Top 15 Attractions in Cannes

Cannes is the precious pearl of the Côte d'Azur, where the rich and famous flock to. This city, first of all, is associated with luxury, big money, secular parties, walks on luxury yachts and other attributes of a beautiful life. But back in the 19th century, Cannes was a simple and unremarkable fishing village.

The city has a very tiny historical part, limited by the Le Suquet quarter. However, there will be something to see for inquisitive tourists. For entertainment, you need to go to the Rue d'Antibes and the Croisette. Gourmets should definitely go to one of the Michelin-starred restaurants to join the haute couture cuisine. Well, lovers of boat trips have a direct road to the picturesque Lerins Islands.

What to see and where to go in Cannes?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Cannes Film Festival

One of the most iconic events in the world of auteur cinema, the Cannes Film Festival takes place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, which is located on the Croisette near the old port. The building used to house a casino. Despite the worldwide fame and undeniable cultural value of this place, the architecture of the building does not cause admiration, as the palace looks like a monumental giant of the socialist era.

Croisette

Walking boulevard that stretches along the coast of Cannes. The appearance of the Croisette was formed in the 19th century, it was laid on the site of an old road, known since the time of the Roman Empire. The embankment connects the Cape of Palm Beach and the Palace of Festivals and Congresses. Along the alley are shops of famous designers, luxury hotels that accept only guests of the Cannes Film Festival, restaurants and casinos.

Le Suquet quarter

A small area near Mount Chevalier, which consists of only a few narrow streets. This place is also called the Old City. There are several historical sights here: the Cathedral of Our Lady of Hope, the watchtower and the Chateau de la Caste with a museum. Le Suque has several expensive restaurants with excellent cuisine that can please even the most discerning gourmets.

old port

The old port is adjacent to the historic district of Le Suquet. It is a famous symbol of Cannes and the entire French Riviera. Today, there is a picturesque marina on its territory, where snow-white yachts and other, more modest vessels moor. Fishing boats depart from the berths to the sea, counting on a rich catch. The Royal Regatta also starts from here every year.

Antibes street

The main alley of Cannes, where boutiques, restaurants and coffee houses are at the service of tourists. This place has long been chosen by representatives of European and American bohemia, and you can often see world-famous stars here. In architectural terms, Antibes is an ordinary street of a French city with stone facades stuck to each other, paved sidewalks and a narrow roadway.

Avenue of Stars

The alley is located near the Palace of Festivals and Congresses. It is a part of the pavement where slabs with handprints of famous people are embedded. It is not even immediately possible to notice it against the general background. In general, people don't show any "respect" for the stars: vendors place merchandise on slabs, passers-by keep passing by, causing some of the prints to be in poor condition.

Forville Market

Forville is the most famous market on the French Riviera. It is visited by both ordinary people and chefs of gourmet restaurants to purchase fresh products for their culinary masterpieces. It seems that all the best is sold here: vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, cheeses and herbs look like in the picture just painted. Bargaining is possible and necessary, but sellers often speak only French.

Museum de la Castre

The museum collection is located on the territory of the castle, built to protect the city from attacks from the sea. Archaeological, ethnographic and artistic exhibits are exhibited here. Visitors can see paintings by Cannes and Provencal artists, ancient artifacts from around the world, statues, icons, calligraphy and many other interesting items. At the entrance to the museum there is another attraction - a watchtower.

Maritime Museum

The museum is located on the island of St. Margaret, 20 minutes by boat from the coast of Cannes in the former building of the royal prison of Fort Royal. The collection is an exhibition of archaeological finds raised from the seabed and belonging to different time periods. It also hosts temporary photography exhibitions. Tourists will be interested in visiting the chamber of the mysterious prisoner known as the "Iron Mask".

Church of Our Lady of Hope

The temple is located on the territory of the historic quarter of Le Suquet. The building was erected at the beginning of the 17th century to meet the needs of the growing flock. The facade of the church is built in the Gothic style, the bell tower is designed in an older Romanesque style, and the gates have obvious Renaissance features. The external and internal appearance of the temple are distinguished by restraint and even some modesty. In the summer there is a music festival.

Notre Dame de Beaune Voyage

The temple is located next to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a block from the Croisette. The first chapel was erected on this site in the 16th century, at that time it was surrounded by poor fishermen's huts. The modern building was built in the second half of the 19th century. A well-known historical event is connected with Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Voyage - Napoleon's triumphal march on Paris in 1815.

Archangel Michael Church

An Orthodox church built according to the design of the French architect L. Nouveau at the end of the 19th century. The building is located on Alexandra III Boulevard. The church was erected on the initiative of Russian immigrants, since for a long time the only Orthodox parish operated in Cannes at the villa of the Russian aristocrat A.F. Tripe (Skripitsyna), which could hardly accommodate everyone. The temple was built in the style of neo-Russian eclecticism.

Lérins Abbey

The abbey is an important shrine of France, a considerable number of pilgrims come here. The monastery is located on the island of Saint Honorat about 3 km from Cannes. The complex consists of several dozen architectural objects: towers, fortresses, churches, outbuildings. The brothers grow oranges, grapes and lavender. Many tourists come here for the monastery's wine and liquor.

Grand Jas Cemetery

It is quite typical for France that ancient cemeteries are becoming popular architectural landmarks. The necropolis of Grand Jas in Cannes did not escape this fate. Many famous personalities and war heroes are buried in this place. Its territory is divided into Anglo-Saxon, Italian, Russian and Jewish sections. The cemetery administration offers tourists the services of a tour guide.

Lerins Islands

An archipelago off the Côte d'Azur, consisting of two inhabited (St. Margriet and St. Honorat) and several uninhabited islands. They were salted in the era of Ancient Rome. In the 5th century, Bishop Honorat of Arelat founded a monastery here. The islands can be reached by pleasure boat. Tourists come here to relax and enjoy the peace, beauty and peace of mind after the arrogant Cannes.