No account yet?
Famous city on the Côte d'Azur
0 travellers have this on their Bucket List
1 been here
Cannes is a famous city in southwestern France. It is located on the famous coast of the Côte d'Azur. The city is especially famous for the film festival and the jet set that likes to come here. But Cannes has much more to offer, including islands. You'll find also attractions that you will not expect soon.
The name Cannes is well-known to many travellers. To meet the rich and famous and much more. Visiting Cannes is therefore mainly people watching, looking at beautiful houses and enjoying luxury. But you can also be nice and active here, like I did. These are the sights of the city on the Mediterranean Sea. With also attention for the best excursions of this part of the French Riviera.
The harbour often shines with expensive boats. I noticed there are regular competitions, including various sailing competitions that start in the harbour. You can easily walk past the many boats, although cycling is also an option.
The Boulevard de la Croisette is two kilometers long and it is nice to take a stroll on it. It offers nice shops, beach clubs, extremely expensive shops and stately hotels. The promenade offers a beautiful view of the sea, the palm trees and good people-watching. The boulevard starts at the Palais des Festivals des Cannes and runs to the marina. It's a lovely walk, any time of the day.
If you walk along the boulevard you will also see several small sandy beaches. These are specially constructed for sunbathers and of course swimmers. The water is very warm, especially in summer and autumn. You can also escape the busy life here. And people watch, of course. In the morning it is often still nice and quiet.
The island of Saint Marguerite is part of the Lérins Islands, which lie off the coast of Cannes. le Sainte-Marguerite is 700 meters and is the larger of the two islands. You can easily visit the island by ferry in 15 minutes from the port in Cannes. The island is wonderful for walking through the woods and along the coast. You can also swim in the warm water.
When you arrive you will see the Fort Royal, which was built between 1624 and 1627. The fortifications were later rebuilt several times. It was also used as a prison, including for Man in the Iron Mask in the 17th century. Who became known through the film, even though little is known about him.
Special is the typical French cannon that was discovered in the sea in 1995. Cast in bronze in Strasbourg in 1715, it features, among other things, coats of arms of Louis XIV and his son Louis-Auguste de Bourbon. The fortress is now part of the Museum of the Sea that you can visit. Then you get a lot of information about the rich history.
The Underwater Museum of Cannes will open in early 2021. It is the first underwater museum in the Mediterranean. The famous artist Jason deCaires Taylor put six statues in the sea. The images show six local residents, including an 80-year-old fisherman, as well as some school children. The museum is free to visit. It is located off the coast of the island of le Sainte-Marguerite.
Tiny Saint Honorat Island is a breath of fresh air. The island is known for the Monastery of Lérins, which you can visit. Which is very worthwhile. Dating back to 410, it has been run by monks since the 16th century. They make wine and a liqueur from no less than 44 plants here. You can see the vineyards and taste the wine at the seaside restaurant. You can also easily visit this island with a ferry.
In 200, the French artist Amaryllis placed a statue of a mermaid off the coast. The artwork is called Atlante and can be found just outside the harbour. You can walk and bike to the pier to see the statue.
One of the best activities in the city is by bicycle. You can go on your own, but also with a guide. The best tip is to take an electric bike (or a scooter) so that you can also explore the hills of the city. That part is remarkably green with many large houses. You have several vantage points to stop for a while. There are several bicycle rental companies in the city where you can rent a bicycle.
Cannes can be visited all year round. Although it can get very hot and crowded in the summer. But that is part and parcel of this bustling city. Spring and autumn are perfect for some good action. In winter it is often warmer in Cannes than with us and you can spend the winter well. Although it can also snow here because of the mountains nearby. Cannes is 12 kilometers from Antibes, which is also worth a visit.
More information on the official website
0 travellers have this on their Bucket List
1 been here
