LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Cannes, beyond the red carpet.
Market mornings, the lanes of Le Suquet, a swim before lunch and an evening stroll beside the Old Port: the best of Cannes is wonderfully close and easy to enjoy on foot.
This guide brings together the places we recommend most often, along with practical tips for making the most of a short break, a longer stay or a busy congress week.
PLAN YOUR DAY
01 · MARKET MORNING
Forville Market
At the foot of Le Suquet and moments from the Old Port, Marché Forville is the place to shop for Provençal fruit and vegetables, flowers, cheese, charcuterie, prepared dishes and the morning’s catch. It is equally good for assembling a picnic or simply stopping for coffee and watching Cannes wake up.
- Food market: Tuesday to Sunday, normally 7am–1pm.
- Monday: the food stalls give way to a brocante and antiques market.
- Try: socca, seasonal produce and local olives.
Our tip
Go before 10am for the fullest choice and a gentler pace. Market arrangements can change during improvement works, so check the official market page before a special visit.
02 · THE OLD TOWN
Le Suquet and Rue Meynadier
Le Suquet is the historic heart of Cannes: a hillside neighbourhood of narrow lanes, ochre façades, small restaurants and glimpses of the bay. Follow the streets uphill towards Notre-Dame d’Espérance and the Musée des Explorations du Monde for one of the city’s best panoramas.
Below the hill, pedestrian Rue Meynadier links the centre with Forville Market. It is useful for bakeries, food shops and everyday essentials as well as an atmospheric walk home.
Our tip
Wear comfortable shoes: the climb is short but steep and cobbled. Go in the late afternoon, enjoy the view in softer light and stay for dinner among the old-town lanes.
03 · PORT TO PALACES
Old Port, Palais and La Croisette
Start beside the fishing boats and yachts of the Vieux Port, pass the Palais des Festivals and continue along La Croisette. The waterfront mixes public gardens, grand hotels, boutiques and views across the bay to the Lérins Islands.
The Palais forecourt is lively during major congresses and festivals but is still worth seeing on quieter days. From here, Rue d’Antibes runs parallel to the seafront and is Cannes’ principal shopping street.
Our tip
Early morning is best for an uncrowded waterfront walk; around sunset, return by the Old Port as the lights come on across the harbour.
04 · BY THE WATER
Beaches
Cannes has more than seven kilometres of sandy coastline, with both public and private beaches. For an easy local swim, look along Plages du Midi west of the Old Port or the public sections of La Croisette. Private beaches offer loungers and restaurant service, usually at their best when reserved ahead in summer or during large events.
Pack lightly
A towel, water, sun protection and beach shoes are usually all you need. Check the beach flags and follow local safety advice.
05 · A DAY AWAY
Lérins Islands
The Îles de Lérins feel a world away yet the crossing from Cannes takes only around 15–20 minutes. Sainte-Marguerite is the larger island, with shaded paths, rocky coves and Fort Royal. Saint-Honorat is quieter and known for its monastery and vineyards.
Plan ahead
Take water and suitable shoes, check the last return boat and book early at busy times. Swimming areas are rocky rather than sandy.
06 · PRACTICAL CANNES
Getting around
On foot
Central Cannes is compact. The Old Port, Palais, Forville Market, railway station, Rue d’Antibes and central beaches are all comfortably connected on foot from our apartments.
Train
Regional TER trains make Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Nice, Monaco and coastal towns easy day trips. Check live times and buy tickets through SNCF Connect.
Bus and shuttle
Palm Bus serves Cannes and nearby towns, with City Palm and Suquet shuttle services useful locally. Routes and prices change, so check the current timetable before travelling.
Arriving by air
Nice Côte d’Azur is the principal airport. Airport coaches, trains via Nice Saint-Augustin, taxis and private transfers connect it with Cannes; allow extra time during major events.
For current routes, accessibility and seasonal services, use the official Cannes transport guide.
VISITING FOR AN EVENT?
Keep the working day simple.
During MIPIM, Cannes Lions, TFWA and other major congresses, the centre is busiest at breakfast, around the Palais at closing time and late in the evening. Staying centrally means you can walk to meetings, return to the apartment between appointments and avoid depending on taxis.
Restaurants fill quickly during headline events, so reserve key meals ahead and leave some flexibility for invitations and schedule changes.
YOUR CANNES STAY
Stay close to the places that matter.
Tell us your dates and plans. We will help you choose the apartment that best fits your stay.