THE GOLDEN CITY OF COTE D'AZUR: BEST THINGS TO DO IN CANNES FRANCE

Cannes, a picturesque city located on the French Riviera, is renowned for its glamorous film festival and luxurious lifestyle. However, this coastal destination offers much more than just red carpets and celebrity sightings. With its stunning beaches, rich history, cultural vibrancy, and culinary delights, Cannes is one of those cities we always hear about. Our familiarity with Cannes was largely centered around the Cannes Film Festival and the prestigious Palme d'Or award. However, we got to know Cannes better when our dear friend Burcu invited us to join her this year during her annual work-related visits to the city, where she'd have some free time.

Gokay didn't miss the opportunity to become a Jedi at La Croisette =)

We were surprised how much Turkish series are loved abroad!

Burcu comes to Cannes every October for the television fair named Mipcom, where she conducts numerous meetings. Cannes is a petite city, constantly vibrant due to events like this. Don't let its small size deceive you; life flows incessantly in Cannes, brimming with all its splendor. We truly loved Cannes with its small yet cosmopolitan structure. If there are palm trees and a beach in the city center, and especially if the weather is sunny, it can't get any better for us =)

Casinos in Cannes are famous worldwide.

Cannes, known for its promenade called La Croisette, where truly stylish people stroll, and the city's beachfront where individuals sip cocktails at upscale restaurants, offers a glamorous experience. You can spend delightful moments on the palm tree-lined beach on sunny days, partake in endless events, or be seen at the nightclubs where you might even spot a celebrity.

The famous blue chairs in Cannes.

Merry-go-rounds match romantic cities.

Things to do in Cannes are endless, you can stroll through the lively streets of the historic city center, Le Suquet, climb up to the castle for a beautiful view, or enjoy a coffee at cafes overlooking the Vieux Port while people-watching. Of course, one of the most appealing aspects of Cannes, or rather the Cote d'Azur, is the proximity of cities and villages to each other, offering many places to explore.

Small art pieces in Cannes streets.

If you look closely, you'll recognize everyone on this wall!

Watch our Cannes vlog about how to spend one day in Cannes. We shot it on our second visit to Cannes during a Royal Caribbean cruise to Barbados. Cannes cruise port is right in the city center and it's very easy to explore the main attractions in Cannes on a cruise stop.

PLACES TO SEE IN CANNES

Cannes, situated in the Alpes-Maritimes department in France, is synonymous with glitz, glamour, and the iconic Cannes Film Festival. However, beyond the film festival, Cannes boasts beautiful Mediterranean beaches, vibrant markets, historical sites, and a blend of modernity and tradition.

EXPLORING CANNES' PROMENADE La Croisette

When it comes to must-visit places in Cannes, the first and foremost spot that comes to mind, and where we spent most of our time, is the famous Boulevard de La Croisette. This 2 km-long promenade is truly a delightful walking area. There's nothing quite like enjoying the sun amidst the palm trees and people strolling leisurely in their own world.

A sunny day at La Croisette in Cannes, France.

Along this promenade in Cannes, you'll find several ice cream shops. On the other side of the road, there are expensive boutiques, luxury hotels, restaurants, and cafes. A few steps down, you'll reach the beach.

Art in Cannes =)

Visiting art galleries in Cannes.

Who is the fairest of them all?

If you want to sit and relax while enjoying the crystal-clear blue sea and its pleasant scent, you'll come across another symbol of Cannes—blue chairs. These chairs are movable, so you can pull your seat to wherever you like and sit back, observing the surroundings.

Locals in Cannes love to hang out at La Croisette

Although the buildings are simply concrete, it looks aesthetic!

The Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place, is also located here. Since its first edition, which took place in 1947, the festival has been held here. The famous steps where celebrities take photos are also here, although access is restricted. In reality, it's quite a small place compared to what we see on television.

CANNES OLD TOWN - LE SUQUET

Astonishing view from the castle in Cannes.

Le Suquet is the historic center of Cannes. As you climb up the narrow and small streets full of quaint houses, you reach the medieval castle at the top of the hill. It truly has a breathtaking view of Cannes and the bay. In the streets of Cannes historic city center, there are many charming shops and restaurants. Aside from going up to the castle for a panoramic view, we didn't spend much time on this side.
You can also book a guided walking tour in Cannes from here.

Cannes Historic City Center Streets

BEACHES IN CANNES

Cities with beaches in their center always hold a special place for us, and Cannes is one of them. Cannes boasts a rare sandy beach on the Cote d'Azur, and we'd like to mention that on October 20th, people were still swimming in the sea. However, we were so tired that we settled for a coffee at a beachside café and dipping our feet in the water. Even that was fantastic—Cannes won our hearts with its large-grain sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea.

This was built the day before we arrived.

One of the cafes in Cannes Beach.

The beach along this 2 km stretch is called Plage de la Croisette, and a small portion of it is designated as a public beach. The rest are private beach establishments that can be quite expensive. During this season, there weren't many using the beach, but in summer, getting a sunbed and umbrella service can cost around 30 Euros per day. However, there were many people using the public beach in Cannes. We enjoyed an affordable coffee at the café we sat at while witnessing a magnificent sunset.
Check all hotels in Cannes, France from here.

We love the sunset in cannes =)

RUE DE ANTIBES

Rather than the high-end boutiques on La Croisette, this bustling street features more moderate shops like Zara, H&M, and the like, where you can do your shopping. Similar to the Promenade de la Croisette but extending inland, Rue de Antibes almost runs across the city. Here, you can not only shop for clothing but also find cosmetics, perfumes, and souvenirs.

Rue de Antibes

UNVEILING CANNES' CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC SCENE

Cannes is home to various cultural institutions and art galleries, showcasing both contemporary and classical art. Visitors can explore the Musée de la Castre and Musée de la Mer, which house impressive art collections and exhibits.

NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT IN CANNES

As the sun sets, Cannes comes alive with vibrant nightlife. From chic bars to beach clubs, the city offers diverse entertainment options, making it an ideal destination for night owls.

DAY TRIPS FROM CANNES

Cannes' strategic location allows for day trips to nearby attractions like Nice, Antibes, Eze, St. Tropez, and Grasse. Explore the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of these neighboring towns. By the way, one of the easiest ways to explore the Cote d'Azur is by renting a car, but finding a car during these seasons can be a bit challenging. Just at the moment of such desperation, we stumbled upon something on kayak.com that brightened our trip. At the end of Rue de Antibes street, at number 147, there's a Hertz car rental, and within Hertz, there's another company called Dollar where you can rent a car at a very affordable price—keep this in mind.

INDULGING IN GOURMET EXPERIENCES - WHERE TO EAT IN CANNES

Cannes is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a range of dining experiences from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming local eateries. Sample exquisite French cuisine and savor Mediterranean flavors at the city's diverse culinary establishments.

Eating out in Cannes can indeed require a significant budget. Especially in the city center, a main meal typically costs above 20-25 Euros. In such situations, we balance our spending by either buying something from the market for one meal if we've spent a lot on one meal, or even resorting to options like McDonald's, even if it's not our preferred choice.

We tried Le Voilier Restaurant in Cannes, located at 61 on La Croisette with our dear friend Burcu and her husband. When Burcu said it would be the best Caesar salad you've ever had, we honestly thought she was exaggerating. But we were mistaken. Both the presentation and the Caesar dressing were exceptionally well-done. We also had seafood spaghetti, and they were generous with the ingredients, making it incredibly tasty. However, it's worth noting that the restaurant was a bit pricey, not just for Turkey but even for Europe. We paid around 55 Euros in total for lunch, including beverages.

The best Caesar Salad in Cannes, France.

Seafood Spaghetti at Le Voilier Restaurant in Cannes, France.

As mentioned before, one of our favorite aspects of Cannes is the beach in the city center. We enjoyed a delightful coffee with a sunset view at Le Goeland, one of the beachfront establishments here. They also offer cocktails and food if you prefer. Despite being an upscale place, it had a very natural and sweet ambiance with plastic tables and blue umbrellas. Some people were sipping their drinks on the loungers as well.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly place to eat in Cannes, we recommend Ma Nolan's Irish Pub, located on Rue Buttura. They offer a tasty burger for 9.5 Euros, and their variety of beers is quite impressive. The interior has a classic Irish Pub vibe, with live sports broadcasts on weekdays and live music on weekends.

Small shops to get snacks in Cannes.

Delicious macarons of Jean Luc Pele.

For the cheapest dining option in Cannes, there's a McDonald's located at the far end of La Croisette towards the castle side. It can be a lifesaver at times. Additionally, in the historic city center, there's a famous macaron shop called Jean Luc Pele if you're interested in trying it out.

WHERE TO STAY IN CANNES

We stayed at Residence Carlton Riviera in Cannes as guests of Burcu for 3 nights. It's an apartment building located at the back of the famous Carlton Hotel Cannes, offering rental apartments. The apartments at Carlton Riviera have a very pleasant decor and are equipped with everything you might need, from a washing machine to a toaster. Although quite expensive, we were surprised to find that housekeeping didn't even change our sheets or provide new coffee during our stay. One advantage is the free parking facility. While Cannes hotels may not be very cheap, we'd like to mention that there are much better options available at relatively more reasonable prices.

Our view from our room in Residence Carlton Riviera.

HOW TO REACH CANNES FROM NICE

Despite Cannes having an airport, there aren't many flights directly to Cannes. Instead, you can opt to fly to Nice Cote d'Azur Airport and then travel to Cannes from Nice. There are three ways to get from Nice Airport to Cannes city center. Firstly, you can take an express bus by paying around 15 Euros. Secondly, for about 10-12 Euros, you can use the train from Nice Airport to Cannes. Alternatively, like we did, you can take bus number 620 (used to be 200) from just across Nice airport by paying 2.10 Euros and reach Cannes Train Station. However, it's worth noting that bus 620 takes quite a long time and stops at every station. Additionally, if you plan to use the bus later on, you can purchase 10 combined tickets for a better price, which can be used by several people together.

Our dear friends, who showed us around Cannes.

Did you know I can't resist petit trains?

What is the best time to visit Cannes, France?
The ideal time to visit Cannes is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are less.

Are the beaches in Cannes public or private?
Cannes has a mix of public and private beaches. You can choose from both, depending on your preference and budget.

Can I visit Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival?
Yes, you can visit during the Cannes Film Festival, usually held in May, but be prepared for increased prices and crowds.

How can I get around in Cannes?
Cannes has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains. Taxis and ridesharing services are also readily available.

What are some must-try dishes in Cannes?
Don't miss trying local delicacies like Bouillabaisse (fish stew), Socca (chickpea pancake), and Ratatouille (vegetable stew) during your visit to Cannes.

Buraya geldiğimizden beri bütün mevsimleri yaşadık, bir tek kar yağmadı ❄️□ Cannes'a indiğimiz gün hava yüzülecek kadar sıcakken arada geçen 4 günde sıcaklık yarı yarıya düştü, yağmurlar sel oldu ve bugün güneş tekrar açtı. Yaşasın yaz! □☺️ #antibes #cannes #fransa #france #palm #palmiye #□ #vacation #wanderlust #mytravelgram #travelphotography #discoverfrance #traveldiaries #forbestravelguide #cntravelertr #lifewelltravelled #livetravelchannel #dailyescape #tlpics #letsgoeverywhere #travelbloggers #expediapic #exploringtheglobe #beatifuldestinations #cotedazur #blue #tree #palmtree #cotedazur #frenchriviera .......……........................... Siz de en beğendiğiniz seyahat fotoğraflarınızı kokladunyayi hashtagi ile paylaşın, beğendiklerimizi yayınlayalım. □ / Share your favourite travel pics with #kokladunyayi hashtag and we will share the ones we choose on our instagram!

A photo posted by Kokla Dünyayı (@kokladunyayi) on Oct 24, 2016 at 1:01am PDT