With its glamorous film festival, luxury shopping, and wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea, Cannes is a stunningly beautiful coastal city to visit.

Additionally, due to its location, Cannes is a really good base for exploring more destinations in the South of France (read:)

From picturesque villages and stunning beaches to ancient ruins and vibrant markets, there are plenty of places within easy reach of Cannes that make for fantastic day trips.

In this guide, you will find some of the best day trips from Cannes to help you explore the area even further and make some great memories.

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21 Best Day Trips from Cannes

Keep reading for a detailed description of the best places to visit near Cannes.

1- Gorges du Verdon

Gorges du Verdon is an incredible natural wonder located just two hours away from Cannes.

Spanning an impressive 25 kilometers and plunging up to 700 meters deep, it is the largest canyon in Europe. It’s famous for its turquoise-green waters and steep limestone cliffs surrounded by lush vegetation which makes it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, kayaking, and exploring.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.

2- Esterel

The Esterel is an area of stunning beauty located just a short drive from Cannes. It’s made up of red volcanic rocks and dramatic landscapes that stretch for 25 kilometers along the Mediterranean coast.

The whole area is filled with trails, coves, beaches, inlets, and headlands to explore, making it an ideal spot for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike.

→ Read: Visiting Esterel from Nice: The Ultimate Guide

3- Antibes

Antibes is a charming coastal town located just 15 kilometers away from Cannes.

It’s known for its cobbled streets, small markets, and impressive ramparts that make it an ideal spot to wander around and explore.

The town is also home to the Picasso Museum, which houses more than 200 works by the famous artist who lived in Antibes during his later years.

You might also enjoy: Cannes or Antibes: Which one to choose

4- Saint-Paul de Vence

Saint-Paul de Vence is a stunningly beautiful perched medieval village that has been home to many amazing artists in the past – like Matisse and Picasso!

This village is one of my favorites in France and is the perfect place to spend a day eating good food and exploring the art galleries and shops.

→ For another wonderful day trip idea, check out Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild

15 Best Hotels in Cannes, France for 2023

5- Grasse

Grasse is a picturesque town that’s known as the perfume capital of the world, with many perfumeries offering tours and experiences that show visitors how this iconic scent is created.

The town also has plenty of other attractions including the Fragonard Perfumery Museum, Cathedrale Notre-Dame du Puy, and the beautiful hilltop village of Gourdon.

6- Nice

Nice is the largest city on the French Riviera and definitely worth visiting.

Here, you will find iconic attractions such as Promenade des Anglais, Vieux-Nice, and the Matisse Museum.

→ Read: 10 Best Wine Tours from Nice

7- Èze

Èze is a charming village near Monaco.

It’s known for its stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and its picturesque streets lined with quaint houses making it an ideal spot to wander around and explore.

If you like hiking, my favorite way of getting to Éze is by hiking the Nietzsche Path.

8- Cagnes-sur-mer

Cagnes-sur-mer is also very easy to reach from Cannes.

This town’s main attraction is the Grimaldi Castle, which towers over the area, and the Renoir Museum (Renoir lived had a home here!)

9- Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a glamorous coastal village known for its vibrant nightlife, chic cafes, and luxury hotels making it an ideal spot to explore and enjoy.

The village is also home to many attractions including Place des Lices, Citadelle de Saint Tropez, and La Ponche Beach, and can be easily accessed from Cannes.

10- Menton

Menton is a charming city right on the border between France and Italy.

The city is absolutely stunning and its location gives it an Italian flare that makes it really unique to visit. Also, the Italian food here is so fresh and delicious!

11- Saint-Raphael

Saint-Raphael is a beautiful resort town that is commonly used as a base for visiting Saint Tropez.

Here, you will find many great restaurants and beaches with a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe.

12- Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant university town known for its art galleries, chic restaurants, and stunning architecture making it an ideal spot to explore and enjoy.

The town is also home to many wonderful provençal markets,

13- Toulon

Toulon is a vibrant city with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.

From the Domaine du Rayol Gardens to the archaeological sites of Grimaud and Bormes-les-Mimosas and Fort Balaguier, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Don’t forget to stop by the Place de la Liberte for lively entertainment any evening! Once you tire of strolling around the city, you can take a boat out to Porquerolles, an island just off Toulon’s port.

This picturesque paradise offers swimming in crystalline waters under sunny skies and peaceful strolls through beautiful landscapes.

14- Ventimiglia

For a taste of Italy, head to Ventimiglia, the first Italian City on the border.

Around here, Ventimiglia is a bit of a controversial theme, as it is not very organized and a bit chaotic (which I honestly think it’s part of its charm) and people often discuss if it is, in fact, worth visiting.

If you are having the same doubts, I recommend taking the train from Ventimiglia to Sanremo, a very nice town with lots of things to do.

15- Mougins

For a peaceful day trip from Cannes, head to Mougins, a picturesque village located just 12 kilometers away.

It’s known for its artistic heritage, beautiful landscapes, and stunning architecture making it an ideal spot to spend an afternoon without going too far from Cannes.

16- Villefranche-sur-mer

Villefranche-sur-Mer is a stunning resort town located right after Nice.

Here, you will find some of the best beaches on the French Riviera and many wonderful restaurants. It is so worth the visit!

Distance from Cannes to Villefranche-sur-Mer: 41.7 km

Things to do in Villefranche-sur-Mer:

• Exploring the old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Visiting the Citadelle de Villefranche
• Exploring the beaches of Villefranche-sur-Mer
• Enjoying views of the Mediterranean Sea and some wonderful restaurants.

17- Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

For a luxurious day trip from Cannes, head to the stunning peninsula of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

It’s a place to admire beautiful villas, luxurious yachts, and stunning views of the coast.

18- Grimaud

Grimaudis an idyllic French village tucked away in the hills known for its winding cobblestone streets that take visitors to picturesque houses and churches full of history.

In addition to its beauty, there are plenty of activities for tourists to enjoy. The charming shops are perfect for exploring and finding unique souvenirs while immersing yourself in local culture. e closest beach is only a few minutes away, giving travelers the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and relax in more peaceful surroundings.

19- Saint-Maxime

Saint-Maxime is a charming seaside town where visitors can enjoy the gorgeous Mediterranean coastline and crystal-clear waters.

The town has something for everyone – from the bustling markets to architectural wonders and festivals that occur throughout the year. Visitors will be struck by how much history there is here, as well as how beautiful it is

20- Marseille

A day trip to Marseille is a great way to explore the beautiful, historic city of Marseille.

Marseille is France’s second-largest city and is known for its port along with the ruins of an ancient Roman aqueduct on the heights above the city.

Given a day in this wonderful city, sightseers have the opportunity to take in some of the many fascinating historical monuments throughout town, including Notre Dame de la Garde basilica and Palais Longchamp.

21- Monaco

For a taste of luxury, Monaco is the place to be.

This principality not only is beautiful and has many attractions but is also located only one hour away from Cannes, making it a great day trip option.

Read: When is the Best Time to Visit Monaco?

22- Île Sainte-Marguerite

For an escape from the mainland, head to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island located just off the coast of Cannes.

Île Sainte-Marguerite (the largest of the Lerins Islands) is rich in history and renowned for its beautiful beaches and scenery.

It has long been a favorite destination for tourists and sun-seekers alike. The island is best known as being the place where the ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ was imprisoned during the reign of King Louis XIV.

A monastery, fortifications, and remains of military barracks are all part of its historical charm. Visitors can take a tour through these old monuments or just relax on some of its picturesque beaches.

→ Read: Île Sainte-Marguerite, the best day trip from Cannes

22- Île Saint-Honorat

Île Saint-Honorat is the second of the Lerins Islands that can be visited. This island has been inhabited by monks for 16 centuries and is home to Lérins Abbey, an impressive monastery.

From Cannes, Saint-Honorat can be easily accessed by ferry.

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Conclusion: Best Day Trips from Cannes

That’s a wrap! Now you have plenty of ideas for wonderful day trips from Cannes.

I hope this guide helps you to explore this beautiful region even further and that you fall in love with some of these places.

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!

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