Every year, millions of tourists go on holidays to the French Riviera, particularly during the summer period, to enjoy the sunshine and Mediterranean beaches that are synonymous, for many, with relaxation and rest. Cannes is no exception. While many of you know the city for its luxury, private beaches, and majestic hotels, do you really know the neighborhoods that make up the city?
Through this blog article, we’re going to help you (re)discover the city of Cannes by looking at its main neighborhoods; perhaps you’ll want to explore them all yourself afterwards!
The most popular neighborhoods in Cannes
Looking at a map, you’ll notice that the city of Cannes is territorially divided into ten administrative districts grouping together localities or historic neighborhoods, including the Lérins Islands. Each of these neighborhoods has its own characteristics, however we’re going to focus on the most popular ones, where we’re convinced you’ll have a memorable stay on the French Riviera:
La Croisette
Although world-renowned for its luxury and elegance, the La Croisette neighborhood in Cannes was not originally intended to be a benchmark district for luxury; initially, this seafront avenue served as a circular route where guards patrolled to watch for ships arriving in the distance and raise the alarm in case of danger.
Subsequently, its worldwide fame was largely built thanks to the International Film Festival and the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, but also thanks to the presence of grand hotels located on La Croisette, real estate agencies, and designer brand boutiques. Speaking of the latter, when you visit La Croisette for shopping, you’ll find big names in haute couture, jewelers but also luxury leather goods specialists, such as Chanel, Hermès, and Christian Dior, grand boutiques for your luxurious desires.
Finally, beyond the delicious restaurants that will delight your taste buds if you decide to stop there during your stroll, there’s the festive atmosphere you can enjoy in the evening. In short, La Croisette is an essential neighborhood for anyone visiting Cannes. Want to know more about this Cannes neighborhood? Then read this article!
Le Suquet
Located on a hill west of the bay, and the true historic center of the city of Cannes, Le Suquet appeals to tourists for its Provençal charm and its panoramic views over the Bay of Cannes; sometimes called Mont-Chevalier by locals, Le Suquet de Cannes has a rich history, which is reflected in its historic monuments, such as Notre-Dame-du-Puy, Rue Saint-Antoine and many others.
Food lovers won’t be disappointed, as Le Suquet is home to some of the best restaurants in Cannes, but also and especially the Forville market, a market where every morning, market gardeners, local producers, and fishermen gather to offer their best products, both to restaurateurs and individuals.
Finally, if you’re a history enthusiast, visit the Château de la Castre, a castle turned museum where you can discover various collections of primitive art, paintings, and period musical instruments. To learn more about this neighborhood, don’t hesitate to read our article on Le Suquet.
La Banane
The city center of Cannes, more commonly called “La Banane” due to the shape drawn by the Croisette and the railway line, is a neighborhood where everything is within walking distance. Well-maintained, this neighborhood is the beating heart of Cannes, with its 5-star hotels, its boutiques on Rue d’Antibes, and its chic bars and gourmet restaurants.
Within La Banane is an intimate area called the “Carré d’Or”: it’s a lively neighborhood of boutiques, cafés, bars, and restaurants, renowned for its chic and festive atmosphere, all close to the seafront beaches. An ideal neighborhood for those who want to treat themselves and enjoy Cannes nightlife.
Where are the main points of interest in Cannes?
The city of Cannes is world-famous for the various events it hosts each year, such as the Cannes Festival, but not only: the city is full of points of interest that can be visited year-round; not far from La Croisette, but also along its entire coastline, Cannes offers tourists and residents a total of 13 public beaches and 33 private beaches, each with its own characteristics, with its share of water and sports activities, ideal for athletes of all levels.
Beyond the beaches, the city’s monuments, such as the Palais des Festivals, are must-sees that you should experience at least once in your lifetime, especially if you’re a lover of French cinema. For cultural events, we recommend the Villa Rothschild, a favorite walking spot where various cultural events take place.
To learn more about Cannes’ points of interest, here’s an article on the must-see places in Cannes!
Which Cannes neighborhood is right for you?
While Cannes offers a unique mosaic of neighborhoods to discover, the possibilities are endless, and you may not know which neighborhood to choose for your future stay in Cannes. To choose well, we first advise you to make your choice based on the activities you want to prioritize. Do you want to go out and enjoy Cannes nightlife? The La Banane or La Croisette neighborhood will be perfect for you. Do you prefer more contemplative neighborhoods? Le Suquet or La Croix des Gardes will suit you, with their numerous sea views and colorful buildings. Or perhaps you prefer to stroll in the sun and take a dip? Then opt for an apartment in the Pointe Croisette neighborhood, with its fine sandy beaches and facilities where you can exercise as you please.
As you can see, choose the Cannes neighborhood that suits you before booking to have an optimal holiday.
Getting around Cannes neighborhoods
Beyond the center where everything is within walking distance, the city of Cannes provides its residents with various means of transport to facilitate travel between neighborhoods; whether by bike, public transport, or even by car, the city is designed for easy, hassle-free travel. A little tip: take advantage of the local ferry to visit nearby towns, such as the Lérins Islands, also considered part of the Cannes metropolitan area.
Discover Cannes neighborhoods: plan your visit!
Each Cannes neighborhood is rich in history, culture, and panoramic views, making the city a highly sought-after destination for visitors looking for authenticity, luxury, and relaxation. Do you want to visit a particular neighborhood, or simply stay near the center to visit the city of Cannes in peace? With Immosol, choose the right accommodation and set off to discover this city whose neighborhoods hold many surprises.