Old port of Cannes. What is worth seeing in Cannes? Cannes Tourist Office

The city enjoys mild and sunny weather all year round. The subtropical Mediterranean climate provides warm, dry winters and hot summers. The temperature in January does not drop below +15. The sea breeze helps you easily endure the summer heat.
Almost all the beaches along the La Croisette coast belong to hotels and there is an entrance fee. The largest city beach is located near the Palace of Festivals. The advantage of Cannes beaches is that they are sandy. Tourists from neighboring Nice often come here to sunbathe.

Hotels

The city has a large selection of hotels for people with different income levels. Of course, the most expensive ones are located near the sea, especially on La Croisette (Majestic Barriere Cannes, Five Hotel&Spa, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez, Le Grand Hotel). Room rates per night in five-star hotels start from 150 euros and above.

Among the budget options, you should pay attention to such hotels in Cannes: Azurene Royal Hotel, Ruc Hotel, Hotel Alize Cannes, Appia Hotel, Hotel PLM, Hotel L’Esterel, Hotel Alnea, Hotel Le Mistral, Claremont Hotel. In such hotels, a room will cost from 50 euros. For economical accommodation, it is better to choose hostels. The cost of accommodation per night starts from 20 euros.

Restaurants

The most exquisite restaurants: Restaurant Cote Jardin, La Restaurant Palme d`Or, Restaurant L’Affable, Restaurant La Place de Mougins, Le Caveau des annees 30, Restaurant Le Mesclun. These establishments offer delicious dishes of various cuisines and the best service. Often, tables in such restaurants are booked several weeks in advance. During the Cannes Film Festival, you can see many famous personalities at nearby tables. The cost of dinner in elite restaurants starts from 120 euros.

In Cannes there are places where you can eat at a more affordable price. For example: Restaurant L’Antidote Christophe Ferre, Le Bistrot Gourmand, Coffee & Cookies, Salon de Gourmandises, Cocoon. Here the cost of a meal will cost an average of 20-40 euros.

Attractions

One of the popular places for walking is La Croisette promenade. Luxurious villas and hotels, fashionable boutiques and galleries, cozy restaurants, tall palm trees, flowering parks and gardens make the best impression on tourists and local residents. This place can be called the center of the city's social life. The boulevard connects the Old Port and

The Old Port is known for its wonderful restaurants where you can taste local cuisine. Ancient architecture is boldly combined with the latest technology. There is a helicopter landing not far from the Port. To see the city from a bird's eye view, it is worth taking a helicopter tour. Together with a guide, such a flight will cost 65 euros.

Cannes's most modern glass and concrete building, built in 1982. The Palais des Festivals often hosts international meetings and congresses. There is a hall with 2,500 seats, 17 exhibition halls and the best casino in the city.
Nearby is the Avenue of Stars, where you can see more than 400 handprints of famous artists.

Melmaison (La Malmaison)

A mansion-gallery where various exhibitions have been held since 1945. The mansion is located in the center of La Croisette Boulevard. The entrance ticket costs 1.5 euros. Free for children and students.
The Alleys of Liberty (Allees de la Liberte) are a popular place for locals to walk. Every Saturday there is a large antique market here. A monument to Lord Brougham was erected on one of the many alleys. Thanks to the lord, Cannes has become a famous international resort. Also, there are many flower shops along the alley.

Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Eglise Saint-Michel Archange)

Inside the church you can see ancient icons that were family heirlooms of the Romanov princes. Also, this temple is a place of pilgrimage. The church contains the relics of the great saints John of Kronstadt and Seraphim of Sarov.

In this quarter there are ancient streets that lead to the high Chevalier hill. There is a 14th century castle on the hill. Most tourists visit the castle for the observation deck, from which you can clearly see the entire city and neighboring islands.
Near the castle is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l'Esperance. During the summer months, classical music concerts are held opposite the entrance to the temple.

After visiting Cannes, be sure to take excursions to the Lerains Islands.

The largest is the island of Sainte-Marguerite. Large pine groves and beautiful alleys make the island an oasis in the middle of the sea. There is a former prison on the island. According to legend, the prisoner Iron Mask once spent his imprisonment there. The fortress houses the Museum of the Sea and the Diving Center.

The island of Saint-Honorat has been the property of the Order of Monks for many centuries. Here is the Lérins Abbey, seven chapels that date back to the Middle Ages, many gardens and vineyards. In the courtyard of the monastery you can try Lerina liqueur, which is produced by local monks and keeps its recipe secret. Every year the abbey holds a festival of silence: all participants take a vow of silence. Also, on the island there is a museum of ancient archeology and painting.

Shopping

It's a real pleasure to shop in this resort town. In Cannes you can find everything you need for every taste and budget.
A paradise for shopaholics is La Croisette Boulevard. Boutiques of world designers (Dior, Chanel, Dolce&Gabbana, Valentino, Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Burberry) are crowded here. Boutiques often have sales, so if you're here at the right time, you can buy luxury items at a reasonable price.

The quarter contains several bazaars and markets. Here you can buy fresh products (vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish, meat). All products are delivered early in the morning. Markets are open every day except Sunday.
The famous perfume house Maison Molinard is located a few kilometers from Cannes (Boulevard Victor-Hugo, 60). There is a store in the house where you can buy famous perfumes, as well as a museum with a collection of bottles and labels. The interior of the house is made in ancient Provencal style.
There are several small supermarkets in the city, which are located on rue Marceau and a large supermarket “Casino” rue Louise Nouveau.
Almost all stores are open every day except Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00.

The gentle sun, forested mountains, amazing landscapes, beautiful architecture, delicious cuisine make the resort a favorite holiday destination at any time of the year.

Although Cannes is known to everyone, it is a relatively small city. You can get acquainted with its most interesting sights in a short time. But for this you need to carefully plan your route, figure out where the cafes are to have a snack and rest a little. It is best to seek the help of a professional guide who will organize a trip around the city taking into account your wishes. What to see in Cannes in 1 day? We'll tell you about the most interesting places.

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The ancient Catholic church is located at the top of the Suquet hill. Residents of Cannes can see its bell tower from afar. Previously there was only one small church here (the former chapel of St. Anne), and in the 16th century it became too small for Catholics wishing to hear mass. They wanted to build a new church in several years, but in reality this process took more than a century.

The reason for this was plague epidemics and numerous wars. The new church was able to receive its first parishioners only in 1641. It was built in the Gothic style from brown stone. A rectangular bell tower stands out, on which you can see a clock. The interior decoration is also austere. But there are beautiful frescoes painted by Georges Roux, and gilded statues of the Virgin Mary (18th century) and St. Anne (15th century).

In June, musicians gather on the porch of the temple - the popular festival “Suke Musical Nights” takes place here. You can not only listen to beautiful melodies, but also admire the opening panorama - a view of the city from above. At Christmas, a Nativity scene is exhibited here, which will delight not only children, but also their parents. Viewers will see how day turns into night, how angels fly and pets walk. In a word, sacred history definitely comes to life.

Galerie 1414

This is where you can buy the most unusual gifts for your loved ones. The gallery presents contemporary painting. And it is owned by the artist Coco Trabishe. Some paintings can be admired, while others can be purchased. The paintings are painted in different genres. There are landscapes, still lifes, and portraits here. In some cases, you can even order a canvas on a particular topic. Paintings by French artists have a special charm, and without a doubt, works purchased here will decorate your home or office.

Musee de la Castre

The museum is located on the Suquet hill, in an ancient castle. Little remains of the first castle, which was built here by monks in the 11th century. Almost nothing but ruins. They were not completely demolished only because the walls turned out to be too thick, and the work would have required significant effort. What you can see The cultural center owes the travelers Gina de la Cloche and Baron Licklam the exhibits found during excavations of the ancient cities of Egypt, Greece and Rome.

The art of the aborigines of Australia, Africa, and America is also represented here. The paintings of artists who lived in Provence in the 18th and 19th centuries are also impressive. Their canvases capture landscapes and moments of city life. And in the Church of St. Anne you can admire musical instruments - the extensive collection also includes exotic exhibits. The road leading to the museum is also beautiful. It passes through a picturesque park. While in the castle, do not miss the opportunity to climb the tower and admire the panorama of the city.

Quai Saint-Pierre and Old Port

Saint Pierre is the oldest part of the Old Port. It was built in the mid-19th century; Cannes was then a small fishing village. Today you can still see fishermen's boats here. But yachts that belong to rich and famous people are moored next to them. In total, up to 500 small ships can find shelter here. It was thanks to the development of the port in the 30s of the 19th century that Cannes began to develop rapidly.

Then the Chancellor of England, Peter Broome, was delayed in Cannes due to a cholera epidemic. He liked the town so much that he built himself a house here, and - at the request of local residents - founded a port. And already in 1838, the Saint-Pierre embankment appeared. In 1898, Prince Albert Edward laid the first stone for the pier. The future king of England made Cannes his residence.

Yachts of noble people began to arrive here. Since the 20s of the 20th century, prestigious competitions - the Royal Regatta - have been held here every year. The best athletes in the world take part. Cannes has become an elite and at the same time popular resort. You can also board a boat from the port and go on a trip to the Lérins Islands.

Grand Jas Cemetery

One of the most famous cemeteries in France, it is worth coming here not only to venerate the famous graves. The cemetery has long been turned into a beautiful park, and many monuments are real works of art. The cemetery is located in the north-west of the city, and it appeared here in the mid-19th century. Its area is quite vast - about 9 hectares. The best decision would be to stop by the administrative office at the cemetery and hire a tour guide.

Otherwise, you may miss the fun. For example, the grave of Prosper Merimee. Of course, tourists from Russia are primarily interested in the graves of their compatriots. On the “Russian section” you will see many crypts. In one of them lies the family of Sergei Pavlovich Chekhov. You cannot leave without seeing the final resting place of the famous Carl Faberge, the author of unique jewelry.

Olga Picasso, the first wife of the great artist, is also buried here. And also the pilot Nikolai Popov, who at the beginning of the 20th century was the first to master new routes. Russian soldiers who died from wounds received during the battles in the First World War also lie here. The cemetery itself is a real museum; the guide can tell you more than one story. Local residents come here to walk along the picturesque paths, enjoy the peace and quiet, and once again bow to great people.

Sainte-Marguerite

This boat trip will be very interesting. The island is quite small - about 3 km wide, but there are many attractions here. First of all, this is the chapel of St. Margaret of Antioch, which was built by order of the Crusader knights. In addition, they talk about a certain Saint Margaret, who during her lifetime led the nuns living here.

Historians do not exclude the possibility that this is a fictional character. At the beginning of the 17th century, the Duke of Chevreuse became the owner of the island. Fort Royal began to stand here, and subsequently the French and Spaniards fought fiercely for it. The French took it back and the fort became a prison. The surrounding population lived well, precisely due to the fact that they were supposed to meet the needs of the garrison located in the fort. It was here that the famous prisoner, the Iron Mask, languished for 11 long years.

The Croisette is Cannes' Broadway, stretching along Cannes Bay from the harbor where luxury yachts and the Palais des Festivals are located to the prestigious Palm Beach casino. On February 9, 2001, the street was included in the General List of Cultural Heritage of France.

The embankment was built in the mid-19th century along a road that dates back to Roman rule. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Croisette was a boulevard of crowned heads and musicians. Nothing has changed, except that it has become even more pompous and expensive: the famous Carlton, Majestic, Martinez hotels, luxury galleries, boutiques of famous couturiers, luxurious Jaguars and Bentleys, stunning price tags.

The incomparable beaches along the Croisette with sand specially brought here are designed not to touch the tourist, but to please the self of private owners. All beaches are paid - this is the Croisette, after all!

Fort Royal

Fort Royal is the main and famous landmark of St Margaret's Island. It was built in the 17th century. Today it houses the Maritime Museum. Here you can look at the tiny cell in which the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned for 10 years. The museum has an archaeological collection of Italian, Saracen, Greek, Roman pottery and amphorae found in the sea off the coast.

Jean Cocteau, a poet, artist, and director who spent many years on the Riviera, is buried under the fortress wall. There is also a diving and sailing center in Royale, and there is a special underwater trail along the shore for scuba divers. From the walls of the fort there is an excellent view of the Cote d'Azur.

What attractions of Cannes did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Lérins Islands

The Lérins Islands are two islands, Sainte-Marguerite and Sainte-Honoré. The main attraction on the island of Sainte-Marguerite is the Fort Royal fortress, built in the 17th century. “Iron Prison” was the name of a military fort that protected the island from pirate raids for a long time. However, due to the fact that the Iron Mask prisoner was in this fortress, Fort Royal received its second name. Today there is a unique Museum of the Sea here.

On the island of Saint-Honoré is the Lérins Abbey, located in the oldest monastery built in 410. The original architecture of the monastery was only partially preserved, since the building was destroyed several times and rebuilt, but in a different style. Today the façade of the monastery reflects the Romanesque style. However, the chapels located near the monastery and the chapel have retained the style of the 11th century.

It is worth noting that on Saint-Honoré there is a “zone of calm”, where all visitors are strictly prohibited from entering. It is here that the monks lead a reclusive lifestyle. A bypass Gothic gallery located along the building, as well as a monastery church and a museum, are open to tourists. It is noteworthy that the main exhibits in the museum are medieval manuscripts.

Both islands offer not only picturesque views of the sea, but also the mainland, a ferry connecting the medieval era with modern times, which will return you back to Cannes in the late afternoon.

The Palace of Festivals and Congresses, located in the French city of Cannes, is a popular place in the country where various cultural and political events are held. It was built in Art Nouveau style from concrete and glass in 1979 on the site of a municipal casino. Exposed glass balconies offer beautiful views of the sea. The building became popular primarily due to the annual Cannes Film Festival being held there. A reminder of it is the red carpet on the main staircase.

On an area of ​​about 35 thousand square meters there are various exhibition and conference rooms equipped with the most modern audio and video systems. Also in the Palace of Festivals and Congresses there is one of the best casinos in the city, where you can play English or French roulette.

Cape Antibes

Cape Antibes is located in the city of the same name in southeastern France. It extends into the sea for 4 kilometers and is considered an exclusive, best recreation area. Many luxurious villas were built on it, hidden from prying prying eyes. Expensive villas belong to many famous millionaires.

Cap Antibes has several interesting sights that are worth seeing. Among them is the Hotel Du Cap Eden-Roc. In 1870, a palace was built on the cape, which was empty for almost half a century, and then it was purchased by the American millionaire Gordon Bennett and turned into a luxury hotel, which is now very popular.

Also on Cape Antibes is the Garoupe lighthouse, the Notre-Dame de Garoupe chapel and the Thuret garden, which occupies 4 hectares of land.

Palace of Festivals

The Palais des Festivals in Cannes is a place that is known in all corners of the planet. Every year an event that is central to the life of the city takes place here - the International Film Festival. The best film directors and actors in the world come here to receive the coveted golden palm branch, bringing their new works to the public.

The first Palace of Festivals was built on the Croisette in 1949 on the site of the navigation circle building. Now the Stefani Palace is located here. In 1979, due to the rapidly growing popularity of the film festival at the beginning of the Croisette, it was decided to build a new, more spacious building for it. The first building, designed by architects Bennet and Druet, opened in 1982 and has been expanded several times since then. The Espace Riviera zone appeared, the area of ​​which was 10,000 square meters, and in 2006 the Lerain Rotunda was built, from which a magnificent panorama of the sea opens.

Now the Cannes Palace of Festivals is an ultra-modern enterprise capable of providing exceptional opportunities for hosting international events of various formats and at any level.

Museum of Childhood Cannes

The Museum of Childhood in Cannes has in its collection more than 600 dolls, mainly from the era of Napoleon III, the “golden age” of toys. The museum has existed for several decades and is popular not only with children, but also with adults. A collection of dolls, toys, doll and children's clothing - in general, everything related to childhood.

Undoubtedly, a visit to the Museum of Childhood will bring a lot of impressions and pleasure during your vacation, since Cannes is not a city of arts; there are few museums and theaters here. This is, first of all, a fashionable resort town on the Côte d'Azur of France, where everything is subject to the rhythm of the tourist seasons, a city of pleasures, walks, spending money, yachtmania and festivals, an Eldorado for gourmets, an oasis for the high society of the whole world.

The city was founded by the Romans as a harbor (Portus Canuae) in the 1st century. AD For many centuries it remained a small settlement within Provence. In 1834, Lord Brougham, Chancellor of Great Britain, accidentally opened a small fishing village.

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport is a place as elite as the French Riviera itself. The airport only accepts small private aircraft and business flights.

The first flights from here date back to 1905, making it one of the oldest airfields in Europe. For a long time, being the only airport on the Cote d'Azur, it received regular Air France flights. But the small site, tightly surrounded by hills, did not allow for expansion of the territory for the construction of new terminals. And most importantly, modern large planes could no longer land here. Therefore, the main passenger traffic moved to Nice.

Today, the total area of ​​Cannes Airport is 115 hectares, with most of it being deliberately preserved as green spaces. The airport terminal building is surrounded by a stylized garden with square multi-level pools - everything is elegant, neat, and well-groomed. The building itself is fully air-conditioned, there is a bar-restaurant, car rental, a conference room, a VIP area, and rooms for rest of pilots and crews.

To Cannes from Nice on your own.
At the end of May this year we vacationed for 12 days in Nice. The holiday was a great success, I liked everything! From Nice we decided to go to Cannes on our own for a day: just to walk, look, swim and go shopping. We got there by train from the Gare Nice Ville station, they say it’s a little faster than by bus. The train leaves every hour, a ticket for one costs 10 euros. Forty minutes later, around 11 o'clock, we were already at the station in Cannes.

We started our acquaintance with Cannes from the Croisette. From the station it is only about 3 minutes on foot. We didn’t have a map with us and we weren’t going to buy one, so we walked without being tied to a place, we just walked along the streets, went into the shops we came across, had lunch and dinner at the first restaurant we came across that we liked.

One of the streets in the city center.

The Croisette in Cannes.

First we went to the famous Palace of Festivals. We walked along the red carpet and, of course, took photos. This is not easy to do, because... There is a queue of people wanting to take pictures of themselves at such a famous Cannes landmark. If you stand facing the path, then on the right side of the asphalt there will be handprints of celebrities with their names. There are many of them, if you look closely at each one, you can see familiar names of the actors.

Cannes Palais des Festivals.

Along the embankment there is a roadway with cool cars and many motorcycles.

From the Palace of Film Festivals we walked along the Croisette towards the Carlton Hotel. It can be seen from the embankment almost everywhere. Along the embankment there are many tall palm trees under the greenery of which one involuntarily catches the eye with numerous dog wastes. Apparently it’s not a royal job to clean up after dogs in Cannes.

Hotels, restaurants, casinos - that's why people come to.

On one side of the Croisette there are magnificent luxury hotels, such as the Carlton, on the other side along the sea there are hotel-equipped beaches with restaurants and cafes right next to the water, which for some reason were completely empty at that time. I think the situation will be similar in Cannes in the fall. Along the Croisette, every hundred meters there are benches where you can sit down for a smoke and just sit, admiring the seascape. If you sit for a long time, you might meet some celebrity. We met one, but who exactly is a secret.

After an hour-long walk, we decided to definitely take a swim. The air temperature was +31, we saw it on the electronic thermometer display.

What we managed to find out about the beaches. The beaches in Cannes are all sandy, some are paid and some are free for public use. The end of May was not yet the season and almost all paid beaches were empty. Apparently people come to them in the evenings to sit in a restaurant on the seashore with a glass of wine. Which is what we did towards evening. The cost of a set of two sun loungers and an umbrella for the day ranges from 30 euros and above, each beach has its own price. This is for one person. If there are two of you, then get ready to spend about 100 euros per day in total on a paid beach in Cannes. By the way, on some beaches you can pay for a stay for a whole day or half a day. Moreover, you won’t be able to settle down on paid beaches with your own umbrella; they simply won’t let you in without a ticket. For lovers of water attractions, there is everything you need from bananas to jet skis, so you won’t get bored for the money.

City free beach in Cannes.

Despite the fact that it was the end of May, we were lucky with the weather, except for the fact that there was a little wind and waves. The waves, however, were not big and they did not stop us from swimming on the sandy beach in Cannes. The water in May is a little invigorating, but we are northern people and this was not a hindrance for us. The water temperature “by eye” is +18 degrees. The water is not very clean, somewhat muddy, but the sand is golden and the entrance to the sea is very convenient. Perhaps because of the small wave the water was somewhat cloudy.

And this is a paid beach. But here the fee for a sun lounger and umbrellas is not very high.

Prices on this beach are slightly higher.

Another paid beach in Cannes.

There are no sunbeds or umbrellas on the free beaches. There are no changing rooms either. We sunbathed on our towels right by the water. But this is not a problem, we, like everyone else, changed clothes using towels. But there is a shower and toilet. The entry into the sea is smooth, without steep cliffs, the sand is clean and it’s pleasant to walk on it. Those who often vacation in Cannes said that it is better not to leave things on the beach unattended, as they could be stolen. This applies primarily to free municipal beaches.

In Cannes there is no such thing as a beach holiday in our Turkish-Egyptian understanding. And there are no such beach hotels. To put it simply, the beaches are not the main thing here. People, apparently, come here for something else, and sunbathing and swimming in the sea is already an addition to their vacation.
People parade along the embankment slowly, it is clear that people came to relax and enjoy life. Nobody is in a hurry, there is no crowding. Everyone is dressed simply, without frills and without diamonds, but if you look closely at the contingent, you will notice imposing, well-groomed men with cigars and gold signets and ladies of Balzac’s age in formal outfits. Young people don’t get hung up on clothes; they wear whatever suits them best.

The most fashionable and luxurious hotel in Cannes, the Carlton. All the most famous celebrities live here.

You can eat at almost every step in Cannes. Before leaving, we read a lot that finding a place in a restaurant during the day is a problem because of the siesta. all establishments are closed. Nothing like that, everything is open and all restaurants are open. Perhaps because it's not peak season yet. Most restaurants are half full even in the evening. After several hours of walking, around lunchtime we decided to have a snack. We settled down in a small open-air restaurant (tables were set up on the street). We ordered cream soup, pizza, coffee and a glass of cognac, we thought we’d just have a light snack to start with, and then have a substantial meal later in the evening. The wait for the order was not long. In Nice you only have to wait 20 minutes for a waiter, but here he came right away and we placed our order. They brought a huge bowl of soup, the pizza was also huge. Somehow they didn’t think to order half. To be honest, I didn’t like either the first or the second. The pizza is dry and we didn’t finish it all the way. When they began to pay, the waitress herself offered to pack it with her. For such a lunch we paid 22 euros for two. If you suddenly want the uneaten food to be taken with you, then you need to say “take away” in English. In Europe this is perceived as normal.

Our lunch.

Then we walked through the streets of Cannes with a box of pizza in our hands. What a sight it is, the box is huge. In the end, we got tired of it and carefully put it in the trash can.
The evening before leaving for Nice We settled down in a restaurant not far from the Carlton Hotel, right on the sea, almost by the water, and decided to have a farewell dinner. We expected to pay about 200 euros for it. We ordered two portions of fried mussels and a bottle of white wine. To our surprise, we ended up paying only 105 euros for two. The mussels were fresh, flavorful, the wine was excellent, and the service was top notch. But the waiter had to wait about forty minutes to pay. Well, just like in Nice. They tried to lure him in, nodding their heads and waving their hands, but it was all useless. He just smiled in response. When they finally brought us the bill, it suddenly dawned on my husband to order a glass of beer. Well, I think we’ll wait another forty minutes to pay for it. In the end, we just left 5 euros under a bowl of fruit and left.

We came to this restaurant on the beach for dinner in the evening. The table on our right was where they sat.

In Cannes, next to the train station, there is a chain store “Monoprix”, which is open until 23.00 and where you can always buy something from food and alcohol if you are not going to eat in restaurants or cafes. Although this would be blasphemy in Cannes. However, in this supermarket you can, for example, buy wine or drink water or some other essential goods. For a change, we bought some good Camembert cheese and half a kilo of cherries in a wooden package. Why they bought it is not clear; there is plenty of this stuff in Nice.

The front door of one of the hotels.

If we compare Nice and Cannes, then Nice, in my opinion, is a more pretentious place. It’s more fun and glamorous in Nice, but the beaches are still better in Cannes because they are sandy and not pebble, which you’ll struggle to get to the water. Food prices in Cannes are also slightly higher. All sorts of buns, sandwiches, sweets and cakes are cheaper in Nice. And the embankment is wider and longer.
What to see in Cannes. Yes, actually, there’s not much to see here. In Cannes you just need to walk, breathe the clean sea air, enjoy the seascape on the embankment, drink wine, eat oysters or mussels. Having a lot of money in your pocket here, you can probably vegetate well in life. But if this is not enough for you and you definitely want to see the sights, then go to the Syuke (or Souquet) tower in the old town. From the Croisette it’s quite a walk to get to it, but from here there is a beautiful view of the city and the sea. Then on Place La Castre you can look at the toy cathedral “Notre Dame de Esperance”. From here there is also a good view of Cannes. You can also take a boat trip to the island of San Margherite, where there is a Museum of the Sea, and to the island of San Honore, where there is also something. Regular ships depart from the sea terminal. And, of course, you definitely need to see the Palais des Festivals with its red carpet.

View of the Old Town.

While walking along the streets, we noticed regular mail and decided to send ourselves a letter home in a regular envelope. We bought two stamps and an envelope, put a postcard in it, wrote the address and threw it in the mailbox right next to the entrance to the post office. Looking ahead, I will say that the letter arrived safely at the specified address three weeks later. It's a small thing, but nice.
If you are interested in shopping, then this is the Rue d Antibes. There are most of all kinds of shops and boutiques here and the prices are quite reasonable, lower than in the city center.
We returned to Nice late in the evening, happy and satisfied. If you asked me where is the best place to relax, I would certainly choose... Nice. What about you?

Cannes is a small town. It is quite possible to get around it in one day. True, such a one-day trip will turn out to be very eventful. Therefore, we advise you to get up early, stock up on comfortable shoes and go towards another pearl of the French Riviera. And we have prepared a one-day route around Cannes in advance, in which you will find all the attractions of Cannes with addresses, prices and opening hours.

To begin with, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the route map, which shows attractions, cafes and restaurants, as well as parking lots near the proposed route. If you would like to download a route map along with a description of the attractions, their addresses, opening hours and ticket prices, leave a comment below and we will send the guides to your email.

St. Michael the Archangel Church (Eglise orthodoxe russe Saint-Michel-Archange)

The history of the temple, which has become one of the main attractions of Cannes, begins in 1886. An emigrant from Russia, the wife of a local landowner, Alexandra Fedorovna Tripe decided to open a small church at her villa. At that time, there was only one Orthodox church on the French Riviera in Nice. A few years later, the new church could no longer accommodate everyone, and in 1894, with the assistance of Grand Duke Mikhail Mikhailovich, a temple in the name of St. Michael was erected in its place.

Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich the Younger and other representatives of the Romanov dynasty are buried in the crypt of the temple. In front of the temple building, which can accommodate up to 400 people, a majestic bell tower with several bells was built. The church was built in neo-Russian style. The ocher-colored walls and blue decorative elements of the temple are reminiscent of the main colors that reign in Cannes - the colors of golden sand and azure sea.

Address: 40 Boulevard Alexandre III

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 09.00-18.00

Free admission

Boulevard de la Croisette

To reach the western part of the city center, take a stroll along the Croisette. The length of this promenade is about three kilometers. The embankment connects the old and new ports. This road was once called the “Path of the Small Cross”. Along it, pilgrims went to the island of Saint-Honorat to the Lérins monastery. Translated from the Provençal dialect, crouseto means “small cross.”

In 1635, during the Franco-Spanish War, the road fell into ruins. By the beginning of the 19th century, when Cannes began to turn into a tourist center in Europe, the embankment was covered with dunes. However, the city authorities soon realized that the construction of a promenade was vital for the developing resort. And in the middle of the 19th century, the restored embankment was opened.

For relaxation, there are blue chairs on the promenade, almost the same as on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Below the sea lies a wonderful sandy beach, which is a rarity for the Cote d'Azur.

Rue d'Antibes

The main shopping and entertainment street of Cannes is Antibes. Dozens of branded stores, restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and of course fashion boutiques with the latest collections of clothes, shoes and jewelry from leading designers await local residents and tourists here. Most importantly, don’t forget to sign up for tax free on all purchases!

Rue Antibes runs parallel to the coastline and the Croisette and crosses the entire city. Therefore, you simply cannot pass by it.

Square Mérimée

The great French writer and playwright lived here in house No. 5. Being a friend of Napoleon III, he was never able to cope with the news that the emperor was in captivity. Three weeks after the proclamation of the republic, the writer had a heart attack and died. Prosper Mérimée is buried in Cannes at the Grand Jas cemetery, where many famous French artists are buried.

Address: Square Mérimée, corner of Boulevard de la Croisette and Rue Jean de Riouffe

Palace of Festivals

This is the calling card of Cannes. Every year in May the International Cannes Film Festival is held here, to which the city owes the title of the cinematic capital of France and one of the most fashionable resorts in the world. Before entering the Palace, you can see on the slabs of the “Avenue of Stars” the handprints of movie stars who received the main prizes of the film festival. And of course, the famous red carpet - for the sake of photos on it, the palace is occupied by crowds of tourists every day.

In the middle of the last century, the Palace of Film Festivals was a typical building for that time, which was later expanded more than once with the growing popularity of the Cannes Film Festival. Now it is a modern complex made of glass and concrete, for which locals have nicknamed the filmmakers’ haven “The Bunker.”

Throughout the year, the palace is not empty; a lot of other festivals, congresses and conferences take place here, because of which, by the way, prices for apartments and hotels in Cannes periodically soar. Therefore, before booking accommodation, we advise you to check whether your holiday coincides with the next gathering of representatives of the film or advertising industry. There is nothing notable inside the building, except, perhaps, a casino and a nightclub.

Address: 1 La Croisette, Esplanade du Président George Pompidou, 06400 Cannes, France

Casino opening hours: Mon-Sun 7.00-00.00

Rue Meynadier

Another equally famous street in Cannes is the pedestrian street Meinadier. There are also clothing stores on it, but unlike Rue d'Antibes, there is something for everyone. You can also find souvenir shops with cute trinkets and grocery stores on Maynadier. This is where you can feel the true Mediterranean flavor and try local delicacies. The street leads to the ancient quarter of Le Suquet.

Galerie 1414

If you decide to take some unusual souvenir from Cannes, we advise you to look into the gallery of modern painting Galerie 1414. The owner of the gallery and the author of all the paintings presented is the young artist Coco Trabishe. She turned her studio into a real painting boutique. Some of her paintings are available for purchase. Here everyone will find something to suit their taste: Coco paints landscapes, portraits, and still lifes.

Church of Our Lady of Hope (Eglise Notre-Dame de l’Espérance)

Perhaps this is the most beautiful church in Cannes. And one of the oldest - the temple was built in the 17th century in the so-called Provençal Gothic style. Today it’s hard to believe, but once upon a time the cinematic capital of Europe was an ordinary fishing village. Therefore, the temple was dedicated to the patroness of all fishermen, Our Lady of Hope.

The interior of the church is distinguished by an abundance of carved wooden and gilded decor. In addition, the church displays magnificent images of frescoes from the 19th century.

Address: 119 Rue de la Castre, 06400 Cannes, France

Casino opening hours: Mon-Sun 10.00-12.00, 14.30-18.00

Free admission

Museum de la Castre

Place de la Castre, Le Suquet Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00 Entrance fee: 3 euros

The museum is located in the medieval castle of the Old Town on the Suquet hill. Today only ruins remain of the first castle, which was built by monks in the 11th century. In the 16th century, the fortress began to collapse, and in the 18th century, the Bishop of Grasse ordered its demolition. But it turned out to be difficult to destroy the powerful walls; in the end, this work was abandoned, and the half-destroyed fortress adorns the city to this day.

The gold collection of the museum was collected by travelers Jean de la Cloche and Baron Liklama. Here are findings made at the site of ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean - Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia. In addition, in the museum you can look at the collection of early art of the peoples of Oceania, Africa and America.

But most of all, the collection of paintings by Provence artists will delight the eye, who in their canvases recreated the beautiful landscapes and urban life of the French Riviera of the 18th – 19th centuries. And, of course, it is worth visiting the Church of St. Anne, where there is a large collection of musical instruments from all over the world.

Along the road leading to the museum there is a picturesque park with Mediterranean plants. And in the courtyard of the fortress there is a square castle tower with an observation deck. To admire the panoramic view of the city, you will have to climb 109 steps. But it's worth it! From the top there is a stunning view of the old port and the Lérins islands.

Address: Le Suquet, Rue de la Castre, 06400 Cannes, France

Casino opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00

Ticket price: 3€

Le Suquet Quarter

The old town of Cannes is located on the picturesque Suquet hill. Narrow streets - an indispensable attribute of the Old World - climb to the top of the hill, on which there is an ancient castle and a square tower. You can wander around them endlessly, just admiring the cute houses with lacy balconies.

Quai Saint-Pierre and Old Port (Quai Saint-Pierre, Le Vieux Port)

Saint Pierre is the oldest part of the Old Port. The marina was built in 1838, when Cannes was an ordinary fishing village. Modest fishing boats, an echo of a long history, coexist with the luxurious yachts of millionaires. Every September, the oldest pier hosts the Royal Regatta, one of the most prestigious yachting competitions in the world. Boats depart from the Saint Pierre pier to the Lérins Islands. This is another amazing place in Cannes that is definitely worth a visit.

Address: Jetée Albert Édouard

Sainte-Marguerite (l’Île Sainte-Marguerite)

A boat trip to Sainte-Marguerite, one of the two Lérins Islands, takes about 20 minutes. On a small piece of land, only 3 km wide and 900 m long, there is the chapel of St. Margaret of Antioch, erected on the initiative of the crusaders. Because of her, the island, they say, got its name. But the ancient chapel is far from the main thing worth coming to the island for.

Sainte-Marguerite is known for keeping the secret of the Iron Mask for more than three centuries. In the Middle Ages, a Royal Fort was built on the island, which later became a famous prison. In 1687, a prisoner wearing the Iron Mask appeared here and spent more than 11 years in captivity. The mysterious prisoner was treated like a nobleman - he received good food and care. This gave rise to dozens of legends around his name. Who has not been called the Iron Mask - both the twin brother of King Louis XIV and his illegitimate son... In total, there are more than 600 people on the list of candidates.

Now on the site of the fort there is a Museum of the Sea and a youth hostel. In addition to the chapel and prison, the island is worth seeing a tiny fishing village and a stroll in the botanical garden. Unusual trees grow here: their trunks are bizarrely bent due to the constant wind and storms.

Please note: smoking is prohibited on the island, but having a picnic is not prohibited.

Where to eat in Cannes

Le Salon des Independants

Le Salon des Independants is a very intimate restaurant run by a married couple. They welcome all guests as if they had come to their home. While the wife prepares incredibly tasty dishes of French and Mediterranean cuisine, the husband entertains visitors by singing with a guitar. This is one of those rare places where after lunch you will want to return for dinner. And the prices for such an establishment are very reasonable.

Address: 11, rue Louis Perrissol

Le Mesclun

Le Mesclun is a special place where gourmet cuisine is prepared. The spirit of France can be felt here in every detail of the interior and in every ingredient. The dishes served please not only the stomach, but also the eye. The menu is small, but it is very elegant. No matter what you order, everything will be delicious and beautiful. By the way, the walls of the restaurant are decorated with paintings by the owner of the restaurant.

Address: 16 rue Saint Antoine

Le Fish and Chips Cannes

Do not pass by this cafe, although from the outside it may seem that it belongs to the category of fast food. Both tourists and locals claim that it is almost impossible to find more delicious fish in Cannes. The friendly atmosphere and simple but well prepared food make this place so popular. And the prices here cannot be compared with those you will find in any of the restaurants on the main streets of Cannes.

Address: 2 Place du Marche Forville

Cannes is a wonderful little city where the scent of luxury living in the south of France is in the air. Now you know what to see in Cannes in one day to spice up your next trip to Nice.