Cannes

How many days: 3

Three days is enough for the beach, the old town and a boat trip. A long weekend is perfect.

Use one day for the Lerins islands, and one for a nearby hill village or Nice.

What to do in Cannes

Walk along the Croisette

The famous seafront promenade is lined with palm trees, beaches and grand hotels. A good evening stroll.

Climb up to Le Suquet

The old quarter on the hill has narrow streets, a tower and views over the bay.

Take a boat to the Lerins Islands

Two islands a short ferry ride away have quiet trails and calm swimming spots.

Spend a day on the beach

Public and private beaches line the bay. Public ones are free but busier.

Visit the Forville market

A covered market with local produce, cheese and flowers. Go in the morning.

See the film festival palace

The red-carpeted steps are open to look at, even when no festival is running.

Visit Grasse

An inland town known for its perfume industry. Some factories offer tours.

Take a train to Antibes or Nice

Both are short rides along the coast, and trains run often.

Visit the Chateau and museum in Le Suquet

A castle on the hill houses a small museum, and the tower gives wide views.

Hike in the Esterel hills

Red volcanic rock meets blue sea, along marked trails. Take water and a hat.

See the painted murals

Several walls in the old town have murals that tell the story of the city.

Walk to Palm Beach and the point

A short walk or bike ride from the centre, with calm views and smaller beaches.

Cycle the coast path

A flat path links beaches and bays, and bike rental is easy to find.

Visit a hill village

Mougins and Valbonne are old villages with cafes and shaded squares. A quiet change from the coast.

Take a food walk through the old town

Small streets near the market hold bakeries, cheese shops and wine bars. A good way to taste the region in an afternoon.

What to eat and drink

Socca

A thin chickpea pancake, a speciality of the Riviera.

Salade nicoise

A salad of tuna, egg, olives and vegetables.

Fresh seafood and bouillabaisse

Fish stew and plates of shellfish are served in harbour restaurants.

Pissaladiere

An onion and anchovy tart, sold in bakeries.

Provencal rose

A pale, dry rose that matches the climate.

Local pastries

Tarte tropezienne and fresh croissants are best at a morning bakery.

Fresh market produce

Local tomatoes, olives and cheeses are on sale at markets.

Ice cream and sorbet

Small shops sell local flavours, and a cone is a good treat on the Croisette.

Ratatouille and Provencal vegetables

Slow-cooked vegetables with olive oil and herbs, a simple local dish.

Getting around

The centre is walkable, and most sights are close. Trains along the coast are quick and frequent.

Buses and taxis cover the hills.

Boats to the islands leave from the old port.

Good to know

• Prices rise sharply during the film festival and in high summer. Book ahead.
• Beaches can be crowded in July and August.
• Dress smartly in the evening, as many places expect it.
• Swim in marked areas, and look for lifeguards.
• Entry rules vary by nationality, so check the official site.
• Many beaches belong to private clubs, with sunbeds for hire. Look for the public sections to stay free.
• A day trip to Nice, Antibes or Saint-Paul-de-Vence is easy by train and bus.
• The sea is calm and warm in summer and early autumn. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper.
• Cannes is small, and most visitors stay near the sea. The old port and the beaches are a short walk apart.