By the sea
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| La Croisette | A seafront boulevard of about two kilometres, with the beach on one side and grand hotels and shops on the other. | Central Cannes, free |
| The Palais des Festivals | The building that hosts the Cannes Festival, with its red-carpet steps and a walk of stars' handprints next to it. | By the old port |
| The old port | A small harbour of fishing boats and yachts, where the island ferries leave. | Between the Palais and the old town |
The old town and markets
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Le Suquet | Cannes' oldest quarter: lanes climbing a hill to a view over the harbour and the bay. | West of the old port |
| The Castre castle museum | An old castle at the top of Le Suquet with a museum of art and objects from around the world, and the best view of the town from its tower. | Top of Le Suquet |
| Forville market | A covered market of fruit, cheese and flowers where locals shop in the morning. | Near the old port, mornings; check the times before going |
| Rue d'Antibes | The main shopping street, with French and international shops, parallel to La Croisette. | Central Cannes |
The Lérins islands
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Île Sainte-Marguerite | Pine forests and seaside paths, and the Fort Royal where the Man in the Iron Mask was held. | By ferry from Quai Laubeuf near the old port |
| Île Saint-Honorat | A quiet island where monks have lived for centuries, with an old abbey and fields by the sea. | A separate ferry from the same quay |
Tips before you go
- You need a Schengen visa, applied for through VFS centres in Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar.
- The nearest airport is Nice, about 27 km away, and the coastal train links Cannes and Nice in about 40 minutes.
- During the Cannes Festival (May) hotel rates rise and the town is crowded, so book early or pick another time.
- Give the Lérins islands at least half a day, and take water and food as services are limited.
Hotels in Cannes
More places nearby
- Things to do in France
- Things to do in Nice
- Things to do in Chamonix
- Things to do in Alsace
- Things to do in Paris
Visa
- France visa for Saudis and residents: Schengen steps
- Schengen visa for Saudis and residents: documents, fees and steps
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Cannes?
La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals, the old port, Le Suquet and the Castre castle, Forville market, Rue d'Antibes, and the islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat.
How far is Cannes from Nice?
About 30 km, roughly 40 minutes by train.
How do I get to the Lérins islands?
By ferry from Quai Laubeuf near the old port; each island has its own ferry.
Do Saudis need a visa for Cannes?
Yes, a Schengen visa. Fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6, plus the centre's service fee. Where to apply: VFS Global centres, or directly at the visa section of the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah. We prepare your file and follow it up until the visa is issued.
Planning your trip to France? Read Travel to France from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.