View over town towards bay, Cannes, France. Cruise ships tender passengers into a small dock near the old port.

La Crosette

Stroll along the main waterfront promenade La Croisette for an introduction to Cannes. On one side there’s the beautiful blue Mediterranean sea lapping a pebbly beach, and to other very elegant hotels fronted by expensive shops. La Croisette is a short walk east of the old port.

Musée de la Castre

The Musée de la Castre is housed by a medieval chateau at the very summit of Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes, which overlooks the old port. The museum possesses a small eclectic collection of Mediterranean archeology, old musical instruments from around the world and 19th century paintings by local artists. The collection might not add up to much, but the enjoyable walk through quaint streets up to the museum, plus the superb panoramic views from the ramparts make the outing well worthwhile.

Rue Meynadier

Rue Meynadier is a narrow pedestrian street leading out of Le Suquet. Here you’ll find the famed cheese shop Cénéri, the delightful delicatessen Ernest, and lots more wonderful grocery shops stocking a wide range of authentic Provençal foods. Stop at one of the many lively pavement cafés for a leisurely coffee break.

Ile Sainte Marguerite

Unfortunately the allure Cannes has thanks to its famous film festival proves to be mirage-like, and many visitors find the town disappointing. A better option may to be venture further afield. A regular ferry service runs to Ile Sainte Marguerite from Gare Maritime at the little dock opposite the Palais des Festivals. The crossing to the island takes about 15 minutes. When you reach Ile Sainte Marguerite, follow the Sentier botanique (nature trail) from the ferry pier up to Fort Royal, through a myriad of beautifully colorful and strongly scented vegetation. At the Fort you can see the cell of the ‘Man With the Iron Mask’ and the Maritime Musuem. After visiting the Fort the active can walk around the island (2hours), and the inactive can laze at the small sandy beach just to the west of the ferry dock.

Picasso Museum Antibes

A short train journey takes you to the attractive resort of Antibes, 5 miles east of Cannes. The excellent Picasso Museum is housed in Chateau Grimaldi, at the heart of the walled old town, and features a brilliant selection of Picasso decorated plates. After the museum stop at the small but lovely Plage de la Gravette for a swim and sunbathe, or wander around Port Vauban to gawp at the very impressive mega yachts.