Cannes Walking Tour: From Old Town Le Suquet to La Croisette
Introduction to Cannes, its history and culture. We trace Cannes’ journey from a humble fishing village to a world-famous festival city — exploring the Old Town of Le Suquet, the lively Marché Forville, and the Vieux Port, before continuing along the glamorous seafront to the Palais des Festivals and the iconic Croisette.
Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
English, Spanish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Gare Garden (Jardin de la Gare) Nearest public transport: Cannes train station; Pont Carnot bus stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Cannes guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run no matter the weather. High or low temperatures, rain or snow is not a reason for us to cancel our tours. We are always here for you. The only reason for cancellations are extreme weather conditions (like heavy storms…), guide's sudden sickness or no minimum number of people (5) to run the tour, but we will always let you know using the data you provided during registration for the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option of 18€ per person or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
Lights, camera… history! Cannes may be known for flashing cameras and the sparkle of the red carpet, but behind the celebrity selfies lies a town layered with centuries of stories. From ancient Roman settlers and medieval monks to British aristocrats and mysterious prisoners hidden away on island fortresses. Cannes is a place where legend meets luxury, and where every quiet street corner has a past just as rich as its famous promenade.
Long before film stars arrived in chauffeured limousines, Cannes was a sleepy fishing village hugging the Mediterranean. That all changed in 1834 when British Lord Brougham, fleeing a cholera outbreak, made an unexpected stop here — and fell in love with the place. Word spread quickly among Europe’s elite, and within a few decades, the town blossomed into a stylish resort. The arrival of the railway in 1863 sealed its fate: Cannes became a Riviera icon, attracting Russians, English, Americans, and — eventually — the global glitterati. But rest assured: beneath the glitz, Cannes has soul, and we will help you discover it!
Our journey begins at the Cannes Train Station, the gateway to its transformation. We’ll stroll down Rue d’Antibes, once a dusty path, now a haven of elegance. At the vibrant Marché Forville, we’ll take in the sights and scents of the region’s best produce and Provençal specialties, still loved by locals and chefs alike. Then we’ll rise above the modern town to Le Suquet, Cannes’ ancient heart, where pastel houses, cobbled alleys, and the hilltop Musée de la Castre reveal stories older than cinema. From the medieval watchtower, you’ll catch a panoramic view that rivals any film set. We’ll then descend to the Old Port, where traditional pointu boats sit beside superyachts, before stepping into the spotlight at the Palais des Festivals, where cinematic history is made every May. Finally, we’ll stroll the legendary La Croisette, lined with palms, palaces, and postcard views — ending with a gaze toward the Île Sainte-Marguerite, once home to the enigmatic Man in the Iron Mask.
This tour blends history and glamour, legends and lifestyle, celebrity and authenticity. Doesn’t matter if you came here for sunshine, cinema, or a story to remember — join us and discover the real Cannes — in all its beauty and contradictions.
Highlights
- 1
Le Suquet Old Town
The ancient heart of Cannes, with cobbled alleys, pastel houses, and captivating medieval charm.
- 2
Marché Forville
A vibrant Provençal market filled with local produce, regional specialties, and fragrant flowers.
- 3
La Croisette Promenade
The legendary palm-lined boulevard known for its luxury hotels, designer shops, and sandy beaches.
- 4
Palais des Festivals
The iconic home of the Cannes Film Festival, where stars walk the famous red carpet.
- 5
Old Port
A picturesque harbour where traditional fishing boats sit alongside luxurious modern superyachts.
- 6
Musée de la Castre
A medieval castle museum atop Le Suquet hill, offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
7Man in the Iron Mask
The legendary prisoner of Île Sainte-Marguerite, a mysterious tale shrouded in local history.
Map
Gare Garden (Jardin de la Gare) Nearest public transport: Cannes train station; Pont Carnot bus stop
