Guided tours in Cannes

Cannes is easy to explore on foot, but some of its most interesting stories remain hidden when visiting the city alone.

Behind the steps of the Palais des Festivals, the façades of the Croisette and the international image of the Cannes Film Festival lies a long history shaped by heritage, tourism and cinema.

This summer, the Cannes Tourist Office is offering three guided tours covering different sides of the city: a behind-the-scenes visit to the Palais des Festivals, a walking tour through the history of Cannes and cinema, and a route dedicated to the transformation of the Croisette.

All three tours take place in central Cannes, only a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Alnéa.

 

Visit the Palais des Festivals in Cannes

The “At the Heart of the Legend” guided tour offers the chance to discover the Palais des Festivals beyond its famous red carpet and steps.

The tour explores the history of the building, its architecture and its role in the major events held in Cannes. It also offers a clearer understanding of how a venue hosting the Cannes Film Festival, international conferences, live shows and cultural events operates throughout the year.

This Palais des Festivals tour is ideal for cinema lovers, as well as anyone curious to see behind the scenes of one of the most photographed buildings in Cannes.

Tours are available in French and English on selected dates in July and August.

Scheduled dates:

8, 13, 20 and 31 July
10, 11 and 19 August

 

Cannes, a red carpet journey through time

This guided walking tour connects the history of Cannes with its strong identity as a city of cinema.

The route explains how a former Provençal town became an international destination known for its film festival, grand hotels and Palais des Festivals.

As the tour moves through central Cannes, visitors discover the different stages of this transformation. It offers a broader view of the city, beyond its beaches and red carpet.

Scheduled dates:

2 and 25 July
12 and 27 August

This guided tour is particularly suitable for visitors who want to understand the history of Cannes while exploring its close relationship with cinema.

 

Discover the history of the Croisette

The “Croisette Revealed” guided tour focuses on the most famous boulevard in Cannes.

It explores the development of the seafront, the construction of the luxury hotels, the growth of tourism and the different periods that shaped the Croisette as it appears today.

The route offers a different way to look at the beaches, hotels and landmarks lining the promenade.

Scheduled dates:

17 July
4 and 18 August

This is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to discover the history of the Croisette rather than simply walking along the boulevard.

 

Which guided tour should you choose in Cannes?

Each of the three tours offers a different experience.

The Palais des Festivals guided tour is particularly suited to visitors interested in cinema, major events and architecture.

“Cannes, a Red Carpet Journey Through Time” provides a wider introduction to the history of the city and its development over the years.

“Croisette Revealed” focuses on the boulevard itself, including its hotels, heritage and role in the growth of tourism in Cannes.

During a longer stay, it is also possible to combine several tours and discover different sides of the city.

 

Guided tours within walking distance of Hotel Alnéa

Hotel Alnéa is located in the centre of Cannes, close to the train station, the Croisette and the Palais des Festivals.

The tour departure points are only a few minutes away on foot. There is no need to arrange a car or public transport to reach the Palais or the Tourist Office.

After the tour, guests can continue exploring the city centre, reach the beaches, have lunch in one of the nearby restaurants or walk towards the Old Port and Le Suquet.

The cafés, terraces, shops and pedestrian streets around the hotel also make it easy to organise the entire day on foot.

 

Practical advice before your guided tour

Places may be limited, especially for the guided tour of the Palais des Festivals.

Booking before arriving in Cannes is therefore recommended.

For outdoor walking tours, wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sun protection. The routes mainly take place on foot and may last around an hour and a half.

Dates and times may change, so check the official information before your visit.

 

A different way to discover Cannes

These guided tours reveal the stories behind places that visitors often pass without knowing their history.

The Palais des Festivals opens the door to its world behind the scenes, the Croisette reveals how it changed over time, and central Cannes tells the story of the city’s long relationship with cinema.

For guests staying at Hotel Alnéa, these tours are easy to organise, fully accessible on foot and ideal for discovering Cannes from a new perspective.

 

Information and booking

Find the guided tours and booking details on the official Cannes Tourist Office website (here)

 

CREDIT

Cannes Tourist Office
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes

guides-france