Cannes Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Cannes port couldn’t be simpler with several ways to reach it.

For air travel, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) sits 27km away. You can catch a direct bus, grab a taxi, or book a private transfer to the port. Buses take roughly 50 minutes, whilst taxis get you there in about 30 minutes.

Taking the train? Cannes Railway Station is a quick 10-minute stroll to the port. Regular TGV trains link Cannes with Paris and other big French cities, and you’ll find frequent regional services running along the French Riviera.

If you’re coming by car, take the A8 motorway and come off at Junction 42 for Cannes. Just follow the signs to “Vieux Port” or “Port de Cannes.”

You’ll find plenty of car parks near the port area.

Port Parking Options

The Cannes cruise port has several good parking spots nearby.

Port Parking Laubeuf gives you covered parking right next to the pier, with security cameras running day and night at reasonable daily prices. It’s worth booking ahead online to make sure you get a space, especially when it’s busy.

You can also park at the Gare Maritime car park, which is about 200 metres from the cruise terminal – they do both short and long stays.

If you want to save some money, try the Pantiero car park instead. It’s cheaper and only a 5-minute walk to the port.

For stays longer than a week, look into the weekly rates – they’ll save you quite a bit.

Just remember to bring your cruise paperwork with you, as many car parks give special rates to cruise passengers.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from Cannes cruise port to town and nearby spots is straightforward.

You’ll spot taxis waiting at the port entrance – expect to pay £15-20 for the quick 10-minute journey to the centre. Local buses 1 and 2 stop near the port and take you into central Cannes for just £1.50 per ride.

Fancy stretching your legs? It’s a pleasant 15-minute stroll along the seafront to reach La Croisette.

If you’re heading to Nice or Monaco, the train station is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi journey from the port. Private shuttles need booking ahead but will take you straight to your destination – prices start at £25 per person for local trips.

Port Terminal Facilities

The port terminal in Cannes is pretty basic for cruise passengers. You’ll get toilets, places to sit, and an info desk with maps and local guides.

There’s no permanent building, but they put up temporary ones when cruise ships are in town.

You can get Wi-Fi for free near the pier, though it’s a bit patchy.

There aren’t any shops or places to eat right at the port, but it’s just a quick walk to the centre of Cannes.

If you need cash or to exchange money, it’s about a five-minute walk to the nearest bank on Rue Felix Faure.

If you have trouble getting about, you can ask for a wheelchair, and the port staff will help sort you out.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Before your cruise sets sail from Cannes, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Start by walking along La Croisette in the morning – it’s a lovely palm-lined promenade with fancy hotels and posh shops.

Wander up to Le Suquet, the old town, where you can roam through winding cobblestone streets and take in brilliant views from the top.

Pop into Marché Forville to try fresh local food and French treats, then climb up to Musée de la Castre for amazing views across the bay and a look at medieval bits and bobs.

You’ll want to see the Palais des Festivals – it’s where they hold the famous film festival.

If you’ve got spare time, catch a quick boat to Île Sainte-Marguerite and visit the fortress that once held the Man in the Iron Mask.

Round off your day with a drink at one of the lovely cafés near the Vieux Port before you head to your ship.

Walks near the port

Beautiful walks are right next to Cannes’ lively port area. The famous La Croisette promenade runs 2 kilometres along the shore, with posh shops, fancy hotels and palm trees on either side.

Walk west from the port to find Le Suquet, the old town, where winding cobbled streets lead up to the 11th-century Notre-Dame de l’Espérance church.

For lovely sea views, stroll along Port Pierre Canto walkway, which goes east from the main harbour. You can watch massive yachts and fishing boats whilst taking in the Mediterranean scenery.

Pop over to the Marché Forville, just north of the port, where locals sell fresh fruit, veg and flowers. The Allées de la Liberté is brilliant for morning walks under the shade of hundred-year-old plane trees.

Dining and Shopping

After a good walk around the port, you’ll spot Cannes’ finest restaurants and shops near the harbour.

You can tuck into fresh Mediterranean seafood at Astoux et Brun or go for traditional French dishes at La Palme d’Or. If you fancy something more laid-back, the waterfront cafés along Quai Saint-Pierre give you brilliant views of the posh yachts while you eat.

For shopping, pop over to Rue d’Antibes, a couple of blocks from the port – it’s packed with fancy fashion shops, perfume stores and local designers.

If you’re after luxury brands, nip along to La Croisette, where you’ll find Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Cartier.

The Forville Market is worth a visit too – it’s open daily until 1 PM, selling local fruits and veg, cheeses and Provençal treats.

Accommodation near the port

Hotels near Cannes’ cruise port range from luxury five-star spots to lovely boutique and mid-range choices.

Along La Croisette, you’ll see posh hotels like the InterContinental Carlton and the Majestic Barrière – both about a 10-minute walk from the port.

For mid-range places to stay, try Le Suquet, the old town area right by the cruise terminal.

The neighbourhood has nice boutique hotels like Hotel de Provence and Hotel America, with comfy rooms that show off local style.

If you’re watching your budget, look at the hotels along Rue d’Antibes – places like Hotel Ibis and Best Western Le Patio des Artistes have decent rates and are an easy walk from your ship.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting the best from your Cannes cruise starts with good planning.

Come to Cannes a day early to avoid any travel hiccups that could mess up your departure. You’ll want to book your taxi or shuttle to the port ahead of time since it’s rather busy in the main season.

Sort out a day bag with your must-haves, as you mightn’t get to your main luggage straight after boarding.

Remember your passport, cruise papers and any visas you need. Get some euros for spending locally, and save a Cannes map on your mobile that works without internet.

If you tend to get queasy at sea, go for a cabin in the middle of a lower deck – you’ll feel less movement there.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Customs and immigration at Cannes port is simple and well-organised. French officials are at their desks when ships come and go. Have your passport and cruise papers ready to show.

Getting through is easy if you:

1. Hold your passport and ship ID before you reach the desk
2. Hand over your documents straight away
3. Give clear answers in English or French when asked
4. Do what the officials tell you about going into France or back to your ship

Not from the EU? You’ll need a passport stamp. It might take longer during busy times, so give yourself extra time in summer months when it’s crowded.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Nice for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Local Currency & Payment Options

You’ll need to know about money when you get to Cannes. The Euro (€) is what everyone uses here, and there are plenty of cash machines near the port and all around the city.

Most shops, restaurants, and taxis take major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, but it’s a good idea to keep some cash handy for smaller buys and the local markets.

You can get your money changed at banks, exchange offices, or simply get Euros straight from cash machines. Banks usually give you better rates than the tourist exchange spots.

If you’re paying by card, always choose Euros instead of your home currency – you’ll save on conversion fees that way.

For most cruise passengers, about €100-200 in cash is enough for a day in Cannes, though you might want more or less depending on your shopping and eating plans.

Emergency Contacts

When you’re in Cannes, keep these important emergency numbers handy. Pop them in your mobile and jot them down on paper to keep in your wallet or bag. If you’re at a hotel, write down their number too.

Important numbers for Cannes:

1. General Emergency (SOS): 112 (works across Europe, English-speaking staff available)
2. Police (Police Nationale): 17
3. Ambulance (SAMU): 15
4. Fire Brigade (Pompiers): 18

You’ll find the Cannes Police Station at 1 Avenue de Grasse.

If you’re on a cruise ship, the security office can help you and put you in touch with local authorities when needed.

It’s also smart to keep your embassy’s contact details close by for emergencies.

History of The Port

The port of Cannes goes way back to the 2nd century BC – that’s when Roman ships first dropped anchor in its sheltered bay.

The modern story kicked off in the 1800s, when Lord Brougham helped turn this modest fishing village into a swanky holiday spot.

Big changes came in the early 20th century, with the Vieux Port (Old Port) popping up in 1957, followed by the Pierre Canto Port in 1965.

These days, the harbour’s quite something – it can handle massive boats up to 145 metres long.

As Cannes grew into a proper luxury hotspot, the port grew with it.

Now it’s a regular stop for Mediterranean cruise ships, with more than 100 pulling in each year.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Recent green schemes at Cannes port show how serious they’re about running things in an eco-friendly way.

You’ll spot lots of environmental measures that help look after the Mediterranean’s fragile ecosystem whilst keeping the port running smoothly.

The main environmental programmes include:

1. Shore-based electric power points where cruise ships can plug in instead of running their engines at dock, cutting air pollution by 85%
2. Modern water cleaning systems that handle all wastewater from visiting ships before it goes back to sea
3. Solar panels across port buildings that generate 30% of the power needed
4. A thorough waste handling system where all ships must separate their recycling and properly get rid of dangerous materials

Thanks to these green efforts, Cannes port has received several environmental awards, making it one of the Mediterranean’s most environmentally sound cruise stops.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Cannes cruise port has loads of features to help disabled passengers get around easily and comfortably.

You’ll see wheelchair ramps at all main entrances, lifts between floors, and disabled parking spots right by the terminal building.

Getting about in a mobility scooter or wheelchair is straightforward, with wide paths that are free from obstacles throughout the port.

The terminal has accessible loos on both floors, and the check-in desks are at a good height for wheelchair users.

Port staff are on hand to give you a hand with your bags and help you board.

If you’re visually impaired, you’ll find tactile strips on the ground and Braille signs in important areas.

The port runs wheelchair-friendly shuttle buses – just ring your cruise line or the port authority beforehand to arrange one.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Looking after yourself during your cruise matters just as much as having easy access to the port.

You’ll spot basic medical facilities at Cannes port, with a first-aid point and emergency team on hand, but sorting out proper cruise insurance before you set off is a must.

1. Your cruise insurance needs to cover medical problems, cancelled trips and lost bags – most big cruise companies require this before letting you on board.
2. The port’s medical station runs round-the-clock in cruise season with staff who speak several languages.
3. If something serious comes up, Centre Hospitalier de Cannes is just 10 minutes away.
4. You can buy extra travel insurance at the port’s info desk, but it usually costs more than booking ahead online.

Keep your insurance papers and medical records handy throughout your cruise – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Travelling to Cannes with kids? The port and nearby spots have plenty to keep little ones happy. You’ll find strollers to borrow, baby changing facilities and a small play zone for toddlers at the cruise terminal.

A short walk from the port lies Plage du Midi beach – its gentle slope, calm waters and soft sand make it brilliant for families.

Pop into Forville Market where children can try local fruits and snacks, or stroll along La Croisette where they’ll spot street performers and find delicious ice cream shops.

If you fancy some indoor fun, head to MJC Picaud cultural centre where they run children’s workshops and activities.

The Médiathèque Noailles library has a lovely children’s area stocked with English books, plus regular storytelling events.

In summer months, the port area comes alive with small carnivals featuring kid-friendly rides and games.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Cannes buzzes with culture all year, and while the famous Film Festival in May might steal the spotlight, there’s loads more going on throughout the year.

Must-see cultural events:

1. Marché Forville – Get stuck into proper Provençal life at this local market, packed with fresh food, flowers and handmade bits and bobs. It’s open every morning but Mondays.
2. Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique – Watch amazing fireworks shows light up the bay as teams compete during summer nights.
3. Jazz à Domergue – Brilliant jazz gigs in the lovely gardens of Villa Domergue through July.
4. Les Plages Électroniques – The beach turns into a massive electronic music festival space each August.

These events really show how Cannes keeps its arts, music and local traditions alive and kicking.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

When to go on your Cannes cruise? It really depends on what you fancy.

The busiest time is May through September, and it gets properly hot and packed in July and August. For a nice balance of good weather and fewer people, try April-May or September-October when it’s around 20°C (68°F).

If you want to see the Cannes Film Festival, plan your trip for mid-May.

Fancy saving some money? Book between November and March – it’ll be cooler and a bit rainy, but quieter. Just remember that fewer cruise ships sail the Mediterranean in winter, so you’ll have less choice.

The sea’s lovely and warm enough for swimming from June to September.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Water Temperature at Cannes Port Throughout the Year?

The water in Cannes stays between 14°C (57°F) in winter months and warms up to 24°C (75°F) during summer. If you fancy a swim, you’ll find it most comfortable from June to September when the sea is at its warmest.

Are There Any Private Yacht Rental Services Available at the Cruise Port?

There are quite a few fancy yacht rentals available at Cannes Port. You can pick between day trips, week-long bookings, or tailor-made journeys. Many firms have yachts available with or without crew members right at the port.

What Wildlife Can Typically Be Spotted From Cruise Ships in Cannes?

You’ll see plenty of dolphins messing about in the Mediterranean, plus loads of gulls and cormorants swooping around. If you’re quite lucky, you might spot whales, tuna and flying fish swimming near the boat.

How Crowded Does the Port Get During the Cannes Film Festival?

The port gets absolutely rammed during the Film Festival every May. There’s hardly any room to move as the harbour fills up with fancy yachts and celebrity boats. You’ll spot loads of tenders zipping about, and finding a spot to moor is quite tricky since every berth gets snapped up.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Water Sports Activities Near the Port?

Most places around the port want kids to be 6-8 years old at least for simple water activities. For jet skiing, you’ve got to be 16 or over and bring your ID along.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Toulon Cruise Ship Port.