15 Best Things to Do in Cannes: Islands, Boat Trips and Unique French Riviera Experiences

Cannes is much more than a beach destination. Its central location makes it easy to combine city sightseeing, island escapes, water sports and day trips across the French Riviera.

You can reach Sainte-Marguerite Island in approximately 15 minutes, explore the Estérel coastline by speedboat, travel to Saint-Tropez without facing the summer traffic or spend a day discovering the vineyards of Provence.

Many activities depart directly from Cannes or nearby Mandelieu-La Napoule, and several excursions include transport. This means that you can enjoy a varied holiday without necessarily renting a car.

Just off the coast of Cannes, the Lérins Islands feel far removed from the busy Croisette. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are covered with Mediterranean vegetation and surrounded by clear water.

There are several ways to discover them, depending on whether you prefer a relaxing island escape or a more active adventure.

Just 15 minutes from Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite Island offers a peaceful and remarkably preserved side of the French Riviera. Cars are not allowed, so the island is explored entirely on foot along shaded paths surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees.

Ferries operate throughout the year from Quai Laubeuf, with departures generally every 30 minutes or every hour depending on the season. A large public car park is located beside the ferry terminal.

Once on the island, you can discover wild coves and beaches, visit the Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal or go snorkelling near the underwater sculptures. Picnic tables, snacks and seasonal food outlets are also available.

Take an early ferry in summer to enjoy cooler air and quieter paths. Spring and autumn are ideal for longer walks, while the winter return crossing can offer beautiful sunset views over Cannes. Before leaving, always check the time of the last ferry back.

Best for: families, couples and nature lovers
Time needed: half a day or a full day
Departure: Quai Laubeuf, Cannes
Crossing time: approximately 15 minutes
Good to know: the island is car-free and ferry services operate all year

For a more active way to discover the Lérins Islands, rent a sea kayak from Palm Beach, at the eastern end of the Croisette. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Sainte-Marguerite Island, depending on your pace and sea conditions.

Kayaking offers a different way to discover the islands. After leaving Palm Beach, you approach Sainte-Marguerite from the sea and follow its wild, rocky coves. You can explore the coastline at your own pace and stop beside the water for a swim or a picnic. It is a more independent and immersive experience than the ferry crossing, giving you time to discover the island’s quieter shoreline.

The kayaks are rented for independent use, without a guide, so participants should feel comfortable paddling on their own and spending several hours on the water. The activity is available throughout the year when weather and sea conditions allow.

It is particularly well suited to families with children aged seven and over, as well as couples and small groups of friends looking for a relaxed and sociable day outdoors.

Best for: active families, couples and small groups of friends
Duration: approximately 7 hours
Departure: Palm Beach, Cannes
Paddling time to the island: approximately 30 minutes
Minimum age: 7 years old
What to bring: water, sunscreen, swimwear, a picnic and suitable footwear
Important: participants must be able to swim; rentals depend on weather and sea conditions

Cannes’ famous Croisette is particularly pleasant early in the morning, before the pavements become busy and the afternoon heat settles over the seafront. It is also a favourite route for local joggers, who enjoy the flat promenade and the cooler morning air.

Start near the Palais des Festivals and walk east towards Port Canto, keeping the sea on your right. Along the way, you will pass public gardens, beach access points and some of Cannes’ most iconic hotels. Look closely at their contrasting architecture, from the Belle Époque style of the Carlton to the Art Deco influence of the Martinez.

For a local-style morning break, stop for coffee or breakfast at one of the beachfront restaurants or hotel terraces along the Croisette. Continue towards the gardens near Port Canto for a quieter, more residential atmosphere and clear views across Cannes Bay.

Best for: first-time visitors, families, joggers and relaxed walks
Time needed: approximately 1 to 2 hours
Best time: early morning or around sunset
Good to know: the promenade is generally flat, but shade is limited during the middle of the day

West of Cannes, the scenery changes dramatically as the coastline reaches the red volcanic rocks of the Estérel Massif.

A speedboat excursion is one of the best ways to discover this wild landscape. Leaving from Cannes, you travel towards rocky creeks, sea caves and swimming spots that can be difficult to reach from the road.

The contrast between the crimson cliffs, turquoise water and Mediterranean vegetation creates one of the most distinctive landscapes on the French Riviera.

• Best for: couples, families with older children and friends
• What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Good to know: the route may change according to sea conditions

After several days beside the sea, escape to the countryside and discover the wines and landscapes of Provence.

This full-day tour begins in Cannes and includes visits to three wine estates. Accompanied by an English-speaking wine expert, you will learn how Provence wines are produced and how to recognise their colours, aromas and flavours.

Although Provence is particularly famous for rosé, the tastings can also include local red and white wines. Transport is provided from Cannes, so you can enjoy the experience without having to drive.

• Best for: couples, wine lovers and small groups
• Duration: approximately 8 hours
• Group size: maximum 8 participants
• Departure: Cannes train station
• Not included: lunch
• Important: tastings are reserved for adults

Le Suquet is the oldest part of Cannes and offers a very different atmosphere from the modern waterfront. Begin near the Old Port and walk up Rue Saint-Antoine, a narrow street lined with small restaurants and historic buildings. The climb continues through quieter lanes towards the church of Notre-Dame-d’Espérance and Place de la Castre. From the terrace at the top, you can see the Old Port, the Croisette and the Lérins Islands on a clear day. Wear comfortable shoes, as some streets are steep and paved with uneven stones. The area is especially attractive in the late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler and the old town begins to fill with evening activity.

Best for: history, photography and panoramic views
Time needed: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
Best time: late afternoon or early evening
Good to know: the climb is steep in places and may be difficult with a pushchair or wheelchair

Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous destinations on the French Riviera, but reaching it by road during summer can take much longer than expected.

Travelling by boat from Cannes turns the journey into part of the experience.

Once in Saint-Tropez, you have free time to explore the old port, the narrow streets of the historic centre and the area around the citadel.

The excursion also includes Port Grimaud, known for its colourful canals. On the return journey, admire the red rocks and coves of the Estérel from the sea.

• Best for: first-time visitors and travellers without a car
• Duration: approximately 7 hours
• Departure: Port du Béal, Cannes La Bocca
• Capacity: up to 12 passengers
• Not included: lunch
• Restrictions: children under 4 are not accepted

Take the wheel of an automatic vintage buggy and discover Cannes from a completely different perspective.

The two-hour route passes the Croisette, the Palais des Festivals, the beaches and the hills of Croix des Gardes.

For a longer adventure, choose the four-hour itinerary towards the Corniche d’Or, the Estérel Massif and Agay Bay. Panoramic stops and a local wine and honey tasting are included in this option.

• Best for: couples, families and friends
• Options: approximately 2 or 4 hours
• Departure: central Cannes
• Capacity: up to 3 people per buggy
• Minimum passenger age: 8 years old
• Driver: valid licence held for at least two years

When you are ready for a break from the beach, head inland to Grasse, the historic perfume capital of the region.

At the Fragonard Fabrique des Fleurs, you can learn how fragrances are composed before creating your own personalised Eau de Cologne.

A specialist introduces you to the fragrance pyramid and the role of top, heart and base notes. You then use nine essences to create a fragrance adapted to your preferences.

The experience includes a workshop, a guided factory tour and your personalised creation in a 100 ml bottle.

• Best for: couples, teenagers and fragrance lovers
• Location: Fragonard Fabrique des Fleurs, Grasse
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Minimum age: 12 years old
• Included: workshop, factory tour and personalised fragrance

Cannes Bay is beautiful from the beach. From the air, it becomes unforgettable.

Parasailing takes you high above the Mediterranean while you are gently towed behind a boat. Once in the air, panoramic views open across Cannes La Bocca, Cannes Bay and La Napoule Bay.

Flights can accommodate one, two or three participants. Take-off and landing take place directly from the boat, and no previous experience is required.

• Best for: couples, families and adventure seekers
• Flight time: approximately 12 to 15 minutes
• Location: Cannes La Bocca
• Capacity: 1 to 3 participants
• Maximum combined weight: 200 kg
• Good to know: the activity depends on weather conditions

Forville Market is one of the best places to experience everyday life in Cannes beyond the beaches and luxury hotels. Visit in the morning, when the stalls are filled with seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses, olives, flowers and other products from Provence. Even without buying anything, the market offers a useful introduction to the ingredients and flavours found across the region. Take time to explore the surrounding streets as well, where you will find bakeries, food shops and small cafés used by local residents. Arriving before late morning generally provides a better choice of produce and a calmer atmosphere than visiting just before closing.

Best for: food lovers, families and rainy mornings
Time needed: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Best time: morning
Good to know: opening days and hours can vary, particularly on public holidays, so check them before visiting

On selected summer evenings, the sky above Cannes becomes the stage for the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique.

Watching the display from the Croisette is impressive, but experiencing it from the sea creates an entirely different atmosphere.

The evening begins with a sunset cruise between the Lérins Islands. The boat then takes up position in Cannes Bay for a clear view of the fireworks and their reflections across the Mediterranean.

Departures operate only on selected festival dates, so early booking is strongly recommended.

• Best for: couples, families and special occasions
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Departure: Port du Béal, Cannes La Bocca
• Season: selected summer festival dates
• Restrictions: children under 4 and pets are not accepted

The Palais des Festivals is closely associated with the Cannes Film Festival, but the area is accessible throughout most of the year. Visitors can walk around the main entrance, see the famous steps and look for the handprints of actors and filmmakers along the Chemin des Étoiles. The ceremonial red carpet is not necessarily displayed in the same way outside major events, so it is best to visit for the setting rather than expecting the full festival appearance. From the Palais, continue towards the Old Port or cross the road to explore the streets around Rue d’Antibes. Early morning is a good time for photographs, as the entrance is usually less crowded.

Best for: cinema fans and first-time visitors
Time needed: approximately 30 to 45 minutes
Best time: early morning
Good to know: access around the building may be restricted during congresses, festivals and private events

For a truly exclusive experience near Cannes, privatise a catamaran and explore the French Riviera with your family or friends.

Departing from Port de la Rague in Mandelieu-La Napoule, you may sail towards the Lérins Islands, the red coves of the Estérel, Cap d’Antibes or the Île d’Or.

Swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding and electric underwater scooters are available. The skipper, fuel, insurance and refreshments are included, while catered meals can be ordered separately.

• Best for: families, groups of friends and celebrations

• Duration: 4 or 8 hours

• Departure: Port de la Rague, Mandelieu-La Napoule

• Included: skipper, fuel, insurance, refreshments and water equipment

• Optional: catered meal

• What to bring: swimsuit, towel and sunscreen

Cannes has a mixture of private beach clubs and public beaches, so you do not need to pay for a sunbed to swim in the Mediterranean. Public sections can be found along the Croisette and towards Cannes La Bocca, although the beaches closest to the city centre become busy quickly in summer. Arrive in the morning for more space and bring your own towel, water and sun protection, as natural shade is limited. Cannes La Bocca is often a practical alternative for travellers looking for a more relaxed setting away from the main hotels. Before entering the water, check the beach flags and local safety information, particularly on windy days or after poor weather.

Best for: budget-conscious travellers, families and swimming
Time needed: from 1 hour to half a day
Best time: morning or late afternoon
Good to know: public beaches are free, but facilities and lifeguard supervision vary according to the beach and season

One of the best ways to discover the Mediterranean is to look beneath its surface.

At Port de la Rague, beginners can experience their first scuba dive in a shallow coastal area surrounded by rocks and marine life.

The activity begins with an introduction to the equipment, safety rules and underwater communication signals. Each participant is then accompanied individually by a state-certified instructor.

The dive lasts approximately 20 minutes. Including the briefing and preparation, the complete activity takes between one hour and one and a half hours.

• Best for: beginners, families and underwater nature lovers
• Total duration: approximately 1 to 1.5 hours
• Time underwater: approximately 20 minutes
• Location: Port de la Rague
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• Important: participants must be able to swim
• Included: equipment, supervision and insurance