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5 Things to do Cannes : the best of the French Riviera
Cannes is a city located in the French Riviera, in the south of France. It is known for its luxurious hotels, beautiful beaches, and the famous Cannes Film Festival, which takes place annually in May. The city has a population of around 75,000 people, but during the summer months, it attracts many tourists from all over the world.
Cannes has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The city is famous for its seafront promenade, La Croisette, which is lined with palm trees and luxury hotels. The promenade offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular spot for a leisurely stroll.
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world and attracts celebrities and filmmakers from all over the world. During the festival, the city comes alive with red carpet events, movie screenings, and parties.
Here are some things to see and do in Cannes:
Visit the French Riviera with a Tour Guide : the best things to do Cannes
Le Palais des Festivals Cannes
The Palais des Festivals is a convention center located in Cannes, France. It is most famous for being the venue of the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place annually in May. The Palais des Festivals was built in 1949, and it has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the growing number of visitors to the festival.
The Palais des Festivals is located on La Croisette, Cannes’ famous seafront promenade. The building has several exhibition halls, conference rooms, and screening rooms, making it an ideal location for various events, including film festivals, conferences, and trade shows.
During the Cannes Film Festival, the Palais des Festivals is the center of the action. It hosts movie screenings, red carpet events, and press conferences, and it attracts celebrities and filmmakers from all over the world. The building also houses the Palme d’Or theater, which is where the festival’s top prize, the Palme d’Or, is awarded.
Apart from the Cannes Film Festival, the Palais des Festivals hosts many other events throughout the year, including the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, MIPCOM, and the Tax Free World Exhibition.
Overall, the Palais des Festivals is an iconic landmark in Cannes, and it plays a significant role in the city’s cultural and economic life.
Walk along La Croisette
La Croisette is a famous seafront promenade located in Cannes, France. It stretches for about 2 kilometers along the Bay of Cannes and is lined with palm trees, gardens, luxury hotels, and high-end shops. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic places in Cannes and is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the city.
La Croisette offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding hills. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who come here to enjoy a leisurely stroll, people-watch, or simply relax on one of the many benches or terraces along the way. There are also many cafes and restaurants along the promenade where you can enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the view.
The promenade is also a popular spot for events and festivals. During the Cannes Film Festival, it becomes the center of the action, with red carpet events, movie screenings, and parties taking place at the nearby Palais des Festivals.
Overall, La Croisette is a beautiful and vibrant part of Cannes that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture, shopping, or simply enjoying the view, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Discover the Marché de Forville – The Forville Market
The Forville Market is a bustling market located in the heart of Cannes, France. It is one of the oldest markets in the city and has been in operation for over a century. The market is named after the Forville district where it is located and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The market is open daily, except on Mondays, and offers a wide range of fresh produce, seafood, meat, cheese, flowers, and other local products. You can find everything from fruits and vegetables to olives, spices, and homemade jams. The seafood section is particularly popular, with a wide selection of fish, shellfish, and other seafood delicacies.
Apart from food and drink, the Forville Market also has a variety of non-food stalls, selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items. It’s a great place to pick up some unique gifts or souvenirs to take home.
The market is a vibrant and bustling place, with vendors shouting out their wares and shoppers bargaining for the best prices. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and sample some of the delicious regional specialties.
Overall, the Forville Market is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Cannes. Whether you’re a foodie looking for fresh ingredients or just looking for a fun and lively place to shop, the Forville Market is definitely worth a visit.
The Suquet, a charming and hilltop district
The Suquet is the old town of Cannes, France, located on a hill overlooking the city and the bay. It is one of the oldest parts of Cannes, and it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. The Suquet is a charming and picturesque area with narrow streets, quaint houses, and beautiful views.
The area is home to several historic landmarks, including the Notre-Dame de l’Espérance Church, which dates back to the 17th century, and the Musée de la Castre, which is housed in a medieval castle and contains a collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The castle itself offers stunning views of the city and the bay.
The Suquet is also known for its many restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area has a lively nightlife, with many venues offering live music and entertainment. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink while soaking up the atmosphere of this charming old town.
One of the best ways to explore the Suquet is on foot. The area is pedestrian-friendly, and there are many walking trails and stairways that lead to the top of the hill. From there, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the bay.
Overall, the Suquet is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Cannes. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the charming atmosphere of an old town, the Suquet has something for everyone.
The Lérins Islands, a paradise close to Cannes
Lérins Islands are a group of four islands located off the coast of Cannes, France. The islands are known for their natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and fascinating history. They are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and are easily accessible by boat from Cannes.
The two largest islands are Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. Île Sainte-Marguerite is the larger of the two and is home to a beautiful natural park and several historic landmarks, including the Fort Royal, which was used as a prison in the 17th century and is now a museum. The island is also known for its beaches and hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline.
Île Saint-Honorat is smaller but has a rich cultural and religious history. It is home to a monastery, which was founded in the 5th century and is still inhabited by monks today. Visitors can tour the monastery and learn about its history and traditions. The island is also known for its vineyards, which produce some of the finest wines in the region.
The other two islands, Île Saint-Ferréol and Îlot de la Tradelière, are smaller and less developed, but still offer beautiful scenery and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Overall, a visit to the Lérins Islands is a must-do for anyone traveling to Cannes. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the Mediterranean, the Lérins Islands have something for everyone.