Cannes Cruise Port: The Best Things to See and Do
Cannes is a glamorous city on the French Riviera, famous for its international film festival, luxury hotels, and stunning beaches. But, there’s more to Cannes than glitz and glamour. The city also has a rich history, a charming old town, a vibrant market, and beautiful islands to explore.
I’m a travel agent, highly-experienced Europe expert travel itinerary planner, and Virgin Voyages aficionado. I’ve explored Cannes, the French Riviera, and other parts of France in depth. (See my “Places I have Visited” page for help planning more of your European travels!)
Get in touch with me to plan your perfect “One Day in Cannes Cruise Port” itinerary or to get the best deals on Virgin Voyages!
If you are visiting Cannes cruise port, here are some of the best things to see in one day. Additionally, I’ve also included some tips on where to eat, drink, and shop.
Virgin Voyages stops in Cannes from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the French Daze and Ibiza Nights itinerary. You have a full day to explore AND you can eat a delicious dinner in port, if you choose to!
Cannes Cruise Port Things to Do: Quick Guide
- Cannes Walking Tour
- Boulevard de la Croisette
- Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
- Le Suquet (Old Town)
- Beach Clubs on Croisette Beach
How to Get to Cannes from the Cruise Port
Cannes Cruise Port is located in the old port (Vieux Port), near the city center and the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. Most cruise ships anchor in the bay and tender their passengers ashore to the quay, where you will find the Cannes cruise terminal. Above all, you should plan ahead and try to get on a tender in advance of when you want to get on land!
Tip: Register for one of the earliest tender times for the easiest and most crowd-free experience.
To get to the town, you have the option of walking or taking a taxi. You can find the taxi stand in front of the terminal building. Additionally, there is also a local bus service that costs one euro. You can also explore the city by trolley (Le Train du Cinema), which stops at La Croisette, the closest stop to the Cannes cruise port terminal.
What to See and Do in Cannes in One Day
Cannes is a relatively small city, but it has a lot to offer to its visitors. You can easily explore the main sights and attractions in one day, or even half a day. It depends on your pace and preferences. I’ve written some of the best things to see and do in Cannes in one day.
Take a Cannes Walking Tour
In my opinion, the BEST way to see Cannes is with a walking tour. I LOVE walking tours. You join a group, get escorted around, and hear about all the sights.
What to do Riviera hosts a “free walking tour” Tuesday to Sunday at 10:30 a.m. during the summer and shoulder seasons. Times differ based on the season – check the schedule ahead. I’ve taken this awesome tour and learned so much about the history and the culture of Cannes. I cannot recommend it enough! Book ahead!
Cannes also has a Petit Train but it does not offer much and does not have the best reviews.
Wander down the Boulevard de la Croisette
One of the first things you should do in Cannes is to stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette! This is the iconic promenade that curves along the seafront. The Croisette is lined with palm trees, elegant boutiques, chic cafes, and prestigious hotels, such as the Carlton, the Majestic, and the JW Marriott. You’ll definitely want a photo here!
You can admire the views of the Mediterranean Sea, the sandy beaches, and the yachts in the marina. You can also spot some of the famous landmarks of Cannes, such as the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the film festival is held.
Also see the Casino Barrière (although located on Rue du Maréchal Foch), where you can try your luck at the games.
Experience the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the heart of the Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most prestigious cinema event. It takes place every May. The Palais is a modern building that hosts screenings, ceremonies, conferences, and exhibitions throughout the year.
You can visit the Palais and see the famous red carpet, the auditoriums, the press rooms, and the star dressing rooms. You can also take a photo with the handprints of celebrities on the Chemin des Étoiles, or join a guided tour to learn more about the history and secrets of the festival.
Explore the charm of Le Suquet (Old Town)
Le Suquet is the old quarter of Cannes, located on a hill overlooking the bay. It is the original site of the town, dating back to Roman times. Le Suquet has a medieval atmosphere, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and quaint shops and restaurants. To me, the neighborhood seemed like such a contrast too the “new” glamorous Cannes.
You can visit the Musée de la Castre, a 12th-century castle that houses an art collection and offers panoramic views from its tower. I highly recommend going up there!
You can also see the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, a 16th-century church with a Gothic bell tower and beautiful stained-glass windows.
Visit the vibrant Marché Forville
If you want to experience the local culture and cuisine of Cannes, you should visit the Marché Forville, the main market of the city. The market is located near the old quarter of Le Suquet, at the foot of a hill overlooking the bay. It offers a range of fresh and quality products, such as fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, meat, fish, and flowers.
You can also sample some of the local delicacies, such as socca (a chickpea pancake), pissaladière (an onion and anchovy tart), tapenade (an olive paste), or ravioli Niçois (stuffed pasta with cheese and spinach). The market is open every day from 7:30 am to 1 pm, except on Mondays when it becomes a flea market.
French food is so fresh delicious – make sure to pick up at least a snack while in port. My recommendation is truffle cheese!
Discover the beauty of Lérins Islands
The Lérins Islands are a group of four islands off the coast of Cannes, but only two of them, Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, are open to visitors.
Sainte-Marguerite is the largest island. Is has a pine forest, sandy beaches, and a royal fort that may have housed the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. The island also has a museum that displays archaeological and historical exhibits.
Saint-Honorat is the smallest island, where monks have lived for over 16 centuries. The island has a monastery, a church, and several chapels, as well as an ancient fortress. The monks also produce wine and liqueurs from the island’s vineyards and plants. The Lérins Islands are a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers a contrast to the busy city of Cannes.
Cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, offer excursions around the Lérins Islands, as well.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cannes
I’ve compiled a list of some of the top restaurants. If you’d rather eat onboard, keep scrolling to the next section!
Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière
This stunning seaside spot is both a beach club and a chic restaurant, turning up the elegant atmosphere in the evening. If you go for sunset, you’ll watch the incredible view from your table, and you can walk along the sand.
The food is based in meats and seafood, and the menu changes seasonally. The service is impeccable, and food is fresh, so this is a must-eat on a beautiful evening or for lunch on the beach.
La Palme d’Or
On the first floor of the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, you can find La Palme d’Or, a two-star Michelin restaurant that serves sophisticated and inventive cuisine. The chef, Christian Sinicropi, creates dishes that are both tasty and artistic, using ingredients that are fresh and local.
The restaurant is named after the Palme d’Or award, which is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival, and its dishes are inspired by the Mediterranean and the golden palm symbol. You can admire the views of the bay, the decor, and the service, which are all elegant and refined. La Palme d’Or is a favorite spot for celebrities and film enthusiasts, but it is also very pricey and needs a booking.
Astoux et Brun
If you are looking for a seafood restaurant in Cannes, you might want to try Astoux et Brun. It is a family business that started in 1953 and is situated near the old port and the Palais du Festival. Astoux et Brun is a warm and lively place, where you can savor the authentic flavor of Mediterranean cuisine.
You can sit on the terrace and enjoy the view of the sea while tasting fresh and quality seafood, such as oysters, lobsters, mussels, and fish, that are bought from the local market. You have a choice of dishes, such as seafood platters, grilled fish, bouillabaisse, or paella.
L’éponyme d’Éric
If you are looking for a fine dining experience in Cannes, you might want to visit L’éponyme d’Éric. It’s owned and managed by the chef Éric Houard. He creates exquisite dishes, inspired by his Corsican roots and Mediterranean cuisine.
You can taste some of Houard’s specialties, such as foie gras, lamb, duck, or fish, served with fresh and seasonal vegetables. You can also indulge in some of his homemade desserts, such as tiramisu, crème brûlée, or chocolate cake. L’éponyme d’Éric is a friendly and cozy place, where you can savor a tasty and generous meal.
Le Roof
Le Roof is a rooftop lounge bar and restaurant at the Five Seas Hotel with an incredible panoramic view. It’s near the Palais des Festivals in Cannes Relax in the pool, enjoy cocktails and champagnes, listen to lounge music, and try the creative dishes and finger food of chef Lori Moreau. Le Roof is open daily from noon to midnight, and you can book a table online or by phone.
More to Explore While Visiting Cannes Cruise Port
Relax on La Croisette Beach
La Croisette Beach is the most famous and popular beach in Cannes, located along the Boulevard de la Croisette. It is a long and wide sandy beach, with clear and calm water. You can sunbathe, swim, or play some beach games.
You can also rent a sunbed, a parasol, or a towel from one of the many private beach clubs, such as the Carlton, the Majestic, or the Martinez. Look up rates in advance – these beach clubs get pricey during peak season.
Enjoy some food and drinks from their restaurants and bars. La Croisette Beach is a great place to enjoy the sun and the sea, but it can also be very crowded and expensive.
Admire yachts at Port Pierre Canto
Port Pierre Canto is the second port of Cannes, dedicated to sailing and yachting activities. It is located between the Croisette and the Bay of Cannes. You’ll see some of the most luxurious and impressive yachts in the world.
You can admire the yachts from the quay, or take a boat tour to see them up close. You can also visit the Yacht Club de Cannes, which organizes regattas and events throughout the year. Port Pierre Canto is a place where you can enjoy the glamour and elegance of Cannes, as well as the beauty of the sea.
Shop for Unique Finds
If you’ve forgotten anything for your trip and need to run into a mainstream store, Rue d’Antibes is your best bet for any of your ports. It has 800 stores on the stretch. There are more stores close by – many familiar brands like Zara and Sephora for your needs. Rue d’Antibes is the busiest street in Cannes!
One of the best places to shop for unique finds is Rue Meynadier, a pedestrian street that runs parallel to Rue d’Antibes. Here you will find a mix of local shops, delicatessens, and specialty stores that sell everything from cheese and wine to perfume and jewelry.
You can also browse through the stalls of the flea market that takes place every Monday at the Marché Forville, where you can find vintage clothing, books, records, and other treasures.
If you are looking for more upscale and designer shopping, head to the Boulevard de la Croisette. Here you’ll find all the major French luxury brands, as well as famous names such as Gucci, Armani, and Prada. This is the place to splurge on some high-end fashion or accessories, or just window shop and admire the glamorous displays!
For art lovers, Cannes has several galleries and museums that showcase local and international artists. You can visit the Galerie de Cannes, which features contemporary paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Galerie Hurtebize specializes in modern and abstract art.
You can also check out the Musée de la Castre, a museum of world explorations that displays paintings, ceramics, musical instruments, and ethnographic objects from various cultures and periods.
Experience Musée de la Castre
Musée de la Castre is a museum located in the old town of Cannes, inside the former castle of the monks of Lérins. It was opened in 1877. Musée de la Castre idisplays a collection of paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, and ethnographic objects from various cultures and periods.
You can also climb the 109 steps of the medieval tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the city, the bay, and the islands.
See the Painted Walls
Walk around Cannes and see the many beautiful murals. The most famous is the Cannes Cinema painted wall.
Cannes Cruise Port: Outside of Cannes – Nice, Antibes,
Cannes is a fantastic city that’s worth exploring for the day. And, there’s so much to see and do along the riviera nearby Cannes! Many cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, offer tours to neighboring cities – Antibes, Nice, Eze, Monaco, and even St. Tropez.
My recommendations:
- If you’ve never been to Cannes: spend at least a half day exploring the city
- If you are adventurous and want to see more: explore Cannes in the morning. Then, venture to Antibes (15 minutes) or Nice (30 minutes) by train or bus. If you want to be taken into Nice to then explore independently, this excursion itinerary may work well for you. If you’d like to see more with a guide, this “Cannes, Antibes, and French Riviera” excursion is a fab pick.
- If you want to relax and see some sights: head over to the beautiful Antibes
- If you are into medieval cities: Take an excursion or Uber over to Eze (approx. 50 minutes, 85 euro). You can also take an Eze excursion or one that is combined Eze, Nice, Monaco. I recommend the combo to see more wonderful cities!
- If you want to experience glamorous Monaco: take the train to Monaco (approx. one hour) to see the world-famous casino and surrounding area. You can also take this Monaro overview excursion.
- If you’re a car enthusiast, look up local exhibits around when you arrive. Also, consider this “Classic Cars & Monte Carlo’s Racing Circuit” excursion
- If you’re interested in St. Tropez: find another interest! I just don’t recommend going all the way out there for the day! It’s so far.
Get in touch with me to plan your perfect “One Day in Cannes Cruise Port” itinerary or to get the best deals on Virgin Voyages!
elevateyourescapes@gmail.com
Eleanor in Nice
Final Thoughts: Cannes Cruise Port
Cannes is a city that has it all: glamour, culture, history, nature, and gastronomy. It is a perfect destination for a one-day cruise port stop, as you can easily explore its main attractions and enjoy its atmosphere and charm. Whether you want to stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette, visit the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, discover the old town of Le Suquet, shop for unique finds, or relax on the beach, you will find something to suit your mood and interests in Cannes.
You can also take a boat trip to the Lérins Islands, admire the yachts at Port Pierre Canto, or experience art at the Musée de la Castre. I hope that this guide helps you plan your one day in Cannes cruise port and that you have a wonderful time in this French Riviera gem. Be sure to reach out if you’d like to take advantage of my itinerary planning services! Bon voyage!
