Itineraries for Your Trip to Cannes
3 Days in Cannes for First Timers
My first time in Cannes was on a trip with my friends after graduating from high school, so I associate the city with the sweetness of adolescent independence. Back then, we rented a cozy villa just outside the center and spent our days gorging on cheese and wandering the streets, stopping in cute cafés and window-shopping among the upscale stores.
I’ve learned that Cannes is much more than just the glamorous location of the most famous film festival. It’s also a lively coastal city where you’ll find excellent hospitality, thriving Provençal culture, and gorgeous sunny weather. With three days in Cannes, you have a chance to explore the area from multiple angles—specifically, by land and by sea.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stroll along the beach promenade, La Croisette.
The temperature drops after the sun goes down, so bring layers to transition from a day at the beach to dinner in the city.
Start your first day with a leisurely morning stroll along the beachside promenade, La Croisette, lined with cafés where you can pick up a coffee and breakfast pastry. Then, take a walking tour or hop on an e-bike to visit the historic downtown and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
In the afternoon, get creative at a workshop, such as learning about the inner workings of perfume-making and why French scents are among the most famous in the world. You’ll end up near the Rue d’Antibes—the main shopping street of the city; browse the stores, before finding a hip restaurant or wine bar for dinner.
Take in the French Riviera from a new vantage point, out on the glittering waters of the Mediterranean. Get a leisurely midmorning start and take a private boat excursion to the Lerins Islands, stopping along the way to snorkel, SUP, or swim. Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of the historic Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Once you’ve returned to the mainland, you may just feel like lazing on the beach for a while or shopping for souvenirs in the historic Le Suquet district. For dinner, take a traditional food tour to learn about Provençal cuisine.
Cannes offers easy access to the mountains and nearby destinations like Monaco, St. Tropez, and Nice. On your third day in the city, take advantage of Cannes’ proximity to other French cities on a day trip, or even head to the countryside to sample the best wines of Provence.
In the evening, consider booking a private photoshoot, while also getting a taste of Cannes glitz and glamour as you explore the city in a sports car. Then, head to one of the many seafood bistros around the port for a relaxed final dinner.
