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If you are planning on visiting the French Riviera, we strongly recommend you incorporate a day trip to Cannes into your schedule.
You might not think you have enough time to explore this wonderful part of the South of France but trust us when we say that traveling to Cannes is very much worth it.
It will take only an hour to get there from Monaco and Nice and just over 25 minutes from Antibes. Once you arrive, you can check out stunning beaches, eat delicious food, peruse plenty of cultural and historical sites, and maybe even spot the odd celebrity too!
If you do decide to visit the wonderful resort town, you’ll need to be organized to maximize your time. There is so much you can see and do during a Cannes one-day itinerary that it pays to prioritize what is most important to you.
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Is 1 Day in Cannes Enough?
If you want to know whether 1 day in Cannes is enough, well, the answer is yes. And no.
Ideally, you should spend at least three or four days in the resort town to get a proper feel for it. However, if you can only spare a day in Cannes on your overall French Riviera itinerary, you will still get a rich snapshot of what makes it such a terrific place to visit.
As the town is easy to get to via various modes of transport from most other parts of the French Riviera, you’ll be able to spend some quality time at two or three places of interest to you without feeling rushed.
To do this properly, you should develop a well-thought-out itinerary that allows you to view them in a strategic order. Doing this will enable you to focus on the quality of your experiences rather than the quantity of sites you visit.

Traveling to Cannes: Travel Tips
If you are traveling to Cannes from the beautiful Nice or other parts of the French Riviera, there are several ways you can get to the resort town, including by bus and car. However, the quickest and most cost-efficient way to travel is by train.
This journey takes less than half an hour, and during it, you’ll see great views of the Cote d’Azur. Overall, there are almost 60 daily connections between Nice-Ville and Cannes train stations. The cost is usually around €10, and the services run from about 7:45 AM until shortly before midnight. So, you should be able to fit a lot of sightseeing into a long day. To get the best train ticket price, it might be worth booking in advance.
Alternatively, if your plan is to explore the South of France and Provence with its hidden gems, and you’re mindful that time is limited, then renting a car is the way to go. The roads in the French Riviera are excellent, and toll roads offer a quick and affordable way to travel between key locations along the coast. While free parking can be found, most parking is paid, so be sure to factor that into your Cannes budget. Predictably, the best car deals are booked well in advance, so plan accordingly.
Another of our favorite Cannes travel tips is to visit during the spring months of March and April or the autumn months of September and October. At this time, the town will be less crowded, and prices might be lower. However, if you plan to include a visit to the lavender fields, the ideal time to explore the South of France is between June and early August.
Other Cannes Travel Essentials
Where to Stay: Nice or Cannes?
For those planning a trip to the South of France, Nice is a fantastic base thanks to its central location in the heart of the region. From Nice, it’s easy to access the rest of the French Riviera, making it a great choice if you’re planning to explore multiple destinations. Plus, this city has a great selection of hotels for all budgets.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for the best places to stay in Cannes, we recommend either the Croisette area, close to the glamorous promenade, or Le Suquet, the old town with its charming, historic atmosphere. Both offer easy access to the main sights. Check out the most popular accommodations in Cannes.
Which Are the Closest Airports to Cannes?
The two most convenient airports for reaching Cannes are Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (about 30 minutes away) and Marseille Provence Airport (around 2 hours away). To get the best deals, we suggest booking flights in advance. You can browse flight options and book your tickets.
What Is the Best Way to Stay Connected?
To stay connected while traveling and get the best value for money, consider getting a virtual SIM card. It’s a hassle-free way to keep in touch, browse on the go, and avoid expensive roaming charges. Check out what Airalo has to offer and enjoy seamless communication throughout your trip.
Travel Insurance: Peace of Mind on the Go
Having travel insurance is essential to protect yourself from any unforeseen issues during your trip. Our blog offers an exclusive 5% discount on travel insurance plans! This offer isn’t available for all countries, but you can check if it applies to you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to travel with confidence.
Day Trip or Guided Tour?
While Cannes is an easy self-guided day trip, choosing a guided tour will let you discover much more of the town’s hidden gems and history. Many tours offer unique insights into Cannes and are highly rated. Check the availability of tours and find the perfect one for your visit.
Cannes One-Day Itinerary
There are several places to visit in Cannes, so if you only have one day available in your schedule, it would be a good idea to divide your activities between the morning, middle of the day and early evening.
The Best Things to Do in Cannes in the Morning
We always like to get our bearings whenever we visit a city, so if you want to do the same in Cannes, it’s a good idea to begin your exploration by strolling along the iconic La Croisette.
This 2 km stretch of seaside promenade is a great place for people-watching and sunbathing on the beach. It is also lined with haute-couture boutiques like Dior and Chanel, several grand casinos, luxurious hotels, and plenty of luxe cars, which will give you a real feel for the glitzy nature of the town. You could easily spend a couple of hours or more taking it all in.
Top Things to Do In Cannes in the Afternoon
While walking along La Croisette, you will pass La Malmaison, renowned for being one of Cannes’s best museums. It resides in a beautiful colonial house, and aside from being a nice place to escape the heat of the middle of the day, it also displays artwork, sculptures, and photographs by renowned artists from the 20th and 21st centuries.
If you don’t fancy visiting a museum, another terrific way to spend your afternoon in Cannes is to check out the famous Palace of Festivals. This huge convention center is well known for hosting the annual Cannes Film Festival.

The most notable feature of the Palace of Festivals is the fabled red carpet steps that movie industry A-listers walk down when the film festival is on. You can only do a guided tour here in July and August. However, you can admire it from outside at other times of the year. Directly in front of the palace is Le Chemin des Etoiles, aka the Cannes Walk of Fame, which has over 400 handprints of celebrities. Alternatively, there’s an exclusive movie-themed tour, guided by a screenwriter and historian, that offers a true behind-the-scenes look into the history and glamour of Cannes.
Another excellent place to put on your Cannes day trip itinerary for the middle part of your day is a visit to the Old Port of Cannes. It is just west of the Palace of Festivals and is a lovely spot to see luxury yachts and fishermen’s boats moored side by side, particularly while enjoying a glass of wine in one of the local bars.
You can also admire the stunning views of the French Riviera from the water on a luxurious catamaran cruise. Glide along the Bay of Cannes as you relax on deck, and take a dip in the sea for a refreshing swim or snorkel if you wish.
What to Do in Cannes in the Evening?
In the latter part of your day in Cannes, you should take the opportunity to explore Le Suquet. This district is an ancient Roman settlement perched on a hill overlooking the bay and port. It is referred to as the ‘Old Town of Cannes’ and is defined by its beautiful pastel-colored buildings.
After wandering around the area, visit the Musée des Explorations du Monde. While it has a nice collection of antiquities, art, and archaeological finds from around the world, the real drawcard is its historic watchtower, which showcases magnificent 360-degree views of the Bay of Cannes.
The scenery will take your breath away and create one last meaningful memory of the glamorous resort town before you head home.
Tip: See more of Cannes in less time by exploring the city on an e-bike.
Unique Things to Do in Cannes
If you are looking for more unique things to do in Cannes beyond what we have outlined in this one-day itinerary, here are a few things you should consider.
We highly recommend you play a game of Petanque, which you might know better as Boule. You should be able to join in on a game with a friendly local at the old port, Palm Beach, La Bocca (which is near the market), or the Place de l’Étang. It’s really good fun and a great way to converse with those who live here.
Cannes is also well known for its painted walls and murals, which depict various celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, Harold Lloyd, Gérard Philipe, Bourvil and de Funès, and Charlie Chaplin. A great thing to do is stroll around the town to see them all. You can pick up a map of where they are from the Tourist Information Center.
Lastly, one of the best things to do in Cannes in one day is to visit the Îles de Lérins. This group of four Mediterranean Islands resides off the coast of the French Riviera and is renowned for its exceptional flora and fauna.
The largest two islands, the Île Sainte-Marguerite and the Île Saint-Honorat are the most popular. If you decide to catch a ferry over to them, you’ll be able to enjoy pristine and untouched landscapes that provide a fantastic contrast to the glitz of the mainland.
Where to Stay in Cannes?
Cannes is more than just red carpets and luxury yachts—it’s a vibrant coastal city with distinct neighborhoods, each offering something special for travelers. If you’re visiting for the first time, narrowing down where to stay and booking a hotel in Cannes can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that the city is compact and easy to explore.
For those who want to be in the heart of it all, La Croisette is the place to be. This glamorous boulevard runs along the seafront, offering luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. If you picture yourself sipping a coffee at a chic beachfront café while watching the world go by, this is your spot.
A short stroll inland brings you to Le Suquet, Cannes’ charming old town. This historic quarter is full of character, with cobbled streets, pastel-colored buildings, and a more laid-back, authentic atmosphere. Staying here means being within walking distance of the bustling Marché Forville and cozy local restaurants.
If you prefer a quieter, more residential vibe, Pointe Croisette or Palm Beach might be your best bet. Located slightly away from the main tourist areas, these neighborhoods offer a more relaxed feel while still being close to the beach. They’re ideal for travelers who want a mix of convenience and tranquility.
The Best Hotels in Cannes
Choosing the right hotel in Cannes can make all the difference in your experience, especially if it’s your first visit. Whether you’re looking for a stylish apartment, a boutique hotel near the best shopping streets, or a charming villa with historic character, here are three fantastic options that offer comfort, convenience, and a great introduction to the city.
Croisette Palais Miramar Cannes Imperial – Perfect for Independent Travelers
If you like the idea of having your own space while still being close to all the action, this apartment complex near La Croisette is a fantastic choice. Just 0.8 miles from the city center, it offers well-equipped apartments with free WiFi and a kitchen, making it easy to whip up a quick meal before heading out. Everything here is well-organized, from arrival to departure, and if you’re driving, private parking is available for an extra charge. Plus, you’ll be just steps from the beach, fantastic restaurants, and high-end shopping—perfect for travelers who want a little bit of everything Cannes has to offer.
Hotel America – Ideal for Convenience and Shopping
For those who love to be right in the center of it all, Hotel America is a gem. Tucked just off Rue d’Antibes, Cannes’ famous shopping street, this boutique hotel combines convenience with understated elegance. Rooms are larger than the city’s average, offering a quaint yet comfortable retreat after a day of exploring. A daily continental buffet breakfast ensures you start your morning right, and getting around is a breeze—the train station is a quick five-minute walk, and shuttles to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport stop just 1,148 feet away. Whether you’re in Cannes for sightseeing, shopping, or a little bit of both, this is an excellent base.
Villa Claudia Hotel Cannes Centre – A Historic Hideaway
If you want a stay that feels more like an escape to a grand Provençal home, Villa Claudia is an excellent pick. This 19th-century villa, complete with a private garden, offers a refined yet cozy atmosphere just a five-minute walk from La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals, and the beach. High ceilings and a touch of old-world luxury give it a unique charm, while the daily breakfast served in the elegant dining room sets the perfect tone for the day. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers who appreciate historic charm and a peaceful retreat while still being close to Cannes’ most iconic sights.
The Best Restaurants in Cannes
Word of mouth is great for these cafés and restaurants in Cannes:
- For a delicious scoop or two of ice cream, head to Amorino Gelato on Rue Félix Faure.
- For reasonably priced lunches, check out La Cuisine d’Aqui on Rue Louis Blanc or La Piazza on Place Bernard Cornut-Gentille. Lunch menus are also a steal at L’Affable on Rue la Fontaine. Alternatively, explore Rue Hoche in general – it has plenty of great places to eat.
- For excellent cocktails in the heart of the city, visit the Armani Café on Bd de la Croisette.
- For a memorable dining experience, book a table at Astoux & Brun on Rue Félix Faure or La Môme on Rue Florian.
The Best Beach Clubs in Cannes
Looking for the perfect spot to soak up the sun in Cannes? These beach clubs come highly recommended based on word of mouth, offering the best experiences for lounging, dining, and enjoying the Riviera’s beauty.
- Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière – A chic and trendy beach club known for its laid-back luxury and stunning beachfront views.
- Carlton Beach Club – A legendary spot, offering premium service and an elegant atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a glamorous beach day.
- Annex Beach – This vibrant club is known for its lively ambiance, great cocktails, and ideal location right on the Croisette.
Cannes in One Day: Final Thoughts
Spending a day in Cannes offers a delightful snapshot of this glamorous French Riviera destination. Though ideally, you would spend more time to fully savor its charm, even a single day allows you to experience its stunning beaches, delectable cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, so you can enjoy key highlights without feeling rushed. With a well-planned itinerary, you can capture the essence of Cannes and create lasting memories, whether you’re indulging in luxury, exploring historical sites, or simply soaking up the sun.

Written by Inessa Rezanova
I am a Kyiv-based screenwriter with over 10 years of experience in crafting scripts. I am passionate about my work and haven’t left it to travel the world. Instead, I explore different countries in my spare time. As a storyteller, I believe that the emotional journey is what truly matters. That’s why, together with my sister, I started this blog—to inspire others to travel with an open heart and mind, ready for adventure.

Images by Natalie Rezanova
I am a photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am lucky to be able to do what I love the most for a living. Photography is an endless source of inspiration for me. My mission on this blog is to inspire by sharing some of the favorite captions from my journeys. I also provide professional photography tips to help the readers bring home some beautiful photo memories.