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Is there anything to do in Cannes if there is no festival?

We are going to southern France for two weeks, Oct. 28-Nov. 11. In planning our trip, we were wondering if we should spend a day or two in Cannes, or is Cannes only good for the film festival?

Posted by
8166 posts

Where are you going in that area already. No one talks about going to Cannes to do or see things; I think they have a Casino and a beach that is about it,

Posted by
2207 posts

I am fortunate to attend the ILTM conference in Cannes each year, so have traveled there 10+ times in December (which surprisingly has been an amazing time to visit).

As mentioned, it's a small town. It has a very small downtown with many restaurants (there ARE some great dining options). But if no event is going on at the Palais des Festivals (Convention center), it could be a tad limiting. You might find more activity, history. and cultural events in nearby Antibes, Eze, or Nice.

We have used it as a base often because of our relationships with the hotels in the area, so a car was a must for us.

Posted by
713 posts

Cannes does have shopping, beach and restaurants, and does have a small old town area (le Suquet). There are also ferries to the Lerin Islands But in November you can do far better by going elsewhere along the Cote d'Azur for more variety and better choices, as others have pointed out.

Posted by
4589 posts

I only spent one day there off of a cruise but I was pleasantly surprised, especially after reading the RS travel guide opinion of it. As an Alexander Dumas fan the highlight for me was heading out to Isle Sainte Marguerite for an afternoon as the Spanish fort on the island has a museum with a prison cell which is said to have been where the Man in the Iron Mask was was held. https://www.cannes-destination.com/sightseeing-cruises/sainte-marguerite-island