When people think of Cannes, they think of the red carpet.
Every May, the world’s attention turns to Cannes. Cameras are everywhere, stars arrive one after another, influencers fill social media with every moment, and some of the biggest film premieres take place.
But Cannes is much more than that. Beyond the glitz and glamour is a charming Mediterranean city with historic streets, beautiful beaches, great food, and stunning sea views. Pronounced ‘Can’ (the ‘s’ is silent), Cannes sits on the French Riviera between Nice and Monaco.
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Cannes twice, both times to attend the Cannes Film Festival as part of the QCinema International Film Festival delegation. While my days were filled with screenings, meetings, and representing QCinema, I always made time to explore the city.
Between events, I wandered through the old town, walked along the waterfront, discovered quiet corners, and realized that Cannes is a destination worth visiting even when the festival isn’t happening.
For first-time visitors, the Palais des Festivals is a must. This is where the Cannes Film Festival takes place and where the famous Grand ThéStre Lumière is located.
The Palais sits along La Croisette, Cannes’ waterfront boulevard. Lined with palm trees, luxury hotels, cafés, designer boutiques, and beaches, it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
During the festival, La Croisette is the best place to people-watch. You’ll see guests dressed in gowns and tuxedos rushing to screenings, influencers creating content on almost every corner, and fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars outside hotels like the Carlton and the Martinez.
Just across from the Palais des Festivals is Allées de la Liberté, a tree-lined promenade and public square where locals, filmmakers, and visitors gather throughout the day. Restaurants spill onto the sidewalks, people meet over coffee, and festival guests gather for drinks after screenings. Even without a festival pass, it’s another great place to soak up the atmosphere.
On weekends, the square becomes even livelier with local artists displaying their work and a popular brocante market selling antiques and vintage finds.
Just behind the Palais is Rue Meynadier, one of Cannes’ oldest and busiest pedestrian streets. It connects the city center with Le Suquet, the historic old town, and is lined with bakeries, cafés, restaurants, cheese shops, and local boutiques.
Both times I visited Cannes, I stayed on Rue Meynadier. It turned out to be the perfect base because almost everything was within walking distance.
Just behind the street is Marché Forville, Cannes’ main public market, where locals shop for fresh seafood, cheeses, olives, flowers, pastries, and seasonal produce. It’s worth stopping by to experience everyday life in the city before continuing to Le Suquet.
From Marché Forville, the streets begin climbing into Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic old town. Follow the narrow cobblestone lanes, and you’ll eventually reach Notre-Dame d’Espérance, a hilltop church overlooking the city.
The climb is worth it because the view from the top is one of the best in Cannes. Looking down, you’ll see the Old Port of Cannes (Vieux-Port), La Croisette, the rooftops of the old town, and the Mediterranean stretching into the distance.
If walking uphill isn’t your thing, you can hop aboard Le Petit Train, the charming tourist train that winds through the old quarter before reaching the viewpoint.
For shopping and dining, don’t miss Rue d’Antibes and nearby Rue Hoche. Rue d’Antibes is Cannes’ main shopping street, lined with everything from international brands to local boutiques. Just around the corner, Rue Hoche has a more relaxed feel, with cozy cafés, restaurants, and outdoor terraces.
Another landmark worth visiting is Notre-Dame de Bon Voyage. Just a few minutes from the festival crowds, it feels worlds away. Originally built as a small chapel for local fishermen in the 15th century, the church is best known as the first place Napoleon Bonaparte visited after returning from exile on Elba in 1815. Its name, which means ‘Our Lady of Good Journey,’ reflects its long history as a place where travelers stopped to pray before setting off.
And if you’re Filipino and start craving a taste of home after a few days of French food, you’re in luck. Cannes has three Filipino establishments, including Kabayan, where you can enjoy comforting home-cooked meals served carinderia-style. Located just a few steps from the train and bus station, it’s the perfect last stop before continuing your journey to your next destination.