Today we are going to tell you why Cannes, one of the most touristic and luxurious cities in France, is definitely worth a visit. Many of you probably already know this place but we highly recommend the ones who have never been here to visit this beautiful place. Cannes has 70,000 inhabitants and is located in the Southeast of France in the region Côte d’Azur or the “French Riviera”. Furthermore, it is located 35 kilometres from Nice (the nearest airport) and 60 kilometres from the Italian border. Cannes is internationally known because of the glamorous and important Film Festival which is being held here since 1946. Are you going to spend a weekend in Cannes? Then use this three-day schedule with all of the most important activities and sights in and around Cannes.

Weekend in Cannes: Day 1

We are going to start the three-day weekend in Cannes with a visit to the Le Suquet area. This is the oldest area and the place where Cannes has been established. Here you will find many medieval streets which wind around the citadel. Once you arrive at the citadel you have the possibility to climb the tower and enjoy an impressive view. Besides, close to the citadel you will find the church of Our Lady of Hope which is an historical monument in Cannes, along with the tower, since 1937. Due to the many tourists who visit this area, Le Suquet has many shops and restaurants where you can enjoy the delicious Mediterranean menus.

In the afternoon we visit the La Castre Museum (Musée de la Castre), which can be found at the ruins of the medieval castle. Since the founding of this city, there have been living a variety of cultures in Cannes. Due to this you will discover different artworks from these populations (Asian, African, Mediterranean). It’s an impressive museum!

After the activities of the first day we are going to relax and reload ourselves for the next day. We will do this by walking through the old port and by having dinner in one of the restaurants which have beautiful views of the sea. 

Weekend in Cannes: Day 2

On the second day we are going to discover the sea and its islands. The Lérins islands are situated in Cannes, an archipelago consisting mainly of two major islands: Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat, which both can be visited by ferry.

Firstly we are travelling to Île Sainte-Marguerite. This is the biggest island that many of you already know since the man with the iron mask was a prisoner here. It took him 11 years to get out of the prison and today everybody can visit the cell where he was captured for all those years. It is called the Museum of the Sea (Muséé de la Mer) where you will also find the tower of the mask (Tour du masque) with an exceptional view of the sea. 

In the afternoon we visit the other island, Île Saint-Honorat, formerly only inhabited by monks. One of the sights on this island is the Monastery of Notre-Dame de Lérins, built in the eleventh century between remains of a medieval fortress. Furthermore you can find more Medieval remains in the church close to the Monastery which is open to the public.

After this intensive day we are going to relax in the evening with a walk along la Croisette boulevard and a dinner in a chic restaurant.  

Weekend in Cannes: Day 3

In the morning we visit the old port which is one of the most beautiful places of the city with a beautiful view at the Lérins islands. Within a few minutes of the old harbour we find the “Palace of Festivals and Congress” (Palais des Festivals et des Congrès), where the Cannes Film Festival is held annually. The building therefore has a modern architecture due to its international reputation. Directly behind this palace the Forville market is located, a covered market redesigned in 1934 with over 400 exhibitors selling fresh products.

In the afternoon we go back to the Boulevard La Croisette where we find the best shops to buy the finest souvenirs of Cannes. If you are looking for more commercial shops then you should visit Rue D’Antibes.

When it’s getting dark it’s time for a dinner in one of the above-mentioned streets. This will be a special evening where you can talk about the past few days and plan your next trip to Cannes. Because once you’ve been there, you want to go back as soon as possible!