The 8 Best Attractions in Cannes (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best things to do in Cannes in 2026 are walking La Croisette, posing on the red-carpet steps of the Palais des Festivals, climbing Le Suquet for the view, taking the boat to the Lérins Islands — Sainte-Marguerite's Fort Royal and the monks' Saint-Honorat — and shopping at the Marché Forville.

Cannes is an easy day trip from Nice (about 30–40 minutes by train) or a relaxed base for the western Riviera. The Croisette, the Palais des Festivals, Le Suquet and the Marché Forville are all within a 20-minute walk. Boats to the Lérins Islands leave from the quay by the Palais, and the islands are the best half-day trip. Outside the festival weeks, Cannes is a quieter, more local town than its reputation suggests.

1. La Croisette — Seafront

The palm-lined seafront boulevard of palaces, beach clubs and boutiques.

Best for First-timers · Couples

La Croisette runs about two kilometers along the bay, from the Palais des Festivals past the Carlton and the Martinez to the Pointe Croisette. On one side are palace hotels and luxury boutiques; on the other, sand beaches and beach clubs.

Walking it, ideally at sunset, is the essential Cannes experience.

Good to know: Walk to the Pointe Croisette at the far end for quieter beaches and views back to town.

Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps

2. Palais des Festivals and the Allée des Stars — Croisette / Old Port

The red-carpet steps of the Cannes Film Festival, and stars' handprints.

Best for Film fans · First-timers · Families

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès hosts the Cannes Film Festival each May. Outside events, anyone can climb the famous red-carpeted steps for a photo, and the Allée des Stars around the building holds the handprints of actors and directors.

The tourist office inside the Palais is the place to ask about guided tours.

Good to know: Come early in the morning to get the steps to yourself for photographs.

1 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps Website

3. Le Suquet — Old Town

The old hilltop quarter, with a castle museum and the best view of the bay.

Best for Couples · Views · First-timers

Le Suquet is Cannes's oldest quarter, on the hill above the old port, with steep lanes, restaurants and the Notre-Dame d'Espérance church. At the top, the castle and its tower house the Musée des Explorations du Monde.

The terrace by the church gives a sweeping view of the bay, the Croisette and the Lérins Islands.

Good to know: Climb at sunset, then eat in one of the restaurants on Rue Saint-Antoine.

Place de la Castre, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps

4. Île Sainte-Marguerite — Lérins Islands

Pine woods, swimming coves and the prison of the Man in the Iron Mask.

$ BudgetBest for Families · Nature · History

Sainte-Marguerite, the larger Lérins island, is covered in pine and eucalyptus woods with coves for swimming. The Fort Royal houses a museum and the cell where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was held in the 17th century.

Boats take about 15 minutes from Cannes, and the island makes a perfect half-day or day.

Good to know: Bring a picnic and swimming gear, and take the boat early in summer.

Quai Laubeuf, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps Website

5. Île Saint-Honorat and the Abbaye de Lérins — Lérins Islands

An island monastery where Cistercian monks make wine.

Best for Couples · Nature · Wine

Saint-Honorat is a small island owned by a community of Cistercian monks, with vineyards, a monastery and an 11th-century fortified monastery tower on the shore. The monks make and sell wine and liqueurs.

It is quiet and contemplative, with a walking path around the island; visitors are asked to dress modestly.

Good to know: Take the monastery's own boat from Cannes, and buy a bottle of the monks' wine.

Île Saint-Honorat, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps Website

6. Marché Forville — Le Suquet (foot of the hill)

Cannes's covered market, where the chefs shop, with a Monday flea market.

Best for Foodies · Families

The Marché Forville is the covered market at the foot of Le Suquet, full of Provençal produce, fish, flowers and cheese from Tuesday to Sunday mornings. On Mondays it turns into a flea market.

Buy picnic food here for the Lérins Islands, or eat at the bistros around it.

Good to know: Go before 11am for the best choice.

Rue du Marché Forville, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps

7. Rue d'Antibes and Rue Meynadier — Town center

Cannes's main shopping streets, from fashion chains to food shops.

Best for Shoppers

Rue d'Antibes, one block back from the Croisette, is the main shopping street, lined with fashion and design shops. Rue Meynadier, near the old port, is narrower and full of food shops, delis and small boutiques.

Together they make a good walking loop between the Croisette and Le Suquet.

Good to know: Look for olive oil, calissons and other Provençal treats on Rue Meynadier.

Rue d'Antibes, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps

8. Plage du Midi — West of the old port

A long public sand beach with views to the Lérins Islands and the Esterel.

Best for Families · Budget · Swimming

The Plage du Midi runs west from the old port along the Boulevard Jean Hibert, a long, free, sandy public beach used by locals, with views of the Lérins Islands and the red Esterel hills.

It is the best free alternative to the paying beach clubs of the Croisette.

Good to know: Come for the sunset over the Esterel.

Boulevard Jean Hibert, 06400 Cannes

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Cannes besides the film festival?

Walk La Croisette, climb Le Suquet, take a boat to the Lérins Islands, shop on Rue d'Antibes, eat at the Marché Forville and swim at the public beaches. It is also a good base for Antibes, Grasse and the Esterel coast.

Can you visit the Palais des Festivals?

The red-carpet steps outside are open to everyone for photographs, and the handprints of stars line the Allée des Stars around the building. Guided tours of the interior are offered at certain times through the tourist office, outside events.

How do you get to the Lérins Islands?

By boat from the Quai Laubeuf, next to the Palais. Several companies sail to Sainte-Marguerite in about 15 minutes; Saint-Honorat is served by the monastery's own boat company.

Are there free beaches in Cannes?

Yes. The Plage du Midi and Plage de la Bocca west of the port are long public beaches, and there are public sections along the Croisette between the private beach clubs.

Is Cannes worth a day trip from Nice?

Yes. Trains take about 30–40 minutes. Walk the Croisette, climb Le Suquet, eat lunch at the Marché Forville area and, if you have time, take a boat to Sainte-Marguerite.

1. La Croisette — Seafront

2. Palais des Festivals and the Allée des Stars — Croisette / Old Port

3. Le Suquet — Old Town

4. Île Sainte-Marguerite — Lérins Islands

5. Île Saint-Honorat and the Abbaye de Lérins — Lérins Islands

6. Marché Forville — Le Suquet (foot of the hill)

7. Rue d'Antibes and Rue Meynadier — Town center

8. Plage du Midi — West of the old port

Frequently asked questions

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