Cannes Travel Guide

To make getting around easier, there are different means of transportation offered to get to Cannes:

BY PLANE

The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is located just 27 kilometers from the city center.
There are shuttles that make the connection between the airport and Cannes in around 45 minutes. These run every half hour between 8am and 8pm.
From Paris, you’ll just need 30 minutes to get to Cannes.

For more information, go to:

en.nice.aeroport.fr

Line 210 - Prices : 17,50 €*. Round trip : 28,50 €*.

Cannes-Mandelieu is the second business airport after Paris-Le Bourget. Just 15 minutes from Cannes’ city center, the airport is the best way to connect the city to other large European metropolises.

For more information, go to:

en.cannes.aeroport.fr

BY BOAT

The port is a meeting point for cruises. Before dropping anchor at Cannes, your ship will pass by the Lérins Islands or by the port’s quay at the foot of the Suquet hill, which has landscapes that will take your breath away even before you begin your stay.

For more information, go to:

www.118000.fr/v_cannes_06/c_transport-maritime

To go to the Lérins Islands :

Compagnie Riviera Lines: eng.riviera-lines.com
Horizon: www.horizon-iles-lerins-cannes.com
Planaria: http://cannes-ilesdelerins.com/site/index.php/en/
Trans Côte d'Azur: http://www.trans-cote-azur.co.uk/

BY TRAIN

Thanks to its two train stations (Cannes Centre and La Bocca), the city is well serviced by TGV, Corail trains, and the express trains that connect it to all the regions of France and the largest European cities. This mode of transportation lets you admire the fantastic landscapes along the sea and at the foot of the Estérel Mountains.
More information on www.idtgv.com/en ou http://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/.
The TER also lets you familiarize yourself with the whole region of Saint-Raphael in Monaco, passing by Antibes, Cagnes sur Mer, Biot, Nice, and Villefranche sur Mer.

More information on

www.ter-sncf.com/paca or www.termobile.fr.

BY BUS

The Palm Bus network services the communes of Cannes, Le Cannet, Mandelieu-La Napoule, Mougins and Théoule-sur-Mer. Also, you can quickly get around the city center as well as the neighboring communes.
Prices: single trip at 1.50 €*, 10-trip card at 10 €*

For more information, go to

palmbus.fr

There is also a service for people with reduced mobility and holders of Handi Palm cards. There is more information at www.ccas-cannes.fr

BY CAR

Cannes is connected to the larger European cities by highway A8 “The Provencal” (take the Cannes La Bocca or Mougins/Cannes exit), from Aix en Provence in the west and Italy in the east.
The Napolean Highway (N85) starts at Golfe-Juan and runs to Grenoble. It follows the historical path of Napoleon in 1815 following his return from Elba.

BY TAXI

You can hail or reserve a taxi during your stay in Cannes, and many companies are available. However, pay attention to the fares that can rise really quickly, especially during the busy season. We recommend the company, Taxi Cannes.

Cannes is lucky enough to enjoy a particularly mild climate all throughout the year, which allows you to visit the city during any time. Additionally, the city is one of the best touristic destinations in France, especially thanks to its various cultural activities. A special mention for the cinephiles who will enjoy certain activities in particular.

Summer in Cannes: During the summer, it is the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès that brings out the dancing. Concerts, shows, parties, and fireworks bring the city to life from the month of June to September. Whether you are someone who loves pyrotechnics, classical music, jazz, or Russian art, you will always find a cultural activity that fits your tastes.

Fall in Cannes: In October, you’ll have the chance to attend MIPCOM. This annual event allows the entertainment industry to buy and sell popular television shows in different countries. It entices a good number of celebrities as well as their fans. The Tax Free World Exhibition also takes place in the Palais des Festivals. It brings together prestigious brands from the luxury industry. Sporty people and anyone who likes running can participate in the marathon Nice-Cannes that takes places at the beginning of November. As for amateur dancers, they can attend the Cannes Dance Festival that is one of the largest international festivals. You’ll have the chance to admire the choreography of some of the biggest contemporary dancers.

Winter in Cannes: At the end of the year, there is the NRJ Music Awards, one of the largest events in the world of music. Near Cannes, we highly recommend the famous Carnaval de Nice that takes place in Nice in the month of February. The carnival’s festive atmosphere will undoubtedly entice you. The festival annuel des Jeux as well as the Cannes Shopping Festival take place in March. There are parades and shows all throughout the winter.

Spring in Cannes: Vous pourrez assister au Festival of Pétanque which welcomes the best players in the world. This is the must-see event of the season and of the Mediterranean coast, which is known for its petanque champions. Finally, we especially recommend the Festival de Cannes, one of the most broadcasted and renowned film festivals in the world. It has become an essential meeting of the biggest filmmakers, stars, film professionals, and thousands of journalists. Each year, it shows productions from all over the world.

Useful Emergency Numbers:

Office of Tourism: +33 (0) 4 92 99 84 22

Fire: dial 18

Ambulance: dial 15

Police: dial 17

Transportation:

www.cannes-destination.fr/infos-pratiques-cannes/acces-cannes

www.cannes.com/fr/cadre-de-vie/transports/se-deplacer-dans-cannes.html

Museums and Touristic Sites in Cannes

Centre d'art La Malmaison: www.cannes.com/fr/culture/centre-d-art-la-malmaison.html

Musée de la Castre: www.cannes.com/fr/culture/musee-de-la-castre.html

Musée de la Mer: www.cannes.com/fr/culture/musee-de-la-mer.html

Eglise Notre Dame d'Esperance: www.stnicolascannes.org

Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes: www.palaisdesfestivals.com

Abbaye de Lérins: www.abbayedelerins.com, (la boutique)

Surrounding Cannes

Accommodation:

The following prices are indicative. They refer to a one night stay in a standard double bedroom and may be subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

- Good Deal: less than 50 euros. The services and rooms offered at this price are very basic, and the hotels can be quite far from the city center.

- Basic: between 50 and 80 euros. You’ll find beautiful apartment-like hotels and small comfortable hotels in the city center. You can also stay in some very beautiful hotels (including some with 4 stars!).

- Classy: between 80 and 130 euros. You’ll stay in high-quality establishments whose rooms often include pretty views, sporty amenities (pool, gym, etc.), and a good location.

- Very Classy: starting at 130 euros. Cannes really isn’t an expensive city, and for a bit more than 100 euros, you can have a night in a very beautiful establishment and maybe even a 5 star hotel.

Take a look at our website to find a place to stay in Cannes.

Restaurants :

The following prices are indicative. They refer to the price of one course or a menu for one

- A snack: 5 to 15 euros:
The ice cream shop Couleurs Caraïbes offers you a large selection of flavors in a friendly atmosphere.
If you like tea, then Volupté is made for you.
Offering an incredible selection of over one hundred different teas, you can also try delicious sandwiches as well as homemade cakes.

- Lunch or dinner: 15 to 30 euros:
L'Enoteca, located in the heart of the historic Suquet neighborhood, offers delicious dishes and you can even explore a lovely menu of wines.
For simple and refined cuisine, the restaurant, Blue Beach, will serve a quality meal for you. Located just by the sea, you can check out the lovely landscape while savoring your dish.

- A gourment meal: 30 to 60 euros:
A cozy atmosphere and flavorful discoveries are available at P'tits Anges. The quality of the creative cuisine along with the classy baroque décor will surely entice you.
A few steps from the Palais des Festivals, the Croisette, and the picturesque Suquet neighborhood, the restaurant, Mantel, welcomes you into its Mediterranean decor for a moment of pleasure in a contemporary atmosphere.
For those who would rather try something more foreign, go to Da Stefano, ideally located by the central train station. The chef will let you try his typical Italian recipes in an atmosphere that is both elegant and welcoming.

- A big occasion: 60 euros per person:
For a classy evening, we recommend Sea Sens which enjoys a superb view over Suquet and Vieux Port. The chef offers a gourmet menu inspired by his many voyages. When it is time for dessert, the sweets that you’ll get to enjoy are made by the world champion of pastries, Jérôme de Oliveira.
La Palme d'Or, with 2 stars in the Michelin guide, it invites you to a cinematic world. Even with the presentation of your dishes, everything will remind you of the red carpet and the greatest masterpieces of cinema. The chef, Christian Sinicropi, will surprise you with his creativity and you’ll be able to enjoy the terrace that offers a splendid view over the bay.

At Cannes itself:

Thanks to its International Film Festival, Cannes is known throughout the entire world. The city offers a large variety of cultural and touristic activities. It is also a well-known seaside resort, where there is often plenty of sun. However, the richness of the city comes from its history and gives it a certain identity, especially considering the architecture.
Le Suquet is the oldest neighborhood in Cannes, this is where you’ll find the old city. Perched on top of a hill, the village was protected from invasion by the sea. From the medieval castle, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the bay. On this little hill, you’ll also find the Castre tower as well as a church dedicated to seamen and fishers.
La rue d'Antibes is undoubtedly the main commercial street in Cannes. Parallel to la Croisette, this street contains all sorts of boutiques in which you can find many souvenirs.
The city also has many markets like the Fortville market behind city hall. It offers all sorts of fresh, quality products. The Gambetta market, near the train station, is overflowing with all kinds of little treasures. There you can find regional vegetables, but also clothing, shoes, and accessories.

• Le boulevard de la Croisette is the most famous in the world. It offers an exceptional atmosphere right by the sea. It is one of the most appreciated places in the city of Cannes. There you can walk around while passing by legendary hotels like the Grand Hôtel de Cannes, casinos, large luxury shops, but also beaches and Port Canto.


• Musée de la Castre: This Medieval structure, within its city wall, includes its main building and a chapel. You can get to the castle’s interior courtyard, at the center in which the watchtower was built, where you can enjoy a view over Cannes and coastline. Art collections and items from Oceania, Himalaya, and the arctic are also displayed. The Saint Anne Chapel brings together a large ensemble of musical instruments from throughout the whole world. Three halls are dedicated to landscape paintings from the 19th century in Cannes and the Riviera. It costs 6 euros to enter at full price, and 3 euros for anyone under 25. Entry for groups of 10, anyone under 18, students under 26, and citizens of Cannes is free every first Sunday of the month (including November to March).*


• La Malmaison: This building located on the boulevard de la Croisette, was turned into a museum in 1983. The following century, the city installed a service for contemporary art around this art center. There they display monographic exhibits from artists from the 20th and 21st centuries. You’ll admire the exhibit bringing together around one hundred works. Prices vary depending on the exhibit there at the time.


• Le Musée de la Mer: Offshore from Cannes, on the Ile Sainte-Marguerite, this museum that is listed as a historical monument, will open the doors to its old state prison and to the cell of the famous Man in the Iron Mask, one of the most famous prisoners in French history. This building offers underwater archeological artifacts originating from the Roman and Saracen shipwrecks, as well as fragments of Roman murals. There is a space that is also dedicated to temporary exhibits. The entry fee is 6 euros at full price, 3 for anyone under 25, groups of 10, and citizens of Cannes. Entry is free the first Sunday of every month (including November through March) for those under 18 and students under 26.*

Outside of Cannes

• The Musée Bonnard:this is the first museum in the world dedicated to the work of Pierre Bonnard, famous painter of the 19th and 20th century. There you can find the artist’s most beautiful works. It is located at Le Cannet, just about 3 kilometers from Cannes.


• Mougins is a charming commune that is home to a good number of villas, millionaires, and stars. There you’ll find many art galleries as well as large restaurants. It is located around 7 kilometers from Cannes.


• The Château de Mouans fwas built in the 15th century. Today it still keeps its triangular architecture as well as its three towers and interior courtyard. The Château de Mouans-Sartoux has become a center of contemporary art with an international reputation. In the chateau’s old stables, you’ll visit a rural museum on life in the past.


• The Château de la Napoule: Marie Clews and her husband Henry Clews spent 17 years restoring the Château de la Napoule, and old medieval fortress that now contains the collection of Henry Clews’ sculptures (1876-1937) and houses artistic projects from throughout the entire world. Located at Mandelieu-La Napoule, you can get there with just 15 minutes by car from Cannes.


• Nice is located around 30 minutes from Cannes by car. A dynamic and lively city, it will enchant you with its Mediterranean and hilly landscapes. You can go to the Carnaval de Nice, which takes place during two weeks during the month of February and is one of the most famous in the world.

* This travel guide was published in November 2014, prices may then vary.