Mediterranean · France
Cannes Travel Guide
Cannes is synonymous with the film festival, but this glamorous Riviera town has far more to offer cruise visitors — a beautiful old quarter, pristine beaches, excellent markets, and easy access to the stunning Lerins Islands just offshore.
How Do You Get from the Ship to Shore?
Ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes and tender passengers to the Vieux Port. You step off right at the base of the old town and a short walk from La Croisette. No transport needed — Cannes is compact and walkable.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
La Croisette — The famous palm-lined seafront boulevard. Walk its full 2km length past luxury hotels, the Palais des Festivals (handprints of movie stars on the steps), and sandy beaches.
Le Suquet (Old Town) — Climb the narrow streets to the hilltop church for panoramic views over the bay. The old fishing quarter has charming restaurants and galleries.
Marche Forville — Cannes' main covered market. Provencal olives, cheeses, lavender honey, and socca (chickpea pancake). Open every day except Monday.
Ile Sainte-Marguerite — A 15-minute ferry (7 euro return) to a pine-forested island with coastal walking trails and the Fort Royal — where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.
Where Should You Eat in Cannes?
Socca: A thin, crispy chickpea pancake that's the quintessential Riviera street food. Best from market stalls or the Marche Forville.
Bouillabaisse: Cannes serves excellent bouillabaisse like its neighbour Marseille. Expect 40-60 euro for the real thing at waterfront restaurants.
Budget: Eat at the market for fresh, affordable Provencal food. Pan bagnat (tuna salad sandwich) is the local fast food — 5-7 euro from bakeries.
Is Cannes Worth Exploring Independently?
Cannes is one of the easiest Riviera tender ports. Everything is within walking distance. Ship excursions typically bus you to Grasse (perfume factory) or Monaco — both doable independently by train. The town itself rewards a leisurely morning of wandering, market browsing, and people-watching on La Croisette.
Useful Local Phrases
Bonjour
Hello / Good day
(bon-ZHOOR)
L'addition, s'il vous plait
The bill, please
(lah-dee-SYON, seel voo PLEH)
Combien ca coute?
How much does it cost?
(kom-BYEN sah KOOT)
Merci beaucoup
Thank you very much
(mair-SEE boh-KOO)
Local Tips
- •La Croisette beachfront looks glamorous but the private beach clubs charge 30-50 euro for a sunbed. Public beaches exist between the private sections — look for 'plage publique' signs.
- •The Marche Forville covered market (closed Mondays) is excellent for Provencal produce, cheeses, and olives.
- •Cannes is a tender port — get on an early tender to maximise your time. Return tenders can have long waits in the afternoon.
- •Take the 15-minute ferry to Ile Sainte-Marguerite for peaceful pine forests, coastal walks, and the fort where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned.