Budget-Friendly Cannes: A Traveller’s Guide

Introduction

Cannes, a gem on the French Riviera, located in the Alps-Martitimes, is widely known for its annual Cannes Film Festival. This coastal city, once a quiet fishing village, transformed into a playground for the rich and famous in the 19th century when aristocrats from across Europe flocked to its location. Today, Cannes is synonymous with luxury, but it’s also a fantastic destination for budget travelers. Whether you’re drawn stunning Mediterranean views, or simply the fame of the red carpet, Cannes has something for everyone! Easily accessible from Nice and the surrounding areas via train & bus, this city also is entirely walkable with many of the key attractions, restaurants and shops being located closely together.

A Scenic Start

Our trip to Cannes, France, started with a lovely train ride from Nice (specificaly Nice Saint-Augustin as we had just landed in Nice Airport) For less than 10 euros, we enjoyed a scenic journey with stunning coastal views. If you’re ever making this trip, try to grab a second-floor window seat – the views are absolutely worth it.

Affordable Delights at Bambou Café

First stop: Bambou Café. This cosy little spot quickly became one of our favorites. We tucked into freshly baked bread with olive tapenade, and the desserts – the gateau was fresh and made in the morning.

Cannes Beachside

Cannes’ beach scene is packed with booshie bars overlooking the stunning beaches and ocean, the prices are steep, but we found that a single drink was enough to enjoy the sunshine, music, and lively atmosphere without spending too much. We treated ourselves to a drink each and enjoyed the moment. You can head to the Place du Midi which is a long stretch of free beach without having to pay for sun loungers etc,

Free Panoramic Views from the Cannes Sign

For the best view of the city, we walked up to the iconic Cannes sign. The climb can be a bit steep but will not be challenging for most people. The panoramic view of the city and the views were worth it. It’s a must-visit for anyone visiting, is free and is very Hollywoodesque.

Cannes Castle – Musee de la Castre

The Cannes Castle, home to the Musée de la Castre, is a historic site in Cannes. You should visit here whilst getting you photo from the Cannes sign! Inside, you’ll find a collection of art and artifacts from various cultures and time periods, including ancient Mediterranean pieces.

Exploring Cannes Old Town (Le Suquet)

Le Suquet, Cannes’ Old Town, is full of history and fantastic shops, cafes and restaurants. Wandering through its narrow streets and cobbled alleys, you’ll feel a blend of history, modern culture and luxury shopping/artisan food. Here are some highlights of Le Suquet:

• Notre-Dame de l’Espérance: This beautiful 16th-century church offers stunning views of Cannes. Its historical architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit.
• Rue Saint-Antoine: This quaint street is lined with charming restaurants and cafes. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening meal with drinks.
• Church of Our Lady of Good Voyage: Gothic inspired & is lit up in the evening.
• Bars & Restaurants: I highly recommend ‘Ma Nolan’s Irish Pub’ for a lively setting, this place does the cheapest beer/drinks in Cannes. Live music most evenings.

Cannes Walk of Fame (Chemin des Étoiles)

The Cannes Walk of Fame is a must-see for movie fans. Located outside the Palais des Festivals, it celebrates the film heritage of Cannes. Here are some highlights:

• Celebrity Handprints: See the handprints of famous actors and directors embedded in the pavement. Mix of Hollywood & European film stars.
• Photo Opportunities: The Walk of Fame offers great spots for memorable photos, with various public art items to enjoy.
• Casino Barriere Le Croisette: Renown Casino, if that’s what you like.

Port de Cannes

The Port de Cannes, also known as the Old Port, is perfect for exploring. Its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors enjoying the evenings. Here are some highlights:

• Allées de la Liberté Market: This lively market is a great place to pick up local produce and souvenirs.
• Dining: The area around the port boasts many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating that offers lovely views of the harbor. Enjoying a meal here is a delightful experience without breaking the bank. Happy hour is in most places 5-8pm.
• Free Events: The Port de Cannes often hosts free events and festivals, especially in the summer. Check the local schedule to see if there are any events during your visit.

A Sunset Picnic to Remember

As evening approached, we decided to have a budget-friendly picnic on the beach. We picked up some goodies from Monoprix supermarkets and artisan cheeses from ‘Ceneri.’ Sitting on the sand, watching the sunset with our cheeseboard and a bottle of wine, was bliss. It’s one of those moments you remember for a long time!

Morning Treats and Lunchtime Bliss

The next morning, we found ourselves at ‘Marche Des Pains’ for breakfast. The croissants and crispy baguettes were amazing – a perfect start to our day without costing much. For lunch, we visited ‘Salo the Patisserie,’ where we had the best almond croissants ever. They were very memorable and reasonably priced – all the locals were visiting this boulangerie and I would highly recommend it!

Dinner at La Piazza

Dinner at ‘La Piazza’ was another highlight. Watching the chef prepare pizzas from scratch was fascinating, and the staff’s stories about the ingredients added a nice touch of class. The food was incredible, and while it wasn’t the cheapest, it was worth every cent for the experience. Two mains, deserts and drinks set us back less then 55 euros in May 2024.

A Red Carpet Moment

Before leaving Cannes, we couldn’t resist taking a photo on the iconic red carpet. It’s a fun way to mark your visit, and make sure to get your obligatory shot – and it’s free! The security were kind enough to take the photo for us and he was quite skilled with the camera!

Market Visit & Final Visits

On our last morning, we wandered through the local market, picking up fresh produce for our journey back, the market offers lunch items, fresh fruit, & veg, local food & artisan craft items. Here we enjoyed some local food and coffee. We made a final stop at ‘Artisan Boulanger Patissier’ for some affordable and delicious baguettes – perfect for a budget-friendly train ride lunch on route back to Nice.

Conclusion

Cannes offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and delicious treats, even for budget travelers. Whether you’re lounging by the beach, exploring local markets, or enjoying affordable yet amazing food, this coastal city has it all. Our trip was a lovely visit filled with simple pleasures and stunning sights, and we can’t wait to go back.

Top Budget-Friendly Tips for Cannes:

• Walk up to the Cannes Sign: Enjoy panoramic city views.
• Explore Le Suquet: Discover the historic old town.
• Stroll the Walk of Fame: See celebrity handprints.
• Visit Port de Cannes: Enjoy the harbor and local markets.
• Sunset Picnic on the Beach: Get treats from local markets and cheese shops.
• Breakfast at Marché des Pains: Start your day with affordable pastries.
• Visit Salo the Patisserie: Try their amazing almond croissants.
• Explore Local Markets: Find fresh, budget-friendly produce.
• Iconic Red Carpet Photo: Take a free photo on the famous red carpet.
• Beachside Drinks: Enjoy the lively atmosphere with one drink to save money.

Cannes offers so much charm and beauty without needing to splurge (or you can if you so wish too), making it a fantastic destination for budget & luxury travellers.