Musée des Explorations du Monde (Museum of World Explorations), Cannes (must see)

As you climb through the narrow lanes of Le Suquet, the old quarter, you’ll arrive at the Museum of World Explorations, housed within a medieval castle complex once used by the monks of the Lérins Islands. Construction of the castle began in the 11th century at the initiative of the monks, who had been established on Saint-Honorat Island since the 5th century. The thick stone walls and elevated position immediately tell you this was once a defensive and strategic site. In 2021, the former Castre Museum was renamed to reflect its broader focus on global cultures, but its historic setting remains an essential part of the experience.

The museum’s origins trace back to 1877, when Baron of Dutch origin Tinco Lycklama, donated his collection of antiquities and so-called “primitive” art to the city. By 1919, Cannes had acquired these old Suquet buildings to house the growing collection, creating a museum where the architecture itself feels like part of the exhibition.

Inside, the galleries guide you across continents. You’ll encounter artifacts from the Arctic, the Himalayas, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. Pre-Columbian ceramics reveal how ancient American civilizations shaped clay into storytelling objects, while Mediterranean antiquities connect the local region to wider trade networks. In the 11th-century Saint Anne Chapel, pause to look closely at the collection of musical instruments. Instruments from Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas are displayed in a sacred medieval space, showing how sound and craftsmanship vary across cultures yet share common purposes.

Before you leave, step into the inner courtyard and make sure to climb the 109 steps of the watchtower. From the top, the 360-degree view stretches over the Old Port, the bay, and the Lérins Islands, offering what is widely considered the highlight of the visit.