Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview

The long, shop-studded stretch of La Croisette is Cannes’ central attraction, with 12km (7.5 miles) of sandy beaches. During the International Film Festival, stars and millionaires pose in restaurants along the expensive private beaches of La Croisette.

La Croisette is best viewed from the highest point of Cannes’ Old Town (Le Suquet), where the remains of the fortified tower still stand, along with the 12th- century Chapel of St Anne. Le Suquet, with its winding streets, small boutiques and restaurants, is a lovely place for tourists to stroll.

At the end of La Croisette is the Palais des Festivals, whose endless Allées des Stars is imprinted with handprints and signatures of the rich and famous. Just beyond is the atmospheric Vieux Port with its odd medley of luxury boats and tiny fishing vessels, rows of palm trees, and fragrant flower market. Further west, along the seafront, are the free sandy beaches where the locals gather along the Plages du Midi.

Tourist Information

Cannes Tourist Office
Palais des Festivals, La Croisette
Tel: (04) 9299 8422.
Website: www.cannes-on-line.com

Other branches are located in the train station and at 1 avenue Pierre Sémard, Cannes-La Bocca.

Passes

The Carte Musée or French Riviera Museum Pass (tel: (04) 9352 3325) allows free access to over 60 of the Riviera’s museums, monuments and gardens including the Musée-Chapelle Bellini, Musée de la Castre, La Malmaison and Musée de la Mer. There is a three-day pass and a seven-day one. The card is available at participating museums, monuments and gardens, tourist offices, selected branches of Thomas Cook (Nice and Cannes) and FNAC department stores.