Cannes is the glamorous resort and society capital of France's Côte d'Azur (French Riviera), world-famous for the Cannes Film Festival held each May. The 79th edition ran 12–23 May 2026 (jury president Park Chan-wook; the Palme d'Or went to Cristian Mungiu's 'Fjord') and has already wrapped, so by July the focus shifts to peak-summer beach life. The seafront Boulevard de la Croisette lines up luxury boutiques, belle-époque hotels and imported-sand beaches, while the hilltop old town of Le Suquet and the offshore Lérins Islands offer a quieter contrast. In high season, booking hotels, beach clubs and restaurants ahead is essentially a must.
La Croisette promenade: roughly 2 km of palm-lined seafront with belle-époque hotels (the Carlton and others) and sweeping Mediterranean views.
Palais des Festivals: the red-carpeted 24 steps and the 'Chemin des étoiles' lined with film stars' handprints.
Le Suquet old town: cobbled lanes climbing to the Château de la Castre and its museum, with a panorama over the bay and the Esterel hills from the Suquet tower (109 steps).
Lérins Islands: Sainte-Marguerite's Fort Royal (tied to the 'Man in the Iron Mask') and Saint-Honorat's Cistercian monastery and monk-made wine.
Marché Forville covered market for Provençal produce and flowers (best visited in the morning).
Good to know
SafetyPickpocketing is common along La Croisette, at the train station, on beaches, in markets and in festival crowds. Wear bags in front, keep zips closed, and never leave a phone on a café table.
SafetyBrazen thefts of luxury watches and jewelry are rising across the Riviera. Avoid flashing expensive items and steer clear of quiet streets late at night.
CautionTicket touts near the Palais and 'petition' sign-up gangs work the length of the Croisette. Don't sign anything for strangers or buy tickets on the street.
CautionSome private beach clubs charge steep 'minimum spends' for front-row loungers or add fees per service. Confirm prices and terms before you sit down.
SeasonJuly–August and the May festival/media weeks are extreme peak periods when lodging, transport and restaurants sell out and prices spike. Book months ahead.
RulesBeach clubs, upscale restaurants and the casinos (e.g. Casino Barrière) often require reservations and enforce a dress code. Check ahead.
Practical info
From Nice Côte d'Azur Airport, take the free tram to Nice Saint-Augustin station, then a TER regional train to Cannes in about 25–35 minutes, running several times an hour. Cannes station is roughly a 7-minute walk from the Palais des Festivals, and ferries to the Lérins Islands leave from the Vieux Port (Old Port); confirm current fares, timetables and ferry schedules on SNCF and the official tourism site before you go.
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