Cannes cruise port guide: What to do, see & eat in the French Riviera

Cannes, the chic jewel of the French Riviera, is a popular stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries and is famed for its annual film festival, high-end shopping, and golden beaches. 

Unlike many ports, Cannes cruise port is tender-only (i.e. you take a small boat from your cruise ship to reach the shore) – dropping visitors right into the action at the main port. From here, you’re within easy reach of the very best of Cannes – whether you want to sip Provençal rosé by the sea, explore local markets for cheese and olives, or simply drink in the Riviera sunshine along the promenade, Cannes is a port that lets you do and see it all on foot, making it a definitive highlight of many a Mediterranean cruise.

– READ MORE: Complete guide to P&O’s Mediterranean cruises  –

Where do cruise ships dock in Cannes?

Cannes does not have a deep-water cruise terminal, so ships anchor offshore, and guests take a tender boat directly to the Gare Maritime or the Quai Laubeuf at the Vieux Port (meaning ‘Old Port’). From here, you are moments from the historic Le Suquet district, beaches, shops, and the seafront promenade.

How to get from Cannes cruise port to the city centre

By the time you’ve disembarked your tender boat, you’re already there! The Cannes cruise port is located in the heart of the city. Once ashore, you can walk to the Palais des Festivals, La Croisette, the beach, and the cobbled streets of Le Suquet within 5–10 minutes.

– READ MORE: This gem along the Côte d’Azur is also France’s oldest city –

What to do at the Port of Cannes

Stepping ashore at the glamorous Cannes cruise port, you’re instantly in the heart of the action, with the city’s best experiences within easy reach on foot.

Stroll La Croisette

Begin your day with a stroll along La Croisette, Cannes’ instantly recognisable palm-fringed promenade. Stretching for two kilometres along the seafront, this boulevard is lined with designer boutiques, grand old hotels like the Carlton and Martinez, and private beach clubs where picturesque parasols pierce the sand. Even if luxury shopping isn’t your bag, the people-watching here is unmatched (keep your eyes peeled for all the A-listers!), and the views over the Mediterranean are simply breathtaking.

Wander the old town, Le Suquet

From the port, it’s a short uphill walk to Le Suquet, Cannes’ charming old town. Its narrow, cobblestone streets are filled with pastel-hued houses, local eateries, and small shops selling Provençal goods. Up at the top, you’ll find the Church of Our Lady of Esperance and the medieval castle ruins of the Musée de la Castre, which serve panoramic views across Cannes Bay – and probably your cruise ship anchored offshore!

Explore the Marché Forville

No visit to Cannes is complete without a wander through the Marché Forville, the city’s heady covered market near Le Suquet. Here you can browse stalls brimming with local produce – cheeses, olives, flowers, herbs, and fresh seafood. It’s a perfect spot to grab a snack of seasonal fruit or a slice of pissaladière (onion tart) as you soak up the quintessential Provençal atmosphere.

Walk the Red Carpet

Head to the Palais des Festivals, home of the Cannes Film Festival, and strut your stuff along the famous red-carpeted steps, following suit with stars including George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, JLo, Tom Hanks and scores more. While you can’t always enter the venue, it’s a fun photo opportunity and encapsulates the city’s cinematic glamour.

Head to the beach

Cannes has a mix of public and private beaches along La Croisette. Plage du Casino and Plage Macé are great public options where you can get a taste of Mediterranean sea swimming for free. Or, for a dash of Riviera luxury, consider one of the private beach clubs like Plage du Carlton, where you can live it up by renting a lounger for the day and order a glass of rosé or four to your sunbed.

Take a ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite

To escape the city buzz, hop on a 15-minute ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a member of the Lérins Islands just offshore Cannes cruise port. Covered in pine and eucalyptus trees, the island offers shaded walking trails, quiet coves for swimming, and the historic Fort Royal, where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was once imprisoned.

Take a day trip

Whichever cruise line you are sailing with, it will be possible to join an organised shore excursion, many of which may lie beyond Cannes. The city is a convenient gateway to popular spots like Monaco, Nice, Antibes and Grasse. You can explore the glamour of Monte Carlo, stroll Nice’s old town, or discover the gorgeous scents in the perfumeries of Grasse – all within a short drive from the port, while still returning in time for sailaway celebrations.

– READ MORE: What to visit across Provence – from grand palaces to tiny coves –

What and where to eat and drink in Cannes cruise port

Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between sights or enjoying a leisurely Riviera lunch, Cannes is packed with mouth-watering foodie expereinces. Here’s what to eat in Cannes on your cruise stop – and where to try it:

Socca at Da Laura

This crisp, peppery chickpea pancake is a street-food favourite from nearby Nice, perfect for a light snack. Head to Da Laura (7 Rue du 24 Août), a beloved local trattoria near the station, where the socca is fresh, hot, and deliciously moreish.

Bouillabaisse at Astoux et Brun

Bouillabaisse is a classic taste of the Mediterranean, coming in the form of a rich Provençal fish stew, infused with saffron. For an authentic version of the dish, try Astoux et Brun (27 Rue Félix Faure), a seafood institution near Cannes cruise port, known for its humming terrace and fresh catch of the day.

Pissaladière at Marché Forville

Ideal for a light lunch or mid-morning snack. Essentially, it’s a caramelised onion tart with anchovies, and the Marché Forville is the perfect place to sample it. Pick up a slice from one of the bakery stalls and enjoy while exploring the buzzing market atmosphere.

Rosé wine at Bar Rooftop Bella

A glass of pale Provençal rosé is absolutely essential for any visitors to the Côte d’Azur. Try a chilled glass at Bar Rooftop Bella, a stylish bar with outdoor seating, the ideal spot to unwind after exploring as you sip and soak up the Cannes sunshine and sea views.

Gelato at La Gelateria

Finish your day with a scoop of gelato from La Gelateria, located in the centre of La Suquet and just a stone’s throw from the promenade. With flavours ranging from classic stracciatella to seasonal fruits, it’s the ideal sweet treat before heading back to your ship.

A leisurely coffee break

Stopping off for a coffee and a pastry on holiday is one of life’s greatest small pleasures. There are plenty of nice options in Cannes, but the cafes along the seafront are particularly lovely to sit in with a cappuccino and a croissant, watching the port’s yachts and Cannes’ glamorous bustle.

– READ MORE: Best food-focused excursions in France, Spain & Italy –