Cruises to Cannes, France

A stop in Cannes from a Mediterranean cruise will take you to a city that blends the excitement of Hollywood with the Old World beauty of Southern France. Cannes has come a long way since its days as a tiny fishing village. Today, the city is best known for the Cannes Film Festival held each May as well as being a playground for the rich and famous. On a Cannes cruise, you can experience the glitz and glam side of the city or opt for exploring some of its history and scenery-focused experiences.

You might think that Cannes would be all about French cuisine, but it’s actually Italian cuisine with French influences that the city is known for. Its location just across the Mediterranean from Italy has resulted in Italian flavors in the local food. For a snack, get one of the quintessential French baguettes sold all over the city. For something sweeter, indulge in one of the many decadent pastries found in the bakeries of Cannes, like lemon meringue. If you’re a wine aficionado, try a glass of wine from the nearby Provence region or any of the other world-class wine regions in France.

Cannes was given its name due to the cane reeds that once grew on its shores. The monks of Lérins came to the area in the 4th century and left their mark with the fortifications they built in the 10th century to protect the city from attacks by sea. Napoleon traveled through Cannes during his journeys as well. It wasn’t until 1834, when Lord Brougham visited and decided to build a villa in Cannes, that the city started to become known as a resort destination and not just a port for the fishing industry.

Today, the economy of Cannes is heavily impacted by the tourism industry. Most visitors come during the balmy summer months, though shoulder season is a great time to go when temperatures are cooler. The tourism trade crosses with the film industry in Cannes each May when the city attracts visitors for the Cannes Film Festival, which is considered to be one of the most important film festivals in the world (if not the most important). This Hollywood connection gives Cannes a luxurious vibe, and you’ll find many luxury hotels and casinos along with a strong yachting culture.

Cannes is an extremely walkable city, and many of its top sights are located within the city center. If you do wish to travel farther afield or need assistance getting around the city center, then you’ll have many forms of public transportation you can use, including a local bus system, trains that connect with other nearby towns from the train station by Vieux Port, and boat ferries. In addition, taxis are available for hire. You can even rent bicycles, motorbikes, and cars to get around during your Cannes cruise port of call.

On a Cannes, France cruise, it’s easy to find shopping, since the central shopping areas are all located within walking distance of the port. Visit Rue d’Antibes and Boulevard de la Croisette for upscale boutiques and popular clothing brands, as well as Rue Hoche on which you’ll find the Galeries Lafayette department store. For bargain finds, there is a flea market located at Place Gambetta that runs every morning during high season.

The official currency of Cannes is the euro, similar to the rest of France. ATMs are located around the city, and you can also find currency exchange offices in the city center, particularly near transportation hubs. 

Tipping in France is not obligatory, but many people do so for excellent service. If you do tip, 10% of the total bill is generally considered to be more than enough of a tip to show your appreciation, though it’s rare to leave more than a 20 euro note. Many restaurants include a service charge, but this may or may not go to the server, so it’s common to leave extra cash on the table for the server (as opposed to adding it to a credit card payment method). Many people also tip a couple euros to taxi drivers, or 10% of the fare if it’s a longer ride.  

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