Cannes Cruise Port Guide: How to Get Around & Top Things to Do
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Cannes is a lively coastal town on the French Riviera, known for its sandy beaches, palm-lined promenade, and the famous film festival.
Cruise ships don’t dock directly at the port but anchor offshore, and passengers are brought to land by tender boats.
I’ve had the chance to visit Cannes both on a cruise stop and during a vacation where I spent a few days exploring the coastline, including Nice, Antibes, and Monaco, and I can say Cannes definitely holds its own.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Cannes cruise port, how to get around, top things to see and do, and the most popular shore excursions from Cannes.
Cannes Cruise Port Overview
🚤 Cannes Is a Tender Port
There are no docking facilities for large cruise ships in Cannes. Instead, vessels anchor in the Bay of Cannes, and passengers are brought ashore by tender boats.
🛥️ Arrival at the Old Port (Vieux Port de Cannes)
Tenders drop passengers off at the Old Port (Vieux Port de Cannes), located right in the city center.
From here, it’s just a short walk to key sights like the Promenade de la Croisette, Palais des Festivals, and Le Suquet, the charming old town.
🧭 Facilities at the Cruise Landing Area
The Old Port is a scenic spot filled with yachts and small boats.
It also has a ferry terminal with a quay for smaller ships (up to 150 meters), a basic terminal building with a tourist information office, and parking for taxis, cars, and buses.
Getting Around Cannes from the Cruise Port
Once you arrive by tender at the Old Port of Cannes, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of town.
Most main attractions are within walking distance, including Le Suquet (Old Town), the Croisette promenade, beaches, and Palais des Festivals.
🚆 Train Station
Cannes train station (Place de la Gare) is about 700 meters from the tender drop-off point—less than a 10-minute walk.
From here, you can catch trains to popular coastal cities like Nice, Antibes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Monaco.
👉 Check train schedules and fares on the official SNCF website
🚌 Bus Station
The main bus station (Gare des Autobus) is next to the Hôtel de Ville and just a few minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal.
Buses run frequently along the coast to Grasse, Antibes, Nice, Eze, and other nearby towns.
👉 More info on local buses here
🚂 Tourist Train
Le Petit Train de Cannes, also known as Le Train du Cinéma, is a fun and easy way to explore the city in just one hour.
It departs from the Croisette, right near the Palais des Festivals, and offers three different guided tours in eight languages.
The routes take you past major city highlights, including Le Suquet (the Old Town), Rue d’Antibes, the Forville Market, Cannes’ beaches, and the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette.
🗺️ Shore Excursions & Day Trips
Cannes is a great starting point for day trips to nearby coastal towns like Nice, Monaco, Antibes, Grasse, Eze, or Saint Paul de Vence. Whether you’re booking a guided shore excursion or planning something on your own, there’s plenty to explore within a short drive.
If you prefer a more flexible schedule, you can also book a private transfer or a car with driver for the day. It’s a good option for small groups, families, or anyone who wants to see more without relying on public transport or timetables.
👉 You can browse top-rated tours on Viator or check out excursions on GetYourGuide to find the perfect option for your day in Cannes.
🚕 Taxis in Cannes
Taxis are available near the cruise tender drop-off point and throughout the city, but they can be expensive, especially for longer distances along the French Riviera.
Always check if the meter is running, or agree on the fare in advance. If you’re planning to visit multiple towns, a pre-booked transfer or guided tour is usually more cost-effective and reliable.
Watch the Port Overview & Plan Your Cruise Stop
📺 Cannes Cruise Port Video
Watch my short video filmed during a cruise stop in Cannes! I give you an overview of Cannes cruise port, what’s nearby, and the best things to see during your cruise stop.
📘 Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide
If you’re visiting more ports on your itinerary, my Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide covers 45 ports with detailed tips, maps, and shore ideas—including Cannes, Villefranche, Livorno, and more.
Best Things to Do in Cannes from the Cruise Port
Cannes is a walkable city, and most of its top attractions are just minutes from the cruise tender drop-off point. If you’re visiting on a cruise stop, you can explore the highlights on foot without needing transportation.
🌴 La Croisette and Palais des Festivals
Start with a stroll along La Croisette, the city’s iconic waterfront boulevard stretching for 2 kilometers along the Mediterranean.
It’s lined with palm trees, luxury hotels like the Carlton, Martinez, Majestic, and JW Marriott, as well as upscale boutiques, restaurants, and beach clubs.
Along the promenade, don’t miss the Palais des Festivals, home to the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, and other major international events. The red carpet steps are a favorite photo spot for visitors.
La Croisette is a great place to soak in the atmosphere, enjoy a coffee with a sea view, or dip your toes in the sandy public beach that runs parallel to the promenade.
👉 Explore Cannes with a guided tour and make the most of your cruise stop.
🏘️ Le Suquet – The Old Town of Cannes
Beyond the glitz of La Croisette, Cannes has a charming old quarter known as Le Suquet. This historic hillside neighborhood, once a fishermen’s district, is full of narrow cobbled streets, pastel-colored houses—some over 400 years old—and a more local, medieval feel.
The area is pedestrian-only and centered around Rue Saint Antoine and Rue du Suquet, where you’ll find small cafés, souvenir shops, and restaurants tucked into stone buildings.
🏰 Château de la Castre & Panoramic Views
At the top of Le Suquet, you’ll find Château de la Castre, the remains of a medieval castle built by the monks of Lérins.
It sits on Place de la Castre, offering some of the best panoramic views of Cannes and the bay below—an ideal photo spot on a clear day.
Inside the castle is the Musée des Explorations du Monde (formerly Musée de la Castre), which houses fascinating collections from around the world. Exhibits include tribal art from the Himalayas and Oceania, pre-Columbian artifacts, Mediterranean antiquities, and 19th-century oriental art.
You can also climb the 109 steps of the castle tower for a stunning 360° view over Cannes and the surrounding coastline.
👉 Book a private sightseeing tour for a flexible and comfortable way to explore Cannes and nearby towns.
⛪ Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance
Next to La Castre, you’ll also find Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance, a historic stone church dating from the 1600s.
The area around the castle is absolutely beautiful and if you want to capture the best photos of Cannes – this is the perfect spot!
🛒 Forville Market
At the base of Le Suquet, you’ll find Marché Forville, a lively indoor market filled with fresh produce, flowers, local cheeses, and regional specialties.
It’s a great place to sample French flavors and soak up the local atmosphere, especially in the morning hours.
🏖️ Beaches Near the Cruise Port
Cannes offers two main public beaches within walking distance of the port.
Croisette Beach lies to the right as you exit the Old Port, running along the famous boulevard. It features soft sand, sun loungers, beach clubs, and plenty of cafés and restaurants.
To the left, you’ll find Plage du Midi, a quieter and less crowded beach that’s also free to access.
Best Day Trips from Cannes Cruise Port
🌊 Nice
The vibrant city of Nice is one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, located about 35 km (22 miles) east of Cannes, roughly a 45-minute drive or train ride.
Trains from Cannes to Nice run frequently throughout the day, with a journey time of around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Nice-Ville station, the city is easy to explore on foot.
Don’t miss the famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, the charming streets of Old Nice (Vieux Nice), and the many shops, markets, and cafés that give the city its lively Mediterranean vibe.
👉 Villefranche is the main cruise port for Nice — check out my full Villefranche cruise guide if your ship is stopping there.
📍 If you’re docking in Cannes, you can visit Nice on your own — check out my Nice in a Day from Villefranche and Cannes Cruise Ports guide for the full itinerary and transport tips.
👉 Browse tours and activities in Nice
🎥 Watch my YouTube video on what to see and do in Nice!
🏰 Monaco & Monte Carlo
The Principality of Monaco is a glamorous sovereign city-state located about 56 km (35 miles) east of Cannes, around 1 hour 30 minutes by car or 1 hour by train from Cannes station, with frequent daily departures.
Monaco is divided into several districts, the most famous being Monaco-Ville (Old Town) and Monte Carlo.
Monaco-Ville, also known as Le Rocher (The Rock), sits high above the Mediterranean and is home to key attractions like the Prince’s Palace, Oceanographic Museum, St. Martin Gardens, and Monaco Cathedral.
Just a few kilometers away, Monte Carlo draws visitors with its luxury boutiques, elegant streets, and the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino, a symbol of Riviera glamour and wealth.
📍 From Cannes, it’s easy to reach Monaco and Monte Carlo on your own — read my Monaco in a Day from Villefranche and Cannes Cruise Ports guide for the full itinerary and transport details.
👉 Browse Monaco & Monte Carlo tours and activities
📺 Check out my video tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo!
⚓ Antibes
Located just 13 km (8 miles) west of Cannes, Antibes is a charming resort town that’s easy to reach by train—only 12 minutes from Cannes station.
Known for its fortified old town, impressive Fort Carré, and the luxurious Port Vauban marina filled with superyachts, Antibes is one of the most popular destinations on the Côte d’Azur. The scenic Cap d’Antibes peninsula offers a quieter, natural escape with coastal paths and forested areas.
Nearby Juan-les-Pins, just a 5-minute drive away, is famous for its sandy beaches, seaside promenade, and the annual Jazz à Juan festival held in Jardin de La Pinède.
👉 Browse tours and activities in Antibes
🖼️ Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Located about 28 km (17 miles) from Cannes, Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a picturesque medieval village perched on a hilltop—just over an hour’s drive from the cruise port.
Famous for inspiring artists, poets, and writers, the village is now known for its art galleries, small museums like the Fondation Maeght, and charming cobbled streets lined with cafés, boutique shops, and historic stone buildings.
Highlights include the 17th-century Saint Charles-Saint Claude Chapel and the scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
This destination is best reached by car or on a guided shore excursion.
👉 Browse tours and activities in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
🌸 Grasse
Located about 21 km (13 miles) northwest of Cannes, Grasse is a charming hillside town known as the world’s perfume capital. It takes around 40 minutes by car from the cruise port.
Grasse is home to renowned perfumeries like Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard, many of which offer guided tours and perfume-making workshops.
While there, visit the Musée International de la Parfumerie (MIP) and the nearby Grasse Cathedral—both located within a short walk of each other.
👉 Browse tours and activities in Grasse
🏞️ Èze
The medieval village of Èze sits high above the coast, about 54 km (33 miles) east of Cannes—roughly a 1-hour drive, nestled between Nice and Monaco.
Èze is a popular tourist stop, known for its cobblestone streets, stone houses, art galleries, and scenic hilltop setting. It’s a great place to wander, shop, and take in the views.
Don’t miss the Chapelle de la Sainte Croix (14th century) and the Jardin Botanique d’Èze, a botanical garden with exotic plants and panoramic views of the French Riviera.
👉 Browse tours and activities in Èze
🏝️ Îles de Lérins
Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Cannes Old Port, the Lérins Islands are a peaceful escape from the city. The two main islands—Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat—offer nature, history, and stunning sea views.
Sainte-Marguerite is the larger island, home to Fort Royal, a 17th-century fortress where the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. Today, it houses the Museum of the Sea, featuring artifacts from ancient shipwrecks.
Saint-Honorat, the quieter of the two, is known for its Abbey of Lérins and fortified monastery. Monks still live there and produce wine, olive oil, and other monastic goods you can purchase on-site.
Ferries depart hourly from Quai Laubeuf in the Old Port. Check with the tourist information office for updated schedules and island maps.
👉 Explore tours and activities to the Lérins Islands
Practical Information for Cruise Visitors
💶 Currency in France
The local currency is the Euro (€). Both cash and credit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and transportation services throughout Cannes.
♿ Walkability & Terrain Tips
La Croisette is flat and easy to walk, ideal for a relaxed stroll along the waterfront. Le Suquet, on the other hand, is steep with cobbled streets and can be difficult for visitors with mobility issues.
The walk from the Old Port to Château de la Castre takes around 10 minutes, but it’s uphill and includes several staircases. Be prepared if you plan to reach the viewpoint at the top.
🗺️ Distances to Nearby Cities
Here are some popular Riviera destinations and their distance from Cannes by road:
- Nice – 33 km / 20 miles (≈ 1 hour)
- Villefranche-sur-Mer – 40 km / 25 miles (≈ 1 hr 15 min)
- Monaco & Monte Carlo – 64 km / 40 miles (≈ 1 hr 30 min)
- Antibes – 12 km / 7.5 miles (≈ 30 min)
- Grasse – 17 km / 10 miles (≈ 35 min)
- Saint Paul de Vence – 27 km / 17 miles (≈ 50 min)
- Èze – 45 km / 28 miles (≈ 1 hour)
👉 These are all popular shore excursions—browse tours here
✈️ Nearest Airport
Cannes – Mandelieu Airport is located 6.7 km (4 miles) from the city, about a 20-minute drive.
However, most international travelers fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is the main airport for the French Riviera and located approximately 27 km (17 miles) from Cannes (around a 40-minute drive).
👉 Book a private transfer to or from the cruise port
🛎️ More Resources
- Find the best hotels in Cannes
- Find the port of Cannes on Google Maps
- Cannes Cruise Ship Schedule
- Cannes Tourism Office
- Local Weather Forecast
🌍 Related Cruise Port Guides
These ports are often included in Mediterranean cruise itineraries along with Cannes—explore each one to help plan your trip:
Barcelona – A top homeport with La Sagrada Familia, beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Lisbon – Ride the historic tram and explore the scenic Alfama district.
La Spezia – Ideal for visiting Cinque Terre and northern Tuscany.
Livorno – Gateway to Florence, Pisa, and Tuscan countryside.
Taormina – Charming Sicilian town with views of Mount Etna.
Naples – Visit Pompeii, Capri, or the Amalfi Coast.
Palma de Mallorca – Great for beaches, history, and shopping.
Marseille – Starting point for exploring Provence and Cassis.
Málaga – Access to Granada, Marbella, and Costa del Sol’s top destinations.
Cagliari – Discover Sardinia’s history, views, and Poetto Beach.
Ajaccio – Explore Corsica’s landscapes and Napoleon’s roots.
Le Havre – Cruise stop for Paris and Normandy.
Southampton – Common departure port for Med cruises from the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannes Cruise Port
❓ Is Cannes a tender port?
Yes, Cannes is a tender port, which means cruise ships anchor offshore and use small boats (tenders) to bring passengers to shore.
The ride takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you’ll arrive at the Old Port (Vieux Port), right in the heart of town.
❓ Can you walk to the main attractions from the cruise port?
Absolutely! The main sights are within walking distance of the tender drop-off. In just a few minutes, you can reach La Croisette, Palais des Festivals, Le Suquet, and the public beaches. No need for transportation if you’re staying in town.
❓ How long does it take to get ashore in Cannes?
Once your tender ticket group is called, it usually takes 10–15 minutes to reach the shore. However, if multiple ships are in port, tender lines can get backed up—so plan ahead, especially if you’re joining a tour.
❓ Do I need to book a tour or can I explore on my own?
You can definitely explore Cannes independently, it’s compact, flat (except for Le Suquet), and easy to navigate on foot.
But if you’re interested in visiting places like Nice, Monaco, Antibes, or Grasse, a guided tour or private transfer can save you time and make things more relaxing.
❓ Are there any mobility concerns at the port?
The port area and La Croisette are wheelchair accessible and flat, but Le Suquet is hilly with cobbled streets and stairs.
If you have walking difficulties, it’s best to stay near the promenade and lower town, or consider a small group tour that includes transportation.
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Middle East, Australia & New Zealand
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