Cannes Local History

Cannes dates back to the fifth century when the Lerins Islands were inhabited by a religious community. Sailors and fishermen were the only inhabitants of Cannes until the middle of the 19th century when Lord Henry Brougham and Vaux, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain and a famous speaker in the House of Lords, discovered the delights of the area and founded an English colony there.

Tourism blossomed and the town underwent an economic revolution becoming the world-famous cosmopolitan seaside and sailing resort it is today. Prosper-Merimee, the French author of Colombia and Carrosse du Saint-Sacrement, took part in the resort's high-society life and was instrumental in turning it into what he termed as the "world salon".

Cannes Attractions

Top Attractions

Cannes Shopping

Cannes is a shopper's paradise for chic and expensive items, you can get almost anything at one of the many shopping areas in and around town. From local hand crafted goods through to top french designer clothes and jewelry.

The colourful Marche Forville market has a friendly atmosphere and high quality, local products. It is a great place to get some momentos and other local goods. You can spend hours walking around trying to decide what to buy.

Cannes Activities

Marineland - Found in Antibes, east of Cannes. This is one of the most popular places to take the children, it's comparative to Seaworld in Florida with dolphins, whales and seals showing their tricks. There are also many other marinelife exhibitions to keep them busy for the whole day.

Adventure Golf Antibes - Next to Marineland you'll find this awsome mini-golf park. Here the kids can have a great time playing in caves, beyond waterfalls and through the trees. Its very popular and the whole family can have a great time.

Cannes Parks & Gardens

Parc Zoologique de Frejus - This 20-hectare mini safari park gives you the chance to get close to some of the animal kingdom's strangest and most beautiful animals. Opened in 1971, this highly acclaimed park, located just out of Cannes, was specially designed to let its animals live in as natural a habitat as possible. Admission is $11 adults, $7 ages 10 and up, and under age 3 are free.

Cannes Beaches

Le Meridien Garden Beach - This beach is located just out of Cannes and with its white sand, warm sun and great atmosphere, it is one of the most popular beaches. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes near the beach, so you can have a great time regardless of what you're in the mood for.

Plage du Martinez - This is one of the more famous private beaches. The rich and trendy of Cannes come here to catch a few rays and hang out with other beautiful people under its famous pink umbrellas. If you're feeling more energetic there's water skiing, parachuting or tubing.

Cannes Restaurants and Bars

Cannes Restaurants

Cafe Rome - This restaurant, near the Palais des Festivals, is set up like green house where you can enjoy the warm sunshine and delicious food at reasonable prices. It is a very popular seafood restaurant, both with tourists and locals, the bouillabaisse and salada nicoise are recommended.

Ondine - This beach-restaurant is opposite the famous Carlton hotel, home to celebrities during the Film Festival. It is on the beach, which means it offers fine sand, deckchairs, sunbeds, and parasols. All of which make this a perfect place to enjoy haute cuisine at reasonable prices.

Chez Panisse - This restaurant is found on the ground floor of the Hotel Sofitel Le Mediterrannee, close to the old port. A warm welcome and colourful decor are both guaranteed. Try delicious dishes like the escalope de merou au citron vert or, if you're a little more hungry try the special buffet offers.

Cannes Bars & Clubs

Loft Bar - Located at 13 rue du docteur monod, this is a New York style lounge bar and is very popular with locals and tourists alike. After 11pm the bar and sofas fill right up and the dance floor is heaving with party goers. Dress trendy and smart.

Claridge - This pub, located on the corner of Rue Bivouac Napoleon and Rue du Marechal Joffre, is a popular meeting place for sports fans and young people in general. Sporting events are shown on the large screen in the main room, where you can also have a bite to eat.

Morrison's Irish Pub - 10, rue Teisseire. This is the best pub in Cannes, the atmosphere is great and the decor amazing. Live bands playing traditional Irish folk, rock or blues appear on a regular basis and sports fans are kept happy with big sporting events relayed on a large screen.

Cat Corner - 22, rue Mace. Serious clubbers head for this club every time. Mix with the venue's young, attractive clientele and get down to the sounds of groove, funk and house. This is one of the best and most popular clubs, not to be missed when in Cannes.

Cannes Weekend Breaks

Top 10 things to do in Cannes for a weekend.

• Musee de la Castre
• Musee de l'automobile
• Hotel Majestic
• Cannes Film Festival
• Parc zoologique de Frejus

More

Cannes Tours

Looking for organised tours in Cannes?

• Villa and Culinary School
• Riviera Panoramic Tour
• Cannes & Antibes & Saint Paul de Vence

More Cannes Tours