4 Charming Areas Where to Stay in Cannes (from Experience

Headed to Cannes? I’m here to help you decide where to stay! I visited the city many times over 5 years, so I’ve got some must-read insights to share about where to stay in Cannes!

La Croisette is where to stay for first-timers as this is the palpitating heart of this coastal town. But I included 4 areas in total, cherry-picked top-rated hotels in each area, and sorted them nicely by budget, so you can book a place that best matches your interest and budget in minutes!

Talking about hotels, please book them at least 3 months in advance! Cannes is a small village after all and the best hotels get booked super fast. You don’t want to miss out on the best deals!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out the best hotels in Cannes and book right away:

See this map to help you visualize the 4 areas of Cannes I will talk about in this post:

1. La Croisette – best area to stay in Cannes for first timers

La Croisette is the most bustling, vibrant part of Cannes, it’s basically the heart of the city. If you’re a first-timer or really anyone who wants to experience the essence of Cannes, I recommend staying here.

As you walk along La Croisette Boulevard, you will find Croisette Beach (map), many restaurants, and, of course, the most luxurious hotels in Cannes. I loved the casual strolls along the promenade in the morning and around sunset, the vibe here is so relaxing!

There are really 2 or 3 bigger streets in central Cannes with businesses like high-end shops and cafés, with Rue D’Antibes (map) being the most popular one. You’ll also find multiple casinos (not really my thing so can’t say much on this), just in case you can’t make it to the Monte Carlo one.

Now I’ve mostly been to Cannes to accompany my journalist husband who was covering the Cannes Festival, and most of the time I experienced Cannes at its busiest. The thing is that there are 3 major festivals that goion here: the Film Festival, the MIPIM Real Estate Professionals Congress, and the Yachting Festival.

Outside of these events, Cannes is just a small, quiet Riviera village with not much going on. Our local friend was always complaining how Cannes can get boring for most part of the year and he’s always excited for the festivals because the village shines with its best light.

Unless being in Cannes at the same time as film celebrities for the Cannes Film Festival is super important to you, I advise organizing your trip outside of this frame (usually takes place in the middle of May). 

The immense traffic and crowds make it almost impossible to enjoy the town at this time. We were once late to book accommodation in the center and ended up staying in Le Cannet, a village some 4 km (2.4 miles) North of Cannes. Not to mention that the prices skyrocket around this time!

GETTING AROUND: Getting around Cannes is really easy, you can walk to and from most places in less than 20 minutes. Buses and regional trains are also easy to use. However, I recommend renting a car so you can drive to nearby villages (they are so charming, it’d be a shame not to visit them if you have time; more on them in the Bonus section below). 

You can rent a car at Nice Airport or at another destination from which you begin your South France journey. There are tons of parking spots in Cannes, including over 17 car parks with over 10,000 spaces. You can find your spot using the Flowbird app. Be mindful of the narrow roads and traffic on them. Local drivers are used to the relief and often speed when they’re not supposed to.

Other accommodation options in La Croisette

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La Croisette Boulevard has become quite a popular place to stay in Cannes as the Film Festival takes place nearby. Even outside of the festival times, many people want to stay around the area. So, if you miss your chance at any of the hotels on the list, here are 4 more that you can book:

• Five Seas Hotel ($$$) – Located near the sandy beaches and the port on rue Notre Dame, this elegant hotel even offers a spa. Soak up the French sun while drinking a glass of wine on the rooftop terrace, and then head for a swim in the pool! 
• Carlton Cannes ($$$) – Situated right on La Croisette, this 5-star paradise hotel has a spectacular design, outdoor pool, and a beach restaurant. 
• Le Cavendish ($$) – Just look at those views! This Cannes hotel has all the facilities you need including breakfast and room service. 
• Best Western ($) – One of the best affordable hotels in Cannes, France, situated near the restaurants. Chill after a day of exploring the Old Port on the patio or enjoy the onsite wellness center with a jacuzzi.

Things to do in La Croisette

• Explore the Promenade de la Croisette
• Visit the famous Palais des Festivals (map)
• Have a fancy lunch at Plage Du Festival (map)
• Check out the shopping district on Rue D’Antibes (map)
• Go on a private trip to Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo
• Take a day trip to nearby Antibes
• Join a boat tour to St. Marguerite Island off the coast of Cannes

2. Le Suquet (Old Town) – where to stay in Cannes, France, for history

The Old Town of Cannes is, as the name implies, the city’s oldest neighborhood dating back to Roman times. As you walk along the narrow streets, you will fall in love with the surroundings, the hidden alleys, and historic buildings with balconies filled with flowers. So, if this type of historic charm and rustic scenery appeals to you, definitely stay in Le Suquet!

The Old Town is less than a 10-minute walk from La Croisette, but it’s tucked on a hill, so be prepared to break a sweat walking here! Trust me, a walk to the top will be worth it even during the heat, as the views are amazing! 

The streets of Old Cannes were laid out some 400 years ago while the area was initially populated by local fishermen.

Don’t miss Rue du Suquet (map) and Rue Saint-Antoine (map) as here you’ll find the highest concentration of shops and restaurants! I’ll never forget the food we had at Le Chaperon Rouge just on the corner between Suquet and Saint-Antoine streets (map), they have the best risotto with truffles!

The Old Town is also near the Old Port of Cannes (map) from which you can go on boat trips along Southern France.

Other accommodation options in Le Suquet (Old Town)

Things to do in Le Suquet (Old Town)

• Visit the Notre Dame d’Esperance Church (map)
• Admire the architecture of Château de la Castre (map)
• Explore the city’s magical streets and the port area
• See Cannes on a 2.5-hour e-bike tour
• Do some shopping at Marché Forville market (map)
• Embark on a boat trip to Saint Tropez
• Go on a half-day catamaran cruise with lunch

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3. La Bocca – best place to stay in Cannes with family

Located 4 km (2.5 mi) West of the Old Town and Cannes City Center, this area is perfect for families traveling to the South of France. It has a long stretch of beach and it allows you to mingle with locals for a unique French Riviera experience.

You can head to the long sandy beach (map) and spend a fun day without the crowds. You can always go to the City Center or Old Town for sightseeing and grabbing a bite, as both are located less than 15 minutes by car.

I’ve only passed by Bocca once since this is not really a tourist hotspot, but the affordable accommodation (compared to Cannes) and the fun beach I already mentioned definitely make it a good option for families. Plus, there are a number of amusement parks that I’m sure the kids will enjoy!

The dining scene isn’t really diverse here, but you’ll find cute local markets (map) and a few nice Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants in the market’s vicinity.

Finally, if you’re planning a longer family vacation in France, check out the hotels in Nice that we nicely sorted for you according to budget!

Other accommodation options in La Bocca

Things to do in La Bocca

• Spend a fun family day at La Bocca Beach
• Go for a walk in Marthe Villalonga Garden (map)
• Enjoy the adventures at Curious World Escape Game (map)
• Take the kids to play at Fun City Cannes, La Bocca (map)
• See the beautiful Calanques of the Estrel on a tour

4. La Croix des Gardes – best place to stay in Cannes for seclusion

La Croix des Gardes is an excellent spot if your main goal is to relax and if you highly value privacy and tranquility. This is a hilly neighborhood some 4 km (2.5 miles) West of Le Suquet with private villas and vacation rentals. 

Driving through La Croix des Gardes reminded me a lot of St. Tropez. It has these narrow roads going up and down the hill and views of home gates behind which are beautiful residences. Don’t get me started on the sea and city views, I’m sure you’ll want to stop to admire the Bay of Cannes at your fingertips!

The main highlight here is the Château de la Croix (map). This is one of the main wedding receptions in the region with a stunning natural park you can visit and walk around. You can even sleep here if you feel like splurging and can see more details on their website.

Note that La Croix des Gardes is by no means a tourist hotspot and you’ll hardly even find restaurants or shops here. The place is only accessible by car. I don’t recommend staying here if you’re relying on public transport to get around. You will, however, find a few hiking trails around if you’re into an active vacation. 

Other accommodation options in La Croix des Gardes

Things to do in La Croix des Gardes

• Go hiking on the Health Trail (map)
• Check out the fancy Château de la Croix des Gardes
• Explore the Belvédère de la Croix walking path (map) with views
• Buy homemade pastry in the nearby bakery Les Delices de Norroy (map)

BONUS: Best places to visit near Cannes

Cannes is lovely, but so is the rest of the region! We spent a lot of our time here driving around nearby villages renowned for their historic charm and the cutest architecture. 

Here’s a quick overview of nearby places up to 1 hour by car, all my personal favorite spots that I’d definitely go to again:

• Saint Paul de Vence (map) – a tiny medieval town where Matisse, Miró, Picasso, and Chagall lived (Chagall is even buried here)
• Vallauris (map) – a small, charismatic village halfway to Antibes known for ceramics; Picasso also lived in Vallauris, and today there’s a Picasso Museum here
• Antibes (map) – this is a lively coastal city with a beautiful Old Town, Provencal markets, and yet another Picasso Museum; can you tell by now how much Europe’s most iconic painters loved the French Riviera?
• Grasse (map) – a quaint village recognized as the capital of flowers and perfumeries with an International Parfumery Museum.
• Eze (map) – another charming medieval town known for perfumeries and botanical gardens

FAQs about the best places to stay in Cannes, France

❓ What area of Cannes to stay in?

Stay in La Croisette if you’re visiting for the first time and are here for sightseeing. The Old Town (Le Suquet) is also a great option! Cannes is small, and these 2 central areas are adjacent to each other, so it won’t make a big difference where you stay.

🚶‍♀️ Is Cannes a walkable city?

Absolutely. In fact, if you’re only staying in Cannes, you won’t even need a car to get around. Everything is close, there are sidewalks, and you can get anywhere in less than 20 minutes.

2️⃣ How many days in Cannes is enough?

2 days is more than enough for sightseeing in Cannes. If you’re planning a longer trip along the French Riviera, you can even just stop here for a few hours to walk around La Croisette and Le Suquet and then continue to Nice or St. Tropez.

🗓️ What is the best month to go to Cannes?

March to May is great for sightseeing, but June to August is the peak season for seaside relaxation. I visited in May and the water was still cool for swimming.

🤨 Is it better to stay in Cannes or Monaco?

Cannes is more casual, while staying in Monaco is upscale all the way with its glamorous casinos and events. I’ve been to both and felt much more relaxed in Cannes.

⛵ Is it better to stay in Saint-Tropez or Cannes?

St. Tropez is better for families and luxury travelers, but it’s not convenient for day trips or moving around. Cannes is closer to the attractions of the French Riviera and it has a more relaxing vibe.

🤔 Is it better to stay in Nice or Cannes?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Staying in Nice will give you more of a big city feel while Cannes is a quiet beach resort town with not much going on unless you’re in town during the Film or the Yachting Festival.

🏖️ Are there sandy beaches in Cannes?

Yes, there are sandy beaches in Cannes, France. 2 of the best ones are La Croisette Beach and La Boca Beach.

🤩 Is Cannes worth visiting?

Yes, Cannes is a stunning place that you should visit at least once! It has beaches, unique restaurants, stunning views from the Old Town, and great hotels like Hôtel Martinez.

💰 Is it expensive to stay in Cannes?

Although Cannes is known as an exclusive destination, there are also affordable ways to travel there. You can find cheap accommodation such as Banana’s Camp that won’t break your bank.

Final thoughts on the best place to stay in Cannes, France

Am I the only one who absolutely loves all these incredible places in France? It’s one of my favorite countries. Anyway, I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Cannes. 

I know the list of places to stay is endless! So here are my top Cannes hotels, both located in Old Town:

• Belle Plage – A beachfront hotel near the port that has a sun terrace
• Hotel Le Suquet – My type of stay with lovely views of the sea and mountains

As I mentioned before, book your hotels in advance! Cannes is such a famous destination, and the places are usually sold out months in advance. 

Enjoy your trip to the French Riviera! Shop until you drop on Rue D’antibes, go on a yacht trip, and let me know in the comments below which celebrities you spotted at the Cannes Film Festival if you’re visiting during that time of the year! 

Enjoy Southern France,

Darija

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