Cannes tours

Things to do in Cannes

Welcome to Cannes, where the Mediterranean's shimmer meets the pulse of the film festival's glamour. But peel back the layers of red carpets and luxury yachts, and you'll find a city with its own story to tell. With a local by your side, you venture beyond the glitz, exploring Le Suquet, where history lingers in cobblestone whispers. The air, tinged with lavender, guides you through Provencal markets alive with colour and chatter. A private journey through Forville Market or a leisurely coastal food and wine expedition becomes more than a tour—it's a passage into Cannes' vibrant soul. Here, secrets are shared, lines are bypassed, and the true essence of the city is yours to savour.Explore Cannes your wayAt ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Cannes tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Cannes for every interest, including:Nature and Wildlife tours: Hop a short ferry to Île Sainte‑Marguerite for a guided walk through the pine and eucalyptus forest to the Étang du Batéguier bird reserve, then snorkel over Posidonia seagrass beds while your guide points out sea bream and starfish. You can add a crossing to Île Saint‑Honorat to stroll vineyard rows tended by monks and picnic on a quiet cove.History tours: Trace the past in Le Suquet as you climb to Notre‑Dame d’Espérance and the Musée des Explorations du Monde, then browse Marché Forville to taste pissaladière and hear stories of old fishing families. Ferry to Fort Royal on Sainte‑Marguerite to see the Man in the Iron Mask cell and coastal bastions with views over the bay.Layover tours: On a tight clock from Nice Airport or a cruise tender, layover tours can cover La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals red carpet, and Le Suquet viewpoints in 2–4 hours, with a quick market coffee if time allows. Your guide can meet you at arrivals or the port, handle luggage, and add a fast hop to Sainte‑Marguerite only if your schedule fits.Cannes’ city centre is easy to walk, and Palm Bus, ferries, and TER trains make short hops simple. For hills, island transfers, or tight timing, you can book chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation; ask your local guide to arrange it.This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Cannes inside and out.Walking tours & neighbourhoodsDiscover Cannes on a private walking tour, exploring vibrant neighborhoods with your local guide by your side. They will take you beyond the glitz and glamour, helping you uncover the true essence of this famous city. Wander through these popular areas and see how each can uniquely cater to your interests. - Le Suquet: This charming old quarter is perfect for cultural tourists. With its narrow streets and stunning views of the harbor, you'll find quaint cafes and shops offering a taste of local life. - La Croisette: Known for its luxury and elegance, this iconic boulevard is ideal for those interested in high fashion and celebrity culture. Stroll past glamorous hotels and designer boutiques, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. - Rue d'Antibes: If shopping is your thing, this bustling street is a must-visit. Offering a mix of high-end brands and local boutiques, it's a great spot for families and groups to explore together. - Forville Market: Food lovers will appreciate this lively market, brimming with fresh produce, cheeses, and seafood. It's a fantastic place to experience the flavors of the region, with your guide pointing out local specialties.Day trip ideas from CannesYou can mix Cannes beach time with easy day trips to islands, hill towns, and nearby Riviera cities, and they slot neatly into your tour without long drives.- Antibes: Explore the old town and harbour, walk the sea walls, and follow parts of the Cap d’Antibes path, which suits you if markets, coastal views, and a classic Riviera vibe top your list.- Île Sainte-Marguerite: Take the short boat ride for pine trails and rocky coves, nice if you want swimming, a picnic, and a quiet break from traffic while staying close to Cannes.- Grasse: Head up to the perfume capital for narrow lanes and scent workshops around the historic centre, a smart choice if craft, local stories, and a cooler hill setting appeal to you.- Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Stroll stone lanes packed with galleries and lookouts, good for art browsing, easy photography, and long views across the hills.- Nice: Wander the old town and seaside promenade, sample the market and local snacks, and pick a museum or two, which works if you want a bigger-city mix of food, culture, and shoreline in one stop.A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Cannes most travellers miss. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Cannes.