Every May, Cannes shifts into a different rhythm. Limousines glide down La Croisette, photographers cluster around the red carpet, and the Mediterranean backdrop becomes the world’s most glamorous stage. But beyond the flashbulbs and premieres of the Cannes Film Festival, the city reveals a layered charm that rewards wandering. Between screenings and star sightings, you’ll find quiet island monasteries, bustling markets, old-town stairways scented with jasmine, and seaside promenades where the Riviera slows to a sun-drenched stroll.
Whether you’re attending Festival de Cannes 2026 or simply soaking up the atmosphere while the world of cinema descends on this stretch of the French Riviera, the best way to experience Cannes is to explore both its spectacle and its everyday pleasures. From iconic landmarks to coastal escapes, these are the places that capture the city’s true spirit during festival season.
Walk The Legendary La Croisette
No visit to Cannes is complete without a stroll along La Croisette, the palm-lined boulevard that runs parallel to the Mediterranean. During the Cannes Film Festival, this stretch becomes the beating heart of the city. Luxury hotels like the Carlton, Martinez, and Majestic host film stars, journalists, and industry insiders, while terraces buzz with conversations about premieres and deals. Even outside festival screenings, the promenade is a place to soak up Riviera glamour. Walk its two-kilometre length at sunset and you’ll pass private beach clubs, luxury boutiques, and classic Belle Époque façades, all framed by the sea’s endless blue.
What you’ll experience: Cannes’ most glamorous promenade, lined with legendary hotels and boutiques
Vibe check: Riviera elegance with a lively festival buzz
Don’t miss: The Palais des Festivals end of the boulevard, where red carpet excitement builds each evening
Explore The Old World Charm Of Le Suquet
Step away from the glamour of the Croisette and climb into Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic quarter perched above the harbour. The neighbourhood feels like a time capsule: narrow cobbled streets, flower-draped staircases, and pastel houses leaning into each other. At the top sits the Château de la Castre and the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Espérance, offering sweeping views over the port and bay. During the festival, Le Suquet becomes a welcome escape from the crowds below, where small bistros spill onto terraces and the atmosphere feels distinctly local. It’s the Cannes that existed long before film premieres arrived.
What you’ll experience: Cannes’ historic heart with panoramic views
Vibe check: Quiet, atmospheric, and wonderfully old-world
Don’t miss: Sunset from Place de la Castre overlooking the Old Port
Visit The Lérins Islands
Just a short ferry ride from Cannes’ Old Port lie the Lérins Islands, a peaceful archipelago that feels worlds away from festival frenzy. Île Sainte-Marguerite is the larger of the two and is known for the Royal Fort, where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned. Pine forests, rocky coves, and walking trails make it ideal for a slow afternoon outdoors. Nearby Île Saint-Honorat is home to a centuries-old monastery where monks still produce wine and liqueurs. Between screenings and late-night parties, the islands offer a rare moment of calm.
What you’ll experience: A tranquil island escape minutes from Cannes
Vibe check: Serene Mediterranean nature with historic intrigue
Don’t miss: Swimming or snorkelling in the clear lagoons between the islands
Spend An Afternoon At Cannes’ Sandy Beaches
Unlike many Riviera destinations known for pebbled shores, Cannes boasts long stretches of golden sand. During festival season, the beaches become daytime lounges for filmmakers, journalists, and visitors alike. Along La Croisette, private beach clubs offer sunbeds, seafood lunches, and cocktails with a view of anchored yachts. Public beaches such as Plage Macé or Zamenhof provide a more relaxed alternative, where locals gather to swim and unwind. Whether you choose a glamorous beach club or a quiet public stretch, the Mediterranean always steals the show.
What you’ll experience: Soft sand beaches and turquoise waters
Vibe check: Effortlessly chic Riviera relaxation
Don’t miss: A late afternoon swim before the festival’s evening premieres begin
Wander Through Marché Forville & Rue Meynadier
To see a more everyday side of Cannes, head to Marché Forville, the city’s beloved food market near the Old Town. Stalls overflow with Provençal produce—ripe tomatoes, olives, cheeses, seafood, and fragrant herbs. Just outside, cafés and bistros buzz with locals enjoying leisurely lunches. From the market, stroll down Rue Meynadier, a lively pedestrian street lined with bakeries, delicatessens, and century-old family-run shops. The contrast with Cannes’ luxury boutiques is striking—and refreshing.
What you’ll experience: Authentic Provençal market culture
Vibe check: Lively, colourful, and deliciously local
Don’t miss: Sampling fresh pastries or olives from one of the market stalls
Cruise The Coastline By Boat
Seeing Cannes from the water offers a completely different perspective. Boat tours departing from the Old Port glide past the city’s elegant shoreline and toward the red cliffs of the Estérel Massif. Options range from relaxed catamaran sails to speedboat excursions and island-hopping trips. During festival season, yachts fill the bay, adding to the spectacle. It’s one of the most memorable ways to appreciate the Riviera’s dramatic scenery.
What you’ll experience: Cannes’ coastline and nearby islands from the sea
Vibe check: Relaxed luxury with spectacular Mediterranean views
Don’t miss: Sunset cruises when the Croisette glows golden
Ultimately, Cannes is best experienced in the moments between the spectacle. One minute you may be brushing past tuxedo-clad festival guests on the Croisette, and the next you’re climbing quiet stone steps in Le Suquet or watching the Mediterranean shimmer from a sandy beach. That contrast is what gives the city its enduring allure. While the Cannes Film Festival may draw the world’s attention here, the real magic lies in discovering the layers of the town itself—its coastal beauty, old-world corners, and easy Riviera charm that linger long after the closing credits roll.
FAQs
1. When will the Cannes Film Festival 2026 take place?
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be held from 12 May to 23 May 2026 in Cannes, France.
2. Can tourists attend the Cannes Film Festival?
Most screenings require official accreditation, but visitors can still experience the festival atmosphere and attend some public events.
3. Where does the Cannes Film Festival take place?
The main venue is the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, located on the famous La Croisette promenade.
4. What are the best places to visit in Cannes besides the festival?
Highlights include La Croisette, Le Suquet Old Town, the Lérins Islands, Marché Forville, Cannes’ beaches, and cultural villas.
5. Is Cannes worth visiting during the film festival?
Yes. While it is busier and more expensive, the city has a unique energy during the festival, combining cinema, Riviera scenery, and lively events.
