Cannes Travelers Recommend

With three days in Cannes, you have enough time to savor the culture and natural beauty of this French Riviera hot spot and environs. Here are some ideas for an itinerary that suits your interests.

Day 1: Get to know Cannes

Glide along La Croisette—the waterfront boulevard lined with restaurants and elegant hotels—on a Segway or Vespa tour that includes attractions such as the Festival Palace (Palais des Festivals), Le Suquet (old town), and Palm Beach. Another option: rent a bike and cycle around town.

Day 2: Take to the sea

Spend your second day on the water and admire Cannes from a different perspective. Make like a movie star and book a private motorboat with your own skipper, stopping to swim in the Mediterranean. Alternatively, take a ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite, an island just 15 minutes off the coast where you can hike, watch for native birds, and visit the 17th-century prison. You can go even farther by ferry on a day trip to Saint-Tropez, another glamorous resort town—or wait until evening for a dinner cruise or sunset sail.

Day 3: Explore more of the region

Part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Cannes benefits from proximity to some of the French Riviera’s most beloved locales—and it’s easy to visit a few on a day trip along the coast or into the hills. Book a tour for hassle-free travel, and sit back and take in views of the Mediterranean coast as you make your way to Monaco, Nice, or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Grasse is a popular stop for its perfume factory, and Eze is known for its medieval architecture and hilltop setting. Discover the glitz of Monte Carlo on a night tour, or if you’re more interested in natural wonders, head to Verdon Gorge.

With two days in Cannes, you’ll have time to enjoy the delights of the resort city as well as highlights of nearby villages and towns. Here are a few ways to create a 48-hour itinerary that suits your interests in one of the French Riviera’s most popular destinations.

Day 1: Get Acquainted With Cannes

**Morning:**Head out on the water with your own skipper on a private motorboat cruise that takes you along the coastline, so you can admire the scenery and go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Or, opt for a ferry ride to Île Sainte-Marguerite, an island just 15 minutes from town where you can hike and visit a 17th-century prison.

**Afternoon:**See the sights of Cannes on a Vespa or Segway tour, which allows you to be outside to take in the views and enjoy the sea breeze but still cover more ground than you would on a walking tour. Typical tour attractions include La Croisette, Festival Palace (Palais des Festivals), and Old Town (Le Suquet).

**Night:**Return to the water on an evening catamaran cruise for dinner, drinks, sunset viewing, or a fireworks show, depending on the options available. Cruises are a great way to meet other travelers and see the city from a different perspective; some include drinks or provide them for purchase.

Day 2: Explore More of the Cote d’Azur

**Morning:**Cannes is just one of many jewels in the French Riviera’s crown, so don’t miss the chance to visit other locations, either along the coast or inland in the hills. Tours departing from Cannes often include transportation to places such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Grasse, Eze, Monaco, or Saint-Tropez.

**Afternoon:**If you stay in Cannes for the day, go exploring by bike—a relaxing way to enjoy the seaside atmosphere and see the elegant architecture along La Croisette. Take a tour if you prefer the insider perspective of a guide, or rent a bike to ride around independently.

**Night:**Head up the coast to the small country of Monaco on a night tour that gives you the chance to experience a bit of the glamour of Monte Carlo. You can enjoy attractions such as the Casino of Monte-Carlo without having to worry about driving in the dark or after a few drinks.

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the hills of Provence, the resort city of Cannes is known for its celebrity-packed film festival, but offers plenty to do all year with a mix of historical sights, walkable neighborhoods, and postcard-worthy scenery. Here are a few ways to spend 24 hours in this French Riviera hot spot.

Morning: Take a land or sea excursion

Take advantage of the morning air and light (great for photos) by getting out on the water. For a bit of French history, head to Ile Sainte-Marguerite, an island 15 minutes off the coast of Cannes by ferry, where you can hike and visit the 17th-century prison. Or, opt for a VIP-style experience by booking a private motorboat, and spend a few hours savoring views of the coast and swimming in the Mediterranean. Alternatively, go inland on a day trip to villages such as Saint-Paul-de-Vence and Grasse.

Afternoon: Explore the town

Get to know Cannes, and enjoy the sea breeze and waterfront views on a Vespa, Segway, or bike tour (or rent a bike on your own). Check out attractions such as the Palais des Festivals, La Croisette, Le Suquet (old town), the port, and Palm Beach.

Night: Have an evening adventure

Sail away on a catamaran to watch the sunset and admire the city as it lights up for the night. Cruises are a good way to meet other travelers, and some include a glass of wine or Champagne. For something more lively, head to the tiny country of Monaco—just 35 miles (56 kilometers) up the coast—on a night tour that introduces you to the glitz of Monte Carlo, famous for its casino and Formula One Monaco Grand Prix race circuit.

Tucked between the southern Alps and Mediterranean Sea in France, Provence is home to medieval villages, fertile vineyards, and sweeping coastline. Here are a few ways to explore Provence from the seaside town of Cannes.

Eze

The picturesque medieval village of Eze is perched high on the cliffs above the Cote d’Azur—with cobbled streets and spectacular views. It’s an area highlight for its old world charm and a far cry from the glitz of Antibes, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. Eze is a journey of a little over an hour from Cannes.

St-Paul-de-Vence

St-Paul-de-Vence, a scenic hilltop village overlooking the French Riviera and the Mediterranean Sea, is where artists including Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir have found inspiration. No visit is complete without a visit to the town’s art museums and galleries. A guided tour of the village might include a stop at Matisse Church and nearby villages, while private tours can be customized to your interests. The drive from Cannes takes about 50 minutes.

Gourdon

Gourdon is a village in the Préalpes d'Azur National Park boasting views over the Gorges du Loup.  Leave the sandy beaches and busy Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes behind and explore this spot an hour’s drive north of the city.

Pont du Loup & Tourrettes-sur-Loup

These two nearby villages are famous for weaving and traditional textiles. To see several villages and seaside towns of Provence and the French Riviera, take a guided tour with pickup in Cannes for expert narration and effortless transportation.

Things to Know

• Provence enjoys long days of bright sunshine in summer; carrying sun protection is advised.

• Many of the region’s old towns and villages sit on high hillsides, some with steep climbs, so bring sturdy walking shoes.

• Visitors with mobility issues may be limited when visiting some of the medieval villages due to stairs and narrow passages.

• Most tours included hotel pickup and dropoff in Cannes.

Nestled on France’s Cote d’Azur between Nice and Menton, the coastal resort town of Monaco attracts jet-setters, Hollywood A-listers, and glamorous visitors alike keen to relax and party in the Mediterranean sunshine. Here are a few ways to experience the best of Monaco—day and night—from Cannes.

Full-Day Tours

Full-day Monaco tours from Cannes whisk you along the coastal Lower Corniche road to top attractions including the Medieval hilltop town of Eze and the high-rolling casinos of Monte Carlo. Along the way, you can browse the chic boutiques’ racks and soak up the sunshine watching luxury yachts and elegant cruise ships in the harbor.

Night Tours

When darkness falls over coastal Monaco, the city comes alive with the glitz and glamour typical of the French Riviera. Evening tours take in sights of interest such as the Formula One Grand Prix circuit and Casino Square illuminated against the night sky, while a world of entertainment in the famous Monte Carlo Grand Casino awaits.

Things to Know

• Monaco lies 34 miles (55 kilometres) northeast of Cannes, along the coastal road.

• Full-day tours from Cannes to Monaco typically include pickup and drop-off at your Cannes hotel, an expert guide, and transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

• Night tours usually include the same, plus a 3-course dinner with a glass of wine, beer, or a soft drink.

• The Mediterranean sunshine along the French Riviera around the height of summer is remarkably strong—don’t forget the sunscreen and protective layers.