Wondering what to do with 3 days in Cannes? No worries, this Cannes 3 day itinerary has you covered.

If you’ve landed on this guide, chances are you’re planning a trip to the South of France, and who could blame you? South of France cities provide some of the best travel experiences in Europe, with brilliant examples such as Nice, Nîmes, Menton, etc. And of course, Cannes, France’s cinema capital. 

With just 3 days at your disposal, you might wonder if it’s possible to do everything. Well, wonder no more! I’ve created the ultimate 3 day Cannes itinerary to make sure you hit all the hotspots and fully enjoy the local South of France culture. 

Cannes 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Discover Cannes

Morning: Stroll Along La Croisette

The best way to start your Cannes trip is with a stroll down the iconic La Croisette Boulevard. The boulevard is 2.6 kilometers and follows along the Mediterranean Sea.

It is the liveliest spot in Cannes, with its luxury boutiques, beautiful beaches, and cafes that have seen more celebrities than a red carpet. It’s the best place to sit down, take a coffee and enjoy watching people pass by.

On the way, you’ll get to see the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival is held. 

Afternoon: Explore Le Suquet

After soaking up the morning vibes of La Croisette, head to Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes.

Taking a detour into Le Suquet is an absolute must – it’s the historic heart of Cannes, located high above the city, and it offers beautiful views of the bay and the Croisette below. It’s a charming neighborhood, with cute cobbled streets and brightly painted houses – like stepping into a postcard from a different era. 

Here, you can visit the Musée des Explorations du Monde for a deep dive into local history and to enjoy panoramic views of the bay. The museum is housed in a medieval castle and showcases an eclectic collection of Mediterranean artifacts from the region’s rich past.

The area is also full of cute and cozy restaurants serving delicious Provençal cuisine. For lunch, I highly recommend having a specialty from the south such as Bouillabaisse or Ratatouille. 

But for me, the best part of Le Suquet is the vibe. It’s a welcome break from the luxury and glamour found in the rest of Cannes, you go there when you want to enjoy a slower pace for a little while. 

Evening: Dinner at the Old Port

Dinner at the Old Port is the perfect way to conclude your first day. It allows you to sit down and admire the Mediterranean Sea while eating fantastically fresh fish.

The dozens, if not hundreds, of huge yachts lined up one after the other is an impressive sight as well.

The best is to choose a restaurant with a terrasse to bask in the sun, the warm air and the golden atmosphere at sunset. The whole thing makes you feel like a movie star in the 90s. 

Day 2: Experience Cannes’ Culture and Nature

Morning and afternoon: Visit Sainte-Marguerite Island

Just in front of Cannes are two islands: Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honoré islands. You’ll sometimes hear them called “Lerins Islands”, it’s the name given to the small archipelago they form.

The islands are accessible from Cannes by a short 30-minute ferry ride (count around 15 euros for a round-trip). There, you can set to explore, which will take up a better part of your day, if not all of it. 

Completely untouched, the nature spots on Saint-Marguerite are a highlight of the region. The preserved 152 ha of pine and eucalyptus forest can be explored through the various walking trails.

Very often, they’ll lead to gorgeous secluded beaches where you can take a swim and tan for a few hours. This beautiful landscape is part of these classic Mediterranean summer settings, similar to the Amalfi Coast in Italy or the Greek islands. 

The hidden gem on this island is the eco-museum situated under the water. In 2021, British artist Jason deCaires Taylor, in collaboration with the city, placed head statues in the Mediterranean Sea, a few dozen of meters away from the shore. With only a mask and tuba, you’re good to go go see them. 

However, for all its beauty, Saint-Marguerite’s history can be quite dark: it is home to a big cemetery and a centuries-old prison. 

Indeed, you will dozens of graves in the Muslim cemetery, in which are buried the deported Algerians who revolted against French rule in Algeria in the 19th century. It is today the biggest and oldest Muslim cemetery in France. 

As for the Island’s main monument, the Royal Fort – it is a jail famous for its mysterious prisoner, the Man in the Iron Mask. Rings a bell? It’s because it’s the same name as the book by French writer Alexandre Dumas that was later adapted into a movie starring Leo Dicaprio.

The (true) story of the Iron Masked Man is fascinating: incarcerated for 34 years in different French prisons, the man was forced to wear a mask to hide his identity.

Many wild theories circulated on who he was, one of them being that he was King Louis XIV’s twin brother, with whom the King didn’t want to share the throne.

To this day, we do not know for sure who the Masked Man is. Now a museum, the Fort showcases an exhibit detailing the story of the man and his years spent in one of the cells. 

Saint-Marguerite Island, with its beautiful landscapes and interesting museums, is the perfect escape for nature lovers and history buffs, or just those looking to enjoy in the beauty of the Côte d’Azur in a more peaceful setting. 

Evening: Attend a Show at Palais des Festivals

In the evening, I recommend taking a visit to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where countless actors have gone to walk on the red carpet, to experience Cannes’ cultural scene. Check the schedule for concerts, shows, or film screenings open to the public. 

Day 3: Enjoy Some Leisure and Luxury Time

Morning: Relax at Plage du Midi

On your final day, it’s better to take it slow. Plage du Midi is a beach just a short walk from the city center, it is ideal to relax in before the arrival of the crows in the afternoon.

Sandy shores and clear waters is the best combo for unwinding after your previous day of adventure. So rent a sunbed, bask in the sun, take a dip in the sea, but most of all, do nothing! 

Afternoon: Luxury Shopping on Rue d’Antibes

After you have recharged your batteries, it’s time for some more walking, but this time, for the most pleasant activity of all: shopping!

Rue d’Antibes is Cannes’ second most famous shopping street, but it is THE street for luxury shopping. From world-renowned brands to more niche regional ones, there’s something for everyone.

Even if you’re not looking to buy, the window shopping experience in Cannes is still a fantastic one.

Evening: Sunset Cruise

Finish off your trip with a sunset cruise from the Old Port. Many local operators offer scenic tours along the coastline, providing a unique view of Cannes from the water.

Make sure to pick a tour that will coincide with the time of sunset, as that will give you the best experience. A glass of wine or champagne is often included in the cost of the ticket – the perfect way to toast to the incredible trip you just took. 

How to get to Cannes

The most common route to Cannes is usually by plane to the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is one of the biggest in the region.

From there, you can take a direct train to Cannes. However, Cannes also has its own airport, the Cannes Mandelieu Airport, so if you manage to get a direct flight there it’s the quickest way to reach the city. 

Cannes is also accessible by train to the Cannes station, and by bus through Flixbus and Blablacar. 

Where to eat in Cannes

My favorite restaurants in Canada are Grill and Wines (the fantastic name tells you everything you need to know about it), Parthenopi, a great and healthy greek restaurant, and La Table du Chef, for those interested in traditional French cuisine.

Where to stay in Cannes

Luxury accommodation in Cannes

The Carlton Cannes is iconic – most celebrities stay there when they come to the city for the Film Festival. If you need to stay anywhere and you have the budget, this is the place in Cannes. 

Mid-range accommodation in Cannes

The best mid-range accommodation is B&B Villa du Roc Fleuri. I personally LOVE their terrarium/terrace, it makes it a very pleasant place to stay in. 

Budget accommodation in Cannes

My favorite low-budget accommodation in Cannes is Hotel Brimmer Cannes. It’s close to the beach and city center, it’s cute and clean and the staff is friendly. Overall, it’s the best value option for low-budget travelers who want their own room.  

An alternative is Banana’s Camp Hostel, also close and clean, cheaper (not by much) but you only get a bed in a dormitory instead of a whole room to yourself.

FAQs about visiting Cannes

What’s the best time to visit Cannes?

The ideal time to visit Cannes is during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. May is particularly exciting with the Cannes Film Festival, but expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Can I enjoy Cannes on a budget?

Absolutely! While Cannes is known for its luxury, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city on a budget. Hostels, public beaches, free museum days, and affordable eating-out options make it accessible for everyone.

Are there any free attractions in Cannes?

Yes, Cannes offers several free attractions, including exploring Le Suquet, visiting the public beaches, and walking La Croisette. The best one you’ll do is explore Saint-Marguerite Island. 

What is Cannes famous for, besides the film festival?

Besides the film festival, Cannes is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury shopping, and interesting culture, which you can explore through museums, art galleries, and historic sites like Sainte-Marguerite Island.

Is it easy to navigate Cannes without speaking French?

Yes, it’s relatively easy to navigate Cannes without speaking French. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, and signs and menus are often available in English.

Conclusion: The 3 Days in Cannes Experience

With this itinerary, you’re guaranteed to experience the very best the city of Cannes has to offer. Cannes is a lovely city to visit: the glamorous culture, the serene atmoshpere of the islands, the interesting museums and history, it has everything. 

Author Bio: Hi! I’m Anya, the founder of the travel blog Stop Going to Paris, which focuses on underrated and niche cities in Europe. I’m a passionate traveler but most of all, a passionate adventurer always looking for the hidden gems that deserve more love. As for me, I live in… drumroll… Paris! That’s why the name of the blog is funny.

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