Things to do in  Cannes

The colossal Film Festival Palace hosts high-profile media and business events, most notably, the Cannes Film Festival, which draws movie stars and media from all over the world for two dizzying weeks in May. Its privileged location, across from the sun-kissed Boulevard de la Croisette and the Mediterranean Sea, is appropriately glamorous.

A 20-minute ferry ride across the waters of the Mediterranean Sea transports travelers from the high-class commotion of Cannes to the tranquil Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island with more pine trees than people. Bring your walking shoes and your love for the great outdoors for the perfect day trip away from it all.

Regularly ranked among France’s most beautiful villages, the medieval Gourdon is a sightseeing highlight of Provence’s craggy interior. Poised atop a dramatic, rocky spur, the village offers panoramic views stretching as far as the Mediterranean. Gourdon is also celebrated for its château and its elegant gardens.

Carving a ribbon through France's Provence region, the Verdon Gorge paints a dramatic picture, with towering limestone cliffs flanking a river so turquoise it looks like it’s been lifted from a tropical lagoon. This “Grand Canyon” of Europe stretches from the town of Castellane in the east to the Lake of Sainte-Croix in the west, enticing adventure seekers with kayaking, rafting, boating, canyoning, climbing, hiking, and more.

The beating heart of Cannes, La Croisette Boulevard (Boulevard de la Croisette) is an oceanfront promenade lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, and thronged with both vacationers and glamorous locals. Whether you’re stopping for lunch, dinner, or people-watching as you walk along, a stroll along this iconic street is a must-do for Cannes visitors.

Just along the coast from St. Tropez, Port Grimaud is a chic village purpose-built in the 1960s by architect François Spoerry. The town was designed to resemble a mini Venice with its network of canals and brightly painted buildings, and today it is a popular destination for visitors to the Côte d’Azur.

On a hill overlooking Cannes, Le Suquet is the city’s historic district. The Romans built the soaring fortified settlement, and later in the 12th century, monks took ownership and built a castle, which is now a must-see museum. Exquisitely atmospheric, this ancient quarter has narrow cobblestone streets filled with picturesque cafés, restaurants, and shops.

This French Riviera city’s glamor is on full display at the Port of Cannes, whose docks are crowded with sleek motorboats, elegant sailboats, and luxurious yachts. Even if you’re not setting sail, the harbor—also known as the Old Port (Vieux Port)—is worth visiting in its own right, with its canopied cafés along the Quai Saint-Pierre and close proximity to La Croisette promenade and Le Suquet, the city’s historic quarter.

Fort du Mont Alban, a 16th-century hilltop fort in miraculous condition, is one of the most striking viewpoints along the French Riviera. You can walk up here from Nice or Villefranche-sur-Mer—once you get to the top, clear days mean views of Corsica. You’ll also get the honor of stepping foot on one of the most key landmarks of the former States of Savoy.

Housed in the former Hugues-Aîné perfumery, the International Museum of Perfume in Grasse takes a deep dive into the world of perfume with fun interactive touches. It’s a great place to learn about the history of perfume making, in France and around the world.

Steep cliffs, waterfalls, and the turquoise hue of the Loup River make Gorges du Loup one of the most popular natural escapes from the French Riviera. The area is a hub for hikers, rock climbers, and outdoor adventurers.

Villages don’t get much tinier than Opio. A half-hour's drive from Cannes, this ancient spot—humans have been here since the Iron Age—has only a handful of buildings: the 12th-century St-Trophisme Church and one of the country’s last remaining olive-oil mills. In stark contrast, on the outskirts of “town,” you’ll find world-class golfing and a Club Med.

Housed in a medieval castle atop Le Suquet—the charming old town of Cannes—Castre Museum features a compact but fascinating collection of ancient artifacts and artworks from Asia, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Americas. Come for an eclectic array of objects and art, from antiquities to 19th-century landscape paintings, peaceful gardens, and a panoramic view of the city.

Founded over a century ago, Marché Forville is a traditional covered market in the heart of Cannes that highlights Provençal specialties. This bustling market is a must-see for foodies, with stalls selling everything from fresh local fish and extra-virgin olive oil to artisan cheese and charcuterie. The surrounding neighborhood is also known for its gourmet food shops, eclectic boutiques, cafés, and wine bars that frequently host live musicians.

Aromatic bunches of lavender, rosemary, and thyme welcome visitors to the L’Occitane factory in the heart of Provence. Tours of the factory floor and laboratory show how those Mediterranean plants are transformed into organic products that have won a global audience. An on-site boutique features the whole line, plus hits from the past.