Stories · France
A weekend in Cannes
The story I wish I had read before going.
My first time in Cannes, I tried to see everything and mostly saw queues. Now I do it differently: a few places a day, the right ones, in the right order. Here is my 2-day thread.
Day 1 · The icons
To start, I make my way to Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance de Cannes. It’s the kind of place that makes you go quiet for a moment, even when you thought you knew it all. 4.6 out of 5 across 1,815 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or compare on Tiqets.
Late morning, head to Cannes Sign. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. Travellers give it 4.6 out of 5 (224 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line get your tickets in advance, otherwise also check Tiqets.
For lunch, trust the rooms full of locals rather than the menus translated into six languages.
In the afternoon, it’s Tour du Masque de fer. I always pick two or three rooms rather than seeing everything. You walk out light. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise go through Tiqets.
In the evening, meet me at Square du Caroubier. Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Getting there: here is the route by public transport. To get a feel for it: what visitors say.
Keep the evening free. Cannes is a city that tells itself better at night.
Day 2 · The icons
In the morning, it’s Petit Train de Cannes. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise go through Tiqets.
Then, it’s Mural - Cannes Cinema. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or go through Tiqets.
Lunch without a plan: the first noisy room you pass is often the right one.
Later, head to Cannes Guide Tours. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. To get organised: how to get there; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise also check Tiqets.
As the light fades, I make my way to IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes. This is where the city looks most like itself. Walk slowly, look at the shopfronts, listen. Travellers give it 4.5 out of 5 (9,691 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or compare on Tiqets.
In the evening, let go: a terrace, a walk, and Cannes does the rest.
If you’re still hungry
I still have a few up my sleeve: Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes, La Croisette - Cannes, Marché Forville, Fort Royal de l'Île Sainte-Marguerite, Plage des Rochers de la Bocca and Cannes Free Walking Tours. Your call.
My advice
Walk. Then take public transport: that is where you see the city live.
Book the busiest places the day before: queues have ruined more than one morning.
Keep a little local cash: the best addresses are often the least equipped.
And if you go, tell me what you loved. Cannes changes, and so do I.
A Triovol story · written by someone who would go back tomorrow
Opening hours, prices and closures change: a quick look at the venue’s website before you go avoids bad surprises.
Share your experience!
Been there? A tip, an address, a mistake to avoid: the next travellers will read you.