Cannes 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Cannes Itinerary: Sun, Sand & Glamour

This itinerary focuses on a mix of classic Cannes experiences (beaches & sunshine!), iconic sights, a taste of luxury, and some off-the-beaten-path recommendations. Adjust it to your interests and budget!

Day 1: Arrival & Cannes Classics

  • Morning: Arrive in Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) or take the train to Cannes.
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel/apartment and spend some time relaxing by the beach. Some popular choices are:
    • Plage de la Croisette: The iconic, sandy beach along the Boulevard de la Croisette. Enjoy the stunning views and lively atmosphere.
    • Hotel Martinez: For a luxurious experience, soak up the sun on the private beach of this legendary hotel.
  • Where to Stay: Consider staying in a charming boutique hotel on Rue Cler or a beachfront apartment for an immersive stay.

Day 2: Exploring Le Suquet & Cannes History

  • Morning: Wander through the historic streets of Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes. Visit the Musée de la Mer, the Tour du Château (the tower offers amazing views), and the charming Rue du Suquet.
  • Afternoon: Relax by the pool at your hotel or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Croisette Promenade, taking in the iconic Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Le Bistrot Gourmand: Enjoy traditional French cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. (Try: Moules Frites)
    • La Mère Germaine: This restaurant offers a delicious selection of seafood dishes.

Day 3: Glamour & Luxury on the Côte d’Azur

  • Morning: Indulge in a luxurious experience with a morning at a private beach club like La Plage or Plage du Martinez.

    • Things to do: Swim in the crystal-clear waters, soak up the sun on a plush lounger, and enjoy champagne brunch with stunning sea views.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Cannes Film Festival grounds and wander through the iconic Palm Beach.**

    • Visit: The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where you can see the stars’ handprints on the Walk of Fame along the Croisette.

  • Evening: Catch a film screening at a local cinema (like the Cinéma de la Plage for a unique outdoor experience) or, for a more exclusive viewing, attend a red carpet premiere.

Day 4: Shopping & Luxury Experiences

  • Morning: Enjoy a morning stroll through the charming streets of Cannes, browsing the luxury boutiques along the Rue d’Antibes and Rue du Commandant Garnier.

  • Where to Eat:

    • Lunch: Indulge in a gourmet meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant like La Palme d’Or or Le Palme d’Or (if you’re lucky enough to be there during the festival!).

Day 5: History & Art

  • Morning: Visit the Musée de la Castre, a fascinating museum housed in a medieval tower with stunning views and a focus on modern art.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historical streets of Le Suquet and discover hidden alleyways, charming cafés, and local shops selling artisan goods and Provençal souvenirs.

Day 6: Relaxing & Beachside Exploration

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxing morning at a beach club or explore the beaches of Îles de Lérins, a short boat ride from the mainland.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and take a dip in the Mediterranean.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Dinner: Explore the restaurants in the heart of Cannes, from traditional Provençal bistros to Michelin-starred restaurants, offering everything from casual seafood eateries to gourmet dining experiences.

Day 7: Departure & Lasting Memories

  • Morning: Stroll along the beachfront and admire the yachts. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach and soak up the atmosphere.
  • Afternoon: Relax on one of the beautiful beaches, enjoy a final glass of rosé and reflect on your glamorous week in Cannes.

Things to Know

  • Best time to visit: May-June and September-October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

  • Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance, especially during the film festival.

  • Transportation: Utilize public transportation like trains and buses for exploring the French Riviera. Walking is a great way to experience the charm of Cannes’ pedestrian-friendly streets.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the historic old town (Le Suquet) by foot. It’s a beautiful area with cobblestone streets, charming shops and restaurants, and stunning views of the Mediterranean.
    • Relax on a beach and enjoy the sun and sea. Many beaches offer a variety of activities like swimming, sunbathing, watersports and enjoying a relaxing beachside meal.
    • Enjoy the nightlife: The French Riviera is known for its vibrant nightlife. Explore the bars and clubs along the Croisette or in the old town.

  • Day Trips: Consider taking a day trip to nearby towns like:

    • Antibes: Explore the charming old town, visit the Picasso Museum, and enjoy the beaches and bustling city center.
    • Nice: Discover the vibrant Promenade des Anglais, wander through the colorful Old Town (Vieux Nice), and enjoy the stunning architecture and museums.

Accommodation Recommendations:

  • Luxury: Hotel Martinez, Hôtel Majestic Barrière, Hôtel de Paris
  • Boutique: Hôtel Le Suquet, Hôtel 3.14

Cannes is a popular destination, so it’s essential to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan on visiting during the Cannes Film Festival.

Dining Options (beyond the suggestions above):

  • Casual:
    • Le Petit Café: A charming café with a classic French menu.
    • La Piazza: Enjoy a casual Italian meal and a lively atmosphere.
  • Fine Dining:
    • For a truly luxurious experience, you can’t go wrong with the restaurants on the Croisette:
      • La Guerite: A beautiful beachfront restaurant

Accommodation Tips:

  • Budget: Look for hostels, Airbnb apartments, or budget hotels in the quieter areas of Cannes further from the festival crowds.

  • Mid-Range:

Consider staying at a charming hotel on the backstreets of the city, like Hotel Renoir, offering a more affordable option while still being near the action.

  • Luxury: Stay away from the Croisette and opt for a boutique hotel or villa in a nearby upscale neighborhood.

Dining Tips:

  • Explore local markets: Try fresh seafood at the “Marché Forville” market, or enjoy a picnic lunch with local cheese, bread, and wine.

  • Sample regional cuisine: Look for restaurants serving traditional Provençal dishes like bouillabaisse (a fish stew) and salade niçoise (a salad with tomatoes, anchovies, hard-boiled eggs, olives and anchovies).

  • Enjoy the “cafés de quartier”: These local cafes offer a variety of affordable and delicious meals.

Dining Options for Everyone:

  • Budget: Enjoy casual, affordable dining at one of the many restaurants in the old town (Le Sucault) that cater to all budgets. You can find affordable options on the French Riviera, such as:

  • Cuisines du Monde: A restaurant offering a variety of cuisines from around the world

  • Le Vieux Port: A charming, traditional bistro with excellent seafood and pasta dishes.

  • The “Plage”: Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the beach and explore the local cuisine.

Accommodations for the Film Festival:

  • Hotel Martinez: A luxurious beachfront hotel, known for its elegant rooms and stunning views.

  • Hotel Majestic: Located on the Croisette, this hotel offers a luxurious experience with a focus on fine dining and entertainment.

  • La Croisette restaurants: Enjoy the glitz and glam of the French Riviera’s culinary scene.

Dining Tips for the “Cannes Film Festival” experience:

  • Fine Dining: Look for restaurants with Michelin stars, focusing on high-quality cuisine and service.

  • Try a restaurant with a view: Many restaurants along the Croisette offer outdoor seating with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

  • Enjoy a traditional “Pastis”: This anise-flavored liqueur is a staple of the region and a great way to experience local flavors.

Remember: This itinerary is just a starting point. You can customize it based on your own interests, budget, and the amount of time you have available.

  • Other Activities:

    • Explore the charming streets of the “Suquet”, the old town of Cannes, with its picturesque alleyways and stunning views.

  • Enjoy the beach: Take a stroll along the coastline, soak up the sun on a private beach, or enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean Sea.

Things to Know:

  • The “Old Port” (Vieux Port) is a great place to start: Enjoy the fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere of the restaurants and cafes around it.

  • Consider a “Cannes Film Festival” experience: Enjoy the excitement of the festival, exploring the film-related exhibitions, parties and events.

  • Be prepared for crowds: The red carpet is a popular draw during the Cannes Film Festival, so expect to be amongst many other people.

Enjoy the beach: Visit the beaches of the French Riviera during the film festival.

Enjoy the “Cannes Film Festival” atmosphere: The “Croisette” is a great place for people-watching and seeing celebrities on the move.

  • Don’t forget to enjoy the local cuisine! The beachfront restaurants offer a variety of upscale dining options, from traditional French fare to international delicacies.

Transportation:

  • Train:

Trains are an excellent option for getting around the French Riviera. During the film festival, consider using public transportation as a more sustainable and efficient way to travel.

  • Bus: Buses are another affordable and convenient way to get around the region.

  • Ferry:

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from “Nice” to one of the nearby islands, such as Sainte-Marguerite or Île Sainte-Honorat.

Cannes is known for its stunning beaches.

Let’s have some fun!

Consider this:

  • Explore the “Croisette” by bike: Cycling along the Promenade de la Croisette is a delightful way to experience the beauty of the city and enjoy the sea breeze.
  • Rent a scooter: Scooters are popular for navigating the narrow streets and winding roads of the Côte d’Azur.

Enjoy the beaches:

Cannes boasts beautiful beaches, perfect for enjoying a variety of activities:

* **Relaxing:** Spend an afternoon sunbathing on the beach.
  • Visit the “Musée de la Castre” (a local museum in Cannes) for a taste of history and culture.

Enjoy the “Cannes Film Festival” experience: The “Cannes” is a popular destination for tourists, and the restaurants surrounding the Palais des Festivals are worth exploring for their vibrant atmosphere. Explore the city:

  • **Visit the beaches of the “Marché de la Forville” (a famous market in Cannes)
    • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the “Suquet”, the historic old town, and enjoy its picturesque views.
  • Seek out “cafés” with local flavor:

Explore the charming, upscale “Le Vieux Port” restaurants for a luxurious dining experience.

Enjoy:

  • The beaches of Cannes are known for their beauty and accessibility.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Palais de la Croisette, which hosts events during the film festival.

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery and explore the charming streets of Antibes
  • Stroll along the “Le Cap d’Antibes” (a peninsula in Cannes)
  • Relax by the beach, swim in the sea and enjoy a glass of wine at a “beachside café”

Enjoy your trip to Cannes!

Remember: This is just a sample itinerary. Your experiences can be tailored to your interests and budget.