Cannes is a lovely Mediterranean beach city on the French Riviera, well known for its old-style charm and glamour and for hosting the Cannes Film Festival, of the world’s most important film festivals.
Personally, it is one of my favorite cities in the South of France and I try to go there at least once a month. 🙂
Here, locals and tourists often spend their days discovering sunny beaches, shopping at the quaint local market, or exploring cafes; all while soaking up the sights and sounds of an exquisite Mediterranean destination.
In this guide, you will find all the reasons why Cannes is definitely worth a visit.
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Is Cannes worth visiting?
Yes, Cannes is absolutely worth visiting for at least a day or two. It has beautiful architecture, great restaurants and many nice things to see.
Also, it is very easy to reach from Nice.
15 Reasons to Visit Cannes, France
1- To walk around La Croisette
La Croisette is a bustling boulevard lined with cafes, high-end stores, and luxury hotels.
Spanning two kilometers along the white sand of the shimmering French Riviera, it’s easy to understand why La Croisette has become one of the most iconic boardwalks in Europe.
Tourists from all over the world come to experience its legendary views of yachts, beachfront villas, and chic boutiques nestled along the coast.
Perhaps most notably, this stunning seaside promenade also serves as an open-air cinema come May for the renowned annual Cannes Film Festival, transforming the entire stretch into a red carpet pageant for Hollywood’s biggest names.
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2- Cannes has great nightlife
Cannes is well-known for its bustling nightlife. From chic bars to elegant nightclubs, Cannes is in my opinion better than Nice when it comes to places to go out at night.
3- Cannes is a great base for exploring the French Riviera
Due to its location, Cannes is a great place to use as a base for exploring the rest of the French Riviera – especially if you are into more luxurious hotels.
You can easily stay in Cannes and take trains and buses to explore the region.
You might also enjoy: Cannes or Antibes: Which one to choose
Best tours to take in Cannes
4- You can enjoy some of the best cuisine in France
France is renowned for its gastronomic delights – particularly along the Mediterranean coast where fresh seafood and local ingredients are used to create delicious dishes.
In Cannes, there’s no shortage of fine dining options – whether it’s savoring classic French fare at a Michelin-starred restaurant or discovering the flavors of Provence at a local bistro.
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5- It’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts
When visiting Cannes, you can expect nothing short of luxury when it comes to accommodation.
From five-star resorts boasting private beaches and spas to chic boutique hotels located in the heart of town, there’s something for every taste.
6- It’s calmer than Nice (except during the Film Festival!)
Cannes is way smaller than the nearby Nice and is not a student town, which in general makes it a more peaceful place to be.
Of course, during the annual Cannes Film Festival things get a bit more hectic – but this unique event only happens once a year and is a great experience by itself.
7- The Cannes Film Festival
Speaking of the Cannes Film Festival… this annual event is an absolute must-see but might be hard to attend without a ticket.
8- The Lerin Islands are just a short ferry ride away
If you’re looking for that perfect beach getaway, the Lerin Islands are just a short ferry ride away from Cannes.
This stunning archipelago is made up of four small islands (from which you can visit Ile Saint Honorat and Ile Sainte Marguerite) and offers the perfect escape to bask in some sun and admire nature’s beauty – with crystal-clear waters and postcard-worthy views that will take your breath away.
9- You can visit Monaco without breaking the bank
Monaco is one of Europe’s most glamorous destinations – filled with luxurious casinos, designer boutiques, and exquisite restaurants.
But what many people don’t know is that it’s only a short train ride away from Cannes, making it the perfect day trip for those looking to explore what this tiny principality has to offer without having to stay there.
10- Cannes has many great beaches
With the stunning backdrop of mountains and crystal-clear waters, Cannes is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the French Riviera.
11- The weather is great all year round
Cannes enjoys a Mediterranean climate – meaning it’s blessed with warm, sunny days almost all year round.
This makes Cannes the perfect place to visit any time of year – whether you’re looking for sunny winter days or balmy summer nights.
12- It has some excellent luxury shopping opportunities
If you are looking to splurge on some luxury shopping, Cannes is the perfect place to do it.
The bustling streets of La Croisette and Rue Meynadier are lined with chic shops and galleries – making it the ideal destination for a spot of retail therapy. Plus, the town also offers weekly markets where you can pick up local produce and unique handicrafts.
13- La Suquet
This traditional hillside district is the old town of Cannes – dating back to medieval times.
Here you’ll find quaint cobblestoned streets, hidden cafés and restaurants, and ancient churches, as well as one of the most breathtaking views of the city – making it a must-see for anyone visiting the town.
14- Cannes is a taste of the old glamour
Finally, as we mentioned before, with its glamorous atmosphere and chic boutiques, Cannes is a true symbol of old-world glamour and a trip here really feels like traveling back in time to the golden days of La Belle Epoque.
Where to stay in Cannes
As we previously mentioned, there are many good hotels and rental apartments in Cannes. It depends on your preferences and budget.
Some of the top-rated hotels are Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, Carlton Cannes, Hôtel Martinez, and Five Seas. You can read about the best hotels in Cannes here.
If you prefer to stay at a rental apartment or house, there are also options like Airbnb offering plenty of places to choose from according to your needs.
Cannes Travel Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better to visit: Cannes or Nice?
This is a difficult question to answer since both of these cities offer unique experiences.
Nice is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views of the French Riviera, while Cannes is popular for its glamorous atmosphere and great shopping opportunities. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference!
How many days are enough for Cannes?
This really depends on how much time you have and what type of activities you would like to do.
If you’re just looking for a short visit, then two days should be enough to explore the main sights. However, if you stay more days you will have time for day trips.
What is the best time to visit Cannes?
Cannes enjoys warm weather throughout the year, so there’s no bad time to visit – however, the months right before and after high season (July and August) are the most pleasant.
During this period, Cannes also hosts some fantastic events such as its annual film festival which draws in celebrities from around the world in May.
Which is nicer Antibes or Cannes?
Again, this is a difficult question to answer as both places are quite different.
Antibes has a more relaxed atmosphere and an abundance of natural beauty, while Cannes boasts stylish boutiques, restaurants, and hotels.
How do I spend one day in Cannes?
If you have just one day to visit, then it’s best to focus your time on the city center.
Start by exploring La Suquet – which is the old town of Cannes – and take in its winding cobblestoned streets, ancient churches, and stunning views of the city.
Then head over to the glamourous Croisette boulevard where you can admire luxury yachts or browse some chic boutiques.
Conclusion: Is Cannes Worth Visiting?
That’s a wrap! As you can now tell, with its old-world charms and luxurious lifestyle, Cannes is certainly worth visiting. I hope you give this stunning destination a try and that you have a wonderful time.
Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, check out my travel guides, follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!
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