car hire cannes
Pick up your hire car at Cannes airport and explore the chic, sun-kissed city that's a favourite with Hollywood's affluent glitterati. Book car hire cannes airport now
the 60-second guide to cannes
in its own head
"With palm-lined boulevards, high-class boutiques, glamorous villas and superb beaches, we are the brightest jewel in the French Riviera's crown."
but more realistically
While Cannes is a playground for the wealthy and famous, the city's history is as rich as the luxury yacht owners who moor their vessels in its port. Be sure to check out the fascinating Musee d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence and other surprising cultural gems.
the vibe
Even outside the film festival, affluent tourists continue to flock to the sun-soaked city. Why not join them? Sample the high life by taking a stroll around one of the many designer boutiques, pull up a chair with a cappuccino outside a café, or watch palatial boats sail by in the port.
the natives
Cannes is the perfect holiday destination for star-spotting enthusiasts. Head down to Boulevard de la Croisette to watch the chic set strut their stuff, normally in a pair of Gucci shoes with a well-groomed poodle in tow.
the weather
With long, warm summers, Cannes is an ideal holiday location for sun seekers. Don't forget to pack your swimming costume and take advantage of some of the finest beaches on the French Riviera.
the local speciality
There are few better places to enjoy a taste of the sea than Cannes - deep-fried squid eaten with aioli (garlic mayonnaise) or a salad nicoise are tasty staples in this part of the world.
the celebrity
If you're travelling to Cannes in May, you'll find the city is flooded with famous faces. Brigitte Bardot is among the many stars to own a luxury villa here.
did you know?
The legendary 'man in the iron mask' was supposedly imprisoned on the forested island of Sainte-Marguerite near Cannes for 11 years.
they say
"Every time I've been to Cannes, I've made up my mind never to return. Every time my vanity wins over!" - Alan Parker, director of The Commitments and Evita
5 to see in town...
- 1. Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma
- 2. Palais des Festivals
- 3. Vieux Port
- 4. Plage du Midi
- 5. Notre-Dame d'Espérance
Ever wanted to compare the size of your hands with Sylvester Stallone's? Visit this stretch of pavement near the Palais des Festivals and check out the imprints made by some of Hollywood's most famous stars.
where to park?
Close to the Palais des Festivals, try the garage on Boulevard de la Croisette, from €2.70/hour.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma
- 2. Palais des Festivals
- 3. Vieux Port
- 4. Plage du Midi
- 5. Notre-Dame d'Espérance
This grand glass and concrete structure is the focal point of the silver-screen storm that is the Cannes Film Festival. Follow in the footsteps of Hollywood luminaries such as Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe and Clint Eastwood by posing for your picture in front of the famous cinema.
where to park?
Try the garage on Boulevard de la Croisette, from €2.70/hour.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma
- 2. Palais des Festivals
- 3. Vieux Port
- 4. Plage du Midi
- 5. Notre-Dame d'Espérance
The old port is in the centre of the city, and if you fancy flexing the plastic in one of Cannes' expensive boutiques, then this is a good starting point. Alternatively, have a look at the luxurious boats moored there to get a glimpse of how the other half live.
where to park?
A short stroll from the seafront, head for the car park on Boulevard de Ferrage, which costs €5.20 for three hours.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma
- 2. Palais des Festivals
- 3. Vieux Port
- 4. Plage du Midi
- 5. Notre-Dame d'Espérance
Many of Cannes' pristine beaches are private, but this sun-worshipper's paradise is open to all. There's no better way to unwind than by stretching out on the sand after a long day's people watching.
where to park?
Just west of Vieux Port, park at Quai Laubeuf to access Plage du Midi.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma
- 2. Palais des Festivals
- 3. Vieux Port
- 4. Plage du Midi
- 5. Notre-Dame d'Espérance
This 17th-century gothic church features some breathtakingly beautiful frescos and offers an unrivalled view of the town and its port.
where to park?
Situated on Rue de la Castre, try the 24-hour car park at Quai Laubeuf.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Nice
- 2. Plage des Canebières, St Tropez
- 3. Casino de Monte-Carlo
- 4. Albertas Gardens, Aix-en-Provence
If you fancy a short trip out of Cannes, head to the nearby town of Nice and soak up the rays on this hip public beach. Be warned though - you'll need to get there early to beat the crowds and bag your spot in the sun!
how to get there?
Just 20 miles along the coast, take the A8 southwest and turn off at exit 50 for the beach.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Nice
- 2. Plage des Canebières, St Tropez
- 3. Casino de Monte-Carlo
- 4. Albertas Gardens, Aix-en-Provence
St Tropez isn't as much a favourite of the stars as it used to be. But it's still home to some superb beaches. Check out the sands at Plage des Canebières and it's easy to see why St Tropez was once the French Riviera's capital of cool.
how to get there?
Head west on the A8 towards Aix-en-Provence, turning off at exit 36 for St Tropez. The journey should take just under one-hour 20-minutes.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Nice
- 2. Plage des Canebières, St Tropez
- 3. Casino de Monte-Carlo
- 4. Albertas Gardens, Aix-en-Provence
The famous Monaco casino is a must-see destination for James Bond fans. Don your dinner jacket and grab a Martini from the bar.
how to get there?
Drive northeast towards Nice/Antibes on the A8 and follow exit 56 for Monaco and the casino.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Plage Publique de Beau Rivage, Nice
- 2. Plage des Canebières, St Tropez
- 3. Casino de Monte-Carlo
- 4. Albertas Gardens, Aix-en-Provence
If fast cars, expensive shops and people watching have left you exhausted, why not recharge your batteries by heading out to the tranquil countryside town of Aix-en-Provence? While there, check out these spectacular gardens, studded with statues and fountains.
how to get there?
Situated 90 miles to the west of the city, follow the A8 and turn off at exit 30, then follow Avenue Pierre Brossolette towards the gardens.
ask a cannes cabbie!
Local taxi driver Ibrahima Malick on car hire in Cannes: "Driving in Cannes is normally easy - the only thing you have to worry about is crashing into someone's expensive car! But seriously, the only time there is ever much traffic in Cannes is during the film festival, when some roads shut at 6pm. Drivers in this part of the world can be hot-headed, but my advice would be to give people plenty of room and relax. Compared to other French cities, parking is a breeze and there are plenty of lots around the city centre, for example you can park all day at the railway station. Be careful when you're heading out of the city along the coast, these roads have great scenery but they can be hilly and have a lot of sharp corners."