Why Go to Cannes
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Cannes is the French Riviera at its most glamorous, and it's made for relaxing in style. Stroll the palm-lined Boulevard de la Croisette along the sea, lounge on the beaches, sip French wine at an open-air cafe and browse the boutiques on the side streets. At night, head to the casinos and clubs, or simply retreat to your luxury hotel.
The warm, sunny climate and beautiful setting on France's southern coast have long drawn the rich and famous, and every May the Cannes Film Festival turns the town into the center of the movie world. But don't let that glamour scare you off. Cannes is a welcoming, international destination with something for everyone, from fine dining and designer shopping to beautiful beaches and easy day trips. Take a boat to the peaceful Lerins Islands just offshore, and wander the old Le Suquet quarter for sweeping views over the harbor.
Cannes is also a popular Mediterranean cruise port. I'll help you choose the right hotel and plan day trips to Antibes, Nice, Monaco and the hilltop villages of Provence.
BEST FOR
Couples, beach lovers, film enthusiasts and coastal explorers
BEST MONTHS
Late spring and early autumn often balance beach weather with lighter crowds. July and August are busy, and major festivals can make rooms and transport harder to secure.
EXPLORE
La Croisette follows the waterfront past beaches and hotels; Le Suquet is the historic hillside quarter; the Old Port connects boat excursions to the Lérins Islands.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cannes
Europe › Western Europe › France › Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Riviera glamour, sandy beaches and old-town charm
Beach & Resort
Film
Luxury
Shopping
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit Marché Forville and Le Suquet in the morning, then save a separate half day for Sainte-Marguerite Island when ferry schedules and weather permit.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Enjoy the promenade in the morning before beach and traffic crowds build.
La Croisette
Stroll the palm-lined waterfront boulevard past hotels, shops, gardens and Mediterranean views.
Wear comfortable shoes for inclines and steps.
Le Suquet Old Town
Climb winding streets in Cannes’ historic hilltop quarter for traditional architecture and sweeping bay views.
Go in the morning; check its operating days before visiting.
Marché Forville
Explore a lively covered market where vendors sell local produce, flowers and seasonal foods.
Check return boats in advance and bring water for walking.
Île Sainte-Marguerite
Take a ferry to the wooded island for shoreline paths, quiet coves and Fort Royal history.
Respect monastery areas and check ferry service.
Île Saint-Honorat
Visit the smaller Lérins Island known for its working monastery, coastal scenery and tranquil trails.
An iconic beachfront hotel on Boulevard de la Croisette, well positioned for waterfront strolls and central shopping. Confirm room views and any beach-access charges before reserving.
Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel
La Croisette / Central Cannes
Hotel Tags
An upscale hotel across from the Palais des Festivals and close to Cannes’ main waterfront promenade, particularly convenient for festival visitors. Check event-period access and rates.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
La Croisette / Palais des Festivals
Hotel Tags
A grand hotel along La Croisette, appealing to travelers who want a classic Riviera setting near beaches and restaurants. Reserve dining or private-beach arrangements separately if desired.
Hôtel Martinez, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
La Croisette / Beachfront
Hotel Tags
A contemporary upscale hotel on La Croisette within walking distance of the Palais des Festivals and shopping streets. Confirm current facilities and parking arrangements.
JW Marriott Cannes
La Croisette / Central Waterfront
Hotel Tags
An upscale property near the Croisette waterfront and central shops, suited to a city-and-beach stay. Check which services are included and whether beach reservations are needed.
Mondrian Cannes
La Croisette / Rue d’Antibes Area
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cannes
High 61°F · Low 46°F · Rain 4.3 in
Late autumn favors food, museums and heritage sites with weather backups. For a destination-specific November plan, consider Le Suquet.
Late spring and early autumn often balance beach weather with lighter crowds. July and August are busy, and major festivals can make rooms and transport harder to secure.
Best Times to Visit Cannes
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
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Walking
The Croisette, old port and central shopping streets are easy to explore on foot.
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Taxis & Rideshare
Use licensed taxis or app services for late returns and outlying properties.
04
Ferries
Boats reach the Lérins Islands; timetables change with weather and season.
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Local Buses
Local bus services cover neighborhoods and nearby coastal areas.
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Regional Trains
TER trains connect Cannes with Nice, Antibes and other Riviera destinations.
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Nice Côte d’Azur Airport
Travel to Cannes by prearranged transfer, coach or rail connection; compare routes before departure.
Cannes is walkable near the waterfront. Regional TER trains connect Riviera towns, buses cover local routes and ferries depart for the Lérins Islands.
Getting Around Cannes
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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