It is impossible to talk about Cannes without evoking, with admiration, La Croisette. Considered the French Hollywood Boulevard, this legendary avenue stands as the beating heart of the city, connecting golden sandy beaches, legendary hotels, haute couture boutiques and the Palais des Festivals. It is not only a geographical location, but a national and global icon, a space where the natural beauty of the French Riviera meets artistic excitement and international prestige. Through this article, discover the origins of this iconic promenade, the must-sees and must-dos, and the iconic locations along its banks.

The origins of La Croisette: from an innocuous path to a legendary avenue

La Croisette has not always been the legendary place we know today. Originally, it was a modest coastal path located along the Mediterranean which served for walks and travel by local inhabitants. The decisive turning point came during the 19th century, with the gradual rise of Cannes into a prestigious seaside resort. The arrival of the railway in 1863 greatly facilitated access to this small town on the Var coast and aroused the interest of a bourgeois clientele in search of a gentle way of life and Mediterranean well-being. It was at this time that the municipality undertook to transform this simple path into a elegant and welcoming avenueLa Croisette, whose name evokes an ancient cross marking the boundary of the land, became the object of an ambitious development project aimed at making it the symbolic heart of the city.

First 2650 km length, the boulevard begins in the Centre-Croisette district after the Pantiero and ends at Place Franklin-Roosevelt in the Pointe Croisette district. As a little anecdote, not far from the Palais des Festivals, there is a point which is often considered as the " zero point » or the “zero kilometer” of the Croisette, where it officially begins. This is a detail that escapes most walkers.

As part of the contemporary project “ The Croisette reinvents its legend ", launched to address environmental challenges and modern visitor expectations, major development works have been undertaken recently since 2017 and up to 2026 and include the expansion of the beaches, work to enhance the boulevard, the resumption of underground networks and the beautification and safety of the boulevard.

The must-sees on the chic Riviera artery

When we talk about La Croisette, several legendary places immediately come to mind and have become obligatory stops for any visitor wishing to soak up its unique atmosphere.

The Palais des Festivals and its famous steps

The nerve center of La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals and des Congrès is world-renowned for hosting the famous annual Cannes film festivalThis is where the most big movie stars on its famous red steps, a truly iconic scene filmed and photographed by millions of people around the world. The palace can be visited, but only on specific dates, hence the importance of inquiring at the tourist office or on the palace's website.

Star footprints on the Alley of Stars

Like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and located a stone's throw from the Palace, the Alley of Stars pays tribute to cinema legends with a unique collection of handprints, footprints and signaturesStrolling along this alley is like rubbing shoulders with a piece of artistic history and discovering the names of stars who have marked the history of the Festival and world cinema, such as Sylvester Stallone, Gérard Depardieu, Catherine Deneuve, Cameron Diaz, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Chuck Norris, etc.

Iconic beaches: public and private

The Croisette is lined with beautiful beaches from a succession of welcoming public spaces and exclusive private beaches. Public beaches include the one located east of the Croisette after the Carlton Hotel and ending at the Pierre Canto port or the central beaches. Private beaches, for their part, are often associated with large hotels and offer a more intimate setting with high-end services, comfort and tranquility. Examples include Le Mandala, Plage du Martinez, Hyde Beach, Plage Lucia Cannes or Vilebrequin La Plage Ondine. Note that the private beaches along the Croisette regularly change concessions and therefore names and decorations.

Historic luxury hotels

It's impossible to talk about La Croisette without mentioning its legendary palaces. The Carlton Hotel, the Martinez et the Majestic embody the golden age of luxury tourism on the French Riviera. These prestigious establishments have welcomed sovereigns, film stars, and international figures, seduced by their refined architecture, impeccable service, and exceptional location facing the sea.

Did you know? The Carlton Hotel's inverted "T" architecture is inspired by Russian architecture, and its famous "domes" are said to have been modeled after the breasts of "Belle Otéro," a famous courtesan of the time. It also boasts secret, historic suites that have hosted some of the greatest cinema legends.

Activities and experiences offered by La Croisette

Between chic and glamour, there is no shortage of activities to do on this prestigious Cannes avenue.

Luxury shopping

Over the decades, La Croisette has established itself as one of the most prestigious shopping streets in the world, rivaling 5th Avenue in New York or Avenue Montaigne in Paris. temple of high-end shopping concentrates the very essence of French and international luxury in just a few hundred meters. The major fashion houses have all established their showcase there: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Hermès or, CARTIER display their most beautiful window displays, carefully staged to attract a demanding and cosmopolitan clientele. Inside, the personalized welcome, expert advice and tailor-made services transform each act of purchase into a ceremonial moment. Some boutiques even offer private spaces, preview presentations of collections or creations specific to Cannes, as was the case with the Caroline's Couture couture line launched by Chopard for the Cannes Film Festival or the capsule collection called "The Vacation" created by Versace in collaboration with Dua Lipa.

A mecca of art

The Croisette is lined with artistic venues and also hosts many cultural events. One of the must-sees: La Malmaison located at 47 Boulevard de la Croisette, which houses the Cannes Municipal Center for Contemporary Art. It organizes several monographic exhibitions per year, dedicated to internationally renowned artists such as Matisse and Picasso. 17 boulevard de la Croisette is the Hurtebize gallery, renowned for its collections of Post-Impressionists and Abstract Movements (Chagall, Hartung, Vasarély, etc.). Artistic objects can also be discovered outdoors, such as the Golden Palm TreeThis contemporary work, inaugurated in 2025, represents a palm tree covered with more than 10 gold leaves, located in the gardens of the Mondrian Hotel, a stone's throw from La Malmaison. It pays homage to the Palme d'Or and unifies nature, heritage and artisanal know-how.

The Promenade itself

Perhaps the true essence of La Croisette lies simply in the act of strolling along it, of walking along this two-kilometer ribbon that delicately hugs the Cannes coastline. Carefully laid out for the comfort of pedestrians, it offers an ideal space for various physical activity which are practiced facing an exceptional panorama. From the first light of day, the morning joggers take advantage of the walk to enjoy the freshness and tranquility for their daily training. Later, the walkers of all ages wander at their own pace, alternating between the sea-side pavement and the shaded side-alley. Cyclists, for their part, benefit from a dedicated track which allows them to follow the coast in complete safety while rollerblading and scooter enthusiasts also find their place in this shared space. Afterwards, if the goal is really to immerse yourself in a bubble of greenery, you will have to go to places like The Croix des Gardes to admire, among other things, the eponymous castle. The opportunity also to enjoy magnificent landscapes overlooking the bay of Cannes, the Lerins Islands or Esterel massif.

Gastronomy and restaurants on La Croisette

It's hard to talk about the Croisette in Cannes without mentioning its emblematic restaurants which offer the best specialties from the PACA region and other creative suggestions. The Palme d'Or is certainly one of the city's most iconic addresses. Founded in 1985, this historic Michelin-starred establishment is now masterfully managed by Jean Imbert, who offers gourmet, salty, and sunny cuisine. Also considered one of the best restaurants on the Côte d'Azur, Riviera Restaurant Located within the Carlton Hotel, this menu combines seasonality and local produce. The sunny, fresh dishes are prepared by Laurent Bunel and his team.

On the Croisette, you might think everything rhymes with luxury. However, this boulevard also knows how to be accessible. While some restaurants offer menus worthy of the finest palaces, others offer affordable alternatives without losing any of the charm of the place. From elegant snacks to friendly brasseries, there's something for everyone. To eat on a budget, it's better to take advantage of the much more affordable lunch deals or opt for simple local dishes like sandwiches, paninis, or prepared salads. A stone's throw from the Croisette, in the Forville market, you'll also find many more authentic and local culinary suggestions: freshly baked focaccia, saffron-flavored paella, truffle cheese, and more.

Accommodation on and around this avenue of palaces

Staying on the Croisette also means diving into the history of glamour. Hotels like the Carlton or the Martinez are not just places to stay, but institutions. They have welcomed stars, heads of state, and artists from all over the world. Each corridor tells an anecdote, each facade is a legend. Sleeping here is like experiencing a timeless interlude. Among the other highly regarded addresses are the Majestic Barrier, JW Marriott Cannes or Five Seas Hotel.

But the Croisette doesn't exclude travelers with more reasonable budgets. Elegant studios, 3-star hotels, and rental apartments offer comfortable alternatives. The key is to find the right balance between proximity, comfort, and budget. Because yes, it is possible to stay near the Croisette without necessarily breaking the bank.

Either way, know that nothing compares to the magic of staying directly on the Croisette. In the morning, you open your curtains to the sea; in the evening, you're just steps from the liveliest restaurants and bars. No need for a car; everything is within walking distance. It's this proximity that makes the Croisette such a unique place.

The Croisette during the Cannes Film Festival

In May, the Croisette changes its appearance. The red carpet rolled out in front of the Palais des Festivals attracts the attention of the entire world. The hotels, private beaches, terraces... everything vibrates to the rhythm of cinema. The Croisette then becomes an open-air stage, where curious strangers and international stars mingle.

Not everyone gets an invitation to the official screenings. But who cares! Standing along the barriers to catch a glimpse of a celebrity walking up the steps is an experience in itself. Camera in hand, you let yourself be carried away by the excitement. And who knows, maybe you'll run into a star in a café or out for a walk?

Please note, however: during the Cannes Croisette Festival, access is sometimes restricted. Some areas are monitored and reserved for accredited visitors. It is therefore important to anticipate, check the instructions, and plan your trips accordingly. The Croisette remains accessible, but the crowds are there.

Practical tips for visiting

Before considering immersing yourself in this boulevard of glamour, a minimum of preparation is essential.

Best time to visit

While summer is synonymous with sun and excitement, spring and autumn offer a quieter Croisette, ideal for a peaceful exploration. The choice is yours: summer excitement or off-season mildness?

Tips for avoiding crowds

The Croisette is a magnet. To enjoy its charms without the crowds, choose mornings or evenings outside of weekends. A simple trick, but one that makes all the difference.

Budget to be planned according to activities

Your budget varies depending on your preferences. A coffee on a terrace won't cost the same as dinner in a luxury hotel. Planning ahead helps you avoid unpleasant surprises. In short: the Croisette may be luxurious, but it also knows how to adapt.

Recommended dress code

Cannes loves elegance. You don't need a tuxedo to walk around, but a well-dressed outfit is always appreciated. And if you're attending a screening or an event related to the Festival, evening attire is a must.

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