14 Things to Do at Cannes Cruise Ship Port: Ultimate Guide

Embarking at the Cannes cruise ship port opens the door to a day of discovery in this sun-drenched slice of the French Riviera.

When my family and I stepped off our Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise into Cannes, France, we found ourselves in a playground of rich and famous celebrities, and now I’ve crafted this guide to unveil the best of the port of Cannes.

It is specially tailored for those who want to maximize their time in Cannes. 

I’ll walk you through the top tours and activities my family and other cruisers have enjoyed.  I’ve done the legwork so you can glide straight to the best spots.

Ready to explore? Stick with me, and I’ll show you how to make your Cannes port of call one for the books.

All about Cannes Cruise Port: 

When your cruise ship arrives at the Cannes, France cruise port, you won’t dock at a pier.

Instead, you’ll be tendered ashore.

This means that the cruises drop anchor in the sparkling Bay of Cannes, and smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry you and your family directly from the cruise ship to the heart of the action at the Old Port (Le Vieux Port)​​.

The Old Port is perfectly placed, just a stone’s throw from the city center.

You can step off the tender boat and find yourself within an easy walk to the city’s most glittering attractions, like the Promenade de la Croisette and the Palais des Festivals​​.

As for getting around, Cannes is wonderfully walkable and accessible. 

Money-wise, Euros are the way to go, and you won’t have trouble using your cards either​​.

And for a fun spin on getting around, check out Le Train du Cinéma. For a whimsical twist to your transport, hop on Le Train du Cinéma. 

This cute little tourist train’ll chug you past all the must-sees. Plus, it’s a hit with the kiddos and easy on the legs​.

If you’re itching to explore further out, the train station is a hop, skip, and jump away from the Old Port, linking you to the vast network of the Côte d’Azur. 

Buses are also readily available for those short hops around town. So, Cannes is your oyster, and getting around with the fam is a breeze.

Cannes, France Facts	Details
Location	On the French Riviera in the south of France
Famous For	Cannes Film Festival, luxury hotels, sandy beaches
Language	French (official)
Currency	Euro (€)
Best Time to Visit	May to September for warm weather and festivals

Cannes Cruise Port Facts	Details
Port Name	Port of Cannes
Port Type	Tender port with large ships anchoring in the bay
Distance to City Center	The port is located near the city center, on Laubeuf quay
Accessibility	Near historical highlights and Promenade de la Croisette
Transport Options	Train station close by, tender boats to shore
Excursions	Easy access to Lérins Islands, Nice, Monaco, and Antibes

1. Take Stroll Along the Promenade de la Croisette

Strolling down the Promenade de la Croisette is a must in Cannes.

It’s a wide boulevard lined with palm trees that runs alongside the beachfront, offering a perfect path for a family walk. 

Highlights and Pros:

• Scenic Views: The promenade offers uninterrupted sea views, perfect for family photos.

• Beaches Access: Public beaches along the walkway make it easy to take a spontaneous dip or build sandcastles with the kids.

• Dining Options: A variety of cafes means you’re never far from a snack or meal, accommodating all tastes and budgets.

• Shopping Experience: Window shopping along the luxury boutiques can be an entertaining activity, even if you’re not looking to buy.

• Convenience: Everything is within walking distance, minimizing the need for additional transportation.

2. Discovering Cannes on an Express Walking Tour

Grab the family and your comfiest sneakers because an express walking tour through Cannes is the best shortcut to seeing the city’s best highlights. 

Imagine a local friend is showing you around, pointing out all the cool spots, and telling you stories that you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Highlights and Pros:

• Cultural Immersion: A knowledgeable guide will give you insights into Cannes’ rich history and modern-day allure.

• Efficiency: It’s quick – you’ll still have plenty of the day left for other fun stuff.

• Kid-Friendly: The guides know how to keep the kiddos interested with fun facts and interactive spots.

• Easy Navigation: No map-reading required; follow your guide and enjoy the sights without worrying about getting lost.

• Local Recommendations: Guides can give you the inside scoop on where to eat, play, or visit next in Cannes.

3. Plan a full day at one of Cannes’ Famous Beaches. 

The French Riviera is a paradise for beach lovers, and Cannes is no exception.

There’s a sandy spot for every family, ranging from public expanses to private clubs.

• Plage du Midi: A favorite public beach, Plage du Midi offers plenty of room for families to lay out a towel and enjoy the sun. The best part?  It’s right by the cruise tendering dock.  You can’t get any more convenient. 

• Vegaluna Beach Club: For a more exclusive experience, the private Vegaluna Beach Club provides plenty of activities for kids, including a play area, watersports, and great dining options for the whole family​​.

• Plage Zamenhoff & Plage Mace: Managed by the Cannes council, these municipal beaches are a win for families looking for affordable relaxation. They offer deckchair rentals and are close to parking and public transport for easy access​​.

4. Hop on a Bike Tour Right Off the Cruise Ship

Just got off the cruise ship with your family in Cannes?

I’ve got the perfect start to your day – a city bike tour. Trust me, it’s the coolest way to see the city in all its Côte d’Azur glory.

• Catch Every View: As we pedaled past those iconic sandy beaches and luxe hotels, I felt like we were in a movie.

• Discover Hidden Corners: The tour is peppered with little-known spots that give you a taste of the real Cannes.

• Your Tour, Your Way: And the best part? If there’s something special you want to see, say the word, and they’ll customize the route for you.

Don’t worry about breaking a sweat, though – those electric bikes make the ride a breeze, even when we head up to the charming Old Town and zip along the stunning La Croisette.

5. Marché Forville: A Market Day Must-Do in Cannes

After disembarking from your cruise, take the family for an immersive local experience at Marché Forville. Just steps from the ship, you’re in for a treat.

Explore on your own or take a food tour.

• Savor the Savory: The market is full of hearty delights, from regional sausages to seasonal paellas. This bustling market is a perfect family-friendly outing where you can all sample, shop, and soak up the Cannes atmosphere. 

• Fresh and Organic: Seasonal fruits, like strawberries and veggies, are perfect for a picnic to take to the beach.

• Italian Delights: Warm up with comfort foods like ravioli Niçois and ready-made pasta sauce.

Tips for Visiting:

• Beat the Rush: It gets busy, so an early visit ensures a more relaxed experience​​.

• Stroll and Sample: Skip a heavy breakfast and nibble your way through the market instead​​.

• Market Timings: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., but closed on Mondays when it becomes a flea market​​.

6. Explore the Lerins Islands and the Cap d’Antibes by private boat. 

Whisk your family away on a private boat tour along the stunning French Riviera to the Lerins Islands and the Golfe-Juan coast for a slice of heaven.

This is the perfect tour for families up to six seeking an exclusive adventure away from the bustling city shores.

• Secluded Splashes: Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or paddleboarding to your heart’s content.

• Island Hopping: The Lerins Islands and Cap d’Antibes await with their tranquil beauty, ready for exploration.

• Customize Your Journey: Want to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy the sea breeze? Your wish is the skipper’s command.

7. Step into the Spotlight at the Palais des Festivals.

Stepping off your cruise, head straight to the Palais des Festivals for a brush with cinematic history. 

Even when the Cannes Film Festival isn’t in full swing, the famous red-carpeted steps await your family’s grand entrance for a memorable photo op​​.

Insider Tips:

• A Starry Walk: Stroll Cannes’s own Walk of Stars, where handprints of Hollywood’s finest, like Meryl Streep and Sylvester Stallone, are immortalized in the pavement​​.

• Iconic Steps: Don’t miss the chance to feel like movie stars as you pose on the steps where celebrities gather each year.

• Walk of Fame: Let the kids find the handprints of their favorite movie stars, making a game of who can spot them first

8. Take a Wine Tasting Tour Through Provence

Step off the cruise and into the vineyards with this highly-rated tour through Provence’s most renowned wineries.  

The tour will introduce you to winemaking traditions at the historic Château Saint-Martin.  

Taste their selections and then be transported to the ‘cathedral of wine’ at Château Font du Broc, a majestic cellar that’s an homage to the region’s viticulture. 

Finally, experience the wine Château Sainte-Roselyne and enjoy the rare fusion of fine art and fine wine, with Chagall’s mosaics providing an inspiring backdrop to your tasting.

Why You’ll Be Toasting This Tour:

• Taste and Learn: Not only do you get to taste exceptional wines, but you’ll also learn about the unique Provencal wine production process.

• Three separate tasting experiences that are unique.

9. Explore Le Suquet: Strolling Through the Heart of Historic Cannes

Step into the cobbled charm of Le Suquet, the oldest part of Cannes. 

It’s a picturesque walk up from the old port, winding through streets lined with quaint restaurants.  On this walk, you will find a treasure trove of history.

• Musée de la Castre: Once a medieval castle, now a museum showcasing art and artifacts that whisper tales of Cannes’ past. The castle is on a hill with some seriously incredible views. There are stairs, but think of the selfie at the top!

• Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance: The Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance is not just a mouthful to say, it’s a feast for the eyes, too, complete with old-school sculptures and amazing stained glass windows. This church took over a century to build.

10. Riviera Escapades: Beyond the Glitz of Cannes

While Cannes is awesome, the Riviera has other amazing cities worth a detour.  

The train station is so close, and from my own travels, I’ve found the ease of hopping on a train to Nice and Monaco makes these destinations a perfect shore excursion. 

You can also consider taking a tour that will pick you up from the port and transport you privately to your destination of choice. 

11. Monte Carlo:

Less than an hour by train, and you’re rubbing elbows with the high rollers. Monaco packs a punch with must-see attractions:

• Monte Carlo Casino: Step into this legendary casino not just to gamble but to wander through a piece of living history and opulence.

• Monaco Grand Prix: Got a need for speed? Check out the Grand Prix circuit and channel your inner race car driver.

• Prince’s Palace: Catch the changing of the guard.  It takes place daily, and you can Witness this essential slice of Monaco’s ceremonial heritage.

12. Sainte-Marguerite Island

Sainte-Marguerite Island, just a ferry ride from Cannes, is an island escape. It’s the largest of the Lérins Islands and is perfect for a shore excursion.

Hop on the ferry, and in 15 minutes, you’re in a different world. 

The island is perfect for exploring and relaxing with restaurants, food vendors, and a museum amidst eucalyptus scents. 

It’s an easy and quick getaway that feels worlds apart from the glamour of Cannes​​.

Tickets are straightforward to grab at the port, and you’ll be swapping the yacht views for a green retreat in no time.

13. Saint-Tropez

Jump on a boat from Cannes, and in just over an hour, you’re in the heart of Saint Tropez’s luxury and allure.

 It’s the go-to for cruisers looking for a day of glamorous relaxation and a peek into the jet-set lifestyle. Here’s the rundown:

• Pampelonne Beach: Think sun and sea on this famous stretch of sand.

• Port of Saint Tropez: Yachts and painters share this picturesque spot—perfect for people-watching and Instagram pics

• Place des Lices: Watch the world go by or join in a game of pétanque in this lively square.

14. Nice

In the blink of an eye (okay, 30 minutes), you’re walking the storied streets of Nice, where every corner has a story. 

There is so much to do in Nice. Here’s what you can’t miss:

• Promenade des Anglais: Stroll this iconic beachfront avenue, a snapshot of the Côte d’Azur lifestyle.

• Old Town (Vieille Ville): Get lost in the charm of narrow alleys, bustling markets, and vibrant squares.

• Cours Saleya Market: Immerse yourself in the colors and scents of local produce and flowers.

Final Thoughts:

And there you have it—your insider’s compass to navigating the best of Cannes from when your cruise ship docks at the port. 

Cannes offers a slice of paradise for every traveler, whether you’ve come to bask in the cinematic history, indulge in the sun-kissed Riviera lifestyle, or embark on a journey to nearby cities. 

My family’s adventures here were nothing short of magical, and with this guide, I hope yours will be too. 

So here’s to making every second count in the dazzling city of Cannes until the ship sets sail again!

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