Couples in Cannes: Saint-Honorat and Sunset Bars
Cannes is at its best for two people at the edges of the day: early boats to an island, sunset along the seafront and late dinners in the old town. Prices are in euros.
An island afternoon
Take the Planaria boat to Île Saint-Honorat, 15 to 20 minutes from the old port. A return ticket is €19.50 for adults online. The island is a working Cistercian abbey of about 40 hectares with picnic areas, a coastal path of roughly an hour and a half and a free fortified monastery. The monks’ wines can be tasted, and La Tonnelle serves lunch under an arbour; book it online. Dress modestly, do not smoke and keep to the quiet that the community asks for. The last boats back leave mid to late afternoon in winter and around 18:00 in summer, and sailings can be cancelled in bad weather.
Drinks with a view
The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, at 58 Boulevard de la Croisette reopened in 2023, and Bar°58 is its bar. The Hôtel Martinez and the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic are close by. A walk from the Palais to Pointe Croisette at sunset costs nothing and shows the Esterel hills turning red across the bay.
Dinner in Le Suquet
Rue Saint-Antoine rises through the old town with small restaurants on both sides. Book ahead in summer. Afterwards walk down through the lit streets to the old port.
Bay fireworks
On six evenings in July and August the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique lights the bay, free from the shore; the 2026 shows began at 22:00. The festival’s press release lists the 2026 programme, and the 2027 dates come out through the Palais des Festivals.
A quiet museum hour
The Centre d’art La Malmaison at 47 Boulevard de la Croisette is a 19th-century pavilion with changing contemporary shows and a free terrace. It closes on Mondays. The Musée des Explorations du Monde in Le Suquet, about €6.50, makes a calm hour inside a medieval castle with sea views.
Timing
May is the festival month, from 11 to 22 May in 2027, and rooms are scarce and dear. Outside it, spring and early autumn are calm. Wear flat shoes for the steps of Le Suquet and the island paths, and carry a light layer for the boat home.
Choose a hotel near the seafront: search Cannes hotels on Booking.com . Read more: Cannes couple activities and solo activities in Cannes .