Cannes Cruise Port Guide: 8 Top Activities for Cruise Passengers
The port of Cannes is another paradise on the French Riviera for the rich and famous, renowned for its international film festival, global trade fairs, luxurious hotels, restaurants and beautiful sandy beaches.
Due to its tendering facilities and the proximity to Villefranche (Nice), Monaco, and Monte Carlo, Cannes port is a frequent stop in Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:
- Cannes cruise port (Cannes cruise terminal, getting around, useful info)
- 8 best things to do in Cannes France and the best shore excursions (Nice, Monaco and Monte Carlo, Antibes, Grasse, Eze, Saint Paul de Vence, Lerins Islands).
Cannes Cruise Port
There are no docking facilities for large cruise vessels in the port of Cannes.
Cruise ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes and the port authorities provide the tender boats to transfer the cruise passengers to Cannes Old Port (Vieux Port de Cannes).
The Old Port is located in the city center, within a short walking distance from Promenade de la Croisette, Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, and Le Suquet, the old town of Cannes.
The Old Port is a picturesque place where you’ll see many yachts and boats.
The port features a ferry terminal with a quay for ships of up to 150 m long, and a terminal with basic facilities including a tourist information office and parking for cars, buses and taxis.
Getting Around Cannes Port
- The currency in France is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted.
- The Cannes port area is flat and wheelchair accessible, however, the parts of the old town are hilly and challenging for people with mobility issues.
- The distance from Cannes to Nice is 33 km/20 miles (a 1-hour drive), Villefranche-sur-Mer 40 km/25 miles (a 1 hour 15 minutes), Monaco and Monte Carlo 64 km/40 miles (a 1 hour 30 minutes), Antibes 12 km/7.5 miles (30 minutes), Grasse 17 km/10 miles (35 minutes), Saint Paul de Vence 27 km/17 miles (50 minutes), Eze 45 km/28 miles (1 hour).
- Cannes train station (Place de la Gare) is located 700 m or less than a 10-minute walk from the Old Port. From there, you can catch trains to all major cities and towns in Côte d’Azur. For fares and timetables, check the official SNCF website (National Railway Company) at https://www.sncf.com/en
- Le Train du Cinéma (aka Le Petit Train de Cannes) is a small tourist train that departs from La Croisette (Palais des Festivals) and offers three different tours (History tour, La Croisette tour and combined) in 8 different languages. The tours cover the major city attractions including Le Suquet (Old Town), Rue d’Antibes, The Forville Market, beaches, Boulevard de la Croisette and others. The tour duration is 1 hour.
- Cannes bus station (Gare des Autobus) is adjacent to the Hotel de Ville and is located only a few minutes walk from the cruise terminal at the Old Port. Find all bus information at https://www.cannestouristinformation.co.uk/
- Cannes Airport (Aéroport de Cannes-Mandelieu) is located 6.7 km/4 miles or 20-minute drive west of Cannes. Book a private transfer to/from Cannes cruise port
- Explore Cannes tours and activities
- Check out the best hotels in Cannes
Watch my YouTube video on Cannes Cruise Port and the best things to do in Cannes!
Planning a Stop in Cannes? These Ports Are Often Included in the Itinerary
Many itineraries visiting Cannes also visit Barcelona, a major homeport filled with world-famous landmarks, and Lisbon, where you can explore the historic Alfama district, ride the iconic tram, and enjoy stunning views from São Jorge Castle.
La Spezia and Livorno serve as gateways to Florence, Pisa, and Cinque Terre, known for their Renaissance history and stunning coastal villages.
Further along the route, Taormina in Sicily boasts breathtaking views of Mount Etna, while Naples provides access to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.
Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza are popular stops for history, beaches and fantastic nightlife, while Marseille is the perfect starting point for exploring Provence.
Cruises often continue to Málaga, a lively port with easy day trips to Granada and Marbella, as well as the scenic islands of Sardinia and Corsica, where you can explore charming coastal towns, stunning landscapes, and rich Mediterranean history.
Some itineraries even start in Southampton, with stop at Le Havre, the gateway to Paris and Normandy.
8 Best Things to Do in Cannes Cruise Port
Cannes is absolutely beautiful and worth taking a walk around, as all major attractions are located within walking distance of the cruise terminal.
However, if you want to explore outside the city, head to one of the famous French Riviera destinations such as Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, or Antibes.
Before I share the best things to do in Cannes, I invite you to grab your copy of the “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide”, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Cannes), packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)
1. Cannes City Sightseeing
The renowned Promenade de la Croisette (also known as Boulevard de la Croisette or La Croisette) is the famous waterfront boulevard that extends 2 km along the city’s coastline.
The boulevard is home to the prestigious Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, a convention center that hosts the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the NRJ Music Award.
The famous La Croisette is also home to luxurious hotels (such as Carlton, Majestic, JW Marriott Cannes and Martinez), upscale restaurants and expensive shops that stretch along the road and overlook a beautiful sandy beach.
Besides the glittering La Croisette, Cannes also has its old town named Le Suquet, home to climbing cobbled streets and a medieval town vibe.
Le Suquet is the original fishermen’s residential area with very old houses, some of them more than 400 years old.
This area is pedestrianized and packed with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops centered around Rue Saint Antoine and Rue de Suquet.
The old town is hilly and there are the remains of the medieval castle of the monks of Lérins at the top, known as Château de la Castre. The medieval castle is located on Place de la Castre from where you can enjoy the outstanding views of the city and the Bay of Cannes.
It is also home to Le Musée de la Castre (now Musée des Explorations du Monde), housed in its iconic tower, where you can climb 109 steps for a stunning 360-degree view of Cannes.
The museum features collections from five continents including primitive arts of Himalaya-Tibet, Oceania, musical instruments of the world (Africa, Asia, Oceania and America), pre-Columbian America and Mediterranean antiquities and also orientalist paintings and objects from the 19th century.Â
Next to La Castre, you’ll also find Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, a historic stone church dating from the 1600s. The area around the castle is absolutely beautiful and if you want to capture the best photos of Cannes – this is the perfect spot!
At the bottom of Le Suquet, you’ll also find Marché Forville, an indoor market that sells flowers and fresh local produce where you can indulge in typically French food and enjoy the local vibe.
Cannes also boasts a beautiful sandy Croisette Beach that lines the Boulevard de la Croisette, where you’ll find beach facilities, eateries and cafes.
The main beach (Croisette) is located on your right side upon exiting the Old Port, while on the left side you’ll find another less crowded public beach (Plage du Midi).
When exploring Cannes, keep in mind that La Croisette is flat and easy to handle, while Le Suquet is cobbled and challenging to climb for people with walking difficulties.
It takes only 10 minutes to reach the castle from the Old Port, however, it’s all uphill and there are dozens of staircases to manage.
Check out Cannes tours and activities
2. Nice
The gorgeous city of Nice is located 35 km/22 miles (a 45-minute drive) east of Cannes.
There are numerous daily train departures to Nice from Cannes train station and a ride takes about 45 minutes. In Nice, you should get off at the Nice-Ville train station, from where you can explore the city on foot.
With its beautiful Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, the old town (Old Nice) and numerous landmarks, squares, markets, eateries and shops, Nice boasts a Mediterranean vibe and is one of the most visited cities on the French Riviera.
Read more about things to do in Nice in Villefranche (Nice) cruise port guide
Check out Nice tours and activities
Watch my YouTube video about visiting Nice from Cannes cruise port!
3. Monaco and Monte Carlo
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state and one of the most prestigious and expensive places on the Côte d’Azur, located 56 km/35 miles (a 1 hour 30 minutes) east of Cannes.
The train ride to Monaco takes about 1 hour and there are numerous daily departures from Cannes train station.
The Principality of Monaco consists of several administrative areas including Monaco City and Monte Carlo, the two most famous destinations of incredible wealth and beauty.
Monaco City sits on “The Rock”, a 62-meter (203 ft) rock overlooking the Port Hercules and the Mediterranean Sea.
This is where all major tourist attractions are located, including the Prince’s Palace, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum, St Martins Garden and others.
Monte Carlo, with its iconic Monte Carlo Casino, lies a few kilometers further and attracts gamblers, tourists, rich and famous from all around the world.
Read more in detail about Monaco and Monte Carlo in Villefranche (Nice) Cruise Port Guide (+ get useful, practical info and tips)
Check out Monaco and Monte Carlo tours and activities
Watch my YouTube video about visiting Monaco from Cannes cruise port!
4. Antibes
This beautiful resort town is located between Cannes and Nice, 13 km/8 miles (a 35-minute drive) west of Cannes port. It takes only 12 minutes by train from Cannes train station to reach Antibes.
With its fortified old town, star-shaped Fort Carré, Port Vauban marina with its luxury superyachts and forested Cap d’Antibes peninsula, Antibes ranks among the top-visited destinations on Côte d’Azur.
Juan-les-Pins, situated only a 5-minute drive from Antibes, is another chic resort known for its sandy beaches, waterfront promenade, boutique stores, high-end eateries and Jardin de La Pinède park where the famous summer Jazz à Juan festival takes place.
Explore Antibes tours and activities
5. Saint Paul de Vence
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a charming medieval village located 28 km/17 miles (a 1-hour drive) from Cannes cruise port.
The hilltop village has long been a favorite place of notable artists, writers, painters and poets who used to come here and seek inspiration.
Today, the village is known for its numerous art galleries and museums (such as the iconic Fondation Maeght), the 17-century Saint Charles-Saint Claude chapel, historic buildings and cobbled streets filled with traditional eateries, cafes and souvenir shops.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is best visited by car, or on a guided shore excursion.
Check out Saint Paul de Vence tours and activities
6. Grasse
The city of Grasse lies 21 km/13 miles (a 40-minute drive) northwest of the port of Cannes.
The city is internationally recognized for its long-established perfume industry and perfumeries such as Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard that offer workshops and guided tours.
While in Grasse, don’t miss out to visit Musée International de la Parfumerie (MIP) and Grasse Cathedral, located only a 5-minute walk from each other.
Explore Grasse tours and activities
7. Èze
The medieval hilltop village of Èze is located 54 km/33 miles (a 1-hour drive) east of Cannes port, between Nice and Monaco.
It is a typical tourist village dotted with medieval old houses, narrow cobblestone streets, art galleries, shops, eateries and cafes.
While in Eze, make sure you visit the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix dating from the 14th century and Jardin Botanique d’Èze, a botanical garden known for its collection of cacti and succulents, as well as its magnificent panoramic views of the French Riviera.
Explore Eze tours and activities
8. Îles de Lérins
The Lérins Islands are an archipelago that consists of four islands off the coast of Cannes, located a 15-minute ferry ride from Quai Laubeuf in Cannes Old Port.
The ÃŽle Sainte-Marguerite (Saint Margaret Island) and the ÃŽle Saint-Honorat (Saint Honorat Island) are the two largest ones, while the other two are uninhabited.
Saint Margaret is the largest island famous for its Fort Royal, the imposing 17th-century fortress with prison cells in one of which the mysterious “Man with the Iron Mask” was held in the same century.
Fort Royal nowadays houses Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea) featuring items recovered from ancient Roman and Saracen shipwrecks.
Saint Honorat is the second-largest island and is known for the Abbey of Lérins and the 15th-century fortified monastery where you can buy various monastic goods, including wine and olive oil produced on the island.
The ferries to Lérins Islands usually depart hourly from Cannes harbour. If you decide to visit the islands, I highly suggest you ask for more information at the tourist information office in the port.
Explore the Lérins Islands’ tours and activities
Helpful Resources for Cannes Cruise Port
- Google Maps Location: Find the exact location of the port of Cannes.
- Cruise Ship Schedule: See when ships are in Cannes and plan your visit.
- Cannes Tourism Office: Discover more about the top attractions and places to see.
- Local Weather Forecast: Get the latest weather updates to prepare for your day.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
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