit the Lérins Islands, located a stone's throw from the Old Port of Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are known for their beautiful beaches and turquoise waters. They are also home to historical monuments such as forts, monasteries and churches.

You can explore these islands and soak up the peaceful atmosphere there. Rent a boat in Cannes to get there.

Go to Sainte Marguerite Island. Famous for its fortress. She sheltered the Man in the Iron Mask. Walk through the wooded trails, visit the royal fort, a listed historic monument, and relax on the fine sandy beaches.

There you will find the famous La Guerite Cannes restaurant. An incredible place to party during the day.

Another island not to be missed is Île Saint-Honorat, known for its monastery dating from the 5th century. Visit the Benedictine Abbey , explore the peaceful gardens, and taste the wines produced by the monks. The Lérins Islands offer a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of Cannes.


Discover the famous Palais des Festivals in Cannes

Cannes is also a paradise for art and culture lovers. Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the famous Cannes Film Festival takes place every year. Explore the places where movie stars walk the red carpet and soak up the glamorous atmosphere of the festival. The supreme award, the Festival's Palme d'Or, is world-famous.

The Palais des Festivals hosts several famous conferences:

- Mipim for international real estate

- Cannes Lions for advertising

- Mapic for commercial real estate

- Midem for music

- Ipem for investment funds, etc.

Every year, thousands of business travelers come to attend these conferences. Cannes has just obtained the prestigious World Travel Awards 2022 label: best destination in the world for events and conferences.

This is the first time that a French city has won this famous Prize. Cannes had already received the prize for best European destination. Now the city has been awarded a global award!

In summer, Le Bal des Fous is organized on the Riviera Terrace of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. This party brings together many young people for a totally offbeat experience!

La Terrasse Riviera is located outdoors, with an incredible view of the Croisette and the port of Cannes. In the evening, it transforms into an open-air discotheque. Customers dress as elegantly as possible.


Street in Cannes
Street in Cannes

Nightlife in Cannes


Nightclubs, clubs and bars in Cannes

What to do in Cannes? Let yourself be carried away in trendy hotel bars or in the many pop-up nightclubs. Your Cannes nights promise you a clubbing and festive atmosphere in unique settings. We recommend the Baoli or the Gotha Club…

As for restaurants, you will find many in Cannes. We particularly like the New York New York in front of the Palais des Festivals.

Discover the best restaurants in Cannes . You can also read our article on restaurants in Cannes to party .

Play at the casino in Cannes

There are 3 casinos in Cannes. In Mandelieu la Napoule, near Cannes, there is also a casino in the Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino Hotel.

In Cannes, next to the Old Port, the main casino in Cannes is the Casino Barrière la Croisette, in the Palais des Festivals. Another Barrière casino, Les Princes is located on the Croisette. Next to Port Canto, you will find the Palm Beach Casino, currently closed for renovations.


The most beautiful beaches in Cannes


Cannes has magnificent beaches, most along the Croisette. There are 13 public beaches and 33 private beaches in Cannes.


Public beaches in Cannes

Of the 13 public beaches located in Cannes, only 3 are located on La Croisette. You will find them at both ends of the Croisette and in the Center.

The Palais des Festivals beach is located near the Old Port of Cannes. This beach is popular for its fine sand.

Near the Martinez hotel, in the Center of La Croisette, La Croisette beach is crowded in summer. Finally, Bijou Plage, located near Port Canto, has disabled access (Handiplage label).


Private beaches in Cannes

The city of Cannes has more than 30 private beaches. These beaches are managed by the main hotels on the Croisette. There you will find mattresses, a restaurant or a lounge.

Each beach has its own prices. It is advisable to reserve your mattress in advance in summer. Five-star hotels are known for their private beaches. Examples: Hotel Majestic, Le Martinez and Hotel Carlton (at the end of renovation work).



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