The town of Cannes sits near the warm waters of the French Riviera with whitewashed Moorish architecture, earthen terracotta roof tiles, and vibrant bougainvilleas setting the scene. It’s known for its fantastic Mediterranean climate, high-end shopping, and emphasis on a leisurely lifestyle. The town’s famous film festival and sprawling beachfront along the Boulevard de la Croisette — which houses luxury fashion brands and award-winning restaurants — have attracted international celebrities and fashionable travelers to the city for decades. Its beaches, bathed in the warm glow of the Côte d’Azur sun, lure people looking to enjoy the turquoise waters, with yachts and sailboats bobbing in the distance.

Cannes also has a strong cultural side to explore, with its medieval castles, meandering streets of the old town, and unique galleries, such as its underwater sculpture museum. You’ll also discover plenty of trails in or near the town, including the Coast Trail or La Croix des Gardes Loop, and many hiking and mountain biking options in the surrounding area. More than a dozen nearby hills in the Alpes Maritimes are open for skiing in the winter.

Travelers flying into the region are likely to be routed through Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) — the region’s nearest major international terminal — located less than 30 minutes from Cannes. From the airport, you have several options for getting into the city. Buses, shared and private shuttles, and taxis and ride-hailing services are all readily available. Getting around Cannes is easy thanks to its dense, compact nature that makes walking the most efficient way to explore. Subsidized bus routes also provide extensive coverage throughout the region, and taxis or ride-hailing services offer quick access to more distant areas. You can rent a car at the airport and in town, but you won’t need one unless you plan to explore the region’s more rural destinations.

Cannes has a moderate Mediterranean climate with warm, pleasant summers full of long sunny days and little to no rain. June through August are particularly dry — creating excellent conditions to sunbathe and enjoy the shimmering Riviera waters. And while the winters tend to cool down, with moderate increases in rainfall and cloud cover, the weather is still pleasant for meandering about the city. But with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, vacation rentals in Cannes are always popular, especially during the spring, when its famous film festival takes place, usually in the latter half of May. Cinema magnates, movie stars, and celebrities from all over the world attend the ten-day event.

The European Night of the Museums also occurs in May, offering you the chance to see the continent’s museums in a new light — literally — with nighttime entry and special events. And in August, the Pyrotechnic Art Festival celebrates all forms of art incorporating light and illumination, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show over the water.

Boulevard de la Croisette

One of the most famous streets in France, this mile-long beachfront boulevard houses luxury shopping, open-air cafes, and some of the country’s best culinary offerings. The wide, palm-lined promenade overlooks golden beaches and marinas where yachts and towering sailboats nestle side by side, setting the backdrop for wandering about the ornate stone fountains and enjoying the seaside.

Musée de la Castre

This 12th-century castle perched atop a hill overlooks the city and offers grand vistas over the ocean and countryside. The museum provides a history of the region through its impressive collections, with musical instruments, clay masks, and Roman-era artifacts making up the Mediterranean history exhibit. Other rooms house a fantastic array of items from the pre-Columbian Americas, central Asia, and Oceania.

Vieux Port (Old Port)

While the main marina along the Boulevard de la Croisette flaunts its fleet of modern ocean liners and yachts, the Old Port — below the Old Town District — has an old-world charm with small fishing boats and sailing craft taken out daily by locals. On the western side of the Old Port, you can wind your way uphill and explore the quarter of Le Suquet, with its undulating, cobblestoned streets, vibrant greenery, and winding walkways.