What to do during your trip to Cannes.

What to do on your trip to Cannes?

The majestic coastal town of Cannes is renowned as one of the best places to visit along the French Riviera, with a unique melange of history, style and glamour. Whether you are visiting for one of the famous events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, MIPIM, MIPCOM or Cannes Yachting Festival, or you are taking it in as part of a French Riviera family vacation on a charter yacht, there is a wealth of activities to keep you entertained.

Iconic spots

Cannes and indeed the entire Côte d’Azur have been popular vacation destinations as far back as the mid-19th century. Industrialists and aristocracy from across the globe would flock to the alluring coastal region from spring to late summer, enjoying the warm climate, unique culture and famously beautiful landscapes.

Much of the elegant architecture from that era remains today, with grand hotels and sprawling villas found alongside winding cobbled streets and quaint old ports. Yet you will also find more contemporary attractions, like fun and vibrant nightclubs, luxury boutiques and world class museums. It is no wonder Cannes continues to attract so many visitors to this day.

Walk La Croisette

The Boulevard de la Croisette – often referred to simply as ‘La Croisette’ – is one of the main focal points of Cannes. Aside from being a major route linking the beachfront hotspots of the town with Port Canto and the Old Port at each end, it is home to such iconic establishments as the InterContinental Carlton Hôtel and the Hôtel Martinez. Start your leisurely promenade at the park in the Square de Verdun and head along the shoreline with the sandy beach to your left and the hotels, boutiques and restaurants to your right. You will be rewarded at the end of your excursion with a host of top luxury shops on La Croisette in which to partake in a little retail therapy, or an iced coffee at Caffé Roma.

Enjoy the sunset

One of the most beautiful spots to take in the sunset while visiting Cannes is Le Suquet, the church-topped hill at the westerly end of La Croisette. Whether your charter yacht is docked in the marina itself or you are visiting on foot from another part of town, make sure you take time for a sundowner cocktail on your aft deck or in one of the archetypal French restaurants that line the perimeter of the port. You will be rewarded with a view of the spectacular skies presiding over the enchanting Estérel mountain range across the Bay of Cannes. 

Beautiful buildings

Cannes is famous for its handsome architecture, ranging from the more rustic buildings in the working parts of town to the splendid hotels frequented by the glitterati. Whether you are touring by foot or by car, be sure to soak up the ambience and appreciate some of the beautiful buildings that Cannes has to offer.

Mairie de Cannes

Not all town halls are created equal. Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, set back from the Vieux Port, the Mairie de Cannes is a spectacular and immaculately preserved example of 19th century architecture, having been erected over a three-year period by Louis Hourlier.

Although the grand building still maintains its day-to-day administrative functions for the local community, it is a worthy stop on any tour of Cannes.

The InterContinental Carlton Hôtel*

One of the most celebrated Belle Epoque buildings in Cannes is undoubtedly the historical, five-star InterContinental Carlton Hôtel. Dubbing itself the ‘quintessence of elegance on the French Riviera’, the Carlton is an imposing icon located in the heart of La Croisette. Opening in 1910 under the ownership of British hotelier Henry Ruhl, it was designed by Niçoise architect Charles Dalmas to become the finest hotel Cannes had ever seen. Today, visitors and guests can enjoy a refreshing afternoon tea or fine dining in one of the upscale rooms inside the hotel, or make use of the Carlton’s famous beach club for a leisurely lunch followed by a few hours of lounging by the sea.

Closed for refurbishment until spring 2023

Perfect for foodies

France is famous for its gastronomy, and the Côte d’Azur has its own distinctive culinary style thanks to an interesting historical connection to neighbouring Italy. From fresh local seafood to fruit that tastes out of this world, Cannes is home to some remarkable offerings for foodies.

Be sure to spend a few hours away from your charter yacht to wander the labyrinthine streets of Cannes Old Town, where you will find well stocked fromageries, overflowing wine merchants and bountiful boulangeries.

Take a trip to Marché Forville

This archetypal French market can be found just a short stroll from the Cannes Vieux Port and a couple of streets away from the Mairie. Unlike the more touristy alternatives found in other coastal towns along the French Riviera, Marché Forville is an authentic local market where restaurateurs and Cannes residents go to source their groceries. It is also popular with chefs on superyachts that are visiting or based in the town, who scour the aisles for the finest and freshest of regional produce.

Try a cooking class at La Serviette Blanche

The award-winning culinary team at La Serviette Blanche offers a wide range of food-related experiences that allow you to soak up the local food culture. From hands-on lessons using locally sourced, seasonal produce to guided tours of the French markets and restaurants, La Serviette Blanche has you covered. Truffle lovers will be unable to resist truffle hunting in the forests of nearby Provence, or there are tours of olive mills near Cannes to entertain the whole family.

Museums and galleries

Satisfy your curiosity as well as your appetite and take in some of the historical and cultural highlights of Cannes through a tour of the town’s museums and galleries.

It is no coincidence that iconic artists including Picasso, Gauguin, Matisse and Chagall all flocked to the Riviera to be inspired by its unique landscapes and people. Today, the region remains a popular centre for the arts, providing plenty of entertainment for those visiting Cannes.

Enjoy the Centre d'art La Malmaison

If you are wondering what to do in Cannes if it rains, why not take a trip to the Centre d’art La Malmaison? Set in a beautiful colonial house, this contemporary art museum regularly changes its prestigious exhibits from internationally celebrated artists, often with a focus on paintings inspired by the region, so it is worth a look each time you come to Cannes. Conveniently located on La Croisette, the museum is a must-see for anyone visiting the town during a Riviera yacht charter.

Explore the Musée de la Castre

A short walk from the Vieux Port you will find the Musée de la Castre atop the Suquet hill. Located in a medieval castle, the museum is home to a fascinating collection of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern antiquities. The castle’s tower provides superb views across the port and bay, while the neighbouring 11th century Saint Anne Chapel will be a highlight for music lovers, with its assortment of instruments hailing from Asia, America, Oceania and Africa. After, enjoy a pleasant walk in the pine tree lined gardens of the castle and chapel, away from the buzz of the town below.

For nature lovers and budding explorers

Cannes is surprisingly close to an abundance of beautiful nature that is a scenic drive or short helicopter ride away, ranging from the gemstone-hued waters of the Gorges du Verdon to the terracotta red rockfaces of the Estérel parkland. Those with a passion for road cycling will be in seventh heaven, as the whole region is brimming with world class routes that make for a challenging day in the saddle.

And if you prefer short hikes that are accessible for all the family, pull on your trail shoes and visit one of the many coastal paths that can be found throughout the Riviera, including a loop of the famous Cap d’Antibes just a half hour tender ride or drive from Cannes.

Visit Sainte-Marguerite Island

A short tender trip across the Bay of Cannes you will find the charming Îsles de Lérins. The largest of these islands is Sainte-Marguerite, which is home to the imposing 17th century fortress that was reputed to have been a site of imprisonment for the Man in the Iron Mask (not just a Hollywood film, the story is thought to be based on a true story). Grisly legends aside, this island offers a range of hiking trails to suit all abilities, secluded beaches for a little low-key lounging, and the famous La Guérite restaurant, known for its fun and vibrant atmosphere. Why not take a morning stroll among the pine trees and cicadas, then reward yourself with a long lunch followed by some afternoon drinks and dancing?

Unwind on Palm Beach

At the southernmost point of Cannes, this small peninsula is home to a number of parks, restaurants and public beaches as well as the Casino Cannes Le Palm Beach. Take a break from the buzz of the town and unwind with lunch at the famous La Petite Maison, with fantastic views of the Lérins Islands, or enjoy the feeling of sand under your feet at the Tamaris Plage beachfront restaurant. As day turns to night, the vibe of Palm Beach becomes more upscale with restaurant-nightclubs like Bâoli and the casino offering a chance to party until the early hours of the morning.

For shopping

Some of the best shopping in the south of France can be found in Cannes, which has a wide selection of haute couture mainstays, respected art galleries and high-end jewellery stores. The most prestigious brands are generally found along Le Croisette, though taking a wander through the pretty side streets and Old Town will reward you with charming souvenirs, fresh local produce and a sense of the history that this celebrated town holds.

Rue d'Antibes

Aside from the grand fashion houses in the prime waterfront avenue of La Croisette, you will find a wide selection of everyday shops along the Rue d’Antibes, which runs in parallel to the coastline a few blocks inland. Popular premium French labels like ba&sh, Sandro, The Kooples and Maje are clustered to the east end of the road, while high street favourites Zara and Sephora are closer to the Vieux Port to the west.

Festivals

Today, Cannes is perhaps most renowned for its status as a major events hub. From the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to the Cannes Yachting Festival and MIPIM real estate exhibition, the town’s annual events calendar is packed.

A great way to entertain guests and clients during one of the big Cannes events is with a luxury yacht charter, whether you are docked in port or at anchor in the bay, allowing you a chance to get away from the hubbub of the town while still dipping back into the action as you choose.

If you'd like Cannes to feature in your summer charter plans, contact your Burgess charter broker to start building your next dream luxury yachting holiday.

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.