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Lisa Mackinnon, Senior Short Break Specialist

"Once a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous seaside town. Although its nightlife and expensive restaurants give Cannes a feel of exclusivity, it does have alternatives to suit all budgets. Tourists can check out the beauty and architecture of the old quarter, Le Suquet, with its cobbled streets and breathtaking views. Alternatively, sit at a street side table and enjoy the favoured hobby of people watching and admiring the many Ferraris and Porsches cruising past."

Cannes at a glance

Cannes is most famous for its Film Festival, which invades the city in May, but it has lots to offer visitors throughout the year. Its scenic landscape of yacht-speckled harbours and sun drenched promenades, as well as its Michelin starred restaurants and highend boutiques, draw visitors year after year to sample luxury at its finest.

The city’s Old Town with its winding, narrow streets and medieval structures is a great place to visit local shops, restaurants and cafés, and a climb to the castle ruins above the old town provides magnificent views over the harbour.

The palm tree lined promenade of La Croisette has become one of the main attractions in Cannes. Strolling along the waterfront is an experience in extravagance, with highend boutiques and lavish hotels laying claim to privately owned beachfronts. 

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Picturesque setting
  • Beachfront attractions
  • Luxury short breaks

Dining in Cannes

Cannes offers prestigious restaurants and smaller bistros serving up regional dishes, Cannes truly is a magical city for sampling food on a big or small budget. There are plenty of charming dining experiences to be had, with some laidback Provencal cooking, Michelin studded restaurants to street food trucks overlooking the sea.

Must-try local dishes:

  • Bouillabaisse – a flavoursome fish stew made up of Provencal herbs and spices, Mediterranean fish, vegetables and served with copious amounts of croutons and rouille (spicy saffron garnish).
  • Gateau des Rois – glazed pastry cakes topped with a golden paper crown, a 14th century tradition of celebrating the kings who visited baby Jesus. These cakes are seen in every Cannes bakery in January.
  • Ratatouille – A rich vegetable dish made from aubergines, courgettes, peppers, onions and herbs, tomato and garlic.

Shopping

Designer stores, prestigious antique festivals and daily flea markets are just some of the options for those looking to shop in Cannes. While big name fashions line the Boulevard de la Croisette, a variety of fresh produce stalls, estate sales and second hand markets can be found in various places in the city depending on the day of the week.

Osprey Holidays top tips

Take a leisurely stroll through Le Suquet, the old town.

A trip to the local town of Grasse to see exclusive perfume being made makes an interesting alternative to the beach!

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break to Cannes designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of Cannes hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 91,077
Languages French
Currency Euro
Visa Information No visa required for UK citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Why not take a trip to the Lerins Islands, it's only 15 minutes by boat from Cannes.

Distance from airports
Mandelieu 5 km
Nice Côte d'Azur 26 km
Railway stations
Gare de Cannes

Tours and Excursions

Small-Group Provence Tour

Enjoy a day of quaint towns and beautiful countryside with a small-group tour to some of Provence’s best spots. Start with a favourite of the Impressionists, Saint Paul de Vence, with its lovely cobbled streets and art galleries, then on to the Loup Gorge and the medieval village of Gourdon that offers stunning views to the Alps and coast. You will visit a perfumery in Grasse and on your return to Cannes take a tour of the main sights before returning to your hotel.

French Riviera Day Tour

This tour is limited to eight people, ensuring a relaxing and personalised day out. Visit the medieval village of of Eze and see the Fragonard perfumery then cross into Monaco and take a tour of Monte Carlo including the famous Grand Prix racing circuit. Admire the stunning scenery as you pass through exclusive towns and villages.

Luxury Catamaran Cruise

Cruise the Bay of Cannes on a luxury catamaran and select from the following; a half-day cruise to the Lérins Islands, a half-day cruise with gourmet buffet lunch or a full-day cruise where you will sail on to Massif de l’Esterel and while away the time snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing in secluded coves.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.