From local markets and great coffee to beachside lunches and rooftop cocktails, here's how I'd spend a day in Cannes.
Cannes is best known for its famous film festival, designer shopping, and glamorous beach clubs. It's the kind of place where you might expect to spend your day celebrity spotting while sipping overpriced cocktails while watching expensive cars drive by.
After my visit to Cannes, I thought that's all there was to the city. Everything felt expensive, and fake, and nothing particularly impressed me. I left feeling like it was a place to be seen, rather than a city with any real soul to explore.
But after living on the French Riviera for a while, I've spent more time there and have discovered the less obvious side of Cannes. The side that comes through when you focus on local markets, wander its old streets, and indulge in its nearly perfect sandy beach.
If you're visiting Cannes, here's how I'd recommend spending a day there, complete with good meals, stunning views, and of course, a bit of glamour.
First Stop: Cafés Sauvage
There are plenty of cafes to choose from in Cannes, but I enjoy starting the day with a hearty breakfast and good coffee from Cafés Sauvage.
They have a really large menu for whatever kind of breakfast mood you're in, but I particularly like the breakfast chicken sandwich. It's massive, piled high with crispy chicken, avocado, sprouts, and fresh vegetables on some really lovely bread. Exactly the kind of substantial breakfast you want before spending the day exploring a city on foot.
The atmosphere here is relaxed and very dog-friendly, making it a favorite for Bindi too!
Explore the Marché Forville
If you really want to understand the soul of a place, you have to visit its market. Marché Forville is Cannes' bustling covered market filled with beautiful produce, cheeses, fresh flowers, and regional specialties.
If you're visiting in the spring or early summer, I highly recommend the fried zucchini flowers. You can't miss the stand freshly frying up piles of them. They're one of my favorite seasonal treats in the South of France, coated in a light, crispy batter, and finished with just a sprinkle of flaky salt.
I also love the fresh juice stand here that sells freshly pressed ginger shots, something you don't commonly find in France.
But beyond the snacks, wandering the market and its surrounding streets allow you to see a different side of Cannes, a part that feels much more local and lived-in.
Enjoy a Bit of Glamour with a Beach Club Lunch
I have to admit, Cannes has one of my favorite stretches of beach along the French Riviera. Beautiful, soft sand that seems to melt right into the glistening calm waters. And where there are beautiful beaches on the French Riviera, there are inevitably beach clubs.
You'll find plenty of restaurants lining the waterfront, ranging from relatively casual spots to luxurious beach clubs with rows of perfectly arranged sun loungers, and if you're looking for a lunch spot with a bit of that well-known Cannes glamour, pick one of these clubs for lunch.
There are plenty of options, so take a look at the menus and decide which suits you best. I've personally had good experiences at Hyde Beach, as well as La Plage du Martinez.
Wander Through Cannes' Old Town, Le Suquet
After lunch, leave the beach behind and make your way toward Le Suquet, Cannes' historic Old Town. While the waterfront is dominated by luxury hotels, shopping, and beach clubs, Le Suquet offers a different perspective.
Narrow, winding streets lead past colorful buildings, charming little restaurants, and pretty corners that wouldn't look out of place in a small Provençal village.
It's the kind of neighborhood that's best explored without too much of a plan. Wander through the streets, admire the architecture, and enjoy the change of pace from the busy waterfront.
Stop for Coffee at Amamo Café
If you're in need of an afternoon caffeine break, head to Amamo Café, a specialty coffee shop in the Old Town. Finding genuinely good specialty coffee on the French Riviera can sometimes be surprisingly difficult, so I'm always excited to discover a place that's doing it well.
If you're someone who takes their coffee seriously, this is a stop I'd definitely recommend.
Walk Up to Château de la Castre for Panoramic Views
After your coffee, continue uphill toward Château de la Castre, in the historic heart of Le Suquet. This is one of the prettiest parts of Cannes, with old stone buildings, winding pedestrian streets, and a distinctly Provençal atmosphere.
But the real reason to make the climb is the view. From the top, you can enjoy sweeping views over Cannes, its harbor, and the Mediterranean beyond.
It's a beautiful place to stop for a few minutes, take in the scenery, and appreciate just how different this part of the city feels from the glamorous waterfront below.
This was one of the places that really changed my opinion of Cannes. I had no idea this charming, historic neighborhood existed during our first visit, and I was glad we finally got to see it.
Enjoy Rooftop Cocktails at Marea
If there's one place on this itinerary that I'd tell you not to miss, it's Marea.
Located on the rooftop of the Canopy by Hilton hotel, Marea offers one of the most beautiful settings for drinks in Cannes.
The rooftop is beautifully decorated, with a stylish but relaxed atmosphere and incredible views across the sea. Watching the Mediterranean sparkle in the afternoon sunshine while enjoying one of their signature cocktails crafted specifically with Mediterranean flavors is the perfect way to begin to wind down the day.
Finish Your Day with Dinner at Bobo Bistro
Yes, you could end the day with a very expensive dinner at one of the many high-end restaurants along the Croisette, but for me, I prefer the local vibes at Bobo Bistro, a restaurant known for its focus on fresh ingredients and a lively, local atmosphere.
The restaurant fills up quickly, so either make a reservation or get there early. The atmosphere is lively, and the menu has plenty of tempting options. Pastas, fresh seafood, pizzas, and hearty meat dishes; everything I've tried here has been great.
Is Cannes Worth Visiting?
Before I got to know Cannes better, I probably wouldn't have included Cannes among my favorite destinations on the French Riviera.
It has a reputation for being expensive, showy, and pretentious. And while I still think there are parts of Cannes that live up to those stereotypes, exploring the more local side of the city is what really makes it special.
Of course, it's still an expensive destination, particularly around the waterfront and beach clubs. But you don't have to spend your entire day surrounded by designer stores and luxury hotels to enjoy it.
In fact, I'd argue that some of the best experiences in Cannes are found when you venture away from those areas.