Cannes Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, France)



Photo showing the beachfront in the summerCannes has many tourist attractions, including religious buildings, historical monuments and sumptuous villas dating from the belle époque era. For many visitors, main tourist attractions in Cannes are its long sandy beaches, such as the Calao Plage, the Plage du Majestic and the Plage du Martinez, where evening fireworks displays are often held. During the summer months, there are dozens to choose from on the Cannes coastline, ranging from small private beaches owned by hotels to larger, easily accessible public beaches.

Whether you're visiting Cannes on business or spending some time on holiday, then there's sure to be plenty to keep you entertained during your stay. Top tourist attractions in Cannes include the Tour du Masque, the Villa Rothschild and the Palais des Festivals, where many major city events take place.


Summer picture of sunbathers on the beach

Beaches / Plage du Martinez (Martinez Beach)

Address: Hôtel Martinez 73, Boulevard La Croisette, Cannes, F-06400, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 9298 7422
The Hotel Martinez's private beach is just one of dozens dotted along Cannes' coastline. It is, however, perhaps the best known because of its regular appearance on TV screens all over the world during the Cannes Film Festival. The vast pontoon on Plague du Martinez is where 'Canal+' hosts its interviews with stars of the silver screen. Aside from the world of big screen glamour, the beach also offers numerous exciting attractions and water sports, from parasailing and windsurfing to helicopter rides and scuba diving, as well traditional parasols and some 400 sun lounge chairs. Popular 'free' beaches in Cannes include the Plages de la Bocca and the Plages du Midi, which stretches in a westerly directly from the Vieux Port.
Open hours: daily, July to August - 09:30 to 19:00, 7 days a week; April to June and September to October - 09:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Tour du Masque

Address: 9 Rue du Mont-Chevalier, Cannes, France, FR
As you climb up Le Suquet hill, pause halfway to take a look at the Tour du Masque, a famous local attraction. It's said that when Alexandre Dumas' Man in the Iron Mask escaped from his prison on the nearby Ile Sainte Marguerite, he fled to the Tour du Masque in Cannes. He stayed there until his death, after years of prayer and contemplation. It's also said that his ghost still haunts the tower today. The tower was built originally as a citadel in the 12th century. Today, an iron mask is attached to the stonework above the tower's heavy wooden door as a reminder of the legend.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Image of the city's Palais des Festivals et des Congres

Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

Address: 1 Boulevard La Croisette, Cannes, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 9339 2453
Built in 1982, the futuristic Palais des Festivals is the only place to be during Cannes Film Festival time. It's also a magnet for tourists, festivals, visiting attractions and conferences during the rest of the year. Its vast interior houses an auditorium which can seat 2,500 people as well as some 300 fruit machines. In the evening, visitors can try their hand in the casino, dance the night away in the nightclub, or dine in the Palais' restaurant.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Villa Rothschild

Address: 1 Avenue Jean de Noailles, Cannes, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 9339 6988
Few tourists can resist a visit to this luxurious villa with its pink marble columns and exotic garden. The City of Cannes bought the villa in 1947. Today, it houses the city's municipal library.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Olympia

Address: 16 Rue de la Pompe, Cannes, F-06400, France, FR
Tel: +33 04 9339 1393
No visit to Cannes would be complete without a visit to one of its cinemas. The Olympia is the largest multi-screen cinema in Cannes and is conveniently located in the centre of town. The programme generally combines box-office hits with a good selection of art house movies.
Open hours: during screenings
Admission: charge