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Things to do in Cannes

Cannes is a beautiful resort town situated on the South Coast (Côte d'Azur) of France. Its warm weather and location in the famous French Riviera mean it often attracts those in search of a bit of luxury and glamour.

Cannes is an incredibly popular summer holiday destination thanks to its balmy Mediterranean climate, and is especially favoured by the rich and famous thanks to its collection of designer shops, high-end bars and eateries, and fabulous beach clubs. The annual film festival held every May also attracts celebrities in all their finery to the red carpet.

This sunny coastal resort isn’t just full of priceless yachts in the port and Ferraris driving along the seafront, however. There are still plenty of natural and cultural sites to be visited for the everyday holiday-maker, such as the peaceful old town and quieter offshore islands – and celebrity-spotting can just be an added bonus activity when you next travel here!

To give you more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets on our ferries to France? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time!

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Morning	02:00	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	21:15	23:40

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Beautiful beaches
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The old Port of Cannes
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Le Suquet
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Lérins Islands

Things to do in Cannes

Relax on the beautiful beaches

Spending a day soaking up some rays on a sun-drenched beach is definitely one of the most popular activities you can do in Cannes – and one of the most budget-friendly, if you know where to go! There are several public beaches in the area, such as Plage Macé and Plage Zamenhoff, where you can rent a lounge chair, umbrella, and locker for either a half or full day without breaking the bank. As clean and well-maintained as the private beaches in Cannes, you may not get cocktails served to your sun lounger but you will still get plenty of sea, sand, and sun.

If it’s a more upscale experience you’re after, take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette, which runs the length of the seafront and also happens to be one of the most iconic streets in France. Dotted with classy casinos and chic boutiques, you’ll also find exclusive five-star hotels here, many of which have their own private beaches. We recommend booking in advance if you’d like to spend a day sunning yourself amongst the rich and famous, as these private clubs tend to accommodate to their residents and members before catering to general tourists.

The Old Port of Cannes

The Old Port, or Le Vieux Port, is a great place to visit to witness the two key features that make Cannes what it is today: traditional old-world charm mixed with extravagant displays of wealth. This sleepy old port turns into a lively and bustling hub once a year at the end of the summer season. If you are visiting during September then you may have the opportunity to witness the Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year and hundreds of exhibitors with boats up to 55m long.

During the rest of the summer, the most affluent of holidaymakers dock their yachts here, which you can take a walk around and check out up close. Or you may prefer to get some refreshment out of the sun in one of the many lovely bars and restaurants that look out onto the port to enjoy the views instead. Le Vieux Port is also the perfect starting point for exploring both the Old Town of Le Suquet as well as the nearby Lérins Islands, which you can catch a ferryboat to.

Explore Le Suquet

Le Suquet is the name of the old town of Cannes, and is the ideal place to visit once you’ve had your fill of celebrity-spotting and are in search of some peace and quiet and more cultural sites. Leave the hustle and bustle of the main strip far behind as you climb up the winding cobbled streets, lined with authentic restaurants, to reach this idyllic old town nestled at the top of the hill overlooking the city.

One of the best sites to visit in Le Suquet is the Notre Dame de l’Espérance, the oldest church in Cannes and a beautiful example of gothic architecture. Situated at the highest point in Cannes on the top of the hill, the views from here are magnificent, and you can even climb the bell tower for some incredible panoramic views across the Bay of Cannes.

Discover the Lérins Islands

The Lérins Islands are a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes, which are accessible by boat in just a few minutes’ journey. The largest island, Île Sainte-Marguerite, offers a relaxing escape from the busy mainland just half a mile away. Here you can walk in nature, relax on a pebbly beach, and marvel at the abundance of green spaces. This island is also home to Fort Royal, a former prison. Made famous for housing The Man in the Iron Mask, a legendary French figure who was housed in a number of prisons across the country, this historic site is definitely worth a visit.

The second largest island, Île Saint-Honorat, has been home to a community of monks since the fifth century. You can visit their monastery of the Cistercian Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, made up of fascinating chapels and ruins dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries which are surrounded by immaculately-kept plants and shrubberies which are a joy to behold. The island is also home to a beautiful ancient vineyard, tended to by the monks themselves, who also produce high quality wines recognised by professionals.

Enjoy exploring Cannes when you get the ferry to France and discover all that this magical destination has to offer – and it’s more than just glitz and glamour!

If it’s a more upscale experience you’re after, take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette

Notre Dame Delete Sperance Church in Cannes

Sainte Honorat Island Monastery in Cannes

Sainte Maguerite Island in Cannes, France

Top attractions in Cannes

E-bike tour of Cannes

Chamonix . France

See the highlights of Cannes on the French Riviera in a new and exciting way. Follow your local guide as you see the Old Town, beaches and stop to shop, eat and drink as you wish.

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Cannes to Ste. Marguerite Island Ferry Trip

Cannes . France

Take a short boat ride from Cannes to Sainte-Marguerite Island for a respite from the crowded French Riviera. Enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

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Sightseeing tour by Vespa

Chamonix . France

Discover the glamorous city of Cannes by Vespa on a 2-hour sightseeing tour. Drive along the famous Promenade de la Croisette and explore the old town district of Le Suquet.

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