8 Best things to see & do in Cannes

The world’s top film festival, held in the South of France. Though designed for professionals, it can be just as fun for fans with free and ticketed screenings.

Cannes’ iconic seafront promenande. Join the locals by shopping the luxury boutiques, then stopping for a drink and people-watching at one of the many canopied cafés.

In a medieval castle with superb views over  La Croisette, rare items from the Himalayas, Arctic, Pre-Colombian America and the Pacific islands, along with the ancient Mediterranean artefacts, musical instruments from around the world and historic paintings of the Riviera.

If you want to escape the crowds, cross the water to this peaceful island, the second largest of the Lerins. There’s a 3rd-century abbey, where St Patrick once studied; there are lovely walks, swims and the monks’ wine to purchase. See the ferry website for departures and tickets.

The big covered market in the heart of Cannes dates from the 1930s, and overflows with the fresh produce and flowers of Provence. It’s open daily until 1pm and closed Monday – although sometimes there’s a flea market in there instead.

Escape civilization along this surprisingly wild, circular 5km coastal path that winds around Cap d’Antibes. Start at Garoupe Beach and pass rocky cliffs, high over the crashing waves.

Nicknamed ‘the Bunker’, this giant building on the Croisette hosts the Cannes Film Festival, with its famous red carpet and 24 steps where the paparazzi line up to take snaps of the movie stars: 150 have left their handprints, Hollywood style, in front.

Discover Cannes the easy way on the Movie Train, starting from the Palais des Festivals: it takes in the Forville Market, Le Susquet, La Croisette, the casinos, and Rue d’Antibes.