Cannes Detailed Map and Regional, Michelin map

History of the City: Like most French cities on the Riviera, Cannes' history dates back to pre-Roman times. Cannes as we know it today started in 1864 with Lord Brougham and Vaux (former Chancellor of England). Blocked at the Italian border because of a cholera outbreak, Brougham decided to spend the night at the Pinchinat Inn in the little fishing village of Cannes (4000 residents). He fell in love with the site and decided to build a mansion there (Eleonore Villa). Following his example many of the English high society and the Russian aristocracies started building beautiful villas and castles in the region. This influx of power and money to Cannes brought better irrigation systems and amenities for all. Today Cannes has 70000 inhabitants and is one of the most famous cities on the French Riviera.

This rich past contributed to making Cannes a unique city on the Riviera. It is an up-scale town, where prices can become quite steep very quickly. If you stay in Cannes, you will want a hotel on or very near the Croisette (the glittering stretch of road against the sea). Be sure to walk the Croisette as it is very enjoyable. At night, during the warmer days, you will see it transform into an upscale beach party place. Last but not least, at the end of the month of May, Cannes is the host to the world famous, "Cannes film festival". During this period, hundreds of thousands of tourists, professionals and movie stars flock to the city. For nearly 2 weeks Cannes becomes the center of the movie world. If you do not enjoy large crowds, the festival, is not a good time to visit Cannes.

Things to See in Cannes:

• The old port with the Suquet neighborhood (old town). Many points of interest here, Musée de la Castre in Chapel Sainte-Anne: 12th century Roman structure, Castre Castle and tower, Church Notre-Dame de l'Espérance: 1627. In July, the Suquet hosts 'musical nights'. From here, be sure to walk down the actual Croisette (the peer). Also, many luxury stores can be found on the streets parallel to the Croisette: rue d'Antibes (ala Rodeo Drive).
• The two little train rides (English is offered on both tours): The Suquest and the Croisette rides both last about 40 minutes and are a great way to explore Cannes further.
• Beautiful island of Sainte-Marguerite with Fort Royal and a museum of the sea. This is also where the famous "Iron Mask prisoner" was held for many years. Boat rides to the island are offered from the old port on the far west side of Cannes. This island the more crowded of the two and offers a few restaurants.
• Monastery of Lérins on the island of Saint-Honorat (the second island just off of Cannes). Founded during the 5th century, the abbey was once the most illustrious in Christianity (French site). The island is a few minutes off the coast right behind the other island. Exclusivly Planaria offers boat rides to this island from the port.
• Grand Jas Cemetery is a very unique cemetery; a testimony to Cannes' past in its grand and beautiful scenery. Many celebrities are buried here.
• Many of the historical mansions are available for visits: Rothschild Villa or Domergue Villa with thier incredible gardens.
• La Croisette Casino.
• La Malmaison, the only standing building from the original Grand Hotel (1863). It now offers art exhibitions on the Croisette.
• Forville market, open every day, and the traffic-free rue Meynadier.
• If you are in Cannes on July 14, 21, 29 or August 7, 15, and 24, don't miss the annual fireworks competition.

For additional information about Cannes visit the city's web site (in English) from the Tourism Office or our "Cannes image gallery".