Main places to visit in Cannes

Villa Rothschild is a residence built in the 19th century by Baroness Rothschild, representing Belle Époque design at its finest. This house holds an important place among the main highlights of Cannes, showcasing the elegance and refinement that shaped the city's character during that era. The villa's Mediterranean gardens surround the building, creating a setting that reflects the grandeur of life on the French Riviera during the period when wealthy families transformed Cannes into a destination of choice.

La Croisette is the famous waterfront promenade of Cannes, where hotels, restaurants, and shops line the way. Visitors find sandy beaches and a constant flow of people from around the world throughout the year. This coastal street forms the heart of the city and connects the city's history with the modern life of the French Riviera.

The Lérins Islands are two main islands reached by boat from Cannes and represent key destinations within this collection of highlights along the French Riviera. Sainte-Marguerite is home to the Fort Royal, while Saint-Honorat features an active Cistercian abbey. Both islands offer history and nature just off the coast of the city.

Forville Market is a morning gathering place in Cannes where local producers come together every day except Monday to sell their goods. You can find fresh vegetables, fish, cheese, and flowers from farmers and fishermen who bring their products directly to the stalls. The market shows you how people in the city shop for food and reveals the everyday rhythm of local life. It contributes to the character of Cannes as a recognized destination on the French Riviera.

Le Suquet is the historic heart of Cannes, perched on a hill that overlooks the city. Narrow stone streets wind between old buildings, with stairs and small squares tucked throughout. The church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance, built in the 12th century, stands at the center of this quarter and shapes its character. From here, you can see across Cannes toward the harbor and the sea. This quarter shows what Cannes looked like before it became known for the Croisette and modern developments along the coast.

The Old Port of Cannes is a traditional marina that hosts private boats and cruise ships, with regular sea connections to the Lérins Islands. This working harbor shows how the city connects to the water and serves both residents and visitors traveling to the nearby islands.

The Palais des Festivals is the modern heart of Cannes, hosting the renowned International Film Festival since 1982. This architectural complex features screening halls that show films during the festival and year-round cultural events. With its conventions and performances, this venue shapes the cultural life of the city and draws filmmakers, actors, and film lovers from around the world every year.

The Chemin des Étoiles is an urban walk in Cannes that connects the old town to the film festival venue. Along the route, metal plaques display handprints of international actors and directors. This path is among the main highlights of Cannes and reflects the city's deep connection to cinema.

Croix des Gardes is a wooded hill that overlooks Cannes and offers several walking trails through Mediterranean vegetation with viewpoints along the coast. This site ranks among the main highlights of Cannes, allowing visitors to explore the natural surroundings of the French Riviera while enjoying views of the city and the sea.

The Saint Michael the Archangel Russian Church in Cannes is an Orthodox house of worship built in 1894 for the local Russian community. This place stands out immediately with its gleaming golden domes rising above the surrounding streets. Inside, you will find traditional Byzantine frescoes covering the walls and ceilings, depicting religious scenes with intricate detail. The church serves as a window into the cultural history of Cannes and the Russian presence that shaped part of this French Riviera city.

The Notre-Dame d'Espérance Church is a 16th century religious building located in the historic Suquet district, one of the main highlights of Cannes. The church features a square bell tower and stands prominently above the old port. It offers visitors a connection to the area's history and views over the harbor.

Rue d'Antibes is the principal shopping street in Cannes, stretching over one kilometer through the center of the city. It connects the famous Croisette and the Lérins Islands with the historic Suquet district, offering luxury shops, international brands, restaurants, and cafés in a busy pedestrian area.

The Fortified Monastery on Île Saint-Honorat is a significant landmark for Cannes. This Cistercian monastic complex was founded in the fifth century by Saint Honorat and blends spiritual history with medieval architecture. The monastery contains an active abbey, medieval defense towers, and spiritual retreat cells surrounded by vineyards.

Plage de la Bocca is a public sandy beach on the western side of Cannes and stands as one of the main highlights of this French Riviera city. Stretching for about three kilometers, this beach offers water sports facilities, playgrounds, and free access without private concessions, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The Museum of World Explorations in Cannes occupies the Château de la Castre and presents Mediterranean archaeological collections, traditional musical instruments, and decorative arts from ancient civilizations. The exhibits are spread across several floors, revealing how people from different historical periods lived, created tools, and decorated their homes and sacred spaces.

Plage Macé is a public fine sand beach in Cannes that stretches between Port Canto and Pointe de la Croisette. It offers free entry and sits near luxury hotels. This beach is one of the main places to visit in Cannes, contributing to the city's recognition on the French Riviera.

La Malmaison Art Center is an exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art located within a former 19th-century hotel facing the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. As a key cultural venue in Cannes, this center showcases modern artistic works and contributes to the city's cultural offerings for visitors exploring the highlights of the French Riviera.

This church is a 19th-century religious building in the commercial center of Cannes. It displays Neo-Gothic style architecture and houses colorful stained glass windows along with a historic organ. The church contributes to the heritage of Cannes as one of the notable landmarks on the French Riviera.

Villa Domergue was the residence of painter Jean-Gabriel Domergue and now operates as a museum displaying his works and life. Situated on Californie hill, the villa offers views over Cannes and the Mediterranean Sea. Terraced Mediterranean gardens surround the property, providing spaces for leisurely walks. This villa represents part of Cannes' artistic heritage and invites visitors to explore the life of a notable painter and the landscape of the French Riviera.

This fortress on Sainte-Marguerite Island was built in the 17th century and is one of the main highlights of Cannes. Fort Royal contains the cells where a mysterious prisoner, known as the Man in the Iron Mask, was held.

This museum occupies the fortress on Sainte-Marguerite Island and displays underwater archaeology collections alongside the history of the royal prison that was once held within its walls. The site brings together the island's past with valuable finds recovered from the sea.

The Port Pierre Canto sits in the eastern part of Cannes and serves as a modern marina that represents the maritime side of this city. This port accommodates berths for private yachts and large boats, demonstrating the nautical importance of Cannes on the French Riviera and offering visitors a glimpse into the harbor life that defines part of the city's character.

The Casino Croisette Barrière sits along the famous beachfront promenade of Cannes and is one of the main places to visit in this French Riviera city. This gaming venue offers traditional gaming tables, slot machines, and events overlooking the Mediterranean. It is a place where visitors can experience the elegance and entertainment that the Croisette offers.

This beach belongs to Hotel Martinez and stretches along the Croisette, one of the main highlights of Cannes. The sandy shore features blue parasols and offers dining services. The beach is part of what makes this city recognizable on the French Riviera, combining comfort with the seaside tradition that defines Cannes.

Carlton Beach lies in front of the Carlton InterContinental Hotel along La Croisette, the main waterfront promenade in Cannes. The beach provides direct access from the seafront and features sunbeds, parasols, and a food service area. Visitors can watch boats moving across the Bay of Cannes while enjoying the Mediterranean shore.

Gazagnaire Beach is a free public beach located in the La Bocca neighborhood of Cannes, representing one of the main highlights of this recognized city on the French Riviera. This beach is equipped with showers and toilets, and features several nearby restaurants. Visitors can rent water sports equipment and take lessons in various aquatic sports.

The Bellini Chapel is among the key sites to explore in Cannes, nestled in the residential neighborhood of La Californie. This religious building from the early 20th century sits on a hilltop offering sweeping views of the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands. From this vantage point, visitors can take in the beauty of the coastal landscape and the islands offshore.