911±¬ÁÏÍø

Custom Walk in Cannes, France by femke202_348a5 created on 2025-07-17

Guide Location: France » Cannes
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 10
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2 Km or 1.2 Miles
Share Key: E5AMY

How It Works


Please retrieve this walk in the 911±¬ÁÏÍø app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.

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Step 1. Download the app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Step 2. In the 911±¬ÁÏÍø app, download(or launch) the guide "Cannes Map and Walking Tours".

Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: E5AMY

1
Cannes City Hall

1) Cannes City Hall

The neoclassic-style building that houses the City Hall of Cannes looks more like a palace than a City Hall.

The first communal house existed in the area as far back as 1515. However, that original building fell into disrepair after the French Revolution. The current building was completed in 1876. Also known as the Hôtel de Ville, the building was designed by architect Louis Durand.

The majestic building features 16 caryatids and sculpted blazons that embellish the facade. Doric and Ionic columns add to the grandeur of City Hall. An iconic dome with two clocks tops the building.

The building is located right at the port in the old part of Cannes. In front of it, along Pantiero promenade, is the Memorial of the Fallen. This monument to the First World War was erected in 1927 and was created by sculptor Albert Cheuret.

The view of the monument and the city hall behind it is one of the most photographed scenes in Cannes. The stately and sedate monument frames the grand city hall beautifully.
2
Les Murs Peints (Painted Wall)

2) Les Murs Peints (Painted Wall) (must see)

The Painted Walls of Cannes offers visitors a unique way to see depictions of their favorite movie stars and movie scenes. Since Cannes began hosting the Cannes Film Festival in 1949, Cannes has been synonymous with movie star glamour. Since 2002, artists have painted various murals to celebrate Cannes' cinema connection. Today, there are 15 different mural frescoes to view.

These inspired murals encourage visitors to stroll through Cannes, searching for the next mural. The Painted Walls offer a unique combination of a free outdoor art gallery and a treasure hunt.

As you stroll through the city, you'll find murals depicting Buster Keaton, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe. One mural depicts Pulp Fiction and another mural shows The Piano Lesson.

One of the most prominent murals features depictions of 100 years of movie stars. This impressive mural is next to the bus station near City Hall. This artwork celebrates cinematic greats such as Charlie Chaplin, Alfred Hitchcock, Micky Mouse, and even memorable characters like Superman, Batman, and R2-D2.
3
Tour du Masque (Mask Tower)

3) Tour du Masque (Mask Tower)

The Man in the Iron Mask was a prisoner during King Louis XIV region. He was confined to various French prisons--including the infamous Bastille. The man wore a black velvet mask covering his face, and his identity has never been discovered.

It is unknown when the man was born. He was arrested around 1670 and died in 1703.

The Man in the Iron Mask escaped from Sainte-Marguerite Island and found sanctuary in this 12th century "Mask Tower" for the last years of his life. The story was made famous by writers Alexandre Dumas and Voltaire. In Voltaire's retelling, the man wore an iron mask. Historical records show that the man wore a velvet mask, but Voltaire's version has proved popular.

Historians have many guesses over the man's identity, but none of these theories have been definitively proven. Some stories claim that the man was a relative of the King--an older brother, a twin, or his illegitimate father.

Documents from the man's jailer, Saint-Mars, were discovered in 2015. A leading theory supposes that the man was Eustache Dauge, who was involved in political scandals.

One legend says that the unnamed man's host haunts the tower. Whether or not this is true, the legends and speculations concerning the man's identity continue.

Today, a plaque on the 12th-century tower and a nearby dummy mark the location. The plaque reads, "Passer-by, stop to meditate on the sufferings of this torture."
4
Notre Dame d'Esperance (Our Lady of Hope Church)

4) Notre Dame d'Esperance (Our Lady of Hope Church) (must see)

Construction on this historic church began in 1521. After over a hundred years of work, it was completed in 1627 and dedicated to Our Lady of Hope in 1645.

The church's location at the top of Suquet Hill offers beautiful views of the city below.

The church is Gothic, while the porch is Renaissance-style. Our Lady of Hope Church has several chapels, including a chapel dedicated to the patron of Cannes, Saint Nicolas. In the Saint-Pierre chapel, visitors will find an elaborate carved wooden altar.

A beautiful 16th-century gilded wood statue of Our Lady of Hope stands above the high altar. A central stained glass window represents the Annunciation.

Visitors will find a rare Burgundy sculpture dating to the 14th century in the chapel baptismal font. A 15th-century statue represents Saint Anne. The grand Italian organ dates to 1857 and enthralls the faithful with its beautiful tones.

The bell tower features Romanesque architecture. Its five bells were all cast in 1921. Near the entrance to the church, visitors will find a gorgeous small garden, perfect for quiet contemplation.

Why You Should Visit:
Our Lady of Hope Church offers beautiful architecture and a picturesque setting. Looking down to the Riveria, the view is stunning.

Tips:
The climb up the church is steep, so be prepared. In July, the church is a venue for Suquet Music Nights, a magical event featuring classical music, piano players, and singers.
5
Musée des Explorations du Monde (Museum of World Explorations)

5) Musée des Explorations du Monde (Museum of World Explorations) (must see)

This museum was formerly known as the Castre Museum and re-named the Museum of World Explorations in 2021.

The Museum of World Explorations is situated in the medieval castle formerly used by the monks of Lérins. In 1877, Baron Tinco Martinus Lycklama to Nijeholt bequeathed his collection to the City of Cannes. The collection includes antiques and primitive art.

In 1919, the City of Cannes acquired buildings in Le Suquet to house the collection in the museum. The ancient buildings are the perfect setting to explore this treasured collection.

The collection includes art and artifacts from the Arctic, the Himalayas, and Oceania. Visitors will also find pre-Colombian ceramics and Mediterranean antiques.

Visitors can admire a beautiful Mediterranean garden. Once inside the museum, visitors can access the inner courtyard and the watchtower. Energetic view seekers can climb the 109 steps to the top of the tower. From the top, admire the 360-degree view of Cannes below.

In the 11th century Saint Anne Chapel, guests will find an exquisite collection of musical instruments from around the world. Instruments from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas are on display. Saint Anne Chapel also contains rooms with Oriental and Iranian art.
6
Le Suquet

6) Le Suquet

Le Suquet, the historic heart of Cannes, embodies the charm and history of this renowned Riviera destination. Serving as the city's neighborhood, Le Suquet attracts visitors with its cobblestone streets, notably the bustling Saint Antoine Street, lined with local eateries showcasing Cannes' authentic flavors. Dominating the district are a striking clock tower and church perched atop a hill, providing sweeping views of the Bay of Cannes, epitomizing the essence of the French Riviera.

Originally a fishing community, Le Suquet's architecture reflects Cannes' past, with buildings and streets dating back centuries, offering a glimpse into its storied history. Now a vibrant culinary hub, particularly around Saint Antoine Street (Rue Saint Antoine) and Suque Street (Rue du Suquet), the area boasts a variety of restaurants serving seafood, French, and Mediterranean cuisine, just a short walk from the beach.

Enhancing its appeal, much of Le Suquet is pedestrianized, offering a tranquil retreat from modern life and attracting tourists seeking its charm. The Forville Market (Marché Forville), situated at the foot of Le Suquet, hosts a lively market in the mornings, showcasing fresh produce and local goods, adding to the area's cultural tapestry.

For history buffs, Le Suquet offers attractions like the Castre Museum (Musée de la Castre), housed in a medieval fortress, featuring an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. Adventurous visitors can climb the 109 steps to the bell tower of the Chapel of Sainte-Anne for panoramic views, while the Our Lady of Hope Church (Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance), dating back to the 15th century, offers magnificent vistas of the harbor.

A stroll through Le Suquet's charming lanes evokes a bygone era, with centuries-old houses, boutique shops, and an open-air market contributing to Cannes' historical and cultural identity. This picturesque quarter blends history, culture, and gastronomy, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Cannes.
7
Marche Forville (Forville Market)

7) Marche Forville (Forville Market) (must see)

Forville Market is Cannes' favorite market and offers organic vegetables, local wine, fresh fish, and fresh flowers for the table. It's only open in the morning, so stop by before lunch.

The market is pedestrian-only, so it is a safe and easy place to walk through and focus on the goods instead of being distracted by traffic. Locals love to come here and buy up their daily produce.

Forville Market offers single-ingredient and prepared foods, so you can mix and match offerings to come up with a delicious picnic lunch or tasty dinner. If you're looking for cold meats, you'll find tripe sausages, ham, and dried sausage. If you're looking for a ready to eat to heat meal, try takeaway paella.

Visitors craving Italian food will also find plenty to celebrate. Ravioli Niçois and polenta are a few of the Italian foods you'll find. Fresh produce abounds. Shop for strawberries in spring, tomatoes in summer, and leeks in winter.

Tips:
Locals like to arrive early and taste market offerings as they shop. The market opens at 7 am and gets busier and busier as the morning goes on.

On Mondays, the food market is replaced by an all-day flea market.
8
Rue Meynadier (Meynadier Street)

8) Rue Meynadier (Meynadier Street) (must see)

Meynadier Street was first laid out in the 18th century. Today, the 18th-century houses have been transformed into shops, boutiques, and restaurants. This narrow pedestrian-only street is a destination for specialty gourmet food boutiques.

Walking down Meynadier Street is a mouthwatering stroll. Stop by the Jean Luc Pelé shop for authentic and tasty macarons. Visitors will find delicious candies in one shop and incomparable cheeses in another shop.

Find exotic and unique spices, dried fruits, and butchers. Shop for chocolate or endless varieties of nougat. Many of the shops offer samples so you can choose from your favorites.

Since this is the French Riveria, you'll also find an array of wine shops. Meynadier Street also has cafes where you can enjoy coffee and deserts while people watching.

If you're looking for souvenirs, boutique clothing, or trendy sandals, you'll find them here. As a bonus, the narrow street is shaded, so it is a pleasant place to walk and soak in Cannes food and shopping culture.
9
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (Palace of Festivals and Congresses)

9) Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (Palace of Festivals and Congresses) (must see)

The Palace of Festivals and Congresses was built to host the Cannes Film Festival. This first building was constructed in 1949. However, the Film Festival continued to grow, and businesses were looking for a larger meeting center to hold conventions, so a new Palace was built. The new Palace of Festivals and Congresses opened in 1982 and was further expanded in 1999.

The palace continues to host the Cannes Film Festival, which draws celebrities, movie stars, producers, and fans from all over the world. The convention center has 18 auditoriums and has 35,000 square meters of space available for exhibitions.

The palace hosts cultural events such as Summer in Cannes and Going Out in Cannes. Popular festivals held here include Jazz at Domergue, the Festival of Russian Art, and the Cannes Shopping Festival. The convention center has continuous offerings, and visitors might catch a theatre show, dance event, concert, opera, or a magic show.
10
Vieux Port (Old Port)

10) Vieux Port (Old Port)

The Old Port of Cannes offers both a historical site and a modern delight. You'll see classic sailboats at anchor and modern yachts hosting celebrities. Visitors can wander through the marina and admire the luxury yachts.

The port has been an important part of Cannes' history. It was used as a fishing village and a port of call between the Lerins islands millennia ago. First, ancient Italians occupied this area, and then the Romans. As the primary source of transportation was shipping, the port was constantly in use, bringing settlers and providing the economic heart of the area.

The Cannes Ferris Wheel is set up each summer, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing ride while taking in spectacular views.

The Laubeuf and du Large seawalls were renovated in 2018 and re-christened as the Joséphine Baker jetty. Baker was an inspiring artist from the World War II era.

This lovely jetty offers families and walkers a fantastic way to enjoy a 360-degree view of the incomparable Bay of Cannes. Visitors can also see the Lérins Islands. This jetty is accessible so guests with reduced mobility can enjoy this special place.

The Old Port hosts the Yachting Festival each year, which turns this area into an even busier and more vibrant destination. Sparkling new mega yachts, electric boats, and multihulls are displayed in this one-of-a-kind location.
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