Tour
4,7 km
1h50
20 audios
Text version
C’est l’histoire d’un modeste village de pêcheurs isolé dont l’environnement doux, bercé par les eaux de la Méditerranée, l’a très vite transformé. Gagnant en beauté et en renommée, c’est toute la vraie valeur de ce trésor caché qui a pu progressivement être révélé. À travers le Suquet et ses vestiges du passé, ou sa baie surmédiatisée, Cannes n’a pas fini de vous étonner. À la fois mondialement connue et pourtant si réservée, on vous propose de nous suivre dans un scénario bien pensé. Entre palmiers, sable doré et décor rêvé, à vous le petit goût d’esprit vacancier. Silence, moteur, action… La visite peut commencer !
Of course, Cannes wouldn’t be Cannes without its Old Port, its Palais des Festivals, the Suquet district, and the famous Croisette. But the city also wouldn’t be the same without its legendary five-star palaces—the kind you come to admire and snap a few photos of, even if staying there is out of reach. Read more
La Croisette is inseparable from Canne’s identity — a chic French boulevard that perfectly embodies glitz and glamour. Its elegant and luxurious image is famous the world over… But what many people don’t know is that this iconic 2-kilometre promenade took a long time to earn its fame. Read more
If there’s one place that truly captures the spirit of Cannes, this is it. A cinematic haven since 1946, Cannes has repeatedly transformed its infrastructure to keep up with its world-famous film festival. The earliest editions were held at the municipal casino, before the Palais Croisette was built in 1947. Read more
Los Angeles may have its legendary Walk of Fame — but Cannes has its own star-studded tribute. Welcome to the prestigious Cannes “Chemin des étoiles” litteraly the Path of Stars. Behind the glamorous name lies one of the most visited spots on the French Riviera. Read more
A central landmark in the city, the Old Port is an open invitation to enjoy the sea — and the art of doing nothing. Ranked among the oldest ports of its kind on the French Riviera, it sits right at the crossroads between historic Cannes and the glitzy, modern Cannes of showbiz. Read more
Cannes’history is often summed up to one word : cinema. But if you take a step back — and climb a little higher — you’ll soon discover there’s much more to this city than the red carpet. Away from the spotlights and the bustle of central Cannes lies “Le Suquet” — a name that means “the summit” in Provençal — an old local language once used across southern France. Read more
As you make your way uphill toward the highest point of Le Suquet, you’ll pass by a rather discreet but intriguing site. Built in the 12th century, this stone tower was originally designed as a lookout and defensive post for the citadel — a strategic vantage point in case of enemy attacks. Read more
With its breathtaking view over the Bay of Cannes, this church definitely enjoys a privilege few religious buildings can claim. Standing at the very top of the old Suquet district, Notre-Dame d’Espérance took over a century to complete. Read more
Between two points of interest, we couldn’t resist showing you one of the very best views in the entire city. Here on Place de la Castre, the Bay of Cannes puts on its most dazzling display. It’s hard to get tired of that perfect meeting between the deep blue Mediterranean and the iconic symbols of the Croisette — it really is picture-perfect. Read more
Tucked away in the remains of the medieval castle of the Lérins abbots since 1919, the Museum of World Explorations is one of Cannes’ true cultural landmarks. Formerly known as the Castre Museum, it owes its creation to a series of major donations, starting in the 19th century. Read more
A remnant of the city’s old fortifications, the Suquet Tower was built between the 11th and 12th centuries at the initiative of the abbots of Lérins. Standing 22 meters tall, it once served as a lookout point, keeping watch over the Bay of Cannes — regularly threatened by enemy attacks, Read more
Set apart on its rocky outcrop yet strikingly visible thanks to its grand scale, Vallombrosa Castle is without a doubt one of the finest properties in Cannes. It was built in 1852 by British developer Sir Thomas Robinson Woolfield, who hoped to attract wealthy buyers with high-end properties. Read more
Managed by the Cannes’ Centre for Modern and Contemporary Art, this is the place in town where art truly speaks. Once used as a morgue, the building was fully renovated and reopened in 2016, now serving as a creative hub for Cannes-based artists. The site covers 850 square metres, all dedicated to showcasing and promoting contemporary visual art. Read more
If you hear a bit of distant chatter and catch the scent of Mediterranean herbs in the air, chances are you’ve arrived at the right place. A beloved local institution, Forville Market is where people meet, mingle, and indulge in good food. Read more
Is it possible to combine shopping and history in the same visit? Of course it is ! You can do that as you stroll down one of the oldest streets in the city: Rue Meynadier. Originally opened in the 16th century under the name “Grand-Rue,” it once served as the main road toward Antibes, the seaside town located about 11 kilometres from here. Read more
With La Croisette and the Palais des Festivals just around the corner, it’s true that the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Voyage Church doesn’t exactly steal the spotlight in Cannes. But its presence offers a rare chance to discover a quieter, more authentic side of the city. Read more
Running parallel to The Croisette, Antibes street is without a doubt the beating heart of shopping in Cannes. Built in 1914 and named after the old road that once led to the city of Antibes, this lively street is now one of the most vibrant in the city centre. Read more
Overlooking the Croisette and the sea in the background, this small building is the last remaining piece of what was once the Grand Hôtel. Built in 1863, this spacious establishment included several gaming and lounge rooms, as well as 150 rooms. Read more
The Croisette may be open to everyone — locals and visitors alike — offering a touch of Mediterranean magic to anyone who walks its length. But when it comes to palaces, things are a little more exclusive. Only a privileged few can boast a front-row view of the sea, offering their guests the luxury of waking up face-to-face with the “Grande Bleue”. Read more
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An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
19 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Estérel by boat and enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Cannes doesn’t wait for its legendary May film festival to roll out the red carpet for the silver screen and its iconic legends. From La Croisette to the old town of Le Suquet, the façades of houses and public buildings are adorned with large-scale murals celebrating the golden age of cinema. Altogether, around fifteen works spotlight international film stars like Marilyn Monroe and Alain Delon, as well as famous scenes—like the passionate kiss shared between Anouk Aimée and Jean-Louis Trintignant in the film A Man and a Woman by Claude Lelouch, winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1966 and the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1967. Keep your eyes peeled—you won’t leave Cannes without spotting at least one of these cinematic frescos.
As a luxury destination for several generations now, Cannes is full of grand hotels, but also of elegant private residences, each more sophisticated than the last. Among the most famous is the Villa Rothschild, now home to the city’s media library and municipal library since 1947. Originally made up of 40 rooms, including 28 bedrooms, the villa was built in the late 19th century by Baroness Betty de Rothschild in a refined neoclassical style. To complete the picture, the estate is surrounded by a park, with a lush winter garden and a variety of rare exotic plants. Among them is an araucaria tree, commissioned by the baroness in 1884, which was reportedly transported to Cannes from the nearby town of Golfe-Juan in a special cart pulled by 32 horses. Such was the extraordinary privilege of wealth in those days! And the Baroness certainly used hers.
Few people know this, but visiting Cannes also means enjoying an exceptional natural environment you really shouldn’t miss. With the sea as your constant companion, the city boasts several sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe, and breathe in the salty sea air. For example, Midi Beach is located just a 15-minute walk from the Old Port. Or the beaches at the far end of La Croisette—slightly farther out, but every bit as charming and idyllic.
Beyond the joys of the seafront, there are wonderful excursions nearby to help you fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Cannes area. First stop: La Croix-des-Gardes. This 80-hectare nature park sits atop the hill of the same name and offers botanical trails through flourishing Provençal vegetation, with cicadas singing in harmony and sweeping views across the whole of Cannes.
Next up, another must-see: the famous Lérins Islands. Just a 15-minute boat ride from the Old Port, this Mediterranean archipelago is a true natural and cultural gem. It includes Sainte-Marguerite Island, where 22 kilometers of trails lead to archaeological remains, a Royal Fort, and a tiny village with a few restaurants—perfect if you’re not one to pack a picnic. Then there’s Saint-Honorat Island, smaller in size but home to a 5th-century abbey and a centuries-old vineyard, both still run by a community of Cistercian monks.
Should you happen to have some free time left after all these secondary—but already pretty rich—activities, you can always venture into nearby urban escapes. Just a 30-minute drive from Cannes, Antibes will charm you with its blend of maritime and Alpine character. In about an hour, or an hour and twenty, you might find yourself torn between Nice and its famous Promenade des Anglais, or Monaco and its stunning royal palace.
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DownloadCannes is often one of the top destinations for tourists and visitors eager to enjoy the fresh air, monuments, shops, and of course, its gastronomy. Navaway recommends heading to Rue du Bivouac Napoléon and Boulevard Carnot. If you enjoy Provençal-style cuisine with fresh pasta and tomato pieces, you’re in the right place. Warm, authentic cooking is on offer to delight you and your taste buds. Another equally tasty spot to discover? Try Rue Jean Monnet, near Les Heures Claires. It’s said that the portions there are generous and that most restaurants offer a unique setting—a mix of authenticity and elegance.
Cannes is a very popular destination among tourists. So, during peak tourist seasons, finding the right hotel can be a challenge. But don’t worry—Navaway has you covered! The best option is to stay in the Croisette area, on the eastern side of the city. Most hotels there offer stunning views of the Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands. There’s nothing better than waking up in a peaceful atmosphere and stepping out onto your balcony to take in the breathtaking view. Rue Brougham and Rue du Commandant André are also good options, with their slightly vintage vibe—staying there feels like a journey through time.
It’s no secret that the best time to visit the Côte d’Azur to enjoy the beach and scenery is during the warmer months of the year—June, July, August, and September. The sky is a peaceful, light blue, and the temperatures are mild but not stifling. If you’re dreaming of swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, now you know when to go. As for getting there, the train is the most common and affordable option. Cannes is easily accessible from many French cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Dijon. It’s eco-friendly, quick, and quite comfortable—especially if you enjoy watching the landscapes roll by.
Going to the Côte d’Azur—especially Cannes—means discovering a vast coastline where tourists love trying out various water activities, such as jet skiing and boating. Renting these vehicles in Cannes is very common. For jet skis, people generally go to rental companies on site. These businesses help customers choose the right model for their skill level, and the prices are reasonable. If you’d rather go boating—on a sailboat, catamaran, or the classic motorboat—it’s better to book online. A simple platform called “Samboat” makes it easy to find the watercraft of your dreams.
Getting around Cannes on foot is easy, especially in summer. But if you’re renting a car to explore more comfortably, it helps to know the city’s cheaper parking spots. To avoid draining your wallet, Navaway recommends the green zone—located right in the city center. To give you an idea, the maximum parking duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes, and you can expect to pay around 3 euros for 2 hours. The Suquet parking lot, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s lively areas, is another affordable option favored by many visitors.
For the more curious travelers, there are two unmissable places near Cannes that are well worth your time: the Estérel Massif and Antibes. Easily reachable by train or bus, the Estérel Massif is an ancient volcanic mountain range (don’t worry, there’s no danger—Navaway wouldn’t send you somewhere unsafe). Its highest point, Mont Vinaigre, reaches 618 meters. The view from the top is absolutely stunning, and it’s perfect for snapping a wild and authentic souvenir photo of Cannes. Antibes, on the other hand, is a charming Provençal town known for the famous Picasso Museum and its pleasant marina, especially beautiful at the end of the day.
Yes, it does sometimes rain on the Côte d’Azur. If that happens during your trip to Cannes, the best option is to find indoor activities that still let you enjoy your stay. Many people enjoy visiting the Musée des Explorations du Monde, which takes you on a journey through time—featuring primitive art, Orientalism, and antiquities. It’s a great way to learn something new. If you prefer something more relaxed, you can go to the cinema or do some shopping. After all, Cannes is the city of cinema, so why not watch the latest blockbuster in one of its many theaters? And when shopping, you’ll find plenty of stores to wander through while searching for the perfect souvenir.
Looking for a family outing in Cannes? Both kids and adults love sunny afternoons by the sea—and Cannes has no shortage of beautiful beaches! The most famous one is La Croisette, often featured in romantic films. However, it gets very crowded in summer, so you might want to try Plage du Midi instead. It’s quieter and less busy. You’ll also enjoy the nearby restaurants and water activities. Another great family activity is a boat trip to the Lérins Islands. It’s an easy escape for everyone and lets you enjoy a natural oasis just a short ride from the city.
If you’re in Cannes with friends or your partner and looking for evening activities, Navaway recommends taking a stroll along La Croisette. It’s lovely by day, but at night, it becomes magical—like a crescent moon—perfect for a romantic seaside walk. For something more energetic, you could go bowling in the La Bocca district. Choose one of the 24 lanes and enjoy a fun-filled night with laughter and the sound of falling pins. And for a more spectacular experience, head to the Palais des Festivals to see a concert, a play, or a film.
You can visit the main sights of Cannes in a single day, but if you want to explore the surrounding areas or take a boat trip to the nearby islands, two or three days are better. Start with the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, known for its turquoise waters and palm trees that offer welcome shade. Then head to the Palais des Festivals, known for its red carpet and the “Walk of Fame” with the handprints of famous actors whose films have marked our childhoods. Don’t miss the lively old port and the Croix des Gardes park for a peaceful nature walk.
You don’t need a car to explore Cannes. Most people enjoy walking or cycling to take in everything the city has to offer. But if you want to save your energy (and we get it—it’s tiring walking all day), Navaway strongly recommends taking the bus. The Palm Bus network has 30 regular lines, 6 on-demand lines, and 4 night lines—perfect for getting around efficiently. A single ride costs around €1.50, and there are discounts for young travelers. You can also hop on the City Palm shuttle, which serves the town hall and Rue d’Antibes, with equally affordable fares.
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