Cannes Guide with a Baby & Dog | elsewhere together
where we stayed · côte d'azur, france
Cannes guide with a baby & dog
A slow family guide to the French Riviera. Outside of festival season, Cannes isn't red carpets and yachts — it's strawberries at the morning market, beach picnics on a blanket, slow and sunlit and surprisingly easy with a baby and a dog.
FEB 28 · WRITTEN BY ELAINE CORDOVA
FILED UNDER: WHERE WE STAYEDREAD TIME: 9 MINLOCATION: CANNES, FR
If you're planning a family trip to Cannes, this guide covers exactly what to do, where to eat, where to stay affordably, and how to enjoy the French Riviera at a slower pace. Cannes is known for red carpets, festivals, and yachts — but outside of festival season, it's something else entirely.
Start every morning at the market
MARKET & PASTRY
Marché Forville
The heartbeat of Cannes
Located at the base of Le Suquet (Old Town), this covered market is the heartbeat of Cannes. Open daily (Monday is more antique-focused but still worth visiting). This market alone makes Cannes feel local instead of touristy — and if you're planning a beach picnic, this is where to gather supplies.
Seasonal fruit — the strawberries are unreal
Local cheeses, olives, and tapenade
Rotisserie chicken and fresh pasta
Flowers
Fresh French fries as a snack
Dog-friendly: yes, on leash.
Pâtisserie Jean-Luc Pelé
Steps from Marché Forville
One of the best pastry stops in Cannes — fruit tarts, refined French desserts, and an easy takeaway baguette for 1 euro.
Best coffee shops in Cannes
COFFEE, CREPES & SANDWICHES
Amamu Cannes
Favorite cappuccino
This was our favorite cappuccino in Cannes — we went back multiple, multiple times. A minimalist, specialty coffee spot with outdoor seating and two locations, one more hidden and one right by the beach. It's calm, it's aesthetic, it's stroller-friendly. Perfect after your market run.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab Cannes
Stronger coffee, quick pick-up sandwich
Fresh juices and breakfast/lunch sandwiches (the salmon was Elaine's favorite), with Scandinavian-inspired vibes. Great for eating by the beach.
Atelier du Marché Cannes
Not a coffee spot, but please try the crêpes
Like most spots, if there's no sign on the door, your dog is welcome. Any crêpe is good, but our favorites were the butter and lemon, and plain chocolate. So simple, but so delicious. They also do mini crêpes, so you can try a couple. Outdoor seating, casual atmosphere — a great midday stop when traveling with kids.
Dinner & dessert
ITALIAN NIGHT + THE REAL GELATO
Salsamenteria di Parma Cannes
Authentic Italian dinner in Cannes
When you need a break from French cuisine, this Italian spot is excellent — burrata, prosciutto boards, fresh pasta. Cozy but welcoming for families. It's the kind of place you return to twice.
Niva Cannes
The only real gelato in Cannes
If the gelato is piled high and neon, skip it. At Niva, the gelato is stored in silver metal cylinders with lids — the sign of authentic Italian technique. Dense texture, natural colors, balanced sweetness. Perfect after dinner or a sunset beach walk.
Best beach in Cannes for families
PLAGE DU MIDI
Plage du Midi
The local pick
If you're searching for a family-friendly beach in Cannes, this is your best option. It's more relaxed than the Croisette's private beaches and feels local. A simple picnic here can turn into your favorite Riviera memory.
Bring a large blanket
Snacks from Marché Forville
Extra water
Sun protection — shade is limited
Dog note: dogs are typically restricted during peak daytime hours in high season. Early morning or evening is safest. Always check posted signage.
Take the ferry to the island
ÎLE SAINTE-MARGUERITE
Île Sainte-Marguerite
15–20 min ferry ride
One of the best things to do in Cannes with kids is take the short ferry ride to this island. You'll find pine forests, quiet swimming coves, picnic spots, and walking paths — plus a fort and museum to tour, included in your ferry ticket. This day trip feels adventurous without being complicated.
Stroller tip: we easily took our stroller — just make sure to take the stroller-friendly route to the fort, not the stairs like we did.
Dog tip: allowed on leash. There were at least 7 dogs on the ferry on the way back.
Where we stayed in Cannes
HOME SWAP
The Continental, via HomeExchange
Our stay
An old hotel converted into private apartments. It was walkable to Marché Forville, close to the beach, elevator accessible, and spacious enough for baby and dog.
If you're looking for affordable accommodation in Cannes, home swapping can make the French Riviera dramatically more realistic for families. It has all the comforts of a true home — and for longer stays especially, it's one of the best ways to reduce costs.
Final thoughts: is Cannes worth visiting with a baby and dog?
Yes — if you do it slowly. Cannes isn't just yachts and luxury hotels. It's daily markets, local cafés, public beaches, and island ferries.
And when you bring a blanket, grab snacks from the market, and let the day unfold — it becomes something entirely different. If you're planning a family-friendly French Riviera trip, Cannes deserves a place on your list.
FROM elsewhere together — family travel, told straight.
