With its wide boulevards and chic shopping streets, there are some wonderful places to stroll in Cannes. Whether you want to experience seaside, countryside or cobbled roads lined with wonderful architecture, here are our picks of the best spots to go for a wander in town.
Îles de Lérins
Building, Church, Natural Feature
The Îles de Lérins (Lérins Islands) are a group of four islands in the Mediterranean off the coast of Cannes. One of the most popular beaches in Cannes, Palm Beach, overlooks Île de Sainte-Marguerite. The second best well-known of the four islands is Île Saint-Honorat. Take the boat from the port and wander around the abbey in Saint-Honorat, where the monks have taken a vow of silence and they make wine and honey. Or take a long walk around Sainte-Marguerite along the coast. Amazing.
La Croix-des-Gardes
Park
In the 19th century, an English family was forced to rest up in Cannes after being stopped from reaching Italy by an outbreak of disease. They fell in love with what they saw – the scenery, the food, the climate – and decided to make Cannes their home. They built a huge house with even bigger gardens. Today, these gardens are a public park called La Croix-des-Gardes. Roam over 200 acres of seaside foliage, take one of the five trails and hike to The Cross (La Croix) at the top for the best views. This stroll really shows a different, quieter side of Cannes while still providing stunning views.
La Croisette
Building, Park
This might seem like an obvious choice for a pick of places to stroll in Cannes, but no list of wonderful walks in the city is complete without mentioning Cannes’ most famous boulevard, La Croisette. It’s an essential walk to really appreciate the town’s soul. The interesting thing about this much-hyped road is how much it changes character along its one-mile length. Large hotels dominate the architecture on one side, while the posher private beaches vie with free public ones. People gravitate here at all times of year, whether it’s to exercise, eat an ice cream or stroll slowly.
Become a Culture Tripper!
Sign up to our newsletter to
save up to 800$ on our unique trips.
Palm Beach (public)
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
People like Palm Beach because it’s free (so they don’t need to pay for a sun lounger), simple (there’s no waiter service to your towel) and because it’s off the beaten track – as much as you can be in Cannes. Palm Beach is right at the easterly end of the Boulevard de la Croisette and is a great place to watch windsurfers or paddle in the sea as you walk around the headland.
Plage du Midi (public)
Natural Feature
If you can manage it, combine Plage du Midi with Palm Beach, and walk the entire length of Cannes’ coastline. For a shorter stroll, take in Plage du Midi by itself, which is on the westerly side of Cannes. It’s near the old neighbourhood of Le Suquet and slightly more built up than Palm Beach, but certainly less chaotic a stroll than along the private beaches of La Croisette. End your walk with an ice cream from a local street vendor or some socca, the local chickpea pancake.
Le Suquet
Building
The old port in Cannes is an ideal place to wander because of the large, luxurious super yachts that come in and out of the harbour; it can be fun to people-watch here as you begin your stroll. If the night market is out, you can browse the jewellery and other trinkets on offer before heading up the cobbled streets into the small neighbourhood of Le Suquet. It isn’t big, but its multicoloured streets offer a look at life before Cannes gained its heady reputation. This neighbourhood is where Cannes’ most historic buildings can be found, including the Château de la Castre, which was built by local monks in the 12th century. Walk around the fishermen’s cottages and stop for dinner in one of the family-owned restaurants. There’s no better way to work up an appetite.
Looking for more recommended outdoor places to visit? Visit our article on the best beaches in Cannes.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip
Looking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
Gorgeous Guatemala
5 days . Mini
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.
Next
CentralAmerica
Beachy Belize
5 days . Mini
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
CentralAmerica
Colonial Mexico
5 days . Mini
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
Back to Map
SouthAmerica
Adventurous Ecuador
8 days . Epic
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.
Next
SouthAmerica
Ancient Peru
9 days . Epic
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
Back to Map
Seductive Southern Italy
10 days . Epic
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.
Next
Europe
Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train
7 days . Culture
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
Next
Europe
Complete Portugal By Train
8 days . Culture
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
Back to Map
Asia
Soulful South Korea
10 days . Epic
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.
Next
Asia
Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam
11 days . Epic
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
Next
Asia
Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train
10 days . Culture
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
Back to Map
Africa
Epic Morocco
11 days . Epic
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!
Next
Africa
Ultimate Egypt
9 days . Epic
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Next
Africa
Immersive Kenya
8 days . Epic
3. Kenya
An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
Back to Map
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
Read Next
The information you provided is a detailed guide to exploring Cannes, highlighting various attractions and spots worth visiting. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and places mentioned in the article:
-
Îles de Lérins (Lérins Islands): A group of four islands off the coast of Cannes. Notable spots include Palm Beach on Île de Sainte-Marguerite and the abbey on Île Saint-Honorat, where monks maintain silence and produce wine and honey.
-
La Croix-des-Gardes Park: Originally belonging to an English family, this 200-acre park offers scenic trails and leads to La Croix (The Cross), providing panoramic views of Cannes.
-
La Croisette: Cannes' most famous boulevard, stretching for a mile, known for its diverse character. It features large hotels, private beaches, and public spaces where people gather to exercise, stroll, or enjoy the scenery.
-
Palm Beach: Located at the easterly end of Boulevard de la Croisette, known for its free access, simplicity, and as a spot to watch windsurfers or enjoy the sea.
-
Plage du Midi: Situated on the westerly side of Cannes, a less chaotic alternative to La Croisette's private beaches. Adjacent to the old neighborhood of Le Suquet, offering a more serene stroll along the coastline.
-
Le Suquet: The old port area in Cannes, characterized by luxurious yachts and a night market. It leads to the historic neighborhood with multicolored streets, housing Cannes' oldest buildings, including Château de la Castre from the 12th century.
Additionally, the article touches upon destinations from different continents, offering curated trips such as mini adventures (Guatemala, Belize, Mexico), epic journeys (Ecuador, Peru, Italy), cultural experiences (Scotland, Portugal), and more across Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Lastly, it promotes Culture Trip's vision for responsible and meaningful travel experiences through premium small-group trips that are immersive, planet-friendly (flightless and carbon-offset), and tailored for various preferences.
In essence, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for exploring Cannes' diverse landscapes, historic neighborhoods, iconic boulevards, and nearby islands, while also offering curated travel experiences across the globe through Culture Trip's offerings.
