This Cannes day trip from Fréjus almost didn’t happen because of the rain. We arrived after a short thirty-minute drive from our campsite base in Fréjus. We almost did not go. It had been raining all night and did not look like it was easing up the next morning either but by early afternoon we bit the bullet and decided to head out anyway.
After travelling to more places, you realise that weather really should not stop you from getting stuck in. Quite frankly, sometimes it adds to the magic of a trip. It shows you a whole other side of a place. Its personality, almost.
Anyway, thirty minutes later and we were right in the heart of Cannes on the French Riviera.
Side note. This is exactly why our campsite base in Fréjus is such a good location. Everything you will want to explore along the Riviera is no more than an hour away by car, which makes moving around so much less tiring.
Wandering Cannes with no plan
Cannes instantly gave off those luxury yet inviting, homely vibes. We parked the car and had no real plan other than to explore as much of the city as possible on foot. We started off heading towards the place where they host the Cannes Film Festival, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, which I am not even going to lie, we kind of stumbled across by accident because I did not even know exactly where it was 😂 Still, that was cool. Lots of people taking photos outside the iconic venue where some of the biggest stars in the world have once stood.
Nearby, we passed the Casino Barrière Le Croisette, which I think is pretty famous too, but again… sorry 🤣 and then we just walked. And walked. And walked.
The streets are lined with every luxury brand you can imagine. Prada. Dior. The lot. But weirdly, it did not feel glitzy. It felt human. Real. Like I could have been walking down a street in London past Nike and Primark 😭 I am being serious. I loved that about it. Normally I would be like, nah, I am not going in that shop with my HnM outfit on 🤣 but I did not feel pushed out at all. I felt welcome.
The streets were busy with friends, families and couples just doing their thing. Enjoying this wonderful, small city. And right next to all that luxury was old town Cannes. Not separated. Not fenced off. Just seamlessly woven in. The people did not sit separately either. It all felt like one effortless extension of the same place.
As I walked deeper and deeper into the old town, I inevitably fell deeper and deeper in love. Obviously.
The buildings. The colours. The ruggedness of it all. Oh my days. What a dream. There are a few viewpoints around the city but we headed up to Le Suquet, the historic old town of Cannes. You cannot miss it. It sits up on a hill at the edge of the city with that huge Cannes sign. Absolutely iconic and perfect for photos.
You climb up to find the castle tower, the Musée de la Castre, the Gothic Notre Dame de l’Espérance and panoramic views over the city. It is artsy. Beautifully old. And everything charming.
We spent a good chunk of time up there… until cue daughter wandering off to take photos. No phone signal. No contact. Full panic mode activated. After all of us scurrying off in different directions, she turns up like, “Where did you all go?” 😭 Kid… where did you go? Unhurt. Unbothered. Obviously.
We decided to walk back down the hill just as the rain kicked in again. Walking downhill in the rain on cobbled streets, as pretty as they are, is a dangerous sport. Especially in flip flops. We were meant to be finding somewhere cute to eat but when my son spotted a gelato place, you already know a detour was happening.
Me, the sensible one 😉 gripping on for dear life, taking it slow. My husband shouting, “Harley, be careful man, these cobbles are slippery.”
But the only thing that boy could hear or see was gelato. And we all know what happens next.
Straight down the hill he went.
I know that kid hurt himself but he will never admit it. He was back on his feet quicker than I could say are you okay and straight inside to buy that gelato which, by the way, was fire 🔥 Not quite Pisa levels but still up there.
So after a lost daughter, a son burning his arse on the cobbles of Cannes and a rain soaked wander through old town, we finally made it back down to safer ground. We ducked into a cute bar, drank cold beer, sat, talked, loved on each other and just stayed present in the day and everything this stunning Riviera town had to offer.
Closing the day in Cannes from Fréjus
It felt like a town to me.
Not a city.
And maybe that is why Cannes ended up being my favourite stop on our French Riviera road trip. I did not expect that at all. My husband felt the same. That quiet, instant agreement you do not even need to talk about.
There is a really special vibe there. French old school charm meeting vibrant city energy. Luxury, yes, but softened. Lived in. The perfect mix. It just felt… special.
This day out was part of our Eurocamp French Riviera road trip. Caravans, road trips, ordinary clothes, everyday moments. Not a luxury escape. And yet Cannes carried its glamour lightly. It did not feel rigid or showy. It felt welcoming, like anyone could belong there.
Much more relaxed than our day trip to Saint Tropez. Tropez is beautiful. Luxury upon luxury, exactly as you imagine. But it feels more rigid somehow. Cannes has the luxury and the softness. The kind that lets you breathe.
We sat in a bar that felt everyday. Drank a cold beer. And I remember thinking I could have been rubbing shoulders with a quiet millionaire but I did not feel out of place at all. I felt like I belonged.
And that feeling changes everything.
Cannes was warm. Inviting.
Luxury but cool. Sexy but relaxed.
All in one.
Cannes tips from a very real day out
• Do not let the weather put you off
Rain added to the magic. Fewer crowds, softer light and a completely different mood.
• Wear proper shoes
Wet cobblestones are lethal. Cute sandals are not your friend here.
• Explore on foot with no strict plan
Cannes is made for wandering. The luxury streets and old town blend naturally.
• Head up to Le Suquet
The views alone are worth it. Artsy, historic and full of character.
• Do not be intimidated by luxury brands
The vibe is relaxed. You do not need to look a certain way to belong.
• Fréjus makes a brilliant base
Day trips along the Riviera are easy and far less tiring.
• Keep your kids close… but not too close 😅
Old towns and viewpoints plus no signal equals instant parent panic.
• Always say yes to gelato
If you are wandering around Le Suquet. 📍 1 Rue du Suquet, Cannes . Hands down the best gelato of our French Riviera road trip.
Following our French Riviera road trip
If you have been enjoying these real, everyday travel stories from our Eurocamp French Riviera road trip, there is still more to come.
We are not done yet.
Next up is our day trip to Saint Tropez, followed by one of the most unexpectedly dramatic drives of the whole trip through the Gorge du Verdon, and finally the city that held our last Riviera memories.
This part of the world surprised me more than I ever thought it would. Not just because of the beauty, but because of how possible it felt to experience it as a normal family on a normal budget.
So if you are dreaming about the French Riviera but think it might be out of reach, stay with me. There are still a few more stories left in this journey.
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