We will be in Cannes the first day of the film festival (May 12, 2026). We can't change the day, as it is a scheduled cruise stop. We were hoping to visit a beach and dine at a restaurant. Any chance of that? I know to expect crowds, but not sure just how bad it might be. Any suggestions as to what beach to go to and what's involved with that? We will be traveling with 4 adults and 2 children (ages 7 and 11).
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7050 posts
My advice - get out of town on the first train to Antibes.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
11655 posts
That train to Antibes sounds good LOL, but traffic to the station is something else.
My husband has been in Cannes during the festival and ate at some restaurant with some well-known star at the next table. Be sure to reserve a table. It’s kind of fun walking around and spotting people. At least you aren’t driving and trying to park. Astraux et Brun is where we go as a family group, fine seafood, raw oysters, cooked dishes.
All else fails, I spotted a Five Guys not far away.
The tourism office can tell you about the beach ahead of time; don’t try to ask them questions during the Festival.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11342 posts
Cannes is a tender port, the tenders land at the ferry/waterbus quay.
The one time I landed there on a cruise (at film festival time) I was taken by surprise at the ferries to the offshore Iles de Lerins, having not done my research properly, and the ship hadn't mentioned them.
A difficult choice as I also wanted to explore the town and see what it was like at film festival time, but if I'd known of the islands I would have gone there instead. If I ever was to be in Cannes again the islands would be my priority.
I don't know whether there are sandy beaches on the islands, but wonder if that's an option to escape the crowds, if you are on shore early enough. Less than 30 minutes on the boat.