Cannes Guide with a Baby & Dog
A Slow Family Guide to the French Riviera
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. It’s strawberries at the morning market, beach picnics on a blanket, slow, sunlit, and surprisingly easy with a baby and a dog.
Start Every Morning at the Market
Marché Forville
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).
What to buy:
Seasonal fruit (the strawberries are unreal)
Local cheeses
Olives and tapenade
Rotisserie chicken
Fresh pasta
Flowers
Fresh french fries as a snack!
If you’re planning a Cannes beach picnic, this is where to gather supplies.
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash.
This market alone makes Cannes feel local instead of touristy.
The Pâtisserie
Pâtisserie Jean-Luc Pelé
Steps from Marché Forville, this is one of the best pastry stops in Cannes.
Fruit tarts
Refined French desserts
Easy takeaway baguette for 1 euro
Best Coffee Shops in Cannes
Amamu Cannes
This was our favorite cappucinno in Cannes, we went back multiple, multiple times.
A minimalist, specialty coffee spot with outdoor seating. There’s 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
For stronger coffee energy and a quick pick-up sandwich to eat by the beach, this is the spot.
Fresh juices
Breakfast and lunch sandwiches (the salmon was Elaine’s favorite)
Scandinavian-inspired vibe
Not a coffee spot, but please try the crepes.
Atelier du Marché Cannes
Like most spots, if there is no sign on the door, your dog is welcome! Any crepe is good, but some of our favorites were the butter and lemon, and plain chocolate crepe. So simple, but so delcious. They also have mini crepes so you can try a couple different ones.
Outdoor seating
Casual atmosphere
Great midday stop when traveling with kids.
Authentic Italian Dinner in Cannes
Salsamenteria di Parma 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.
The Only Real Gelato in Cannes
Niva 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
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.
What to Bring:
A large blanket
Snacks from Marché Forville
Extra water
Sun protection (shade is limited)
A simple picnic here can turn into your favorite Riviera memory.
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
One of the best things to do in Cannes with kids is take the short ferry ride (15–20 minutes) to this island.
You’ll find:
Pine forests
Quiet swimming coves
Picnic spots
Walking paths
a fort & museum to tour included in your ferry ticket!
We easily took our stroller, just make sure to the stroller friendly route to the fort and not the stairs like we did lol.
Dog tip: allowed on leash — there were at least 7 dogs on the ferry on the way back.
This day trip feels adventurous without being complicated.
Where We Stayed in Cannes
We stayed through HomeExchange at a residence called The Continental — an old hotel converted into private apartments.
It was:
Walkable to Marché Forville
Close to the beach
Elevator accessible
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.
You can use our referral link here:
https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=elaine-73d3c
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.
It’s manageable.
It’s walkable.
It’s delicious.
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.
