What to do in Cannes
Are you at the Cannes Yachting Festival? Well, you are going to be busy, but while you are there, it’s worth taking in a few of the sights and sounds of this famous town on the Cote-d’Azur.
Some history, seafood, and rosé in the mix, plus some friendly wine suggestions.
Anchors Aweigh: A Quick Look at Cannes
Cannes, with its wife Mediterranean bay and iconic Vieux-Port, is a vibrant charm-soaked town rooted in centuries of maritime history .
1. Set Sail into the History: Le Suquet & Lérins
Le Suquet, Cannes’ old fishing quarter, is a maze of cobblestone lanes, ancient homes, and a hill-top church offering sweeping views of the bay—a perfect detour from festival buzz .
Hop on a short ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite and explore Fort Royal, where “the Man in the Iron Mask” was held prisoner, now housed in the Musée de la Mer—surrounded by sea-wreck relics and vistas stretching across the Grand Bleu .
Or drift to Île Saint-Honorat, home to calm monastery grounds, a centuries-old abbey, and monks still producing peaceful red and white wines—an idyllic maritime retreat .
2. Yacht Views: Vieux-Port & Croisette
Stroll along Vieux-Port, where superyachts tie up down from the more traditional fishing boats—a symbol of Riviera prestige and tradition . It’s a decent place to unwind with a glass of rosé while soaking in the atmosphere or doing some deals after the show.
Then stroll La Croisette, the legendary palm-fringed boulevard. It’s made for slow-walking: boutiques, historic hotels like the Carlton, with the Mediterranean next to you .
3. Provençal Indulgence: Market, Seafood & Rosé
Start with Marché Forville, the lively covered market at the base of Le Suquet—packed with fresh seafood, Provençal produce, cheeses, and flowers. A vivid taste of local life .
For dinner, head to Poissonnerie Forville or Da Laura—two excellent seafood restaurants where you can pair fresh catch with a well-chilled local rosé . Alternatively, try the Provençal cuisine with sea-born inspiration at Table 22 or Le Bar à Vin, both praised for their regional flavors and wine lists .
4. Regattas: A Sailor’s Finale
Remember Les Régates Royales de Cannes—usually held in late September, after the Yachting Festival—stick around for a week of elegant classic yacht races off the Lérins Islands. It’s a maritime spectacle, one of the sailing world’s best traditions.
3 Good-Value Provençal Wines
While Whispering Angel (Château d’Esclans) dominates Cannes and US scenes , here are three stellar yet budget-friendly alternatives that deliver Provençal soul without the price tag:
- 2023 Château La Gordonne “Chapelle Gordonne” Côtes de Provence Rosé
Pale-orange in hue with red-currant, raspberry, and citrus zest—historians trace winemaking on this site back to Roman times . - 2023 Commanderie de Bargemone Coteaux d’Aix en Provence Rosé
Crafted by a lineage rooted in the Knights Templar, with delicate herbal nuance and pale orange tones—light and refreshing . - 2022 Peyrassol “Les Commandeurs” Rosé
An organic gem from a former Templar fortress, offering ripe berries and sunny Provençal blossom aromas—elegant and authentic .
Bonus pick: M de Minuty Rosé—noted for its creamy elegance and Provence essence.
Putting It All Together: A Practical Cannes Yachting Break
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Dock stroll at Vieux-Port with a glass of local rosé—and maybe a croissant from Le Suquet’s boulangeries. |
| Mid-morning | Wander Marché Forville; pick up fruits or seafood for a light break, or soak in the local rhythm. |
| Lunch | Seafood at Poissonnerie Forville or Da Laura, paired with pale rosé like the Gordonne or Bargemone. |
| Afternoon | Short ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite for Fort Royal + Musée de la Mer, or to Île Saint-Honorat’s abbey and vineyards. |
| Late Afternoon | Return for a sunset walk along La Croisette or another sip at the port as festival boats glide by. |
| Evening (if extended) | Enjoy the spectacle of Régates Royales or an elegant dinner at Table 22 or Le Bar à Vin with Peyrassol “Les Commandeurs” or M de Minuty. |
Alternative Perspectives
- Spa/leisure break: Skip the islands and instead unwind with wellness at Spa Le C Club at the Carlton or Spa Villa Belle Plage .
- Art lovers’ detour: Explore cultural galleries like La Malmaison or contemporary art at Galerie Hurtebize—museums with local flavor off the tide of glitz .
Action Plan for an Effortless Marine Escape
- Dock and pause at Vieux-Port for views and the vibe.
- Visit Marché Forville for a short sensory dive into Provencal flavors.
- Lunch at Poissonnerie Forville or Da Laura—pair with a recommended rosé.
- Ferry to the Lérins Islands—either for history at Fort Royal or monastic wine and peace.
- Return via la Croisette promenade to enjoy golden hour.