If you are the slightest bit interested in the film industry, chances are you’ve heard of Cannes, France – the home of the Cannes Film Festival.
Nestled along the Mediterranean coast of France, Cannes is a wonderful city on the French Riviera that is known for its glamour, beautiful beaches, and sophisticated food scene. Personally, after living in France for e year, I still consider it one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen!
Cannes is also home to some of the best and most luxurious hotels in the world, as well as some of the best shopping, but more than that, Cannes is a cultural and historic city that offers a lot to visitors and locals alike.
Walking around town, you will see how art is at the forefront of the city’s culture. Streets are lined with galleries, and the Chateau de la Castre is impressive and offers amazing views across the city.
This guide will go over 11 great reasons to visit Cannes for your next vacation and give you other helpful information about the city. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Cannes Film Festival – The world’s biggest and most prestigious film festival is held annually in Cannes each May. Even if you can’t attend the festival itself, it’s still worth checking out to see what films were shown at this festival.
How To Get to Cannes
The easiest way of getting to Cannes is by flying into Nice International Airport (NCE), which is located just 25 miles away. You can take a bus or train to get into town, rent a car for more flexibility, or even take a taxi.
You can find more information on how to get from Cannes to Nice here.
11 Reasons to Visit Cannes, France
From its iconic film festival to the many amazing restaurants that make up the city’s culinary scene, here are 11 reasons why you should visit Cannes:
Catch a Glimpse of the Film Industry
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the premier national film festivals in the world, drawing people from all over to admire the best cinema has to offer.
During the festival, Cannes is a busy metropolis with movie stars, journalists, and movie producers descending upon La Croisette for eleven days of intense film discussion.
Even if you don’t have access to exclusive parties or after-show gatherings, just walking along beaches and promenades offers various opportunities for celeb sightings.
Enjoy Cannes’ Beautiful Beaches
Cannes is a beautiful coastal city, and no trip would be complete without visiting its beaches. There are plenty of spots to relax along the shoreline or enjoy some water sports.
The private beach clubs offer amenities such as swimming pools, sun loungers, bars, and restaurants for those who want a more luxurious experience.
But if you’re looking for something simpler and more affordable, public beaches are also available with showers and changing rooms.
You can read about the best beaches in Cannes here.
Visit La Croisette
La Croisette, Cannes’ most iconic landmark, is a gorgeous two-kilometer promenade along the coast of Cannes.
The street is lined with grand hotels such as Martinez and Grand Hyatt and is also home to designer boutiques, galleries, bars, and restaurants.
Not only is it a great place to shop and dine, but La Croisette is also a favorite spot for strolling along the beachfront or admiring the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Enjoy Cannes’ Culinary Scene
Cannes has a variety of restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to casual eateries serving classic French dishes.
Eating out in Cannes can be an expensive affair, but there are plenty of affordable options as well. From traditional tapas bars to seafood bistros, you won’t run out of delicious places to eat while visiting this city by the sea.
Some of my favorite restaurants in Cannes for French Cuisine are L’Assiette Provençale (their tartare is to die for), L’Affable, and Da Laura Cannes. Still, if you are willing to spend extra money on an incredible culinary experience, you should definitely visit the Michelin-started La Palme d’Or.
Explore Cannes’ Old Town and Historic Sites
Cannes is full of historic sights that offer insight into its culture and past.
The city’s old town, Le Suquet, is a popular attraction with its cobbled streets, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the bay.
Other must-see sites include the 12th-century castle Chateau de la Castre and the church of Notre-Dame de l’Espérance.
Discover Cannes’ Art Galleries
The Cote d’Azur has been considered an art mecca for centuries, and there are plenty of galleries in Cannes to explore.
From the contemporary work of local artists to the more classic pieces of European masters, there is something for everyone in this city’s vibrant art scene.
Also, if you love art, visit Villa Domergue, a stunning villa built in 1934 that showcases art by Jean-Gabriel Domergue and his wife Odette Maudrange-Domergue (Jean designed the villa himself!).
Cannes Is a Fantastic Base for Day Trips
Cannes makes an ideal base for exploring some of the other stunning places in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region, such as Nice, Antibes, or, my favorite, the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence.
The train station and bus depot are conveniently located within walking distance from most parts of town, making it easy to plan a day trip and get back before sundown.
Stay in a Luxurious Hotel
Cannes is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in France, like the iconic Hotel Martinez or the plush Grand Hyatt, and is the perfect play for a honeymoon or special occasion.
For an extra special experience, you can also rent a villa in Cannes or stay in one of the cozy boutique hotels around town, such as Hotel Splendid or Residence La Ginestra.
Try Traditional Provencal Food at Marché Forville
The Marché Forville is the main food market in Cannes, located in the heart of the old town. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce to local wines and traditional Provencal dishes like ratatouille or bouillabaisse.
Cannes Has an Exciting Nightlife
Cannes may be a small resort town, but it offers plenty when it comes to nightlife. There are chic bars and nightclubs on the beachfront that offer great music and drinks all night long.
Some of the most popular places for a night out in Cannes include Chrystie, Morrison’s, and Baoli.
Visit the Lerins Islands
The islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, are located just off the coast of Cannes.
The larger island, Sainte-Marguerite, is home to a fortress, nature trails, and a fascinating aquarium where you can observe the vast array of marine life in its waters.
Saint-Honorat is home to an active monastery that has been standing since the 5th century and offers guided tours throughout the day.
Best Reasons to Visit Cannes, France
These are just some of the reasons why Cannes is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations – there is something here for everyone.
Whether you want to soak up the sun on the beach, explore its cultural attractions, or try out some delicious local cuisine, this city has it all and is really worth seeing.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments 🙂 Bon voyage!
This post originally appeared on A Dime Saved.
