Getting around Cannes

Public transport

Compact Cannes is easy to get around and arguably the best way to explore it is by putting one foot in front of the other. If you don’t fancy walking, public transport is reliable and cheap. In fact the local authorities provide subsidised bus tickets, which allow you to explore the Côte d’Azur for just €1.50 or €1 if you buy a carnet. It’s an absolute bargain.

The main operator is Palm Bus (tel: 0825 825 599, in France only; www.palmbus.fr). You can buy tickets onboard or from tabacs; day tickets, weekly passes and booklets of 10 tickets are available.

The City Palm service operates in the very centre of Cannes. This bus travels in a circle every 10 minutes, driving along La Croisette, rue d’Antibes and past the railway station before returning to the Hôtel de Ville. The service stops on demand providing it is safe to do so – all you need to do is hail the driver. Tickets are available on board or at a tabac. You can buy a one-day ticket with unlimited journeys on this line only.

Taxis

Taxis are reliable and arrive within about five minutes anywhere in the city centre. Drivers are generally honest and will usually discuss the stars they have chauffeured. You can hail taxis at taxi stations or order them by telephone from Taxis Cannes (tel: +33 4 9399 2727; www.taxicannes.fr). Tipping is not expected but is appreciated.

Driving

Driving in Cannes is rarely a frustrating experience. Traffic jams are few and far between, there are several car parks surrounding the city centre, and orientation is relatively easy - the rue d'Antibes is one of the few one-way streets. There is only one major pedestrianised street - the rue Meynadier. The only times that tourists should beware of driving in Cannes is during the film festival, when roads are blocked from 1800 onwards, and during major congresses.

Car hire

Operators include Ada (tel: +33 4 9706 0707; www.ada.fr), Avis (tel: 0820 611 635, in France only; www.avis.fr) and Hertz (tel: +33 4 9399 0420; www.hertz.fr). The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 years, although drivers may have to be 25 years old to hire the more expensive models. Driving licences and credit cards are required. Insurance is usually included but it is advisable to check.

Bicycle hire

Exploring Cannes on two wheels is a great way to see the city in a short period of time. You can hire scooters and bicycles from Mistral Locations, 4 rue Georges Clémenceau (tel: 04 9339 3360; www.mistral-location.com).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

Book Accommodation

Featured Hotels

Hôtel Martinez

Situated on La Croisette, the 5-star Hôtel Martinez is one of the Riviera's grand palaces. Guests can take advantage of the private beach, swimming pool and spa while staying in the palatial apartments or well-appointed rooms. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, La Palme d'Or, has a reputation for exceptional cuisine.

Le Mistral

This 2-star hotel offers 10 rooms on three floors just a minute's walk from the Palais des Festivals and rue d'Antibes. The interior design is modern and stylish, and art works are usually on display. The rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned and feature free Wi-Fi and flatscreen TVs.

InterContinental Carlton Cannes

Old-world charm and modern convenience combine to great effect at the Carlton. The hotel has 343 rooms, including 39 suites, and there are two restaurants, two bars and a health club on the premises. The grande dame of La Croisette overlooks the Mediterranean and has its own private beach.

Hôtel Alnea

A basic, comfortable hotel located only a minute's walk from the Palais des Festivals and a short stroll from the Croisette beaches. The rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed and come with flatscreen TVs and free Wi-Fi. It's a good cheap option with great service and some colourful paint schemes.

Hôtel Le Cavendish

Formerly the home of Lord Cavendish, the British aristocrat who discovered hydrogen, this belle époque building is a charming hotel just north of the railway station. All 34 rooms are serenely elegant, but try to get one in the rotunda. And make time for the free aperitifs every evening.

Hotel Novotel Suites Cannes Centre

The Novotel offers good-value rack rates and some of the best online specials in Cannes. This swish, modern, all-suite hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the railway station but still delivers spacious rooms that all have microwaves and kettles, as well as large working spaces and flatscreen TVs.

Introducing Cannes

While you’re there

Plan your trip

France Information

Beaches