Info

The Ligurian Oxybii had already established a settlement known as Aegitna in the area by the 2nd century BC. Historians, however, are still uncertain what that name actually means. Over the centuries, the region was used as a port of call between the Lerins Islands. In the 10th century, the town took on the name of Canua, derived from "canna," a type of reed. Around 1530, Cannes broke free from the order of monks that had controlled the city for hundreds of years and became independent.

Over the course of the 18th century, both Spanish and British forces made attempts to gain control of the Lérins Islands but were routed by the French. The islands later came under the control of many different people, such as Jean-Honoré Alziary, and the Bishop of Frejus.

Later in the 20th century, new luxury hotels such as the Carlton, Majestic, Martinez and JW Marriott Cannes were constructed. The city underwent rapid modernization with the building of a sports centre, a post office, and numerous schools. In the aftermath of the First World War, fewer British and German tourists visited the city, instead being replaced by ones coming from America. Cannes also slowly transformed into a summer tourist destination and several venues to accommodate said transformation were also constructed. Shortly before World War 2, local authorities had the idea of starting their very own film festival but were forced to delay its launch - the first Cannes International Film Festival took place on 20 September 1946.