Hello to all travelers, we are ready for a new adventure in the French city of Cannes. Who among you is ready like us? Meanwhile let’s start presenting the destination we are about to explore.
Cannes is a French commune which is part of the Maritime Alps and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region overlooking the Napoule Gulf; it is very close to the city we have just left, Nice (reachable by ferry). The city has two ports, the Vieux Port de Cannes (the main one) and the Port Pierre Canto. It is known not only for being a beautiful seaside destination with its famous promenade de la Croisette but also because it is here that one of the most famous festivals in the world is held every year, the Film Festival with the presence of many world stars. The islands of Lerino, Sant’Onorato and Santa Margherita belong to Cannes. In addition, the municipality is divided into districts, the most important is la Bocca (that is also a suburb) while the others that complete the list are: Croix-des-Gardes, Petit Juas, Suquet on the hill, Carnot, Center Ville, Prado Republique , Californie Pezou and Pointe Croisette. We conclude the presentation by adding that the main economic resource of Cannes is certainly tourism.
To know more (what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.
Every second is precious, let’s start right now.
PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS…)
Abbaye de Lérins
- Abbaye de Lérins: is a medieval abbey located on the island of Sant’Onorato in the Lérins archipelago which currently houses a community of monks. The abbey consists of a high tower founded as a refuge for monks that once were subject to repeated attacks on the island. It is a real refuge as it is enclosed by high walls at the center of which stands the tower. The interior is gorgeous, it opens with a cloister and along the path on either side is adorned with palm trees, beautiful flowers and columns. The subsoil hid cellars (with the monks’ food supplies), an oil mill and a bread oven. The first floor was dedicated to work and common life in general, the second floor was dedicated to prayer and the rest of the floors (especially those with a view) were reserved for the soldiers who ensured the protection of the monastery. Think that the abbey is really huge that it was never possible to completely protect it.
- Eglise Notre Dame d’Esperance: this church is located at the top (so the view is more than assured) of Suquet, the symbolic district, in a small square. The church is very beautiful, it consists of a tower and is made of stone. The interior is also no exception. It consists of stained glass windows and a functioning organ. Its beauty is all in its simplicity.
- Musée de la Castre: museum-castle is located in Place de la Castre, also on the top of the Suquet hill. Classified as “Museum of France”, it contains collections belonging to the city of Cannes, primitive arts of the Himalaya-Tibet, Arctic and Oceania; Mediterranean antiquities; musical instruments from all over the world. For the fine arts, on the other hand, it has a remarkable heritage of wonderful 19th-century landscape paintings by lesser-known painters from Provence. The museum is part of the Lerino Abbey complex. Amazing is its stone interior, its large garden crowned by large domestic pines (a distinctive feature of the city) and the panoramic tower.
- Musée de la Mer: it is an archaeological, art and history museum, classified as “Museum of France”. From the appearance it looks like a fairly “wild” place but it is not, indeed it is the perfect representation of what this place once was. The building is made of stone and is divided into two parts, the prisons and the museum. Interesting is the famous story of the iron mask whose identity is still unknown. The view from there, as always, is wonderful.
- Centre d’art La Malmaison at Cannes: very beautiful art museum aesthetically embellished with wonderful palm trees. Inside are held exhibitions of great interest of modern and contemporary art. The exhibitions are set up in a simple but essential way.
- Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild: is a French villa located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Absolutely marvelous, what is most striking are its gardens classified as “of the remarkable gardens of France”; not only because they are full of colorful flowers and plants of all kinds, but also for the different and particular installations (which create a nice ancient-modern contrast) set in the surroundings. An example is the relax area with tables where you can read a newspaper or a book borrowed from the museum library. You can’t miss it!
- Chateau de la Napoule: is a castle (on the sea) located in the commune of Mandelieu-la-Napoule and is registered as a historical monument. Well, what can we say… Its beauty cannot be explained, its vast and well-kept garden, the sculptures, the paths. Its interiors still smell of encounters between intellectuals and of all experience. A beautiful oasis that you will be amazed by, promised!
- Musee d’Art Classique de Mougins: it is an art museum, inaugurated very recently. The collection includes works ranging from the period from Ancient Egypt to Modern Art, plus the museum hosts several temporary exhibitions. Many artists, such as Pablo Picasso, have stayed in Mougins (where the museum is located) and for this reason we find some of his paintings inside. The peculiarity lies in the fact that a single place like this it manages to bring together a nice mix of art, ancient art, neo-classical, modern, and contemporary art.
- Musee Bonnard: dedicated to the French artist Pierre Bonnard, the museum is housed in a Belle Époque mansion. Therefore aesthetically beautiful and well organized internally. There are both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Among the visible works there are paintings (landscapes of the Côte d’Azur, domestic scenes…), drafts, photographs that portray the painter in some scenes of everyday life (excellent for deepening the knowledge). The property also has a souvenir shop. So it is very interesting for those who already know the artist but also for those who want to meet some local artist.
- Parfumerie Galimard: unmissable experience. It is a perfume laboratory (Provence is also this, amazing smells) in which you will be explained and illustrated how these are created. At the end of the visit, you will be given the perfume sample that you created yourself. In addition the laboratory has a shop where you can buy perfumes, you can choose between creams and soaps. Heaven!
- To continue this sensory experience, don’t miss the Jardins du Musée International de la Parfumerie where beautiful and fragrant flowers bloom in the total preservation of biodiversity, often providing shelter to many animal species (so it will not be difficult to meet the local fauna). A wonderful place to let yourself go.
As for the theaters we find: Théâtre Claude Debussy, Théâtre La Licorne Espace Miramar, Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)
Promenade de la Croisette
We are ready to discover the other side of Cannes, the entertainment.
- Let’s start with the Promenade de la Croisette, the famous boulevard that runs along the coast of the city. Beach on one side, luxury hotels and shops on the other. Its charm is indescribable, so much that every year the famous Cannes Film Festival takes place here. Day or night, it doesn’t matter, the great atmosphere is always guaranteed.
- Îles de Lérins: these are islands that form a small archipelago consisting of two islands (Santa Margherita and Sant’Onorato) and some uninhabited islets. The two major islands are all worth visiting, not only because they contain tourist attractions (which among other things we have already seen) but also for leisure as they are too suggestive places.
- Palais des Festivals: is the Cannes congress center that doesn’t go unnoticed and do you know why? Well it is the venue where the legendary Cannes Film Festival takes place. The building is very modern and there are also several handprints of famous artists on the outside. A must is the photo on the stairs like real stars!
- Vieux Port de Cannes: Cannes tourist port for a wonderful walk next to the sea and boats of all sizes (such a dream!). Surely the atmosphere in the evening is quite suggestive perfect for unforgettable photos.
- Parc naturel forestier de la Croix des Gardes: it is a fantastic green area overlooking the Gulf of Napoule (improperly known as the Bay of Cannes). Unmissable stop a few minutes from the center in the name of an exploration totally immersed in nature. The nice thing about this place is that along the way you will find signs with movements that you can do to keep fit, in which, among other things, some gym equipment is located nearby. While, on the other hand, if you love trekking or excursions, Col de Théoule is for you. A path up the mountain for true experts.
- Parc Du Paradou: it is a beautiful protected natural park located all along the coast. It is quite a wild place (which doesn’t mean scruffy, it is well looked after!). You can find everything from many types of birds to eucalyptus leaves with its fruits. The path to do is not very difficult, but then it is worth it only for the wonderful view that can be seen from up there. Another wonderful natural park to visit is the Parc de la Valmasque, as immense as it is beautiful, you will love it!
- In the city there is a lot to visit including: Mairie de Cannes with the town hall with remarkable architecture, a nice square to stop and in front of the building the Monument aux morts. San Peyre the hill of the city with a great view and a panoramic point where you can take some beautiful souvenir photos between the sea and nature. Quai Saint-Pierre (street of the Suque district) perfect area for a walk. Rue Meynadier, a street in the center of Cannes full of shops and boutiques (including artisan ones); but if you are looking for luxury for a crazy and unbridled shopping there is rue d Antibes with also tea rooms and patisseries (because you deserve a sweet break after shopping). Cannes street art to be photographed. These are true masterpieces that you will be amazed, many also dedicated to the world of cinema. A very interesting itinerary in the most original and less known corners of the city. Rue du Marché Forville, where the oldest covered market in Cannes takes place. Here you will find us everything. The stalls are full of many typical products to be tasted absolutely.
- Let’s not forget that Cannes has a beautiful sea to enjoy in summer and admired in winter, therefore, let’s see the major beaches to see: Croisette Beach Cannes, Plage du Midi, Palm Beach Cannes, Plage Macé, Plage de la Bocca, Plage Gazagnaire, Plage Raguette, Plage du Ponteil, Plage Naturiste De La Batterie (nudist beach) and Plage Du Festival and the seaside resort of the Juan Gulf.
- Among the many fun things you can do in the city are: Swim with Dolphins in France – ANNETT (Sarl DTO) for an adventure with the wonderful dolphins. A visit to the Casino Barrière Le Croisette, you can eat, play and it is very close to the sea. If you go to Lord Brougham square you can watch the game of petanque, the game of bocce (completely Provençal activity). If you are interested, take two minutes to watch the locals play this game much appreciated by the French.
Parc Du Paradou
Nightlife in Cannes is a must. Among the places where you can do it we find: le Suquet, rue des Frères Pradignac, Croisette… There is something for everyone.
To go into more detail here are some places where you can go:
- Le Baoli: night club
- Le Paratoxe: night club
- L’endroit cannes: a place specializing in cocktails
- The Brumel’s Piano Bar: night club
- Gotha Club: disco
TYPICAL FOODS
Bouillabaisse
We continue to know the city but under another aspect, the one of the food.
- Soupe au pistou: is a summer vegetable soup with the addition of pasta and pistou, which is a condiment similar to Italian pesto made up of a mixture of garlic, olive oil and basil.
- Bouillabaisse: it is a traditional fish soup from Provence. The basic recipe includes the use of at least four fish, redfish, mullet, conger eel and gurnard, but it can also be composed of other fish such as snapper, turbot, burbot, mullet, hake or the addition of sea urchins, mussels and crabs. The dish is usually served with Rouille, an accompanying sauce made with bread, fish stock, garlic, egg yolk, olive oil, saffron and chilli.
- Barbagiuai: this is a dish of fried ravioli stuffed with pumpkin and cheese. Of Ligurian origin, this delight will win you over!
- Tarte tropézienne: it is a dessert consisting of two discs of brioche bread (flavored with the essence of orange blossom) whose middle is stuffed with a mix of three creams according to a secret recipe. The surface is garnished with sugar grains.
- Pompe à l’huile: it is a dessert, a kind of sweet focaccia, made with flour, olive oil, sugar and orange blossom. The taste of simplicity.
- The wines are inevitable. Thes best are Rosé Bandol or a good Provencal red.
Tarte tropézienne
WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’…)
We have seen that there are lots of the typical dishes, but also lots of places where you can taste them. Let’s see them.
- Le Bo Bar: French, international, European cuisine.
- Uva: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Le Troquet à Soupes: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- Le Hit: French, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
- La brouette de Grand-Mere: French, European, healthy cuisine.
- L’éponyme d’Éric: French, Mediterranean, healthy cuisine.
- Le Salon Des Independants: French, Mediterranean cuisine.
- Le Pot de Vin: wine bar with French, European cuisine.
- Cactus Cafe: French, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options.
- Lux Cafe: French, European cuisine.
So we close our adventure in Cannes, immediately ready for the next one…follow us!!
Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.
A big kiss to everyone.
Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Nice.
Accommodations next to Cannes-Mandelieu airport
That Perfume museum sounds like it’s really something for me – never been to Cannes but would love to go there 🙂
Parfumerie Galimard is one of the most exciting attractions to visit in Cannes. An experience to try!
Cannes, what i always remember about this name is International Film Festival. I would love to be there one day, the view, beach are amazing and beautiful. I love the restaurant has many options menu.
Cannes in fact is mostly known for the Film Festival but like you have seen there is even more. This city is a real must visit!!
Yes please, it would be so fun to visit here someday.
Hi Krysten, we are sure you’ll love Cannes 🙂
It’s such a lovely place. How I wish to be here someday.
May your wish become reality 😀
Wow, how I would love to travel here myself one day, after COVID settles and things return back to normal. What an adventure it’ll be!
When everything (and we hope soon) back to normal, a travel is what we all need and Cannes is one of the perfect destinations 😉
Looks so nice and sunny! Wish I was there instead of rainy England!
Yes, the weather here is in general good hahaha
Oh my goodness I would love to visit Cannes one day. Your photos are stunning and this looks like such an incredible area. That sunshine is beautiful!
Hi, we are really happy that you liked our guide! Thanks ❤
Like everyone, when I think of the name Cannes it is of the film festival. I had no idea it had so much more to offer!
It’s normal hahaha There are so many amazing wonders to discover around the city!
Yeah!! I’m ready here to enjoy this virtual adventure with your story of the French city of Cannes while am stay home (lockdown) in my home country, love all the beautiful captures shared, thanks!
Cheers, siennylovesdrawing
We really appreciate your comment and also the fact that you have safely and virtually traveled around Cannes thanks to our guide 😀 😀
The food looks amazing and the beaches are stunning. Thank you for sharing!
Here everything has its charm, literally everything hahaha
Il tuo articolo è molto dettagliato, mi sono resa conto che ho perso davvero tanto di Cannes, ma sai, ci sono passata brevemente nel 2018, durante un road trip che toccava ben 15 città in 12 giorni… viaggio molto bello ma molto faticoso.
Con un solo giorno a disposizione ho visto davvero poco, lo ammetto: passeggiata sulla Croisette e cenetta in un ristorantino tipico che serviva la Bouillabaisse!!! Il cibo tipico non puo’ mancare nei miei viaggi!
Mi sono ripromessa di tornarci e seguirò la tua guida alla lettera!
Ti ringrazio, un bacione
Ciao, contenti di esserti di aiuto per il tuo prossimo viaggio 🙂
Purtroppo quando si organizzano dei tour è difficile visitare tutto in poco tempo, è normale ma il bello è che si può sempre rimediare e programmare un altro viaggio e fermarsi magari più tempo nel luogo scelto.
Mio padre ci è stato moltissime volte per lavoro eppure ne ha sempre conservato un ottimo ricordo in quanto quando era libero l’ha vissuta. Ha sempre ripromesso di portarmi speriamo in momenti migliori per tener fede alla promessa!
Oh che belli i viaggi con la famiglia! Vedrai che tuo padre terrà fede alla parola data e vi divertirete 🙂
Never been to Cannes but I hear it’s a lovely place to go. Great selection of photos and things to do in your post!
Thanks for the good feedback! You are welcome 😉
It was a great read. I always heard about cannes as a destination for International Film festival.
I always wanted to go in Cannes once in my life.
It’s a beautiful place for sure.
Cannes has everything you need to spend an awesome travel and then if you had the chance to plan a visit during the period of the Festival even better hehe
Anche io sono passata a Cannes per una breve tappa durante il nostro tour on the road della Francia di quest’estate, e confesso di aver pensato solo alla godibilissima vita notturna, trascurando musei e chiese. Credo poroprio che.. dovrò tornare!
La vita notturna a Cannes fa gola, diciamolo ahahah Però anche di giorno la città offre il suo e non mancano affatto luoghi interessanti da visitare.
Davvero tante cose interessanti da vedere. Magari non appena finirà questo periodo covid, mi organizzerò per visitarla. Da amante della natura mi ha colpito molto il Parc Du Paradou.
Un bel parco naturale protetto situato in una area unica. Assolutamente da esplorare.
Now look at this: I’ve always thought that Cannes was a snobbish, shallow place. But your post shows that there is so much beauty and so many interesting things to see and to do.
We are glad you have changed your opinion 🙂
You should see it with your eyes and enjoy the city when possible.
Cannes is one of the best place in French that I want to visit someday because I love their tourist spots. Awesome photos!
Cannes is one of the most visited destination in France and it is easy to understand why hahaha
While most people only think of Cannes for the film festival, you have completed the list for what we could see and eat and do whilst we are there. Thanks for the detailed info and guide! – Knycx Journyeing
Hi, you are welcome! Your comment is so appreciated, it makes us proud ❤
Cannes non l’ho ancora vista di persona. Alcuni miei amici ci sono stati qualche annetto fa ma credo abbiano visto la metà di tutto ciò di cui hai parlato tu. Non credevo ci fossero così tanti musei e addirittura castelli storici. Una bella scoperta così come la tarte tropezienne, mi è venuta una voglia matta di assaggiarla!
Visitare tutto in un unico viaggio non è semplice, il tempo non è mai abbastanza… Una buona informazione e un po’ di tempo in più fanno la differenza 😉 – Amalia
Caspita non pensavo che Cannes offrisse così tanto… Mi avete proprio incuriosita! E anche i dolci tipici non sembrano affatto male! Dovrò ritagliarmi il tempo per visitarla ben bene…
Contentissimi di averti incuriosito e motivato a programmare un viaggio a Cannes 😀 😀 Obiettivo centrato!
Such a beautiful place to explore and experience. Thank you for featuring Cannes.
You are welcome 🙂 Thanks for your time!
Cannes looks beautiful and the food looks amazing! I’ve wanted to visit the French Riviera for a while now. Definitely on my list!
The day you visit Cannes you’ll not be happy to leave the city hahaha
I don’t know much about Cannes, but this looks like an amazing place to visit. I rally want to try the Tarte tropézienne, it looks delicious.
It’s nice you learned something new about Cannes thanks to our guide 🙂
I love reading about other countries in the world, this sounds so amazing, the pictures look great !
We feel you because we love learning new things about other cultures.
Sono tantissimi anni che non vado in Francia e non sono mai stata a Cannes. Speriamo che questa brutta situazione passi in fretta così da poter ricominciare a spostarci.
Lo speriamo davvero… Ci sono così tanti posti da visitare e Cannes è uno di questi 😉
I love Cannes and Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is my favorite!
The gardens of the villa are wonderful, a pleasant discover.
OMG, you gave me so many ideas on what to do and visit while in Cannes! It is actually one of my dream destinations, and I can’t wait to experience its beauty.
Hi Blair, we are so glad you read our guide. Many thanks for your positive feedback ❤
My dream is to run a marathon Nice-Cannes so visiting Cannes seams awesome to me! Great guide.
The marathon you talk about is something so cool. Really an experience to do 🙂
Beautiful view, food, and total visit! I can’t wait to go to Cannes now!
Who doesn’t like all that the city offer? Hahaha
Its a nice reference, who can tell maybe I will get a chance to be in Cannes someday… Tried and make boullabaise soup very nice and aromatic soup.
You had a first approach with the city eating some local food, good!!
Cannes is my dream place to visit. I’m so glad wrote about it.
It’s nice to receive your comment, thanks!
I feel silly in that I only really know the name of Cannes due to the famous film festival but what a fun looking place in France. I would definitely want to explore it not only for the famous beaches and festivals but I love all the museums and history. I mean to think that a bunch of Monks at the Abbaye de Lérins were often being attacked? There has to be something to that right?
Being a child of the summer, you had me at walking the Promenade de la Croisette or playing Bocce. Love that goofy bowling game! Never would have thought anywhere in Europe would be a hot spot for swimming with the Dolphins. How cool is that.
As for my wife, she is inevitably going to drag me to the Parfumerie Galimand! We explore several while in Cologne, Germany and she loved it. So, I guess I will be frangranced with a bit of Cannes.
Hi Eric, it looks like you have found your dimension here in Cannes. There is everything to satisfy you and your wife. Need more? Don’t think hahaha
Wish you a memorable travel.
Cannes is on my list of places to visit. I feel like it has everything and thank you for sharing with us.
Planning a trip in Cannes will be one of your best choices 😉
Cannes è un posto semplicemente fantastico. Spero presto di ritornarci.
Un secondo viaggio a Cannes è un’ottima idea!
Wow these are such good places to visit. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hi Meg, glad to read your comment. Your feedback is important.
Prima di questo casino con il covid avevo spesso la possibilita’ di andare in Francia ma Cannes manca all’appello. Recuperero’ per la Tarte tropézienne! 🙂
Appena questa situazione si sbloccherà un viaggio ci vorrebbe proprio e Cannes come meta sembra ideale 😉
Di Cannes conoscevo giusto l’aspetto mondano, soprattutto in occasione del Festival del cinema. Invece vedo che ha un patrimonio artistico notevole, tutto da scoprire!
Il festival è l’attrazione principale di Cannes ovviamente però in città ci sta altro e che altro ahah
What a breath of fresh air! I’m stuck at home a lot these days due to the covid situation in the country, so I really appreciate this quick escape to beautiful Cannes. Wouldn’t mind visiting after this craziness is over. Just the food alone convinced me to bucketlist this one 😉
During this pandemic we all have discovered a new way of traveling, the virtual tours!
Sono stata a Cannes durante un on the road della Costa Azzurra ma, come sempre dai tuoi articoli, mi rendo conto di aver perso un sacco di attrazioni interessanti. Qualcuna me la sono segnata e non mancherò la visita alla prossima occasione, come le Jardins du Musée International de la Parfumerie, ma avendo fatto a Grasse profumeria e museo del profumo, qui ho tralasciato dedicandomi a spiagge, passeggiate sulla Croisette e locali. Grazie delle preziose info!
Ciao Sabina, contentissimi che ti sia piaciuta la nostra guida 😀 😀
Avendo fatto un’esperienza simile hai optato per qualcosa di differente, ci può stare. Con un secondo viaggio si può tranquillamente recuperare ciò che non si è potuto vedere o fare. – Amalia
Tranne quest’anno, per ovvi motivi, sono sempre andata a Cannes per il Festival, quindi maggio. Soggiorno di una settimana circa, alloggio strategico verso la Base Nautica per attraversare così le stradine per essere al Palais o per spostarmi all’Eden Roc in pochi minuti. Ammetto che in quella occasione molte attrazioni non le ho viste. Non hai citato però Palm Beach che mi sembra molto bello. Se il prossimo anno ci sarà, cerco di visitare quanto hai scritto.
Un vero peccato per quest’anno, non ci voleva proprio… Sei esperta allora, forte!
Certo, Palm Beach è citata tra le maggiori spiagge da visitare 🙂
Che bello quest’articolo, molto completo. Da due anni sto organizzando un viaggio on the road in Francia e Cannes fa parte dell’itinerario. Ti ringrazio per tutti gli ottimi spunti.
Ciao Monica, felici di aver ricevuto il tuo commento. Resta sintonizzata, dobbiamo ancora recensire qualche meta che potresti aggiungere all’itinerario. – Amalia
Davvero bellissima Cannes, mi piace molto. Vorrei visitarla di nuovo!
Se dovessi avere nuovamente la possibilità coglila e buon viaggio!
Da sempre sogno un bel giro a Cannes per me ha un grande fascino e la trovo molto molto chic!
E poi quei piatti tradizionali li mangerei adesso!
La cucina francese è tra le più rinomante e diffuse al mondo, infatti sono poche le persone che non hanno provato almeno una volta una pietanza francese.
Cannes dev’essere davvero un sogno, soprattutto durante il festival o nei mesi più caldi e poi il cibo… ho l’acquolina in bocca!
A Cannes c’è tutto ciò che si desidera per trascorrere una vacanza da sogno!
La Francia è bellissima Io sono stata a Parigi ma non ho avuto modo di visitare Cannes ma dalle tue foto c’è davvero un mondo da visitare in fatto di bellezza del posto ma anche tante cose buone da provare.
Cannes è meravigliosa, sotto diversi punti di vista! – Amalia
Articolo super completo, utile anche in questo periodo, in cui possiamo viaggiare solo con l’immaginazione (almeno, per la parte descrittiva).
Ciao Carla, grazie mille per il commento ❤
Mai stata a Cannes, ma è uno di quei posti che mi piacerebbe visitare una volta e toglierla dalla lista dei paesi che vorrei visitare! Grazie per tutte queste informazioni utilissime!
È soddisfacente quando aggiungi il segno di spunta ad una voce della lista ahahah Se si parla di lista di viaggi ancora meglio!