La Croisette, Le Suquet, the Lérins Islands... and the lesser-known hinterland: first paragliding experience at 1,800 m and canyoning in the Gorges du Loup. Guided by outdoor professionals from the Alpes-Maritimes, since 2013.
Cannes · French Riviera (06)
Cannes immediately brings to mind the red carpet, grand hotels, and the Croisette. However, the city offers a multitude of experiences far beyond its postcard image. With historical heritage, Provençal markets, Mediterranean beaches, and a wild hinterland less than an hour away, a stay in Cannes appeals to both culture vultures and outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you are coming for a 2 or 3-day weekend or for a longer holiday on the French Riviera, this guide brings together the must-see sights, the best addresses, the excursions not to miss and the nature activities within reach of Cannes. From the Boulevard de la Croisette to the old quarter, via the Lérins Islands and the Gorges du Loup, here is everything you need to enjoy your stay.
The essentials: Cannes can be explored on foot in the town centre (Croisette, Suquet, Forville Market), by boat to the Lérins Islands, and by car to the hinterland. Allow two days for the town, and an extra day for the surroundings – perched villages, perfume factories... Grasse and the great outdoors like paragliding or canyoning.
It's impossible to visit Cannes without strolling along the Boulevard de la Croisette. This promenade, nearly two kilometres long, runs along the seafront between the Palais des Festivals and the tip of Palm Beach. Palm trees, fine sandy beaches, Belle Époque palaces, and luxury boutiques create a setting that the whole world associates with the French Riviera.
Pleasant at any time: in the morning for joggers, in the late afternoon for a spectacular sunset on the bay and the Lérins Islands. Stroll on foot to enjoy the view of the Mediterranean, the terraces, the yachts at anchor and the private beaches that dot the coastline.
To the west of La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals hosts the International Film Festival every year. Outside of festival season (May), you can climb the famous steps and placed on the red carpet. The Palace also hosts shows, exhibitions and behind-the-scenes tours all year round.
The coastline alternates between free public beaches and private beaches with sunbeds and catering. Public beaches of the Midi, to the west of the old port, are family-friendly and less crowded. Private beaches offer a more comfortable experience, with dining with your feet in the sand during the season.
Before becoming a film capital, Cannes was a fishing village. The Suquet district, perched on the hill overlooking the old port, bears witness to this history. It's the oldest district of Cannes, the most authentic and the most photogenic, far from the bustle of the Croisette.
The cobbled lanes climb from the old port to the top of the hill. Colourful façades, narrow stairways, small restaurants and craftspeople: the quarter has kept its Provençal charm. At the top stand the church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance (16th century) and the 11th-century square tower. There is also the Suquet des Artistes, a contemporary art space.
In the medieval castle at the summit of Le Suquet, the museum houses primitive arts, Mediterranean antiquities, and objects from explorers. The visit is as worthwhile for the collections as it is for the view: from the tower, the Panoramic view of the bay, the Lérins Islands and the Estérel It's unbeatable. The best photo spot in Cannes.
Down below, the old harbour retains its fishing port atmosphere. It is the departure point for ferries to the Lérins Islands (15 mins). On Sunday mornings, strolling along the quays before boarding for Sainte-Marguerite is a real pleasure. Fish and seafood restaurants facing the boats.
Cannes is not just a city of cinema and beaches. Its Provençal gastronomy and markets make it a gourmet destination in its own right. Between the covered market and local eateries, Cannes cuisine deserves to be savoured.
A stone's throw from Le Suquet, the true popular heart of Cannes. Open every morning except Mondays (flea market): market gardeners, local producers and fishermen. Olives, socca, goat cheeses, flowers: the ideal place for a Provençal picnic basket before the islands or the beach. Stalls particularly well-stocked on Sundays.
The Suquet district and the streets around Forville market concentrate Good quality tables at reasonable prices Fish, Provençal dishes, fresh pasta. On the Croisette, the luxury hotels offer a high-end gastronomic experience. Rue Meynadier (pedestrian) has a string of cheese shops, wine cellars, and delicatessens.
Cannes cuisine draws on Provençal tradition: socca, pissaladière, pan bagnat, ratatouille, bouillabaisse, grilled fish. Provençal wines (rosés from Bellet, Côtes de Provence) pair well with a seaside meal. To take home: local confectionery, olive oil, and herbs de Provence.
Cannes is an ideal base for exploring the French Riviera and its hinterland. Several half-day or full-day excursions offer a change of scenery, accessible from the old port or by car.
The most iconic excursion. A 15-minute shuttle boat ride away, Sainte-Marguerite offers pine-shaded trails, turquoise coves and the Fort Royal (prison of the Man in the Iron Mask). Saint-Honorat, the smaller island, is home to a 5th-century monastery where the monks make wine and liqueurs. Both can be visited in a single day.
Within an hour Antibes (Picasso Museum, Provençal market, Cap d'Antibes), Saint-Paul-de-Vence (galleries, Maeght Foundation), Èze and Monaco. The city of Grasse And its perfumeries are 30 minutes away, and Nice is teeming with activities.
A green lung of 80 hectares Right in the heart of Cannes. A listed natural space, with paths through Mediterranean vegetation (mimosas in winter, pine trees, cork oaks) and panoramic views from the summit. Ideal for an active Sunday morning before the market or the beach.
Most guides stop at the beaches and museums. Yet the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes, less than an hour away, offers outdoor activities that turn a seaside stay into a real adventure. "Cannes has the sea in front and the mountains behind: in 50 minutes by road, you go from the terraces of the Croisette to the foot of the paragliding take-off at 1,800 m." Sites, driving times, meeting points and prices: everything is on our paragliding Cannes page.
50 min from Cannes, the Gréolières site rises to 1,800 m on the Cheiron ridges, a renowned flying site in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Tandem flight from age 5, no experience needed, with a state-qualified instructor. Flights of 10 to 60 min depending on the package, onboard video option.
Choosing my tandem flight
For a 100% nature and adrenaline experience. Between Gourdon and Pont du Loup, 40 minutes from Cannes: natural slides, jumps into clear pools, abseiling down waterfalls. Discovery trail from 8 years, Accessible to families. Equipment provided, wear closed-toe trainers.
Discover our canyons
To experience everything in one day Flight over the Maritime Alps In the morning, water descent in the gorges in the afternoon. An option highly appreciated for hen and stag parties and nights out with friends. Very few providers offer this dual activity on the French Riviera.
See the comboThe school Ailéments, based in Gréolières for over 10 years, offers introductory flights and first-time flights supervised by state-certified instructors who are experts in both disciplines. With over 1291 5/5 reviews, it's a safe bet for a first experience with confidence.
Want to learn to fly? Our paragliding school Offers courses at all levels within a 50-minute drive of Cannes.
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Cannes is famous for its film festival, but the town's cultural life goes well beyond the fortnight in May. Shows, festivals, fireworks and exhibitions fill the Cannes calendar from February to December.
The most widely publicised cinematic event in the world. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just for the pros: the Beach Cinema offers free outdoor screenings, accessible to everyone. The atmosphere in town is electric – the red carpet, photographers, and the climb up the steps. Even without accreditation, it’s worth a visit.
In the summer, the Festival of Pyrotechnic Art (July-August) illuminates the bay from the sea — free, visible from the Croisette or Le Suquet. The rest of the year, the Palais hosts MIPIM, MIPTV, the NRJ Music Awards and numerous trade fairs. The town hall publishes a complete cultural agenda.
Fewer crowds, mild temperatures (12 to 18 °C), more affordable prices. The Forville market stays open and the mimosas bloom from January to March at the Croix des Gardes. Paragliding runs all year round except from January to mid-February: in December or March, at Gréolières 1400, you can even combine skiing and paragliding in one day.
The best-selling packages to enjoy the French Riviera outdoors. Transparent prices, from age 5, DEJEPS and BEES instructors at Gréolières (50 min from Cannes).
Between the heritage of Le Suquet, the flavours of Forville market, the turquoise waters of the Lérins Islands and the thrills of the hinterland, Cannes is an ideal starting point for a complete stay on the French Riviera. Whether with family, friends or for a hen do, each day can mix culture, gastronomy and outdoor adventure.
Fancy extending your stay with an unforgettable experience? Book your tandem paragliding flight with a view of the Mediterranean or your canyoning trip in the Gorges du Loup. You can also give a paragliding flight with a gift voucher valid for one year, with no extension.
Customisable, sent immediately by email. Any questions? Contact us by phone or WhatsApp to organise your tailor-made day.
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Our tandem flights on the French Riviera in spring, from Gréolières.
Length of stay, Lérins Islands, paragliding, families, hen parties, weather: everything you need to know before coming to Cannes.
On Sunday morning, begin with the Forville Market (particularly well-stocked stalls), stroll around the old port, then set sail for the Lérins Islands (15 min commute).
The afternoon: Le Suquet and the Musée de la Castre for the view, or a nature walk at the Croix des Gardes. La Croisette is perfect for a sunset stroll.
Visit two days For the must-sees: Croisette, Suquet, old port, Forville market and beaches.
Add a day for the surroundings — Lérins Islands, perched villages, perfumeries of Grasse, or an outdoor activity like paragliding or canyoning.
shuttles depart regularly from the old port. The crossing to Sainte-Marguerite takes about 15 minutes.
Sainte-Marguerite is home to the Fort Royal (prison of the Man in the Iron Mask) and turquoise coves; Saint-Honorat has its 5th-century monastery. Both can be visited in a single day.
Le Musée de la Castre, The Suquet des Artistes, guided tours of the Palais des Festivals and good restaurants in the Suquet or at the Forville market are perfect for bad weather.
Rain remains scarce on the French Riviera, but these options allow you to enjoy Cannes while staying dry.
Yes. The Public beaches of the Midi Family-friendly, the Lérins Islands offer walking trails and swimming, and the Croix des Gardes a gentle stroll.
In terms of sensations, the paragliding is accessible from the age of 5 and canyoning from the age of 8, supervised by qualified instructors.
Yes. The site for Gréolières, to 50 minutes from Cannes, rises to 1,800 m with views of the Mediterranean and the Mercantour.
A tandem flight is open from age 5, with no experience needed. Flights of 10 to 60 min depending on the package, video option.
Excellent destination. Beyond the beaches, the paragliding + canyoning combo is one of the most cherished options for stag or hen parties.
A morning flight over the Maritime Alps, an afternoon aquatic descent: a day of sensations that will leave a lasting impression.
Spring and the autumn offering the best balance of weather/crowds. Summer is lively (festivals, fireworks) but touristy.
Out of season, Cannes is quieter and more affordable, with mild temperatures and mimosas in bloom from January to March. Paragliding runs all year round except from January to mid-February.
4 reasons why Cannes is an ideal base for the French Riviera.
Croisette, Suquet, old port, Forville market and beaches: The essentials can be seen on foot. Allow two days for the must-sees.
From the old port, Saint Marguerite and Saint Honorat Turquoise creeks, Fort Royal and the monastery. The iconic excursion of Cannes.
First paragliding experience at 1,800 m and canyoning in the Gorges du Loup the most memorable experiences of a stay in Cannes.
