How the tender landing works and how to find your way
Cannes is a tender port on the French Riviera. Ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes, and tender boats bring passengers ashore at the Old Port, steps from La Croisette and Le Suquet. Allow extra time for the tender. This guide covers the landing, meeting points, a video flyover, and getting around.
Cannes, on the French Riviera in the south of France. Passengers come ashore at the Old Port (Le Vieux Port), next to the Palais des Festivals.
Where ships dock
Cannes is a tender port. Ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes, and tender boats carry passengers between the ship and the Old Port. Your cruise line will give you tender instructions on board.
Where you meet your private driver or guide
The tender drops passengers at the end of the pier. Walk about 5 minutes to the exit, which opens onto a parking lot. Your driver or guide will be waiting there, holding a sign with your name on it.
Video Flyover of the Cannes Cruise Port
This aerial flyover shows where cruise ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes, the tender landing at the Old Port, and where drivers and guides meet passengers.
Aerial imagery: Google Earth
Cannes Cruise Port Location
Vieux Port de Cannes, Quai Saint-Pierre, 06400 Cannes, France
About Cannes Cruise Port
Cannes is a tender port, so passengers do not walk off the ship onto a pier. Understanding how the tenders work helps you plan your time ashore.
How the Tender Port Works
Ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes, and tender boats shuttle passengers between the ship and the Old Port.
The crossing itself is short, but boarding and waiting for a tender can take a while, especially early in the day when most passengers want to go ashore.
Many cruise lines give priority tender boarding to guests on ship excursions, and other passengers may receive tender tickets or boarding times. Follow the instructions from your cruise line.
In rough seas, tender operations can be delayed or canceled by the cruise line for safety.
The Tender Landing
Tenders arrive at the Old Port, a working harbor filled with yachts and fishing boats.
From the end of the pier, it is about a 5 minute walk to the port exit and a parking lot.
The Palais des Festivals is next to the Old Port, and Le Suquet rises on the hill above it.
Distance to the City
The Palais des Festivals, La Croisette and the old quarter of Le Suquet are all within walking distance of the tender landing.
Cannes train station is about 0.6 miles (1km) from the Old Port.
Nice Airport (NCE) is about 30 to 45 minutes from Cannes by car, depending on traffic.
Getting Around From the Cannes Tender Landing
Cannes is compact, and the Old Port is close to the train station, so passengers have several ways to explore. Here is how each option works.
Walking
The Old Port, Le Suquet, the Palais des Festivals and La Croisette are all close together.
A waterfront loop from the Old Port past the Palais and along La Croisette is about 2 miles (3km) round trip, roughly 45 minutes of walking.
The climb up to Le Suquet is steep but short, with views over the bay from the top.
Train
Cannes train station is about 0.6 miles (1km) from the Old Port, a short walk or taxi ride.
Regional trains run along the coast to Antibes, Nice and other Riviera towns.
Check return train times carefully so you are back at the tender landing well before the last tender.
Taxi
Taxis are available near the port. Ask for the total price before you get in, or confirm the driver will use the meter.
Fares for longer trips to Nice, Antibes or Saint-Paul-de-Vence should be agreed in advance.
Ferry to the Lerins Islands
Ferries leave from the Old Port for the Lerins Islands, a short crossing to Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat.
Check the return ferry schedule before you go, since you will need time to catch the tender back to your ship.
Pre-Booked Transfers
A pre-booked driver meets passengers near the tender landing at an arranged time and drives directly to destinations along the Riviera.
This option costs more than the train or a taxi, but it can be easier for hilltop villages that trains do not reach, larger groups, or limited mobility.
On tender days, the last tender back to the ship can leave well before the ship departs. Check the last tender time in your daily program before you go ashore.
About Cannes and the Surrounding Area
Cannes sits at the center of the French Riviera, with Antibes, Nice, Grasse and the hilltop villages all within easy reach. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot from the tender landing.
A Brief History
Cannes was a small fishing village until the 1830s, when the British statesman Lord Brougham built a villa here and drew wealthy visitors to the coast.
The Cannes Film Festival, first held in 1946, made the town internationally famous. It takes place each May at the Palais des Festivals.
Le Suquet, the hill above the Old Port, is the original village, with a medieval watchtower and church at the top.
Highlights Many Cruise Passengers Visit
La Croisette, the seafront promenade lined with beaches, palm trees and grand hotels.
The Palais des Festivals, home of the Cannes Film Festival, with handprints of film stars set into the walkway outside.
Le Suquet, the old quarter on the hill above the Old Port, with narrow lanes and views over the bay.
Marche Forville, the covered market near Le Suquet, best visited in the morning.
The Lerins Islands, a short ferry ride from the Old Port. Sainte-Marguerite has a fort and pine forests, and Saint-Honorat is home to a working monastery.
Planning Your Time
Because Cannes is a tender port, getting ashore takes longer than at a docked port. Allow for that when planning your day.
Check the all aboard time and the last tender time for your ship before planning a longer outing along the coast.
During the Film Festival in May, Cannes is very crowded and some areas near the Palais may be closed to the public.
Nearby Destinations
Antibes, a walled old town with the Picasso Museum, about 20 minutes by car or a short train ride.
Nice, with its old town and Promenade des Anglais, about 40 minutes by car or train.
Grasse, known for its perfume houses, about 30 minutes inland.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence and other hilltop villages, best reached by car since trains do not serve them.
Monaco, about an hour east along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do drivers and guides meet passengers at the Cannes cruise port?
The tender drops passengers at the end of the pier at the Old Port. From there it is about a 5 minute walk to the exit, which opens onto a parking lot. Drivers and guides usually wait there holding a sign with the passenger or group name.
Is Cannes a tender port?
Yes. Ships anchor in the Bay of Cannes, and tender boats shuttle passengers between the ship and the Old Port.
How long does the tender take?
The crossing is short, but boarding and waiting can take a while, especially early in the day. The total time depends on the number of passengers and how busy the tenders are, so allow extra time both going ashore and returning.
What happens if the sea is rough?
In rough seas, the cruise line may delay or cancel tender operations for safety. Watch for announcements on board on the morning of your port day.
When is the last tender back to the ship?
The last tender usually leaves before the ship departs, and the exact time is set by your cruise line. Check your daily program before you go ashore.
Can I walk into Cannes from the tender landing?
Yes. The Old Port, Le Suquet, the Palais des Festivals and La Croisette are all within walking distance, and Cannes train station is about 0.6 miles (1km) from the Old Port.
Can I take the train to Nice or Antibes?
Yes. Regional trains run along the coast from Cannes station to Antibes and Nice. Check return times carefully so you are back at the tender landing well before the last tender.
Can I visit the Lerins Islands on a port day?
Yes. Ferries leave from the Old Port for Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat. Check the return ferry schedule so you have time to catch the tender back to your ship.
How far is Nice Airport from the Cannes cruise port?
Nice Airport (NCE) is about 30 to 45 minutes from Cannes by car, depending on traffic.
Can passengers with limited mobility use the tenders?
Tender access depends on the ship, the tender boats and sea conditions. Ask your cruise line before you travel about tender access for guests with limited mobility.
What is Cannes known for?
Cannes is known for the Cannes Film Festival, held each May at the Palais des Festivals, and for La Croisette, its seafront promenade lined with beaches and grand hotels.
