Location and Historical Background
Geographic Setting and First Impressions
Cannes lies on the southeastern coast of France, along the Mediterranean Sea between Nice and Saint-Tropez. The city curves gently around a bay, framed by sandy beaches, palm-lined boulevards, and low hills behind. Today, Cannes feels polished and open—bright façades, yachts in the harbor, and a waterfront designed for strolling and being seen.
Origins and Early History
Cannes began as a modest Ligurian and later Roman settlement, remaining small and largely unnoticed for centuries. In the Middle Ages, monks settled on the nearby Lérins Islands, while Cannes itself functioned as a quiet fishing port. A local legend claims pirates once used the bay as shelter—an early hint that Cannes would later attract people who enjoyed operating slightly outside the ordinary.
The Three Greatest Blows to Cannes
1. Plague and Medieval Insecurity (14th Century)
Like much of the Riviera, Cannes suffered during outbreaks of plague and from repeated pirate raids. The population shrank, trade stalled, and survival replaced ambition. The town remained small and cautious for generations.
2. Economic Marginality Before Tourism (Pre-19th Century)
For centuries, Cannes lagged behind neighboring ports such as Antibes and Nice. Limited trade and poor infrastructure kept the town economically irrelevant, forcing residents to rely on fishing and subsistence activities.
3. World War II Occupation (1940–1944)
Cannes was occupied first by Italian, then German forces. Tourism collapsed, coastal defenses were constructed, and daily life became restricted. Though the city avoided heavy destruction, its image as a leisure destination temporarily disappeared.
The Golden Age of Cannes
Cannes’ golden age began in the mid-19th century when British aristocrats discovered its mild winter climate. Villas, hotels, and promenades followed. The defining moment came in 1946 with the creation of the Cannes Film Festival, which transformed the city into a global symbol of cinema, luxury, and cultural influence. From then on, Cannes stopped being seasonal—it became permanent theater.
Why Cannes Is Worth Visiting Today
Cannes today offers more than celebrity sightings. Visitors enjoy clean beaches, a walkable center, excellent dining, nearby hill villages, and easy access to the Riviera. Outside festival season, the city feels calm and refined, revealing a livable rhythm beneath the gloss. Cannes rewards travelers who look beyond headlines and explore its quieter corners.
Tourist Information and Key Attractions
Practical Tourist Costs (Estimated Averages)
- Average lunch: 14–20 EUR
- Average dinner: 25–35 EUR
- Hotel (mid-range, double room): 120–190 EUR per night
- Beer (0.5 l): 7–9 EUR
- Coffee (espresso): 3–4 EUR
Most Interesting Areas of the City
La Croisette waterfront, Le Suquet (Old Town), the Old Port, and the Lérins Islands are the most engaging areas for visitors.
Three Must-See Attractions
La Croisette
Cannes’ iconic boulevard stretching along the bay. Luxury hotels, beaches, and boutiques define its image, especially during festival season.
Le Suquet (Old Town)
The historic heart of Cannes, set on a hill above the harbor. Narrow streets, local restaurants, and panoramic views reveal the city’s origins.
Lérins Islands
A short boat ride away, these islands offer nature, monasteries, and calm. They provide the perfect counterbalance to Cannes’ urban glamour.
Final Summary
Cannes is a city that understands timing, lighting, and presentation—but it also knows when to lower the curtain. Beneath the glamour lies a functional, pleasant Mediterranean town that enjoys the show without being consumed by it. Fame passes through Cannes; the sea stays.