Cannes 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Cannes: A Glamourous Getaway

This itinerary is designed for a visitor with limited time in Cannes who wants to experience the highlights of this glamorous French city.

Accommodation:

  • Option 1 (Luxury): Hotel Martinez - This iconic hotel offers stunning sea views and luxurious amenities, perfect for a taste of the high life.

  • Option 2 (Mid-range): Hotel de France - A charming, centrally located hotel with comfortable rooms and a reasonable price tag.

  • Option 3 (Budget): Airbnb or Hostel in Le Suquet - Explore a more intimate side of Cannes by staying in a local apartment or opting for the affordability of a hostel in the historic district.

Day 1: Beaches, Glamour & Old Town Charm

Morning:

  • Activity: Relax and soak up the sun on the famous beaches of Cannes.

    • Beach Option 1: Plage de la Croisette - Enjoy the classic beach experience along the iconic promenade with its luxurious beach clubs and stunning Mediterranean views.
    • Beach Option 2: Plage du Midi - A quieter beach option in the heart of Le Suquet, perfect for a more relaxed day.

  • Transportation:

    • Walk to the beaches from your hotel/Airbnb, enjoying the charming streets of Cannes along the way.
    • Consider: Taking a taxi or using ride-sharing apps like Uber to reach the beach if you’re further away.

  • Lunch: Savor a delicious Mediterranean meal at one of the restaurants lining the beach.

Afternoon:

  • Activity: Stroll along the Promenade de la Croisette, the heart of Cannes.

    • Enjoy: The breathtaking views, stroll along the sandy beaches, and explore the boutiques, cafes, and luxurious hotels that make this area famous.

  • Things to do:

    • Relax on the beach: Enjoy the sun and sand at a beach in Cannes (consider Plage de la Croisette for its vibrant atmosphere or a quieter beach like La Bocca if you prefer).
    • Visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: Explore the venue of the Cannes Film Festival and experience its grandeur.
    • Shop for luxury goods: Browse the designer boutiques along the Rue d’Antibes, Rue du Commandant André, and along the Croisette.

  • Restaurants:

    • La Mère Germaine: Enjoy classic French cuisine in a charming and traditional setting (known for its affordable prix fixe menus).
    • Le Bistrot du Marché: Traditional French food with a focus on fresh ingredients from the local markets.
    • Astoux et Brun: Indulge in a luxurious lunch experience at this renowned restaurant.

Dinner: Have dinner on the beach at one of the many restaurants offering beautiful views and fresh seafood.

Evening:

  • Take a stroll: Enjoy the charming ambiance of the old town (Le Suquet) after sunset, with the city lights reflecting off the water.
  • Enjoy a cocktail: Sip on a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning sunsets from a rooftop bar.

Day 2: Exploring the Heights & Beyond

  • Transportation: Consider using public transportation like the bus or walking to explore the beauty of Cannes beyond its glitzy facade.

  • Things to do:

    • Take the bus: to reach the top of the hills and enjoy a walk through the charming streets of Le Suquet, exploring the local shops and stopping for coffee.
    • Visit the Musée de la Mer: Explore this museum dedicated to the maritime history of Cannes.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant with views of the coastline.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the Côte d’Azur, taking in the picturesque scenery.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Indulge in a traditional Provençal dinner.
    • Consider: exploring the nightlife on the French Riviera, which is renowned for its glamour and excitement.

Things to know:

  • Cannes Film Festival: The city of Cannes is most known for the annual Cannes Film Festival held in May. It’s a major event in the film industry and draws crowds from all over the world, so if you’re visiting during this time, book your accommodation and transportation well in advance.

  • Shopping: From high-end boutiques to local markets, Cannes offers something for every budget. Be prepared for some serious window shopping (and maybe even actual shopping) along the Croisette!

  • Explore the beaches beyond the Croisette:

    • For a quieter experience: Head to the more secluded beaches in the surrounding areas of Cannes.
    • Enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean: Leaning back and enjoying the sun on a beach away from the bustling crowds of the famed festivals.

Things to consider:

  • Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go, as the weather can be unpredictable even in sunny Cannes.

  • Crowds: Be aware that the beaches can get crowded depending on the season and time of day.

  • Beach Etiquette: Respect the beach etiquette and avoid setting up camp near private beach areas.

  • Accommodation:

Boulangeries:

Enjoy a taste of local life and indulge in fresh pastries and bread from one of the many boulangeries in Cannes.

Restaurants:

  • Enjoy: A delicious breakfast with a view, perhaps at a cafe overlooking the harbor.
  • Consider: Booking a table for lunch or dinner in advance, especially on busy days or during peak hours.

Other Things to Consider:

  • Transportation: Public transport is readily available and efficient in Cannes, so you can explore the charming Old Town (Le Suquet) and the surrounding beaches after your arrival.
  • Budget:

Day 1:

  • Enjoy: A delightful picnic lunch on the beach with fresh bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market.

  • Consider: Exploring other areas of the French Riviera like Antibes or Nice for a different cultural experience (both are easily accessible by bus).

Enjoy:

  • A day at the beach: Explore the beautiful coastline of Cannes beyond the Croisette.

  • Exploring the Palais des Festivals: The iconic venue offers tours and exhibitions, allowing you to explore its history and behind-the-scenes workings.

  • Take a boat trip:

Evening: Enjoy a cocktail at a beachfront bar or restaurant (enjoy live music while enjoying your view). *

Other areas of the French Riviera:

  • Visit the surrounding towns: Explore the charming streets and enjoy the local culture.

  • Experience the nightlife: Take a walk along the beach and experience the vibrant nightlife scene in Cannes.

  • Enjoy a cocktail: Try a new drink at a bar with a view.

  • Attend a party:

**Day 1:

Enjoy the beaches of the Côte d’Azur:**

Things to know:

What you can do:

  • Shop for fresh produce and seafood at a local market:

  • Experience the local culture: Explore the markets beyond the Promenade de la Croisette.

  • Enjoy the stunning views:

    • (Option 1) Enjoy a stroll through the charming streets of Le Suquet, sipping on a refreshing drink from a local “boulangerie” (bakery).

Dinner:

Consider:

  • Enjoying a traditional Provençal meal: Experience the vibrant culinary scene of the French Riviera.

  • Taking a cooking class: Learn to prepare delicious regional dishes.

  • Exploring the nightlife: Enjoy the nightlife and experience the local bars and restaurants.

  • Other things to enjoy:

    • Explore the beaches and take a dip in the sparkling Mediterranean waters (perhaps at Juan-les-Pins or Cap d’Antibes).

  • Enjoy a hike: Enjoy the beautiful coastline and hike up to one of the viewpoints for stunning photos.

  • Visit the beach at sunset: Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views over the sea, while enjoying delicious seafood appetizers and drinks.

Evening: (Optional)

  • Explore the nightlife:

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene in Cannes.

  • Dinner:

Activities:

  • Take a walk to the beach:

  • Enjoy the local cuisine:

    • Visit the old town of Nice: Enjoy the city’s history and architecture,
    • Cannes-style boat trips: Try one of the boat tours in the harbor (available on the French Riviera).

  • Experience a different side of life:

Things to remember:

  • Enjoy a relaxing evening:

Other things to enjoy:

  • Visit the Musée de la Mer (in Cannes): Take a look at the history of the sea and the role it played in shaping the city’s culture.

  • Explore the local nightlife: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and the excitement of the Cannes Film Festival.

  • Enjoy:

  • Enjoy: Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding towns and beaches.

  • Visit a local “boutique” (shop) for a souvenir: Remember that there are plenty of other places to enjoy on the French Riviera!

  • Cannes-style shopping:

Other activities:

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and culture of the nearby towns.

  • Explore the charming streets and shops:

  • Experience the charm of Nice:

Remember, this is just a starting point. You can customize your itinerary based on your interests and time constraints.

Enjoy!

  • Consider a boat tour:

  • in the afternoon or evening:

(Option 1) Enjoy a romantic evening walk: *

Enjoy a relaxing sunset:

  • Cote d’Azur (Cannes)

  • Try a local restaurant for fresh seafood and stunning views.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Cannes, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants.