Vieux Port (Old Port), Cannes

The Old Port lies just below the old quarter and reflects the maritime roots of Cannes. Long before luxury tourism defined the city, this harbor served as a working port for fishermen and traders. Ancient Italic settlers and later the Romans used it as a stopping point along Mediterranean routes, particularly between the mainland and the nearby Lérins Islands. For centuries, shipping was the main form of transportation, and the port functioned as the town’s economic center.

Today, the harbor presents a striking contrast. Traditional sailboats often anchor alongside large modern yachts, some of which belong to international visitors who arrive during major events. The atmosphere becomes especially lively during the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, when newly designed mega yachts, electric boats, and multihulls are displayed throughout the marina, turning the waterfront into an open-air exhibition.

One of the port’s most notable features is the renovated seawall now called the Joséphine Baker Jetty, named after Joséphine Baker. Baker was an American-born singer, dancer, and actress who became a major star in France and later served as a member of the French Resistance during World War II. The wide jetty offers open views across the Bay of Cannes and toward the Lérins Islands, and its accessible design makes it suitable for visitors of all ages. In summer, a large Ferris wheel nearby provides elevated views over the harbor.