The festival capital is a small city designed for beach vacations. If you want to, you won't find as many tourist sites here as, say, on the Paris sightseeing map. In fact, Cannes is easy to get around in a day. But it's an option for those who just want to check off, "I've been here!". After such a cursory look around, you may get the impression that Cannes has few attractions.
Photos on the stairs of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where one of the most prestigious film awards — the Palme d'Or — is handed out, near the handprints of Sharon Stone, Mickey Mouse, Gérard Depardieu and other stars, on the Croisette, where you can easily meet a celebrity.... That seems to be all you can squeeze out of this city.
In fact, Cannes is much more interesting than it may seem at first glance. We will not focus on the “well-publicized” landmarks of the city. Much has already been written about them, including in brochures describing the sights of Cannes, which you can pick up at the tourist office near the Palais des Festivals. There, by the way, you should also ask for a map of Cannes attractions with the recommended sightseeing route marked.
To feel the soul of the city, we suggest you go to the old quarters — the Suquet district. Wander through its streets that remember Napoleon's footsteps, climb the Chevalier Mountain, which offers a magnificent view of Cannes and the bay day and night (don't forget your camera!). You can also check it out here:
- the chateau built by monks in the XII century with an ethnographic and archaeological exhibition and a collection of musical instruments from around the world;
- Saint Anne's Chapel (Chapelle St. Anne), where tourists are attracted by the collection of paintings on mythological and religious themes;
- A 22-meter high viewing tower.
As you descend the mountain, check out the Cathedral of Our Lady of Hope, built in the 16th-17th centuries in Provençal Gothic style. Visit the Forville market (it's open in the morning all week except Monday). The inexpensive seasonal produce and local fish sold here is a gourmet's paradise in Provence.
Another (or rather, two) must-visit attractions in Cannes are the Lérins Islands: Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. On the latter, monks of the Lérins Abbey still live, devoting themselves to meditation and producing a remarkable herbal liqueur that you can purchase.
The second island also captivates visitors with its pine and eucalyptus forests, a lake, and… a former prison that now operates as the Sea Museum (Musée de la Mer). This site is closely linked to the story of the legendary Man in the Iron Mask, a tale that guides will be sure to share with you.
A trip to the islands by ferry will cost 20-35 EUR per person (round trip), children under 4 years old are free. Just be aware that it is impossible to visit two islands in one trip — transportation services are provided by different companies.
After visiting the Lerins Islands, you can go to see other sights of Cannes:
- Cimetière du Grand Jas (Cemetière du Grand Jas), where Carl Fabergé and other celebrities are buried and which is also the largest... park in the city;
