Cannes, France

Palais des festivals et des congrès

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in France is considered the record-holder in terms of the number of events held within its walls, both political and cultural. In this respect, it is second only to Paris. But the most important event, which has brought fame to this place, of course, is the Cannes Film Festival. In May, it’s impossible to get through here, and the main thing is to stay alert so you don’t accidentally trample on Brad Pitt or Meryl Streep, rushing to walk the red carpet or leave their handprints on the nearby Walk of Fame. When the international festivals come to an end and the bohemian crowd heads back home, the Palace doesn’t lock its doors with a big barn padlock-it turns into the Casino de la Croisette. And, incidentally, one of the best in the city.

Süük Quarter

The Old Town in Cannes is on full view. The ancient quarter of Suquet is made up of several short, narrow, stepped streets that climb up to the Chevalier Hill straight to a 14th-century castle. This postcard-worthy structure, with its perfectly straight angles and a fluttering French flag, can be seen from everywhere. In turn, from the viewing platform atop the castle tower you can make out snow-white yachts in the bay, the Croisette waterfront, and even the Îles de Lérins out at sea. The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l`Espérance, attached to the castle, is a couple of centuries older, yet it is no less impressive in the fortress’s character. Right opposite the cathedral entrance, classical music concerts are held in summer, romantically dubbed “Nuits du Suquet”.

Pierre Cardin Villa

Ten kilometers from Cannes, on the coral slopes of a tiny fishing village called Théoule-sur-Mer, there stands something reminiscent of round Hobbit-like houses, soap bubbles, or compartments of a space station, yet completely unlike human habitation. And yet, it is here that a great futurist comes for his summer holiday-the designer Pierre Cardin, who once came up with colorful stockings and spotted bow ties. This strange villa was literally molded from plastic, foam, and polyester in 1989. It has 28 oval rooms. By special order, computer programs are installed in each bedroom that adjust the lighting depending on the time of day. Tours of this wonderful house can be arranged through the tourism centers in Cannes. Unfortunately, they are not held very often.

Church of Saint Michael the Archangel

French architect Louis Noovot captured so precisely the features of Russian Orthodox architecture that it feels as if the church’s blue onion dome is not in Cannes, but somewhere in the depths of Russia. A hundred years ago, the Grand Princes of the House of Romanov would often come under these vaults to pray for Russia. Many people donated family heirlooms to the church-old icons that adorn the cathedral to this day. And in the church crypt, there is a posthumous photographic portrait of Emperor Alexander II, along with his military uniform. Today, the church has become a place of pilgrimage. Visitors come here to venerate the relics of great saints-Saint Seraphim of Sarov and Saint John of Kronstadt.

St. Margaret Island

Here, in the towers of the medieval fort of Royaal, a mysterious man in an iron mask languished. Dozens of writers and historians struggled to uncover who this incredibly well-educated and well-mannered prisoner was. Today, the fort is home to the Museum of the Sea, but the cell of the famous inmate known around the world remains just as it was several centuries ago: a small room with bars on the windows, from which you can see a slice of the blue sea. In our days, the island looks far less frightening than it did during the time of the man in the iron mask. Here, you can take long walks through pine and eucalyptus groves, swim and sunbathe on the island’s secluded beaches; you can even go diving-on the island, a Sailing Sports and Scuba Diving Center operates.

Saint-Honoré Island

A great alternative to a beach holiday is to see Cannes from the sea and set foot on an ancient island belonging to an old monastic order. The abbey, which has been in existence for 1,600 years, still stands today. The monks tend to eucalyptus groves, grow vegetables and fruits, and produce the exceptional “Lerina” liqueur, the recipe for which is kept secret. You can sample the drink right in the monastery’s inner courtyard. And walking around the island is no trouble-it’s quite small, but full of character. Be sure to visit all 7 chapels that border the island, and touch the sun-warmed stones of the fortress in the southern part of Saint-Honoré. These massive boulders are just 10 centuries old.

Cannes beaches

Cannes is truly a beach paradise. Not every town on the French Riviera can boast the finest golden sand and such convenient steps down to the water. Most beaches in Cannes are private. They offer everything you need, from sun loungers and umbrellas to showers, and even your own drink tables. But the prices for all this pleasure bite. There is an affordable alternative - free municipal beaches, such as Plages du Midi and Plages de la Bocca. Strangely enough, you can buy umbrellas and sun loungers here too, and they cost noticeably less. The only drawback is that it’s crowded and noisy. But regardless of the status, all beaches in Cannes, without exception, cater to thrill-seekers on jet skis and skis, on bananas, and even launch you on a parachute behind the boat.

Guided Tour of Cannes

Cannes tour, the capital of the Film Festival and Congresses, is a chance to discover the old town and the historic part of Le Suquet, go up to the viewpoint, visit the Antibes shopping street and the Provençal market, enjoy the cozy, green Promenade de la Croisette, explore chic boutiques, sandy beaches, the world-famous Palais des Festivals, the red carpet (for your unforgettable photo session) and the Walk of Fame, and finally, prestigious five-star hotels where stars stay during the Festival.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.