Cannes
Lights. Camera. Cannes.
Famed for its annual star-studded international film festival, posh sunlounger-striped beaches, and massive yachts moored at the port, Cannes is one of the most glamorous cities in the French Riviera. A stroll down La Croisette, the town's long beach promenade, will lead you to numerous designer bars, couture stores, and fabulous hotels nestled in stunning old palaces.
Make sure to have your camera ready at all times — not only is celeb-spotting a common pastime in Cannes, but the remarkable architecture and unparalleled natural beauty give the A-listers a run for their money.
Spend a day at the beach where Borat's infamous mankini made its debut, watch the sunset at the romantic old quarter of Le Suquet, or dance the night away like the rich and famous did at oh-so many film premiere parties. The city is packed with a sense of duality — where historic, European streets filled with low-key restaurants meet moments (okay, weeks) of peak social glitz and glamour — giving you the opportunity to experience this French gem any way you so choose.
This port may require Sailors to board a tender — it will both drop you off and pick you up from the ship to the port and vice versa.
Blissful Day in Saint Tropez
Get transported along the famed Golden Corniche, the French Riviera’s stunning coast where you’ll pass a number of spectacular seaside villages en route to Saint Maxime. Here you’ll board a boat — as one does when making a grand entrance in the famed San Tropez. A guide will take you on a tour around the town, and then the day is yours to explore, sightsee, and be all-around fabulous in a place renowned for its fabulosity.
Red, White, and Rosé Days
On a drive through the gorgeous Provençal countryside, you’ll pass by the charming Côte de Provence — a district celebrated for its iconic wines — before arriving at Taradeau, grounds of the 18th-century, family-owned Château Saint-Martin. There, you’ll learn the secrets (well, some of the secrets) that have been passed down for generations and sample the estate’s incredible blends paired with a number of delicious local bites.
Provence, Picnics & Pétanque
The Provence region boasts an incredible 18,000 hectares of vines — which translates to a whole lotta wine. On a drive through its spectacular countryside, you’ll visit a chateau that’s been operational by the same lineage since the 1750s and sample exquisite varietals picnicking in the stunning landscape. For an added touch of Frenchness, learn to play the boules (balls) game Pétanque, popular among residents of the Provençal region.
A Tale of One Opulent Principality
Cannes
Smaller than NYC's Central Park, Monaco is one of the most luxurious resort destinations in the world. Following your guide to must-see landmarks around the tiny quarter of Monte-Carlo, you'll find the famous Casino Square with its legendary casino where three James Bond movies were filmed, spot the luxury yachts floating along Port Hercule's deep waters, and view the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco — spoiler alert: it's a palace.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Visit the stunning 19th-century St. Nicholas Cathedral — the resting place of the Hollywood legend, and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly
- See Monaco’s highlights like the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace — the official residence of the royal family
- See Monte-Carlo's world famous casino, designed by Charles Garnier (the same architect behind the Paris Opera House — not the hair products)
- Get a stunning vista of Monte-Carlo and the luxurious yachts on Port Hercule
- Enjoy free time for shopping and exploring the area
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should expect to walk uphill and/or over uneven pavement
- Sailors need to be able to navigate several flights of stairs
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Houses of worship will be closed during holidays or religious days of observance
- Approximately 1.5—hour drive to/from Monaco
- This Shore Thing is not available during May voyages
- The casino entrance fee is not included
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Classic Cars & Monte Carlo's Racing Circuit
Cannes
Some people collect model toy cars, while others collect *actual* cars. For automobile enthusiasts — or anyone who enjoys a master feat of engineering — seeing Prince Rainier’s private collection of toys (aka classic cars) feels like a dream come true. From a 1929 Bugatti to his 1903 De Dion Bouton, you’ll see it all before walking to some of Monaco's (and the F1's) most famous spots, ending in Old Town with free time to explore and grab lunch on your own, before heading back to Cannes.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Head to the Principality of Monaco to check out the prince's private classic cars collection
- The collection includes a 1929 Bugatti, 1903 De Dion Bouton, a 1986 Lamborghini Countach, and a 1952 Rolls Royce
- The Monaco Grand Prix is the most celebrated (and one of the most dangerous) motorsports “street circuit” in the world
- Enjoy your walking tour to some of Monaco's famed areas, including the F1 pole position
- Explore Monte Carlo's Casino Square, and on foot you'll visit many of the famous areas of the F1 race
- Enjoy free time for shopping and exploring the area
- This Shore Thing is seasonal and may not operate on all voyages
- Lunch is not included
- Approximately 1.5-hour drive to/from Monaco
- Approximately 30-minutes of free time at Casino Square
- Approximately 1-hour 15-minutes of free time near the Rock of Monaco
- This Shore Thing is not available during May voyages
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not available during the Grand Prix in France
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Exquisitely Nice & Cultivated Wines
Cannes
There’s that old saying that goes, “it’s about the journey, not the destination.” Well, in Nice, it’s about both. Your journey to Nice features a scenic drive with a stop at Mont Boron for a panoramic view of the city you’re about to explore. Once there, you’ll visit the Old Town and walk along Cours Saleya, a pedestrian area where a flower market is held every morning. Follow your guide to see the highlights before reaching a wine cellar and tasting a bold selection of local cheese and wine.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Make your way to Nice with scenic views of Villefranche, Cap Ferrat and Beaulieu
- Visit a wine cellar in the center of Old Nice
- Enjoy a local wine tasting accompanied with cheese
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- The order of sites visited may vary
- Sailors should expect to walk over uneven pavement for an extended period of time.
- Gratuities are included
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Please note that the visited sites are dependent on the Covid-19 regulations implemented
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Villages & Villas: Èze and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Cannes
Discover Èze, a medieval village perched like an eagle’s nest over the Mediterranean Sea. Stroll through steep, narrow streets along carefully restored houses that have reopened their doors as artists’ studios and boutiques before heading to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Get a grand tour of the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the *ultimate* French estate with sprawling gardens, ornate furniture, and art everywhere. Whether it’s pinkies up or down, get fancy up in the tearoom with afternoon refreshments.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Discover Èze, the medieval village that clings like an eagle's nest 1401 feet above the sea
- Take a guided tour of the posh Villa Rothschild, strolling down its themed gardens and grand halls
- Explore the ultimate French villa whose collection of porcelain, furniture, tapestries, and everything are pure goals
- Explore and grab lunch at your own pace
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should expect long periods of walking and standing
- Lunch is not included — take advantage of the free time to taste the local cuisine
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Sailors booked on Shore Things through Virgin Voyages do not need to book a tender ride
- Tender rides can add up to 30 minutes each way to the duration of a Shore Thing — please plan accordingly
- Sailors should bring cash if they want to purchase local products
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
"Qui li ven li vieù" — Provençal motto about Cannes: "whoever comes there lives there"
An English Lord stayed during a cholera outbreak and returned every year.
Shore Excursions
Stray (far off) the course
For adventurous travelers and adrenaline junkies looking for a bold experience outdoors, Canyoning in the Alps will definitely get your blood pumping.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSCannes is a year-round hotspot loved for its elegance, gourmet dining, and beaches galore. Both an architectural lover’s dream and an artist’s paradise, the city boasts unrivaled culture with a stunning natural backdrop. Whether you spend a day perusing hidden art galleries, hitting up the casinos, or taking a quiet stroll, Cannes provides the most emblematic backdrop for an unparalleled getaway on the Med. Movie stars gather there in May — but La Croisette twinkles its bright lights every single night.
***Please be aware that all Sailors may be required to show proof of vaccination (a photocopy is acceptable) in Cannes, and a photo ID may also be required to return to the ship. Sailors should also bring masks with them as they may be required in some establishments.
