Cannes, France cruises
Cannes is renowned around the world for its incredible beaches, luxurious hotels, chic boutiques, and designer shops. It’s the ultimate destination for anyone looking to really embrace the high life.
The home of Cannes Film Festival, this destination exudes a sense of glamor and sophistication that is difficult to find anywhere else in the world. Cannes also promises hot summers and mild winters, making it a great place to visit at any time of the year.
Cannes port guide.
The beauty of Cannes is apparent throughout the city. The port is at the heart of tourist activity, welcoming passengers into Cannes daily.
As soon as you arrive into port, you will be met with stunning views of the area. Here you’ll also find the main tourist desk with free walking-tour maps and advice for all new arrivals.
Top landmarks and sights in Cannes.
Cannes is not only ultra-chic and glamorous, but it is also home to an array of landmarks and sights, adding to the overall charm and character of the city.
Whether you spend your day strolling along Boulevard de la Croisette, one of the most iconic streets in France, visit the Old Port of Cannes, or get lost in Le Suquet, a Roman settlement above the city, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip.
Perched on the slopes of Mont Chevalier above the bay, the Le Suquet is home to interesting historic remnants including the city's ancient walls, the old church, Eglise du Suquet, and the 11th-century Tour du Mont Chevalier watchtower, which provides spectacular panoramic views of the beach, the bay, and as far out as the Lérins Islands.
Things to do in Cannes, France.
If you’re only in Cannes for a short stay during your cruise, it’s certainly worthwhile planning out your trip as there is so much to see and do throughout the city.
Top attractions include The Musée de la Castre, which is located within a medieval castle that was once home to the monks of Lérins, Notre-Dame D'Espérance, and The Centre d’Art La Malmaison housed in what used to be the Grand Hotel on La Croisette.
But that’s not all. Cannes is also famous for its stunning beaches where you can spend hours soaking up the sunshine and people watching. There are lots of exclusive, private beaches along the Boulevard de la Croisette, including the Plage Croisette. Entrance fees apply but in return you’ll have access to private facilities, including entertainment, a la carte restaurants, lounge chairs and pampering experiences.
A number of festivals take place in Cannes every year, such as the Cannes Yachting Festival in September and the infamous Cannes Film Festival, which takes place in May. So, if you’re looking to catch either of these, make sure that you time your trip right. Festival d'art pyrotehnique de Cannes is also a popular event, beginning in the middle of July and runs through to the end of August.
Cannes culture and history.
Believe it or not, Cannes was actually a sleepy harbor until 1834, when Lord Brougham visited the city during his travels to Italy and decided to transform it into a chic resort, attracting the rich, famous and elite, from all corners of the world.
Today, the tourism trade drives the Cannes economy, particularly the excitement surrounding Cannes Film Festival. This Hollywood connection has given Cannes a luxurious reputation and paved the way for the many hotels and casinos that populate the area.
However, there’s a lot more to Cannes than its link to the world of cinema. There’s a rich and exciting program of annual entertainment and music events, including painting and sculpture exhibitions, as well as, dance, theater, opera and comedy events that ensure that Cannes maintains its reputation as a true cultural capital.
Eating and drinking in Cannes.
Cannes is bursting with exclusive restaurants, many of which are famous around the world.
With this in mind, you won’t be short of fantastic spots to tuck into dishes including French, fusion, Italian and Mediterranean-inspired menus. To sample some local cuisine, make sure you head to The Forville Market on the fringe of the old town and sample socca - a peppery chickpea omelette traditional to Cannes. There are also plenty of bars where you can enjoy your favorite tipple.
Shopping in Cannes.
Cannes is home to a variety of upmarket shops and boutiques. The most popular shopping destinations can be found on La Croisette, which is the most famous shopping district in Cannes, with its array of upmarket shops. For perfumes, cosmetics, fashion and duty-free shopping, visit Rue d'Antibes and Rue Meynadier. These are two of the main shopping strips, where you will also find a great choice of cafes and wine bars.
Cannes actually hosts its very own shopping festival every year, where shopping, parties and fashion come hand in hand. The festival lasts for four days and is hosted at several different locations across the city.
Transport in Cannes.
Cannes is incredibly compact and the vast majority of attractions, boutiques, restaurants, beaches and bars can be reached on foot.
If you’re looking to take a trip to the Lérins Islands, you can hop on one of the many boats that depart from the harbor by the cruise terminal on a daily basis. And there’s also the petit train, a small tourist train, that also operates throughout the city.
Cannes port facilities.
Situated in the heart of the city, Cannes port offers facilities such as:
- A shuttle boat to transfer passengers to shore
- Bus and carpark
- A fully operational customs service
- Barges to transport luggage and ship supplies
Trip tips for visiting Cannes.
Cannes summers are highly desirable. Long and warm, daytime temperatures regularly hit 86 °F and remain high from June to September. These are by far the busiest times of the year.