Getting around Cannes

Public transport

Compact Cannes is easy to get around and arguably the best way to explore it is by putting one foot in front of the other. If you don’t fancy walking, public transport is reliable and cheap. In fact the local authorities provide subsidised bus tickets, which allow you to explore the Côte d’Azur for just €1.50 or €1 if you buy a carnet. It’s an absolute bargain.

The main operator is Palm Bus (tel: 0825 825 599, in France only; www.palmbus.fr). You can buy tickets onboard or from tabacs; day tickets, weekly passes and booklets of 10 tickets are available.

The City Palm service operates in the very centre of Cannes. This bus travels in a circle every 10 minutes, driving along La Croisette, rue d’Antibes and past the railway station before returning to the Hôtel de Ville. The service stops on demand providing it is safe to do so – all you need to do is hail the driver. Tickets are available on board or at a tabac. You can buy a one-day ticket with unlimited journeys on this line only.

Taxis

Taxis are reliable and arrive within about five minutes anywhere in the city centre. Drivers are generally honest and will usually discuss the stars they have chauffeured. You can hail taxis at taxi stations or order them by telephone from Taxis Cannes (tel: +33 4 9399 2727; www.taxicannes.fr). Tipping is not expected but is appreciated.

Driving

Driving in Cannes is rarely a frustrating experience. Traffic jams are few and far between, there are several car parks surrounding the city centre, and orientation is relatively easy - the rue d'Antibes is one of the few one-way streets. There is only one major pedestrianised street - the rue Meynadier. The only times that tourists should beware of driving in Cannes is during the film festival, when roads are blocked from 1800 onwards, and during major congresses.

Car hire

Operators include Ada (tel: +33 4 9706 0707; www.ada.fr), Avis (tel: 0820 611 635, in France only; www.avis.fr) and Hertz (tel: +33 4 9399 0420; www.hertz.fr). The minimum age for hiring a car is 21 years, although drivers may have to be 25 years old to hire the more expensive models. Driving licences and credit cards are required. Insurance is usually included but it is advisable to check.

Bicycle hire

Exploring Cannes on two wheels is a great way to see the city in a short period of time. You can hire scooters and bicycles from Mistral Locations, 4 rue Georges Clémenceau (tel: 04 9339 3360; www.mistral-location.com).