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Cannes

Cannes travel guide

City in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France

Things to do11 experiences
Best time to visitJune
Nearest airportCEQ · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+2
Population74,350

About Cannes

Cannes is a resort city located on the French Riviera. It is located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and is the host city of the annual Cannes Film Festival, Midem, and Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The city is known for its association with the rich and famous, its luxury hotels and restaurants, and for several conferences.

Places to visit in Cannes

  1. Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

    Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

    Landmark

    The venue of the Cannes Film Festival, with its famous red-carpeted steps facing the sea. Outside festival time you can pose on the steps, and look for celebrity handprints set in the pavement nearby.

  2. La Croisette

    La Croisette

    Neighborhood

    The famous seafront promenade lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, boutiques and private beaches. Stroll it at sunset for people-watching, and rest on the blue chairs set out along the waterfront.

  3. Le Suquet

    Le Suquet

    Neighborhood

    The old town on a hill above the harbor, with narrow lanes, small restaurants and views over the bay. Climb to the top for the castle museum and the panoramic terrace by the church.

  4. Lérins Islands

    Lérins Islands

    Nature · 3 mi from centre

    A pair of wooded islands off the coast, with a fort on Sainte-Marguerite and a working monastery on Saint-Honorat. Take a ferry from the old port, and bring a picnic and swimsuit for a full day.

  5. Marché Forville

    Market

    A covered market near the old port selling fresh produce, flowers, fish and local specialties. Visit in the morning when it is busiest, and note that Monday is usually given over to an antiques market.

  6. Musée de la Castre

    Museum

    A museum inside a medieval castle on the Suquet hill, with collections of world art, musical instruments and Riviera paintings. Climb the old tower for the best views over Cannes and the bay.

  7. Antibes

    Antibes

    Neighborhood · 5 mi from centre

    A seaside town east of Cannes with old ramparts, sandy beaches and the Picasso Museum in the Château Grimaldi. It is a short train ride away, so plan a half-day trip and visit the morning market.

Things to do in Cannes by type

11 tours, tickets and experiences across 1 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 5
  • 3-6 hours 1
Good for
  • Couples 2
  • Families 2
  • Senior 2
  • Youth 1
Ways to go
  • Private 7
  • Small group 1
Browse all things to do in Cannes

Top experiences in Cannes

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 11 available.

See all things to do in Cannes

Where to stay in Cannes

Popular hotels in Cannes, out of 281 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Cannes

Best time to visit Cannes

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cannes is June, when average daytime highs are around 81°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 43° – 57° 10
Feb 45° – 58° 8
Mar 46° – 61° 12
Apr 51° – 66° 9
May 56° – 71° 12
Jun 66° – 81° 6
Jul 70° – 86° 3
Aug 72° – 88° 4
Sep 62° – 78° 7
Oct 58° – 71° 10
Nov 48° – 62° 8
Dec 44° – 58° 7

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Cannes weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 70° 59° 95%
  • Thu 22 Oct 67° 53° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 63° 52° 19%
  • Sat 24 Oct 67° 46° 5%
  • Sun 25 Oct 61° 46° 5%
  • Mon 26 Oct 66° 46° 8%

Know before you go

Currency
Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
Language
French
Calling code
+33
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Europe/ParisUTC+2
Capital
Paris

Upcoming public holidays in France

  • All Saints' DayToussaint
  • Armistice DayArmistice 1918
  • Christmas DayNoël
  • New Year's DayJour de l'an
  • Easter MondayLundi de Pâques
  • Labour DayFête du Travail

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Cannes

These are the airports closest to central Cannes. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • CEQ Cannes – Mandelieu Airport3 mi (6 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Cannes

Walking can quite often be the fastest mode of transport in Cannes. It also gives you the chance to stumble upon hidden sights that you may miss otherwise.

By bus

Getting around Cannes is not a problem at all. The city is well equipped with an efficient bus system (the only public transportation available in town) that provides service not only in the city but also to neighboring La Bocca, Le Cannet and Mandelieu-La Napoule. The bus companies include STU de Cannes Bus Azur, Bus Azur, CTM Cannes La Bocca and Beltrame. They all have scheduled services with a frequency of a bus every 15 min.

By car

Cannes has all the usual hire car rental establishments (Hertz, Avis, Budget) where you can rent a car if you wish. Parking is generally not an issue. Although you will have to pay, it is recommended that you use one of the off street parking garages as this is far better than searching fruitlessly for a parking lot on the street. Moreover Cannes has a truly horrible one-way system and it is much easier to walk. The Fontville parking gives good access to the port and old town.

Cannes travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Cannes?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Cannes is June, when average daytime highs are around 81°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Cannes?

August is usually the warmest month in Cannes, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 43°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 222 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Cannes?

Cannes – Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (6 km) from the centre of Cannes.

What currency is used in Cannes?

Cannes uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.

What time zone is Cannes in?

Cannes uses the Europe/Paris time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Cannes?

Walking can quite often be the fastest mode of transport in Cannes. It also gives you the chance to stumble upon hidden sights that you may miss otherwise.

What are the best places to visit in Cannes?

Top sights in Cannes include Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, La Croisette, Le Suquet and Lérins Islands. The venue of the Cannes Film Festival, with its famous red-carpeted steps facing the sea. Outside festival time you can pose on the steps, and look for celebrity handprints set in the pavement nearby.

What are the top things to do in Cannes?

Popular experiences you can book in Cannes include Half Day Private Tour - From Cannes, Cannes Private Walking Tour and Full Day Premium Excursion - French Riviera Tour via Le "Trophee des Alpes" with Transfers. Destina Holidays offers 11 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Cannes?

The most popular types of experiences in Cannes are day trips & excursions (10), city tours (1) and art & culture (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Cannes?

Popular areas for hotels in Cannes include Cannes. Well-reviewed options include Le Canberra and Sun Riviera.

How many hotels can I book in Cannes?

Destina Holidays currently lists 281 properties in and around Cannes, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.