FOLLOW US

World Travel Guide > Guides > Europe > France > Cannes

Local time Cannes

Currency

Things to do in Cannes

Get dragged along the waves on a wakeboard

If windsurfing doesn't provide enough of an adrenaline kick, get in touch with Ski and Wake Zone (tel: +33 (0) 6 63805274; www.swzteamcannes.com). Its speedboat will drag you across the water on all manner of objects: wakeboards, waterskis, inflatable bananas and, for the brave and leathery-soled, your own bare feet.

Go hiking underground

Discovered by a local farmer in 1890, the Caves of Saint Cezaire (tel: +33 (0) 4 9360 2235) are an underground world of protruding stalactites and stalagmites, and a great starting point for a hike around the surrounding countryside.

Revisit the past at Musee de la Castre

Suquet Hill is Cannes' old town quarter, and its diminutive, maze-like streets now serve as ground zero for shops, bars and restaurants. At the top is the charming Musee de la Castre (www.cannes.com/fr/culture/musee-de-la-castre.html) with its ethnographic history of Cannes. Even if you're not into the relics, it's worth the hike for the view.

Take a boat is Ile Sant Honorat

Reputation would have us think that Cannes is all about high-end shopping and champagne cocktails. If that is your vibe, all power to you. But if you want something a little more holistic, take the 15-minute boat ride to Ile Sant Honorat, home to 20 Bendictine monks. They'll even let you join them for morning mass (1125 weekdays, and 0950 Sunday).

Work out those things with stand-up paddleboarding

To the bystander, this relatively new watersport might look about as taxing as a stroll along La Croisette, but balancing on oversized surfboards is a tough workout for the lower body. It's also a novel way of exploring Cannes' scenic coastline. Hire all the gear from Cannes Stand-Up Paddle (tel: +33 (0) 6 8217 0877; www.cannesstanduppaddle.fr)

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

SEE MORE

Hôtel Alnea

A basic, comfortable hotel located only a minute's walk from the Palais des Festivals and a short stroll from the Croisette beaches. The rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed and come with flatscreen TVs and free Wi-Fi. It's a good cheap option with great service and some colourful paint schemes.

Hôtel Le Cavendish

Formerly the home of Lord Cavendish, the British aristocrat who discovered hydrogen, this belle époque building is a charming hotel just north of the railway station. All 34 rooms are serenely elegant, but try to get one in the rotunda. And make time for the free aperitifs every evening.

Hotel Novotel Suites Cannes Centre

The Novotel offers good-value rack rates and some of the best online specials in Cannes. This swish, modern, all-suite hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the railway station but still delivers spacious rooms that all have microwaves and kettles, as well as large working spaces and flatscreen TVs.

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic

This belle époque palatial hotel along La Croisette fuses classic elegance with modern refinements. It has 349 sumptuous rooms, three Venetian-style lounges, five restaurants, two bars and a swimming pool. It has also hijacked part of the main beach, which means guests can enjoy bathing in private.

Hotel Colette

This 3-star stay is one of the most stylish hotels in Cannes. Its simple yet striking white colour scheme acts as a canvas for the hotel's lively blend of modern furniture, contemporary art and the odd antique. Its location opposite the railway station is convenient, albeit not the prettiest.

Hôtel Martinez

Situated on La Croisette, the 5-star Hôtel Martinez is one of the Riviera's grand palaces. Guests can take advantage of the private beach, swimming pool and spa while staying in the palatial apartments or well-appointed rooms. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, La Palme d'Or, has a reputation for exceptional cuisine.