Guide to Shopping in Cannes

Our favorite city for shopping is Cannes, because of the outdoor setting, the sheer number of stores, and the mix of both cool indie fashion labels, mid-range aspirational brands, and high-end fashion houses. A true slice of Parisian elegance and opulence on the Côte d’Azur, Cannes keeps in well-heeled step with the most sought after high-end retail shopping districts in the world.

Cannes has the largest concentration of luxury shops per m² in France!

The compact center of town makes it perfect for a short stopover, as you can take in all the most prestigious shopping precincts within an entirely walkable area. Discover Cannes’ unmistakable glamour and opulence through the city’s best places to shop:

La Croisette

Visit La Croisette to start off your luxury shopping day in the natural habitat of the wealthy jet set. This boulevard is home to a dizzying array of high-end designer shops tucked in between an equal number of famous and very exclusive hotels. The lovely palm-lined promenade, set on the doorstep of the Bay of Cannes , is a true Mecca of luxury shopping –- shoes and views, what more could you ask for? Along La Croisette all the big names in fashion, jewelry, and accessories jostle for your attention, many represented with flagship stores.

The designer swag on display here is not within reach of most mortals, but walking is free and the people-watching and luxury-lust is unmatched. The strip is glamorous and unabashedly so, but it is also relaxed enough to stroll in airy linen beach clothes. Out of respect for the €1000 bejeweled sandals on display, as well as a certain French sense of decorum, leave the athleisure outfit in your suitcase and dress up for this walk.

Right across from the red carpet of the famous Palais des Festivals are Chanel, Moncler, DIOR, Prada, and two Dolce & Gabbana boutiques. On the same street you’ll find Gucci, Loro Piana, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino, whose vitrine is stacked with a collection of delicious handbags in earthy hues. Make sure to stop and marvel at the luscious prints at the Dolce & Gabbana furniture boutique.

If you’re in the mood for a refuel, set back beyond a cluster of palm trees and rosebushes you’ll find the gleaming white temples to Celine and Giorgio Armani, complete with a casual café out front. How does vegetarian lasagna with parmesan fondue and basilic cream sound?

After, more window-shopping is in order. Admire a gold Hervé Léger bandeau dress at the boutique 55 Croisette. Gaze lovingly upon the window displays at Cartier. Admire through the window the unusual parquet floor at Yves St. Laurent and the black and white fixtures at Balenciaga. Picture yourself in a leather coat on display at Burberry, and trace the snake handles on the doors at Roberto Cavalli.

Rue d’Antibes

Set one street back, parallel to La Croisette, and with a distinctly French feel, Rue d’Antibes is a mixture of familiar designer brands, super-chic interior design shops, tea shops, and upmarket designer label boutiques. If you’re a serious retail devotee you could spend an entire day wandering from one end to the other without getting bored. It’s an excellent place to shop for gifts for fashionable relatives as well.

Rue Hoche

A short walk away (one block further inland from Rue d’Antibes), the very trendy Rue Hoche offers a more relaxed version of Rue d’Antibes. A totally pedestrianized street, which adds to its relaxed ambiance, it’s very close to the famous Palais des Festivals et des Congrès (most famous for hosting the Cannes Film Festival). It is lined with boutiques, cafes, interiors shops, and exclusive hair salons.

Rue Meynadier

Rue Meynadier is located in the old port and has a selection of local shops and delicacies. Its houses date back to the 18th century and got refurbishments to become boutiques, with more affordable shops nearer to the port. It is pedestrianized (no cars) and thus offers a more relaxed surrounding, and is particularly pleasant for shopping or watching in a window. This is the place to go for fashion at a lower cost… local shops often offer attractive, unique items at a smaller cost.

Forville Market

For a very different kind of shopping experience with a very local feel, Marché Forville (also located in the old port) is the gastronomic heart of the town. Crowded with florists, fromageries, charcuteries, poissonniers, pâtisseries and every other kind of continental food vendor you care to imagine, the market is a magical symphony of color, culture, and delicious aromas. Marché Forville closes early in the afternoon, so plan to visit before lunch – and then perhaps stop for lunch in one of the many bistros. Check out our complete guide to the best markets.

Gambetta Market

The nearby Marché Gambetta is the place to be for fresh and succulent foods; but for clothes, leather and more you are also at the right address. Another market, just off Rue Hoche, Marché Gambetta is famous for its shoes, silk, leather, and cashmere fashion goods. Wander through the covered market to browse the wonderful selection of cashmere scarves and printed blouses, then continue through to the grocery stalls selling traditional Provençal herbs and food stuffs – perfect for small, easy-to-carry gifts. The market is open every day except Monday. Check out our complete guide to the best markets.

Galleries Lafayette

The famous Parisian ‘grand magasin’ translates its chic style to the Côte d’Azur on Rue du Maréchal Foch. An upmarket department store, with everything from jewellery, hats, scarves, home ware, to fashion, lingerie and gourmet food, Galleries Lafayette also hosts regular fashion shows. If you missed picking up one of their signature cashmere sweaters on your stopover in Paris, now’s your chance to make amends.

Shopping Tips & Info

Open hours: Standard shopping hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 12pm and (after closing for lunch) then 2:30pm to 7:30pm. In high season, many shops do not close for lunch. Many boutiques are closed on Sunday, and some markets and smaller shops are closed on Monday.

Tax refunds: Sales tax varies between 5% for food and 19.6% on luxury goods. If you live outside of the EU, you can get a 14.5% tax refund! Don’t forget to download a mobile app to track your purchases so you can get a VAT tax refund. Here’s how to get your tax refund.

More: Check out our guide to the big shopping sales in Cannes, and our guide to the best places to go shopping on the French Riviera.