Introduction
Hi everyone! Here’s the ultimate guide for an epic road trip to Cannes, France. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a van life enthusiast, or just curious, we’ve got everything you need to make your visit to Cannes unforgettable. We’ll dive into the history of Cannes, its fantastic location, hassle-free ways to get there, and must-see van life spots (though Cannes isn’t really a van life-friendly city). We’ll also share tips on where to sleep and park for free, and even where to do your laundry.
Video Road Trip in an RV to This Destination
What is Cannes – France?
History of Cannes
So, Cannes, huh? The city of stars, flashes, and the famous red carpet. But what many don’t know is that its history shines long before the glamour of cinema.
Initially, it was the Ligures, ancient tribes who roamed these Mediterranean shores, setting the stage for what would become Cannes. Then, like a wave on the beach, the Romans arrived, leaving behind gods and language that still echo today as a distant memory. The Middle Ages saw the birth of the Tour du Suquet, an old guardian nobly watching over the city.
Then, boom! In the 19th century, the arrival of the train attracted aristocracy, transforming Cannes into a holiday paradise. The Belle Époque was its golden era, attracting figures like the painter Picasso and the architect Le Corbusier, sowing the seeds of unparalleled prestige. And with the first Cannes Film Festival in 1946, its cinematic destiny was sealed, forever linking its name to the brilliance of the big screen.
Geographical Location
Ah, Cannes! The pearl of the Côte d’Azur, at the heart of the Mediterranean. To the west, Nice calls you, and to the east, it’s Monaco that’s tempting you. Don’t forget Mandelieu and Esterel nearby, a hiker’s paradise (and its forests for a green touch). No volcanoes here, but who’s complaining? We prefer waves to lava!
How to Get to Cannes?
To get to Cannes by RV from neighboring cities, take the A8 motorway from Nice, Marseille, or Toulon. Follow the signs towards Cannes and take the appropriate exit. You’ll be on the right track to enjoy your trip to this sunny Côte d’Azur destination.
To get to Cannes from Paris, take the train from Gare de Lyon. Take the TGV towards Marseille, then switch to a TER train towards Cannes. The journey takes about 5 hours.
To reach Cannes by plane, the nearest domestic airports are Nice-Côte d’Azur (about 30 km [19 miles] away) and Marseille-Provence (about 200 km [124 miles] away). For international flights, Nice-Côte d’Azur is the most convenient. To get to Cannes from these airports, you can travel by car, train, or shuttle.
Climate: When to Visit Cannes by RV?
| Month | Average Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°/13° (45°F/55°F) | 57mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| February | 7°/13° (45°F/55°F) | 57mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
| March | 8°/14° (46°F/57°F) | 53mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| April | 10°/16° (50°F/61°F) | 54mm | 🌧️ | Favorable |
| May | 13°/20° (55°F/68°F) | 52mm | ⛅ | Favorable |
| June | 17°/24° (63°F/75°F) | 22mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| July | 19°/27° (66°F/81°F) | 9mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| August | 19°/27° (66°F/81°F) | 12mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| September | 16°/24° (61°F/75°F) | 45mm | ⛅ | Favorable |
| October | 13°/20° (55°F/68°F) | 95mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 10°/16° (50°F/61°F) | 70mm | 🌧️ | Not favorable |
| December | 7°/13° (45°F/55°F) | 61mm | 🌦️ | Not favorable |
So, when should you visit Cannes? The best time seems to be in May during the famous Cannes Film Festival. It’s perfect for enjoying the artistic buzz and celebrity influx. The weather starts to get pleasant, and the atmosphere is simply magical!
Well, that’s what people who don’t know would say. Sure, the festival can be an amazing experience if you’ve never been, but only if you have a lot of money. If your budget is limited, visit in March-April or October to avoid being overwhelmed by costs. Trust me, I lived 30 years in a neighboring town, I know what I’m talking about.
Key Spots for Vans and RVs in Cannes
Here’s a list of useful points of interest for your van stay around Cannes.
- 📍Camping Parc Bellevue: 67 Av. Maurice Chevalier, 06150 Cannes, France • Rating: 3.6 • Coordinates (43.5561589 – 6.9603251)
- 📍Le Ranch de l’Aubarede Hôtellerie de Plein Air: 275 Chem. Saint-Joseph, 06110 Le Cannet, France • Rating: 3.8 • Coordinates (43.56470179999999 – 6.977300199999999)
- 📍Camping Les Cigales: 505 Av. de la Mer, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (43.538871 – 6.942543)
- 📍Camping Marvilla Parks – Côté Mer: 630 Bd du Bon Puits, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (43.5224714 – 6.9315794)
- 📍Camping La Provençale: 1198 Rue Jean Monnet, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France • Rating: 3.4 • Coordinates (43.5416422 – 6.9236906)
- 📍LAVERIE AUTOMATIQUE Wash’N Dry: 73 Bd Carnot, 06400 Cannes, France • Rating: 4.9 • Coordinates (43.5601431 – 7.0166061)
- 📍Laverie: 06400 Cannes, France • Rating: 3.9 • Coordinates (43.5549574 – 7.0224623)
- 📍Laverie Wash’n Dry: 21 Rue Georges Clemenceau, 06400 Cannes, France • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (43.5498233 – 7.0119907)
- 📍YpoCamp Mistral Camping Cars 06: Parc d’Activité de la Roubine, Chem. Levassor, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule, France • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (43.547424 – 6.9474756)
- 📍Azur Loisir Camping Car: 1189 Chem. de la Levade, 06550 La Roquette-sur-Siagne, France • Rating: 4.5 • Coordinates (43.57182419999999 – 6.9431265)
- 📍Grand Parking de la Plage: 25 Av. du Dr Raymond Picaud, 06400 Cannes, France • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (43.5493257 – 7.000883699999999)
- 📍Palm Beach Parking: 158 Bd Eugène Gazagnaire, 06400 Cannes, France • Rating: 4.5 • Coordinates (43.5359744 – 7.0383277)
- 📍Parking: Médiathèque, 06150 Cannes, France • Rating: – • Coordinates (43.569328 – 6.965115)
There are no campgrounds in Cannes, so avoid driving a motorhome through La Croisette. The nearest is in Cannes La Bocca, about 5 km (3 miles) from the city. We recommend looking for campgrounds in Mandelieu, or if you’re on a budget, a campground in Pégomas and traveling to Cannes by public transport. Good luck driving an RV in Cannes, and even more so finding parking.
In winter, you might be able to park your RV for one night by the sea, but you’ll see there are “no RV” signs all along the waterfront. Honestly, the Alpes Maritimes are a nightmare for van lifers and RV enthusiasts. The few free spots are the parking lot of Géant Mandelieu and a few spots on the Corniche d’Or between Mandelieu and Fréjus.
Where and What to Eat in Cannes?
Here’s a list of traditional and typical restaurants in Cannes, as well as the specialties to order to fully immerse yourself in the local gastronomy.
Restaurants in Cannes
- 🍽️ Chez Xavier • Rating: 4.4 • Also known as La Pizzaiola, enjoy wood-fired pizzas and a generously portioned gorgonzola tartare.
- 🍽️ CBeach • Rating: 4.1 • If you want to experience a beach on La Croisette, this place offers fair prices and a good vibe.
- 🍽️ Autour du Marché Forville • Around Forville Market, you’ll find more traditional restaurants.
- 🍽️ La Pizza Cresci • Rating: 4.0 • Very well-known, one of the oldest restaurants in the city with a view of the port.
- 🍽️ La Brouette de Grand Mère • Rating: 4.5 • A family restaurant offering traditional and generous cuisine, reminiscent of old-time flavors.
Specialties of Cannes
After choosing the restaurant, here’s a selection of typical dishes served in this area. Try the pan bagnat, an iconic sandwich, or the ratatouille niçoise, a colorful mix of vegetables.
When we still go to a restaurant in Cannes, it’s to eat at Chez Xavier. For us, it’s an honest value for money for the city.
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Cannes
The currency used in Cannes, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, is the Euro (EUR). Compared to the French average, the cost of living in Cannes has specific variations. Here’s an overview of the costs you can anticipate during your visit to Cannes, compared to the French average. Please note that the percentages indicated are estimates based on available data and may not reflect current prices.
Lunch: about €20 (i.e., $22 or £17) per person (34% more than the French average)
Three-course dinner: about €35 (i.e., $38 or £30) per person (17% more than the French average)
Fast food menu: about €10 (i.e., $11 or £9) (equivalent to the French average)
Local beer (0.5L draft): about €6.30 (i.e., $7 or £5.50) (5% more than the French average)
Single public transport ticket: about €1.50 (i.e., $1.65 or £1.30) (11% less than the French average)
Gasoline (1 liter): about €1.90 (i.e., $2.10 or £1.65) (1% more than the French average)
Budget hotel (double room): about €75 (i.e., $82 or £64) (15% less than the French average)
Mid-range hotel (double room): about €97 (i.e., $106 or £83) (12% less than the French average)
Luxury hotel (double room): about €151 (i.e., $165 or £129) (7% less than the French average)
Pair of jeans (Levi’s 501 or equivalent): about €78 (i.e., $85 or £66) (7% less than the French average)
Summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, etc.): about €32 (i.e., $35 or £27) (14% less than the French average)
Pair of branded sports shoes: price not available
It’s the Côte d’Azur, it’s Cannes, you’ll pay a premium no matter what… yes, really.
What Activities to Do in Cannes?
Here is a list of activities we recommend based on your tastes and preferences:
– Watch the sunset on La Croisette
– Enjoy a romantic dinner at a gourmet restaurant
– Stroll hand-in-hand through Old Cannes
– Visit the Musée de la Castre
– Attend a concert at the Palais des Festivals
– Discover the architectural heritage of the city
– Paddleboarding along the coast
– Hiking in the Esterel mountains
– Yoga on the beach
– Attend the Cannes Film Festival
– Participate in the Cannes Carnival
– Enjoy the Fête du Mimosa in Mandelieu-La Napoule
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Cannes?
So, why should you explore Cannes, this city where history and charm reign? Well, for a day, to soak in the atmosphere of Cannes, its hotels, and the beaches of La Croisette. Experience the luxury you might not afford, and then quickly return to a simple van life, appreciating how lucky you are.