There’s a lot to do in Cannes, but today we’re keeping it simple. Here’s a personal favorite itinerary — from breakfast by the beach to rooftop drinks as the sun goes down. So grab your sunglasses, and let’s explore this gem on the French Riviera.
Start Your Morning with Breakfast on the Beach
What better way to begin the day than with a French breakfast right by the sea? Behind the Îles de Lérins (the Lérins Islands) and along the coastline, a few beach cafés serve a typical French petit-déjeuner between 9 and 11 AM. Expect a buttery croissant or pain au chocolat, butter and jam, fresh orange juice, and a hot drink — all for about €14.
We tried it one sunny winter morning and ended up spending the whole day by the sea — swimming, chatting, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the breeze. While it’s not the cheapest breakfast in town, the location makes it worth it.
If you’re after a more affordable option, head to the port area behind the Town Hall. Restaurants along Rue Félix Faure offer French breakfast menus for around €9–10, often with a great view too.
Stop by Forville Market
Just below the old town, Marché Forville is one of the liveliest markets in Cannes. Open every morning except Mondays, it’s a sensory overload of color and scent — local fruits and vegetables, Mediterranean fish, Italian cheeses, flowers, spices, and street food. It’s a great place to grab lunch on the go.
Try the zucchini flower fritters (especially in spring and early summer), a local favorite that’s light, crispy, and full of flavor.
Climb to Le Suquet: Cannes’ Old Town
From the market, it’s a short (but steep) walk up to Le Suquet, the old town. Climbing through narrow streets lined with pastel buildings, you’ll reach a lookout terrace offering panoramic views over Cannes — from the port and the Palais des Festivals to the Lérins Islands offshore.
There’s also an old stone archway leading to a small square where you’ll get a fantastic view of the opposite side of the city and the mountains beyond.
If you prefer less walking, a free pink shuttle runs every 20 minutes and takes you straight to the old town. There’s also a tourist train (€14/person) departing near the festival building and a hop-on-hop-off bus that runs between 6:25 AM and 8:45 PM, with buses every 15 minutes.
Or rent a bike and follow the coast — you can even cycle all the way to Golfe-Juan, another charming spot with beaches and great food.
Take It Slow Along the Boulevard de la Croisette
No trip to Cannes is complete without a stroll down the Boulevard de la Croisette. It’s the heart of the city — lined with five-star hotels, luxury boutiques, and elegant cafés.
Stop by a sky-blue beach kiosk to grab a coffee, ice cream, or a fresh croissant. It’s a lovely way to just relax, people-watch, and enjoy the view.
Hit the Beach
If you’re here to unwind, Cannes’ beaches won’t disappoint. The water is warm and clear in summer, and even in October, it’s still swimmable for many. There are plenty of public beach areas, but if you’re looking for comfort, you can rent a sunbed at one of the private beaches starting from around €30 per day — depending on how close you want to be to the water.
For a quieter beach day, head toward Palm Beach or explore the public areas tucked behind the curve of the port.
Take a Boat to the Lérins Islands
Just 20 minutes from the old harbor by boat, the Lérins Islands feel like a world away from the buzz of Cannes. Peaceful, green, and surrounded by crystal-clear water, they’re perfect for a half-day escape.
Île Sainte-Marguerite is the larger island and home to the Fort Royal, where the infamous Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. You can also snorkel around the coastline or explore walking trails.
Île Saint-Honorat is smaller and more serene, still inhabited by monks. It has a special charm, and we once met a local monk for an interview — maybe that’s why we love this island a bit more.
Boats depart from Quai Laubeuf, at the far end of the port.
A Unique Stop: The Cemetery by the Sea
This might sound unusual, but Cannes has one of the most beautiful cemeteries on the Riviera. Built in 1866 and overlooking the sea, the Cimetière du Grand Jas is peaceful, elegant, and filled with history.
You can visit the grave of French writer and Riviera explorer Claude Aman, who co-authored The Book of the Riviera in 1931 with his sister. His tomb (in area 16) is tucked into a quiet corner of the cemetery.
It takes about 30 minutes to walk there from the port — uphill, but worth the effort for the view alone.
Sunset Cocktails at the Rooftop Bar
To end the day in style, head to the rooftop bar at Hôtel Radisson Blu, just minutes from the festival building. It’s the perfect spot for a final drink as the sun sets behind the bay. The atmosphere is calm, the city noise fades away, and the cocktails are top-notch — some even prepared right at your table.
Final Tip: Getting Around Cannes
- 🚶 Walking is easy and safe — the city is compact.
- 🚲 Rent a bike to explore further along the coast.
- 🚌 Use the hop-on-hop-off bus or tourist train for a guided experience.
- 🅿️ If driving, find parking near the port or underground lots — traffic can be tricky in peak hours.
That’s a wrap on our day in Cannes! Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or just passing through, this relaxed itinerary will give you a taste of the best the city has to offer — with time to enjoy every moment.
