One of the most picturesque stops on our Mediterranean cruise was the city of Cannes, France. Known for its film festival and luxurious Riviera vibe, Cannes offers a perfect mix of seaside beauty, high-end shopping, and old-world charm—all just a short walk from the cruise tender drop-off point.
Arriving in Cannes
Cannes is a tender port, which means your cruise ship anchors offshore and you’ll take a smaller boat to the port. But don’t worry—it’s a short, scenic ride, and once you arrive, you’re right in the heart of the action. The tender dock is located near Vieux Port (Old Port), with immediate access to local shops, cafes, and coastal strolls.
Shopping in Cannes
If shopping is on your radar, Cannes does not disappoint. Just steps from the port is Rue d’Antibes, the city’s main shopping street. Here, you’ll find a mix of French boutiques, global brands, perfume shops, and designer labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior.
Looking for something more unique? Stroll through Marché Forville, the open-air market full of local foods, flowers, spices, and handmade goods—perfect for picking up a truly French souvenir or edible treat.
Don’t miss the Croisette, Cannes’ glamorous seaside boulevard. It’s lined with luxury hotels and designer stores, and even if you’re not in the market to buy, window shopping here feels like walking through a fashion magazine.
While our port stop was a short day, we were able to disembark from the ship mid-morning. Several of the shops did not open until late morning. We enjoyed walking through the quiet streets, taking in the city’s beauty, and stopped for a coffee.
Perfume-Making at Molinard
One of the most memorable experiences we had in Cannes was attending a perfume workshop at Molinard, one of the oldest and most respected perfume houses in France.
Located just a short walk from the port, Molinard’s atelier gave us the chance to step into the world of French fragrance. With the guidance of a perfume expert, we got to explore dozens of scents and create our own custom fragrance. The process was both fun and educational—we learned about top notes, base notes, and how perfumers balance them to create signature blends.
At the end of the workshop, we each walked away with our very own bottle of perfume—a personalized souvenir we’ll always treasure. Whether you’re into fragrance or just want a unique hands-on activity, we highly recommend it! It was my teenager’s favorite excursion we did during our whole trip.
Tip: Be sure to book your workshop in advance, especially on cruise port days, as space is limited and the experience is quite popular. Visit their site here and be sure to select the correct city:
https://molinard.com/en/pages/cannes-workshops
Attractions Near the Port
With limited time in port, staying close by is easy and rewarding. Here are some highlights within walking distance:
- Le Suquet (Old Town): A short uphill walk from the port, this historic area offers cobbled streets, charming cafes, and panoramic views of the bay. Climb to the top near the Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance for incredible photos.
- Palais des Festivals: Home to the famous Cannes Film Festival, the red carpet stairs are a must for a quick photo op—just a five-minute walk from the tender pier.
- The Beach: If you’re craving a little relaxation, Cannes has several public beaches right by the port. There is one at the end of the pier where you come in from the tender.
- Local Cafés and Bakeries: Whether you want a fresh croissant, a café crème, or a scoop of gelato, there are plenty of inviting spots to rest and people-watch.
Tips for Your Cannes Port Day
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking on cobblestones, especially in the Old Town.
- Time management: Since it’s a tender port, give yourself enough time to return to the ship. Lines for the tender boats back can get long in the afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Cannes was a delightful port stop that gave us a taste of the French Riviera’s elegance and charm without needing to venture far from the ship. From shopping and seaside strolls to making our own perfume at Molinard, this stop offered a little bit of everything—and left us with unforgettable memories (and a fragrance to match).
