My girlfrined and I will be in Cannes at the end of July, does anyone have any reccomendations on "must see" attractions, besides the beach, blvd la croisette, and the palace.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
I think that's about all you can see in Cannes. It's very small and expensive, but to walk around and look at palm trees and cool cars, is always free.
If you got money, go shopping.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
If I were you, I'd stay in Antibes and take a day trip--or better yet a half-day trip--to Cannes. IMO, it doesn't merit any more time than that.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
251 posts
I have to agree with Tim about Cannes. I don't really find it that interesting except for shopping, and that is pretty expensive. However, I wouldn't try to stay Antibes, though it is a charming town for the day. From April-August it is all about yachting. Most of the hostels and cheap housing is taken up by hopefulls trying to get on to boats or pick-up day work. All the bars are full of crew people and everything is expensive (we are paid well as crew). Biot might be better but no train service.
(I am trying to be positive becuase the Riviera, after living there for years I believe July is not the best time to see it. The trafic is horendeous it is crowded, and expensive. However....)
You could look into the Lerins. (Isle Maarguerite and Sainte Honorat.)The ferries leave from Cannes regularly and the islands are quiet, with some nice walks, beach acess(free), and one has monks that make and sell this nasty...er interesting liquor.
Ifyou havea car - Driving up toward Grasse and down again towards Nice is nice. Nice is a bit more studenty with some great night life and pizza places.
Another place that most people don't go is Sophia Antipolis in Valbone. The village built to house all those tech people is actually very charming and peacefull with some good resturants and cute shopping.
Monaco makes a great 2-hr stop just to see the palace and goggle at all those obscene yachts.
Anothe idea and my vote overall (ok I know I am not really answering your question but....)
Take the train from Cannes to San Remo, Italy. It is about 2 hours I think and beautiful along the coast. The Italian Riviera has a completely different feel. San Remo is a nice old seaside town with some great allys to wander. If you go on Saturday the market (inside and outside) is Not! to be missed (it ranks my second favorite market in Europe).
Posted by
Manhattan Beach, CA, USA
108 posts
We took a day trip to Cannes from Nice. We had a wonderful afternoon just sitting at the Hotel Martinez outdoor bar on the beach. The bartender made us several different varieties of mojitos. Very expensive drinks, royal treatment, free snacks, world class view, very romantic. It was one of the favorite days of our trip.
Posted by
Arlington, VA
4 posts
St. Paul de Vence is 20 miles to the Northeast of Cannes. It's a nice village to visit. But I agree with some of the posters--there's really nothing in Cannes. When I went there last year, it was around the Film Festival and so the place was abuzz. But I was just there for a couple of hours.
Posted by
seattle
25 posts
I second (or third?!) staying in Antibes.
If that isn't possible, at least take the quick train ride and spend a day in Antibes. It is a gorgous, charming place. Great walks, views and cafes. You won't be sorry!
Bon voyage!