Car Rental Cannes

Driving in Cannes is an experience worth savouring – you’ll skirt along a sun-kissed harbour, past luxury yachts and into rolling Mediterranean hills. Find the best beaches around or just enjoy the ride.

If you’re arriving by air, Av Francis Tonner merges into Av du Dr Raymond Picaud – this is the road to central Cannes. If you prefer a slow and scenic route, take Boulevard du Midi Louise Moreau instead.

In the centre there are many parking lots to choose from, including some free spaces close to la Croisette. Centre Ville is a sophisticated hub filled with warm air and exciting venues. There are casinos, galleries, museums and much, much more.

The esteemed red-carpet Festival de Cannes usually takes place at Palais des Festivals, an upmarket convention centre beside Long Beach and Boulevard de la Croisette. As you might expect, the streets nearby are lined with designer stores and quality restaurants.

A bulk of the local attractions are also located in this part of town, making it easy to park up your rental car to explore Cannes. The Musee de la Castre is great for fine art and history lovers, while Centre d’art La Malmaison offers a contemporary twist. Look out for quaint historic churches and modern statues of Hollywood film stars such as Marilyn Monroe, before heading back to the Marina or beaches.

If you choose to venture away from Cannes, the D6007 coastal road provides a scenic route towards dignified Nice. The secluded haven of Cap Taillat. is around two hours south-west meanwhile, close to Saint Tropez.

The French Riviera is home to some of the world’s most picturesque roads, so there are few better places to rent a car.

When driving in France, speed limits will usually be clearly indicated, and typically vary from 50km/h around towns and cities up to a maximum of 130km/h on major highways known as autoroutes. But always check signs as these can vary.

This is a delightful resort to visit, with its palm-lined promenades and whirling Old Town streets.

Car rental in Cannes opens up the possibilities for a truly fantastic vacation.

See film stars in the flesh

Each May, some of the world’s most famous people descend on these golden shores for the Cannes Film Festival. Join the red carpet crowds to see movie stars parade in their outfits and collect their awards.

You can also visit some of the celebrity hotspots all around town – including at Hotel Carlton, where you might glimpse more famous faces.

The less exclusive side to the festivities is no less entertaining. Why not catch a free open-air film at Mace beach?

Lights, camera, action

While the international film festival only lasts for two weeks, Cannes’ glittering outlook is alive all year.

The Cannes Walk of Fame is a series of star-studded sculptures set in the pavement of Boulevard de la Croisette – a European take on the iconic Hollywood attraction.

Artistic escapades

The Centre d’Art La Malmaison is a 20th and 21st-century art museum housed in the former Grand Hotel.

Exhibitions are usually dedicated to illustrious individual artists – as you might expect in a city known for its association with stardom. Previous installations have celebrated the work of Picasso, Matisse and Ozenfant.

If you prefer the traditional, head to Musee de la Castre above the city. Set in a medieval castle, this collection spans everything from 19th-century paintings to historical artifacts and musical instruments from across the world.

See the historical side

With so much glamour all around, it can be easy to forget that Cannes has a long and fascinating history. It was originally named Canue from the Ligurian for ‘height’ – because local monks built a large tower to see invaders. The showbiz side didn’t come until far later, when a British lord made the town his palatial holiday home.

Today you can still see the charming Old Town of Le Suquet where the old fishing village atmosphere is alive. Wander through the narrow streets to find romance and a real atmospheric charm.

If a boat trip appeals, take a journey to the Lerins Islands close to the coast, where you can visit monasteries and abbeys. On Ile Saint-Honorat, the woodland is still home to a working monastery – and monks have lived here for many centuries. 

To find out more about the local history, don’t skip the Musee de la Mer either – it’s set in a fort and houses archaeological finds from the ocean.

Rent a car in Cannes to unlock all the magic of its sun-soaked scenery, movies and classic European charm.