Three days is enough to get to know Cannes without filling every hour. This flexible itinerary combines the old town, the waterfront and an island outing, with time to enjoy your apartment between adventures.
DAY ONE
Market morning and the old town
Morning: start around Forville Market. Check the current market arrangements before setting out, then browse the surrounding food shops and Rue Meynadier. Pick up breakfast or ingredients for a simple meal in your apartment. Allow a couple of hours rather than rushing straight to the next landmark.
Afternoon: after lunch, explore Le Suquet and climb towards Notre-Dame d’Espérance for the outlook over Cannes. The lanes are steep in places; take breaks or stay around the lower streets if the climb does not suit your group.
Evening: stroll beside the Old Port, choose a restaurant or enjoy an easy supper at home. There is no need to fit the whole seafront into your first day.
Check Forville Market information · Find your starting point
DAY TWO
The Croisette and time by the sea
Morning: start near the Palais des Festivals and follow La Croisette at your own pace. Pause for coffee and sea views. Access around the Palais can change during events; use the public promenade and follow any diversions.
Afternoon: choose a public beach for a simple towel-and-picnic afternoon, or book a private beach if you would like loungers and restaurant service. Read our beach guide before choosing. A beach reservation and a restaurant table may be separate bookings.
Evening: return to the apartment before dinner. If you prefer shops to swimming, use the afternoon for Rue d’Antibes and keep a waterfront walk for later.
Budget: walking the promenade and using public beach areas keeps the day flexible. Add food and any equipment hire or private-beach reservation to your own budget.
DAY THREE
A change of pace on the Lérins Islands
Morning: take a booked boat from Cannes to your chosen island. Sainte-Marguerite suits a day built around woodland paths and coves; Saint-Honorat offers a quieter outing around monastic heritage and the shoreline.
Afternoon: leave space for a picnic or a prearranged lunch and return with time to spare before your boat. Take water, walking shoes and everything needed for a simple day out.
Use our Lérins Islands planning guide to choose an island and check the operator, departure point and return arrangements. Plan one island, rather than assuming your ticket includes both.
Adapt the itinerary to your holiday
- With younger children: shorten the old-town walk, choose a beach close to your base and leave a proper rest break. Check toilets and shade on arrival.
- Rain or unsuitable boat weather: swap the island day for a museum visit, a long lunch or some shopping. Check the City of Cannes for current museum opening information before leaving.
- For a longer stay: alternate local days with day trips to Nice, Antibes, Monaco, Èze, Menton or Grasse. Leave the longer excursions for days when you can start early.
- On a congress or festival week: check the events guide and reserve any must-have meals ahead.
Prepared for Cannes Holiday Apartments using official visitor and transport information. Sources checked 24 September 2026. Opening times, fares and services can change; use the linked official sources for your travel date.