The Suburbs of Cannes and its Surroundings – Le Cannet

Les Quartiers de Cannes et ses Environs:
The Suburbs of Cannes and its Surroundings:
Le Cannet:

Le Cannet is a popular residential suburb close to the eastern edge of Cannes, sitting in quiet hills with panoramic views, and dotted with luxurious villas. It is an extension of Super Cannes and abuts Mougins at its northernmost edge.

Situated just inland from Cannes, Le Cannet was considered a part of Cannes until 1774 when it was separated administratively to become its own commune.

Built on the gentle slopes of seven hills the views of Cannes, the Bay of Cannes, the Islands of Lerins and the “sunset hills” of the Massif Estérel far to the west are breathtaking. The Mairie is proud of Le Cannet and maximises its advantages when it has the chance, most recently by developing a rough track following the contour from above the Old Town east towards Golfe Juan, a path used by the Romans (there are traces of Roman road), and more recently for a water pipeline, into what is now a lovely walk with numerous spectacular viewing points along its length.

We were fortunate to live in Le Cannet for a year when we first arrived in France and we discovered many of its charms in that year, including the old rough track which we refer to as the Roman Road which is much used by walkers, dog walkers, mountain bikers and us (runners). It is still used by all of the above, but there is less chance of twisting an ankle.

We also discovered the “Old Town” of Le Cannet and have been regulars there ever since. It is not frequented much by tourists although it has some notable attractions, among them some excellent restaurants – our favourite is “Le Coin Gourmet”, but a more recent addition is “La Villa Archange” in Rue Notre Dame des Anges owned by renowned chef Bruno Olger formerly of the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, and awarded two Michelin Stars in Le Cannet in 2011. There are many others and dining in Le Cannet is both a well kept secret delight, and affordable!

The Vieux Cannet is a maze of twisting narrow cobbled streets, chapels, artisan workshops, and beautiful 1900 villas surrounded by secret gardens away from the noise of the city. It is rich in culture and history and L’Eglise Sainte-Catherine built in 1556 is a treasure trove, as are Les Chapelles de Notre-Dame and Saint-Sauveur. Within the maze one stumbles across frescos and tromps l’oeils, including the Heritage Orange Tree fresco on the glorious open Place Bellevue showing the family tree of the 140 families from Italy who founded Le Cannet in 1441.

Perhaps the most visited attraction is the Musée Bonnard. Pierre Bonnard who died in 1947 lived and worked in Le Cannet and regularly walked the village streets and the Roman contour path for inspiration. Matisse described him as “the greatest amongst us”. 40 of his major works are on exhibition at the Museum until spring 2012, but the permanent exhibition is well worth a visit anyway.Situated just inland from Cannes, Le Cannet was considered a part of Cannes until 1774 when it was separated administratively to become its own commune.

Built on the gentle slopes of seven hills the views of Cannes, the Bay of Cannes, the Islands of Lerins and the “sunset hills” of the Massif Estérel far to the west are breathtaking. The Mairie is proud of Le Cannet and maximises its advantages when it has the chance, most recently by developing a rough track following the contour from above the Old Town east towards Golfe Juan, a path used by the Romans (there are traces of Roman road), and more recently for a water pipeline, into what is now a lovely walk with numerous spectacular viewing points along its length.

We were fortunate to live in Le Cannet for a year when we first arrived in France and we discovered many of its charms in that year, including the old rough track which we refer to as the Roman Road which is much used by walkers, dog walkers, mountain bikers and us (runners). It is still used by all of the above, but there is less chance of twisting an ankle.

We also discovered the “Old Town” of Le Cannet and have been regulars there ever since. It is not frequented much by tourists although it has some notable attractions, among them some excellent restaurants – our favourite is “Le Coin Gourmet”, but a more recent addition is “La Villa Archange” in Rue Notre Dame des Anges owned by renowned chef Bruno Olger formerly of the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, and awarded two Michelin Stars in Le Cannet in 2011. There are many others and dining in Le Cannet is both a well kept secret delight, and affordable!

The Vieux Cannet is a maze of twisting narrow cobbled streets, chapels, artisan workshops, and beautiful 1900 villas surrounded by secret gardens away from the noise of the city. It is rich in culture and history and L’Eglise Sainte-Catherine built in 1556 is a treasure trove, as are Les Chapelles de Notre-Dame and Saint-Sauveur. Within the maze one stumbles across frescos and tromps l’oeils, including the Heritage Orange Tree fresco on the glorious open Place Bellevue showing the family tree of the 140 families from Italy who founded Le Cannet in 1441.

Perhaps the most visited attraction is the Musée Bonnard. Pierre Bonnard who died in 1947 lived and worked in Le Cannet and regularly walked the village streets and the Roman contour path for inspiration. Matisse described him as “the greatest amongst us”. 40 of his major works are on exhibition at the Museum until spring 2012, but the permanent exhibition is well worth a visit anyway.