Cannes Itinerary: Make the Most of 2 Days in Cannes [2025]
Most famous for its Cannes Film Festival, this charming French Riviera small town has grown a larger-than-life name recognition. But it’s so much more than this annual festival!
After the star power of the festival has faded, charming Cannes remains a refined and sophisticated — but less frenetic — place to spend a few days enjoy the coastal beauty of small town France.
With historic streets jam-packed with charming (if not overpriced) boutiques and elegant cafés, Cannes is a place that effortlessly blends Mediterranean casual beach vibes with its rich place in film history.
| 🇫🇷 Planning your Cannes trip in a hurry? Here are my quick tips 🏨 Where to Stay Luxury: Five Seas Hotel Cannes (stunning and chic Mediterranean glamor) Mid-Range: Hotel Splendid (boutique hotel with lovely sea views) Budget: Hôtel Cannes Centre Univers (well… as close as Cannes gets to ‘budget’) 🛥️ What to Do 1. RIB boat tour of L’Esterel (marvel at the towering Calanques on the boat!) 2. Visit Ile-Ste-Marguerite (beautiful & historic island near Cannes) 3. Private Boat Tour of the Lérins Islands (not cheap, but exclusive and glamorous!) 4. Cannes City Tour in Vintage Bus (tour the sights with a guide on an elegant bus!) 🚗 Getting Around 1. Having a car is best if you plan to travel around the South of France — I suggest picking up a rental car in Nice and booking via Discover Cars. 2. If you don’t drive, you can arrange an airport pickup from Nice or take a taxi, or you can take a train into Gare de Cannes if you’ll be elsewhere in France first. |
Cannes’ beauty has inspired more than just holidaymakers; it’s long been a sanctuary for those looking for inspiration for cinephiles, painters, writers, and everyone looking for a tranquil and creative escape.
Cannes’ Mediterraneancharms, as well as its deep roots in film and art, make it a perennial favorite for francophiles and cinephiles alike.
As a result, this 2 day Cannes itinerary is specially curated for cinephiles and culture-fucsed travelres — but we’ve also included plenty of the nature escapes, as Cannes is a place where it’s hard to disentangle the link between the city and the sea.
Ready to explore Cannes? On y va!
Table of Contents
How to Get to Cannes
It’s extremely easy to get around Southern France and particularly Cannes, which is just 17 miles away from the Nice Airport (NCE). That means that if you fly into Nice, you can simply rent a car at the airport and drive into the city, which should take about 30 minutes.
Alternately, you can take public transit or pre-book an airport transfer via my favorite pickup agency, Welcome Pickups — the prices are competitive with the price of a local taxi, but you’ll have your driver waiting for you and able to help with luggage.
If you’re already in France and you’re traveling around by train, Cannes has its own train station (Gare de Cannes) which is also very convenient, especially since you won’t have to deal with the hassle of finding parking.
Your Two Days in Cannes Itinerary: Day 1
Immerse yourself in the luxurious splendor of La Croisette.
There’s no better day to start off your first day in Cannes than with a stroll down its most iconic promenade: La Croisette, a famous avenue that traverses along the edge of the Med.
As you walk, you’ll take in the beautiful contrast of nature and city: from its azure waters and soft sands to the sublime façades and grand hotels and boutiques of Cannes’ upscale cityscape.
As you walk down La Croisette, keep an eye out for a bistro table where you can find the perfect nook to people watch from: this is the place to indulge in a café au lait and treat yourself to a delicious pastry and watch the world pass you by.
Stop to admire Le Palais des Festivals.
At one end of La Croisette, you’ll see one of Cannes’ most famed architectural gems: Le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
While technically a Modernist style, I can’t help but see echoes of Brutalism in its sharp lines. It makes an interesting point of contrast to the more traditional French and Italian architecture that marks the rest of the French Riviera.
While the building itself is not accessible to the public, you can access the steps of the Palais des Festivals (and its iconic red carpet!) for free!
It’s an architectural marvel absolutely worth admiring, so make sure you stop by before heading onto the next spot on this Cannes itinerary, Le Suquet.
Discover the historic quarter of Le Suquet.
Walk up the hill to leave the glitz and glamor of La Croisette behind: in a few steps, you’ll enter the heart of Cannes’ historic neighborhood, Le Suquet, which couldn’t be more charming if it tried.
The neighborhood is packed with narrow houses in pastel tones tucked together along cobblestone pathways, with blooming flowers bursting forth in the spring and summer seasons.
While in Le Suquet, don’t miss the Notre-Dame de l’Espérance Church, with Gothic design elements like arches, belltowers, and remarkable stained glass: it likely has roots dating back to the 16th century.
After visiting the church, keep going on up: you’re going to make your way up to the highest point of Le Suquet, where you’ll find the city’s ancient castle (Château de la Castre).
Once the town’s fortress, the historic castle walls nowadays house the Musée de la Castre, a small but well-articulated museum with a diverse range of art and artifacts relevant to the story of Cannes.
Spend the afternoon basking in the beauty of Île Sainte-Marguerite.
Find a quaint place for a light lunch in Le Suquet — you’ll be spoiled for choice so you can’t really go wrong — and then it’s time to descend back down to the waterfront for a brief escape via boat, to explore one of the Lérins Islands just off the coast of Cannes: Île Sainte-Marguerite, just a short boat ride away.
But it’s a popular day trip for people visiting Cannes. I highly recommend that book your roundtrip ferry ticket online in advance here, to avoid any disappointments.
This idyllic oasis just a stone’s throw from Cannes has unspoiled beaches, whose crystal-clear waters invite you to jump in for a swim or even a snorkel if you have your gear with you!
It’s also a great place for a walk as it’s basically one big natural garden! Keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls the island home while you search for the best view point.
In addition to its undeniable natural treasures, Île Sainte-Marguerite also has its own historic significance. A particular highlight of any visit is the historic Fort Royal, a fortress dating back to the 17th century with an imposing structure which once served as a prison off the coast of Cannes.
Book your roundtrip ferry ticket to Île Saint-Marguerite here!
For a more exclusive experience, you can take your own private boat to the Lérins Islands for a 4-hour tour.
Accommodating groups up to 6, you can enjoy the turquoise waters encircling the Lérins Islands while enjoying wine and snacks. If you prefer to get a little active, you can snorkel or stand-up paddle board — it’s all included with the boat experience.
But if you just want to lounge, the foredeck of the boat has room for three to sunbathe (and there’s some shady areas too if you want to take a break from the sun).
Note: There is an additional fee of 100 euros to be paid in cash to the skipper when booking this tour, which is not included on the online price.
Alternately (or additionally!) visit Île Saint-Honorat.
Meanwhile, the other of the two main Lérins Islands, Île Saint-Honorat is more known for its history than its nature.
Namely, it’s famous for its medieval monastery called Lérins Abbey — which still remains active today. It’s even inhabited by a small group of monks, who still produce beloved wines and liqueurs — the latter of which have gained international recognition amongst those in-the-know.
However, despite the proximity of the two islands, there is no direct transit between the two — meaning a return trip to Cannes is necessary between each island visit.
But luckily, since it’s only 15 minutes between Cannes and each of the Lérins Islands, it’s really not such an inconvenience… at least not when the trip between the islands and the mainland is that beautiful!
You can book a return trip ticket here to visit the island from Cannes.
Your Two Days in Cannes Itinerary: Day 2
Explore the charming Old Town (Le Vieux Port).
Start your morning by exploring in the enchanting ambiance of Le Vieux Port, the picturesque old town of Cannes.
This charming neighborhood invites you discover a world of old-world charm and hidden treasures, all located in a former sleepy fishing village.
As you wander through its labyrinthine streets (all of which are beautifully adorned with colorful buildings and charming façades) keep your eyes peeled!
There are many artisan shops here offering a delightful array of handmade goods, from intricate ceramics to unique jewelry and traditional crafts (and they’re a good deal cheaper than anything you’ll find along La Croisette!)
Explore the local market, Le Marché Forville.
One place you simply must visit in Cannes if you’re into French food? The lively and bustling Marché Forville, with all sorts of regional delicacies, charcuterie, and of course — all the local French cheeses your heart can dream of.
Words fail to express the delightful overwhelm of a French market, so you simply have to experience it in person: stroll through the stalls and admire the artful stacking of their wares, and practice your French with the vendors as you buy little tastes of Provence.
From local herbs to sun-ripened fruits to artisanal cheeses and freshly-caught seafood, the market offers whatever is fresh and in season. Go there with an open mind, wide eyes, and room in your stomach!
Have an unforgettable lunch.
Combining the best of both land and sea, cuisine provençale is all about finding the freshest seafood and complementing it with flavorful olive oils and just a few well-selected spices.
You probably already know several of its most famous dishes: ratatouille, bouillabaisse, olive tapenade, pissaladière… these are just a few dishes that truly capture the essence of Provence.
But where this small city on the French Riviera particularly excels, however, is seafood! (No big surprise, right?!)
For a taste of delicious local oysters, head to Poissonnerie Forville, a terrasse just a few steps away from the iconic market: get a dozen oysters and be sure to pair it with their recommended crisp white wine, or possibly even a rosé.
L’Assiette Provençale is a great place to savor classic Southern French cuisine in a lovely home-cooked style, and Le Fouquet’s is a go-to for French cuisine with a glamorous twist.
Option One: Explore the calanques of Esterel Natural Park.
If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, why not head on RIB boat tour of L’Esterel, a beautiful natural park close to Cannes?
Beautiful and yet under-appreciated, this part of the French Riviera is dotted with sea caves and calm bays and perfectly see-through waters. I have no idea why it isn’t more well-known, but the peacefulness adds to enjoyment.
As you access it via small RIB boat, you’ll get the rare opportunity to explore caves and arches that larger boats cannot — and as you head towards the Esterel Natural Park, your small boat has the tiny size to access with its deserted beaches and pristine coves with exclusivity that other tours cannot.
Due to the limited capacity of the boats, you’re guaranteed a small group size, so it’ll be a peaceful day out on the water — do I really need to convince you any further?
Option Two: Treat yourself to a day at the spa
Not in the mood for another day out on the water? Then relax on shore!
If you’re not staying at one, the best way to take advantage of the many Grand Hôtels of Cannes is treat yourself to a special afternoon at a luxury spa.
The Art Deco and Belle Epoque decor of these exquisite hotels will only add to the atmosphere!
For a holistic approach to wellness, try Villa Belle Plage, a rising star among the city hotels.
Designed by the renowned architect Raphael Navot, the spa at Villa Belle Plage offers a minimalist approach to wellness, and the clean-lined design of the spa is an experience in itself.
Not a fan of the less-is-more approach and want some all-out luxury — and have the cash to blow o the experience?
The five-star Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic offers a luxurious spa experience in an ultra-opulent setting, with treatments using products from Sisley Paris, one of the most high-end French beauty brands.
Unwind at the pristine beaches.
Whether you prefer the exclusivity of a private beach or the authentic ambiance of a public beach, Cannes offers a range of options along the promenade of La Croisette, where you can find your own idyllic oasis.
For a luxe private beach experience, Mademoiselle Gray is a renowned establishment owned by the Barrière Hotel.
What can I say other than it offers a bit of everything: an unspoiled view of the Cannes Bay by day and a lively DJ set at night — there’s no bad time to enjoy Mademoiselle Gray!
If this type of luxury is not for you (or it is, it’s just out of your price range), don’t worry — plenty of more budget-conscious sun-seekers gather to soak of the rays of the Riviera along the many equally lovely public beaches of Cannes.
On marked stretches along the promenade, you can simply spread your towel on the soft golden sand and let the sun hit your skin or take a dip in the warm waters!
Where to Stay in Cannes
Budget: Hôtel Cannes Centre Univers
While budget is a relative term in Cannes, Hôtel Cannes Centre Univers offers good value for your money, with an unbeatable location and good design.
The beds are a little small, but the rooms themselves make up for it with great vintage-inspired design and even some cheeky flair in some of the rooms (think: a bathroom that says “yes you Cannes!”)
All the shared spaces like the lobby, hallways, and restaurants have been given a refresh to match the aesthetic.
Mid-Range: Hotel Splendid
With rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors opening up to seafront views… can it get much better than the views at Hotel Splendid?
This lovely hotel overlooks the harbor and enjoys a great location near the beaches, restaurants, and everything else you’d want to see in cannes.
The rooms are spacious and roomy, though not necessarily the most modern in its design, but it’s still an excellent hotel nonetheless!
Luxury: Five Seas Hotel Cannes
As a member of Design Hotels, the Five Seas Hotel Cannes promises to do everything a step above compared to its other 5-star competitors.
With a focus on design and personalized hospitality, Five Seas Hotel is the modern idea of luxury — not just the big name players, but a quietly luxe experience. The rooms are spacious and refined, minimalist in their aesthetic yet luxurious in their furnishings.
Enjoy Mediterranean fine dining at SeaSens Restaurant or take in the views from the rooftop Terrace Bar with excellent views and expertly crafted cocktails. Oh, and speaking of rooftops? It’s got its own rooftop pool.
If you’re looking to get pampered, the hotel’s spa offers tranquil treatment rooms, a sauna, and a hammam.
Anna is 20-something writer from France, currently living on the beautiful island of Bali. After earning a degree from Sorbonne Université in Paris, she spent a few years working in fashion before embarking on what was supposed to be a 1-year trip through Europe, North Africa and Asia — which ultimately turned into moving to Bali. Aside from traveling and writing, her passions include surfing, film photography, drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee, and reading through the night.
