BEYOND THE PONTOONS

Things to do near Cannes outside the show

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Six days of yachts is a lot, even for the most passionate visitor. The good news is that Cannes sits at the heart of one of the most varied stretches of the French Riviera, with islands, perfume towns, art museums and wild red cliffs all within easy reach. Whether you have a free morning between appointments or an extra day after the show, these ideas will help you see a different side of the Côte d’Azur without wasting time on logistics.

The Lérins Islands, fifteen minutes offshore

The two Lérins Islands are the easiest escape from the festival crowds, and you can see them from the Croisette. Boats leave from the port of Cannes throughout the day, and the crossing takes just 15 to 20 minutes. Sainte-Marguerite, the larger island at about 3.2 kilometres long, is crossed by shaded paths through pine and eucalyptus woods, with small coves for a swim. Its Fort Royal houses the cell associated with the legendary Man in the Iron Mask, along with archaeological displays.

Saint-Honorat, smaller and quieter, belongs to the monks of Lérins Abbey, who still live and work there. You can walk the three-kilometre loop around the island, visit the abbey church and the medieval fortified monastery, and buy the wines and liqueurs produced by the community. Neither island allows cars, and there are a few restaurants and kiosks, although a picnic is often the nicest option. Half a day is enough for one island, which makes this a perfect morning before an afternoon at the show.

Rocky coast of Sainte-Marguerite island with Cannes across the bay

Antibes and Grasse, two classic day trips

Antibes, ramparts and Picasso

Only a short train ride from Cannes, Antibes combines a lively old town, a covered market and seafront ramparts with one of Europe’s great yachting harbours, Port Vauban. The Picasso Museum occupies the Château Grimaldi, where the artist worked in 1946, and its terrace offers one of the finest views on the coast. Neighbouring Juan-les-Pins adds sandy beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a late swim before returning to Cannes for dinner.

Grasse, the perfume capital

Perched in the hills behind Cannes, Grasse has been the world’s perfume capital for centuries, and the perfume-related know-how of the Pays de Grasse was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2018. Perfumers such as Fragonard offer free guided tours of around 30 minutes in several languages, including English, without the need to book for individual visitors. The old town’s steep lanes and the International Perfume Museum make it easy to fill a day.

Coastal drives and hilltop villages

The Esterel coast

West of Cannes, beyond Mandelieu-La Napoule and Théoule-sur-Mer, the coastal road known as the Corniche d’Or winds between deep red volcanic rocks and a turquoise sea. It is one of the most spectacular drives in France, with viewpoints and hidden coves along the way. The train line follows the same coastline towards Saint-Raphaël, offering superb views without the driving. Allow half a day to enjoy it properly, with a stop for a swim or lunch by the sea.

Mougins and Saint-Paul-de-Vence

Inland, the village of Mougins is known for its restaurants and art galleries, just a few kilometres north of Cannes. Further east, Saint-Paul-de-Vence draws visitors with its ramparts, artists’ studios and the Fondation Maeght nearby. Both are best reached by car or with a driver, ideally in the late afternoon when the day-trippers have left. Their narrow lanes are at their best in the golden light before dinner.

Small escapes within Cannes itself

You do not need to leave town to change the pace. These three ideas fit easily around a morning or an afternoon at the show, and all of them are within walking distance of the Vieux Port. They are also a good way to discover the Cannes that residents know.

Luxury yachts in the Vieux Port of Cannes with the old town of Le Suquet behind

Le Suquet

Climb the lanes of the old town to the hilltop church and the Musée de la Castre, housed in the old castle. The view over the bay and the festival harbour is the best in Cannes.

Olives and Provençal produce on a stall at the Forville market in Cannes

Forville market

Cannes’ covered market is the place to see local produce, from Provençal vegetables to fresh fish. Go in the morning, then stay for a coffee or an early lunch in the surrounding streets.

Busy sandy beach with palm trees and yachts offshore

The Croisette beaches

Between the public beaches and the private beach clubs, the Croisette is perfect for a late-afternoon swim. September water is often still warm, and the light over the Esterel at sunset is unforgettable.

Fitting excursions around the show

The key is to plan excursions around the rhythm of the festival rather than against it. The pontoons are calmest at opening time and in the late afternoon, which leaves the middle of the day free for a quick escape, or the opposite if you prefer to do your viewings first. The Lérins Islands work beautifully as a morning outing, while Antibes or Mougins are ideal for an evening, ending with dinner. Our guide to planning your yacht viewings helps you decide which hours to keep for the show.

Remember that Friday is the late opening, with the show running until 10pm, so it is the ideal day to spend the morning elsewhere. If you are extending your stay after the Sunday close, the Riviera is still in full swing in September, and our selection of restaurants and lounges in Cannes is a good place to plan your final evening.

Old town of Antibes and its ramparts above the sea

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