Cannes holidays

How to reach Cannes

Flight time: Flights to Nice from London (landing at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport) run just over 2 hours.

Transfer time:

• If traffic plays ball, you can be in Cannes in 30 minutes by taxi and 45 minutes by express bus (No. 81).

• The train takes 35 minutes, but you’ll have to transfer to Nice-Saint Augustin Station first, which bumps travel time up to 50 minutes.

Price:

• Going a long way to compensate for the extra travel time, one-way train tickets start at around €7.

• Bus tickets are next best at €19 for a single.

• Taxi fares will be around €80.

Best time to visit Cannes

The best time for holidays to Cannes depends on what you’re after. The city comes alive in spring and summer, especially during the Cannes Film Festival. However, each season has something special to offer.

April to June: Sees temperatures climb from 17°C in April (though it can feel cooler when it rains or there’s a breeze) to 25°C in June. The sea will be too cold for swimming before May but balmy by June. If you want to experience Cannes’ famous razzle-dazzle, the Film Festival hits town in May, along with A-list celebs.

July to August is all about beach days, yacht parties and warm Mediterranean nights. With temperatures in the high 20s, minimal rainfall and around 11 hours of daily sunshine, it’s not hard to see why these are the most popular months for Cannes holidays.

September to October may be a better fit if you like things a little less hot (25–21°C) and are willing to take your chances with rain (especially in October, with an average monthly rainfall of 120mm). If you’re a sailing fan, the Cannes Yachting Festival takes place in September, while kite fliers can look forward to the International Air Festival in October.

November to March is mild compared to the UK (fresh rather than cold even in January, which averages 13°C highs). While November experiences frequent rain, rainfall decreases from December onwards. November is likely the last month you’ll be able to squeeze in a swim, but Cannes is a lovely place for winter beach walks.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: French is the official language throughout France, but many locals can speak some English.

• Currency: France is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: Most of the main sights are within walking distance, but Cannes has an excellent bus network if you’d rather not walk everywhere. Single tickets range between €0.90 and €1.70. Taxis are pricey, so it’s best to keep them as a backup option.

• Electricity and plug types: Standard mains electricity is 220–240V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and E.

• Time zone: France keeps Central European Time (GMT +1 hour) but switches to Central European Summer Time (GMT +2 hours, British Summer Time +1 hour) from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Best things to do in Cannes

Whether you're drawn to the city’s luxurious lifestyle or historic charm, Cannes delivers a range of attractions.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Notre-Dame d'Espérance: Set on a small hill, the church is rather austere (worth a look-see, but not exactly jaw-dropping), but the views of the city are exceptional.

• Table d’orientation Cannes: Located at the tip of the Cap de la Croisette, this is the perfect vantage point for views of Sainte-Marguerite Island (the information table comes in handy, too).

The best districts

• La Croisette: Stretched along the Bay of Cannes, with beaches to one side and couture shops and luxe hotels to the other, Cannes’ iconic boulevard is the place to see and be seen.

• Le Suquet: If La Croisette is the modern face of Cannes, Le Suquet is a step back in time, all narrow, cobbled streets, candy-coloured buildings and down-to-earth market stalls.

Parks and gardens

• Croix des Gardes: Just outside the city centre, with trails winding through lush vegetation and offering stunning views of the Bay of Cannes and the surrounding area, this is the perfect antidote to urban fatigue.

• Jardin Marcel Bigeard: In front of the Mairie de Cannes, this small city park is the perfect place to take a break from sightseeing and catch some shade.

Museums

• Musée des explorations du monde: Housed in the medieval monastery of Lérins above Le Suquet, the museum has a little of everything – Pre-Columbian ceramics, Inuit scrimshaw, Himalayan folk art and the list goes on. If that’s not enough to tempt you, the views from the tower aren’t half-bad either.

• Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal: Installed in the 17th-century fort and royal prison on Sainte-Marguerite Island, the museum has more to offer than the mystery of the island’s famous masked prisoner, from ancient salvage to contemporary works of art.

Historical monuments

• Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: You haven’t been to Cannes without seeing the home of the Cannes Film Festival, or better yet, stepping foot on the famous red carpet.

• Cimetière du Grand Jas: It’s not Père-Lachaise, but laid out in the 19th century, has plenty of history and architectural character, not to mention great views.

Day trips in the area

• Antibes: A short train ride from Cannes, Antibes offers a more laid-back Riviera experience – beautiful beaches, a lively old town and the fab Musée Picasso.

• Grasse: Nestled in the hills north of Cannes, famous for its perfumeries and picturesquely medieval, Grasse has a more Provençal feel.

Activities for families in Cannes

While Cannes might seem all glitz and glamour, it’s surprisingly family-friendly, with plenty to keep kids entertained.

• Family-friendly beaches: Plage Macé, the main public beach, offers shallow waters and sandy shores. Some private beach clubs also offer family-friendly facilities.

• Playgrounds: Several of the park squares have children’s play areas, but Square Reynaldo Hahn, behind Plage Macé, goes the extra mile; besides the playground, there’s an old-fashioned carousel and duck fishing and boat sailing in the fountain.

• Indoor play centres: Featuring the usual slides, ball pools and trampolines, Fun City in Cannes La Bocca is worth keeping in your back pocket for rainy days.

• Trampoline parks: If your kids have aged out of the play centre years, Jump Area 06 is just next door, with a ninja course, dodgeball and a jump tower.

Free things to do in Cannes

With over a dozen public beaches and docent-led tours, you don’t have to be a big spender to have a great time on your Cannes holidays.

• Annual festivals and free events: Fest-goers will find plenty to do, whether it’s a free open-air screening at the Cinéma de la Plage during the Cannes Film Festival, a kite workshop at the International Air Festival, summer solstice celebrations at the Cannes Fête de la Musique or Bastille Day pyrotechnics.

• Public beaches: Between La Bocca and Mouré Rouge, swathes of sand, including Plage du Midi and Plage Macé, are yours for the taking.

• Explore Cannes by public transport: During the summer, free shuttles run daily to Mouré Rouge and Bocca beaches.

• Free guided tours in Cannes: Managed by the tourist office, plugged-in locals give the lowdown on their city on free walking tours.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The Parc de la Croix des Gardes offers peaceful trails with panoramic bay and city views, but for a more secluded hiking experience, boat to the forested Îles de Lérins.

• Snorkelling: With an underwater eco-museum lying off Sainte-Marguerite, the clear, shallow waters around the Îles de Lérins are excellent for snorkelling.

• Windsurfing: With the wind picking up in October, Palm Beach’s surf scene comes into its own in autumn and winter.

• Rock climbing: Perfect for summer climbs, the Gorges du Loup in the mountains behind Cannes offers routes ranging from 3c to 9a.

Beaches to enjoy on Cannes holidays

No Cannes holidays would be complete without spending time on the town’s famous beaches. With a mix of glamorous private clubs and relaxed public stretches, Cannes offers something for everyone when it comes to soaking up the sun along the French Riviera.

• Plage de la Croisette: This is where Cannes holidays meet luxury. Stretching along the iconic promenade, it’s lined with chic beach clubs offering sun loungers, fine dining, and stunning views of the Mediterranean.

• Plage du Midi: Perfect for families or anyone on a budget, this public beach offers golden sands and calm waters. It’s got a more laid-back vibe, making it a great spot to unwind.

• Plage Gazagnaire: If you’re after something quieter, head here. Located near Palm Beach, it’s ideal for a peaceful swim or some downtime away from the crowds.

• Îles de Lérins: Just a short ferry ride away, these islands are a must-visit on any Cannes holiday. The beaches here are secluded and pristine, perfect for a bit of snorkelling or simply relaxing in nature.

• Plage de la Bocca: For a more local feel, try this stretch west of the centre. It’s less touristy, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the Riviera sunshine.

Cannes holidays are all about making the most of the French Riviera’s famous coastline, whether you’re indulging in a luxury beach day or exploring its hidden gems. There’s a perfect spot for everyone.

Local dishes in Cannes

Cannes doesn’t have any signature dishes (it borrows regional recipes), but it does have a fantastic larder, which you can enjoy on your Cannes holidays.

Some typical dishes

• Ratatouille: A summery mix of aubergines, courgettes, tomatoes and peppers (individually sautéed, then simmered together), this veggie stew is perfect with crusty bread but also great as a side for grilled meats.

• Pissaladière: With a puff pastry or bread dough base and onion, anchovy and olive toppings, Pissaladière is a hybrid between a pizza and a tart.

Meat dishes

• Carré d’agneau: Typically served rare or medium rare, French rack of lamb is a show-stopper of a dish.

• Daube de boeuf: Orange peel, olives and anchovies add Provençale flavour to this boozy beef and vegetable casserole.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Loup de mer: Mediterranean sea bass can be cooked every which way, but with a salt crust (croûte de sel) is a classic for good reason.

• Soupe de poisson: Made with small whole fish, fennel, saffron and orange zest and served with croutons, gruyere and rouille (garlicky mayonnaise), this is essentially a cheap and cheerful take on Bouillabaisse.

Street food

• Socca: Served like a crêpe, this chickpea flatbread needs little more than a sprinkle of salt and pepper and a splash of olive oil.

• Pan bagnat: A bit like Italian Panzanella, but a sandwich – country-style round buns stuffed with salade niçoise.

Sweets and desserts

• Calissons: Created to bring a smile to a queen’s face, or so they say, true or not, these icing-topped, almond and candied melon sweets are guaranteed to give you something to smile about.

• Tourte de blettes sucrée: Rum-soaked raisins, pine nuts, apples, Parmesan and Swiss chard are not your typical tart fillings, but the sweet and savoury flavours go surprisingly well together.

Local drinks

• Vermentino (Rolle): If you prefer sauvignons to rosés, crisp, citrusy Vermentino (the main white produced in the Bellet region) is a good alternative.

• Pastis: This anise-flavoured (like black liquorice) spirit is almost a rite of passage in the Région Sud. Drink diluted with ice-cold water (four parts water to one part Pastis) as an aperitif.