Cannes Itineraries. 3 Days, 1 Week, Budget Travel

-Hour Layover Highlights

Highlights for a swift visit, covering iconic spots efficiently.

Perfect for a quick taste of the French Riviera glamour.

Day's Plan

Morning: Stroll La Croisette, Palais des Festivals, celebrity handprints.
Lunch: Marché Forville for Socca or a casual meal.
Afternoon: Explore Le Suquet, Notre-Dame de l'Espérance, Musée de la Castre.

Time-Based Itineraries

Structured plans based on the duration of your stay, from a quick visit to an in-depth exploration.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A structured plan for a short break, combining city exploration with island and beach time.

Your Mini-Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, explore La Croisette, Rue d'Antibes, dinner in Le Suquet.
Day 2: Ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite, Fort Royal, island walk, beach swim.
Day 3: Marché Forville, optional shopping or day trip to Antibes, final Provençal meal.
Enjoy a last minute cultural visit or a relaxed morning before departure.

Find curated experiences for your weekend on GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A comprehensive journey through Cannes itself and iconic spots across the wider Riviera.

Full Week Plan

Days 1-3: Cannes exploration, Lérins Islands, markets, beaches.
Day 4: Full-day trip to Nice by TER train.
Day 5: Grasse (perfume tour) and Saint-Paul-de-Vence (art galleries, Fondation Maeght).

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Combine the one-week itinerary with dives into various aspects of the region, allowing for a more relaxed pace.

Longer Stay Ideas

Dedicate more time to specific towns like Antibes or Menton.
Embrace outdoor activities: hiking in Esterel Massif, water sports.
Extend into inland Provence: Luberon villages, Aix-en-Provence, Avignon.
Cross the border to the Italian Riviera (Ventimiglia, Sanremo) for a day or two.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays of a month or more, consider renting an apartment or villa for space and local living.

Extended Visit Tips

Rent through platforms like Airbnb or local real estate agencies.
Base yourself in quieter residential areas like La Bocca or Basse Californie.
Utilize local markets (Marché Forville) for daily fresh produce and home cooking.
Embrace the local pace and discover hidden gems at leisure.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your itinerary to your passions, whether they lie in history, food, adventure, or art.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Explore Le Suquet (Musée de la Castre), Île Sainte-Marguerite (Fort Royal), Fréjus (Roman ruins), Vence (Matisse Chapel).

Food & Culinary Experiences

Regular visits to Marché Forville, Provençal cooking class, diverse restaurant scene, Grasse perfume tour.

Adventure & Outdoors

Hike Parc de la Croix-des-Gardes, Esterel Massif. Water sports: paddleboarding, jet skiing, snorkeling at Eco-Musée.

Further Customization

By combining time-based, interest-based, and budget-based approaches, you create a personalized and deeply rewarding itinerary for your trip to Cannes.

Budget & Seasonal Travel

Cannes offers experiences for every budget and changes with the seasons.

Budget Traveler's Guide

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Accommodation

Stay at hostels or budget hotels slightly outside the city center.

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Transport

Rely almost entirely on the Palm Bus network and TER trains for day trips.

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Food

Prioritize supermarket groceries, bakeries for breakfast/lunch, street food.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

Choose 3-4 star hotels or comfortable Airbnb apartments.
Enjoy a mix of casual restaurant meals and occasional nicer dinners.
Use public transport for most journeys, with occasional taxis or ride-shares.
Include a selection of paid attractions like museums, the island ferry, or a half-day boat tour.
Look for hotel deals that include breakfast.
Utilize local happy hours (apéro) for discounted drinks.

Luxury Experience Plan

Stay at 5-star hotels on La Croisette, enjoying their private beaches and spas.
Indulge in fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.
Utilize private airport transfers, rent a luxury car, or use private yacht charters.
Book exclusive tours, private shopping experiences, and high-end spa treatments.
Attend exclusive events where possible.
Consider a luxury villa rental for ultimate privacy.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies

Cost Savings

Take advantage of significantly lower prices for flights and accommodation (November-March, excluding holidays).

Authentic Atmosphere

Enjoy the authentic local life as the city returns to its residents.

Relaxed Pace

Explore museums and historical sites at a relaxed pace without the summer crowds.

Optimizing Your Visit

Book accommodation and flights well in advance for better rates. Travel during the shoulder season (April-May, September-October) for better prices and good weather.

Cannes Itineraries