5 Things to know before you visit Cannes

Every May, Cannes is transformed into a giant film set, as the cream of the film industry gathers on the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals. The Hotel Carlton’s manicured lawns fizz with the sound of champagne corks, and the Old Town’s backstreet bars buzz with Hollywood gossip.

Situated on France’s south-eastern coast, Cannes’ origins as a fishing community are still evident in its old port, where traditional working boats vie for moorings with expensive yachts. Discover the delights of the Mediterranean diet in a pretty harbour-side restaurant, serving up the day’s catch accompanied by local rosé wine.

Related: More posts on France

This Cannes Travel Kit lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in France. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? I have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips. It’s all compiled in this Cannes Travel Kit! After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Cannes, Alpes-Maritimes:

Best Time to Travel (weather wise)

Cannes has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 8ºC in winter to 24ºC in summer.

• Most rainfall occurs from October to April, yet with an average of only 5-7 rainy days per month.
• June-August is peak tourist season, with hotel and flight prices rising accordingly.
• September-October is a great time to visit. The weather is pleasant, you’ll avoid the peak season’s throngs, and flight and hotel prices are more affordable. 
• Spring also has good weather but Cannes is very busy in May, due to the International Film Festival held during this month. 

Cannes basics

• Primary Language: French
• Plug types: C, E and F
• Electricity: 220-240 V
• Currency: Euro (€)
• International dialling code: +33 4
• Emergency telephone number: 112

Getting into the city

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport sits 20 km northeast of Cannes city centre as the crow flies. One of the busiest airports in France, it features 2 terminals and 2 runways. Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is home to a range of dining and shopping options as well as facilities including banking and currency exchange services. There are several transfer options to reach central Cannes:

• A taxi takes around 20-30 minutes and costs €80 (it’s a flat rate). Taxi ranks can be found Gate A1 in Terminal 1 and Gate A3 in Terminal 2.
• You can also use Uber in Nice Airport.
• The Airport Bus Express Lines can take you to Cannes city centre in around 30-50 minutes. It costs €22. The bus stops can be found Gate A0 in Terminal 1 and Gates A2 / A3 in Terminal 2.
• Saint-Augustin Train Station sits a 15-minute walk away from the airport. From there you can get to central Cannes in 40-50 minutes for €6-7. It’s the cheapest way to reach Cannes city centre.
• Car rental desks are located in the arrivals hall of each terminal. The Car Rental Centre sits in front of the Terminal 2. You can get there by free shuttle bus from Terminal 1.

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport sits 6 km west of the city centre as the crow flies. It’s a medium size airport. There are several transfer options to reach central Cannes:

• A taxi takes around 15-20 minutes and costs roughly €35-40. Taxi ranks can be found Right opposite the terminal.
• You can also use Uber in Cannes-Mandelieu Airport.
• Bus stops can be found just outside the airport. It takes 30-40 minutes and the price of a single ticket valid for 59 minutes is €1.50.
• You’ll find car rental desks inside the terminal.

Cannes-Ville Railway Station

Cannes-Ville Railway Station is served by the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse – High Speed Train) from major destinations in France, Belgium and Italy. Centrally located a few hundred metres from the beach, it’s home to fast-food restaurants and a newsstand. From here, you can get anywhere in the city by bus, taxi or rental car.

Getting around Cannes

Getting around Cannes on foot is the best way to discover the city, which is rather compact. The famous Boulevard de la Croisette is only 1.5-km-long and the adjacent city centre hosts lively dining and shopping scenes. For longer journeys, there’s a good choice of public and private transport services at hand to get you around the city.

Palm Bus Network:

• Palm Bus operates a public bus network which covers the entire city. It features 36 routes.
• The price of a single ticket, valid for 59 minutes, is €1.50. A 1-day pass costs €4.
• Tickets and passes can be purchased at the Palm Bus agency in Place Cornut and in authorised dealers – over 15 tobacconists and newsstands throughout the city centre.

Taxi:

• Taxis can be hailed down on the street in Cannes, unless there’s a taxi rank nearby.
• You can easily find cab stands outside hotels and near the main attractions and shopping areas.
• You can also directly call companies such as Taxi Cannes (04 93 99 27 27).
• The standard meter charge is €3, then it’s €2.08 per kilometre. Rates are higher at night and on weekends.
• Normally, taxis must accept payment of the fare by credit card, but it’s better to ask the driver before you get in.
• Tipping taxi drivers is not mandatory but it’s common to give a 2-5% tip if you’re satisfied by your driver’s service.
• You can also use Uber and the Taxi Cannes app.

Annual events in Cannes to look out for

Cannes Film Festival

• What: One of the major international film festivals in the world
• When: Mid-May
• Where: Palais des Festivals

Pyrotechnic Fireworks Festival

• What: Founded in 1967, the Pyrotechnic Fireworks Festival is a pyro-musical competition that showcases the best pyrotechnicians in the world.
• When: July/August
• Where: In an open bay between the Iles de Lérins and the Pointe de l’Estérel

For more stuff like this, join the club! If you’re not already a member, you can sign up below and get tons of amazing, incredible, badass stuff that no one else can get and all your friends will be jealous.

Until next time, be jealous friends. Be jealous.

Udeety

---