Cannes is a precious pearl of the Côte d'Azur, where the rich and famous flock. This city, first of all, is associated with luxury, big money, secular parties, trips on luxury yachts and other attributes of a beautiful life. But even in the 19th century, Cannes was a simple and unremarkable fishing village.
The city has a very tiny historical part, bounded by the Le Suquet quarter. However, even here there will be something for curious tourists to see. For entertainment you need to go to Rue Antibes and the Croisette. Gourmets should definitely go to one of the Michelin-starred restaurants to experience the haute couture cuisine. Well, for those who love sea walks, there is a direct road to the picturesque Lerinsky Islands.
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What to see and where to go in Cannes?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Cannes Film Festival
One of the most significant events in the world of auteur cinema - the Cannes Film Festival takes place at the Palais des Festivals and Congresses, which is located on the Croisette near the old port. Previously, this building housed a casino. Despite the worldwide fame and undeniable cultural value of this place, the architecture of the building does not cause admiration, since the palace looks like a monumental giant of the era of socialism.
Promenade Croisette
A promenade that runs along the coast of Cannes. The appearance of the Croisette was formed in the 19th century, it was laid on the site of an old road, known since the time of the Roman Empire. The promenade connects Cape Palm Beach and the Palace of Festivals and Congresses. Along the alley there are shops of famous designers, luxury hotels that accept only guests of the Festival de Cannes, restaurants and casinos.
Le Suquet Quarter
A small area near Mount Chevalier, which consists of only a few narrow streets. This place is also called the Old Town. There are several historical sights here: the Cathedral of Our Lady of Hope, the watchtower and the Château de la Cast with a museum. Le Suquet has several expensive restaurants with excellent cuisine that can please even discerning palates.
Old port
The old port is adjacent to the historic district of Le Suquet. It is a famous symbol of Cannes and the entire French Riviera. Today, there is a picturesque marina on its territory, where snow-white yachts and other, more modest ships are moored. Fishing boats leave the berths for a rich catch. Also, the Royal Regatta starts from here every year.
Rue Antibes
The main avenue of Cannes, where tourists can find boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops. This place has long been chosen by representatives of European and American bohemians; often you can see world famous stars here. Architecturally, Antibes is an ordinary street in a French city with stone facades stuck to each other, cobbled sidewalks and a narrow roadway.
Avenue of Stars
The alley is located near the Palace of Festivals and Congresses. It is a part of the sidewalk, where slabs with handprints of famous people are embedded. It will not even be immediately possible to notice it against the general background. In general, people do not show any "respect" for the stars: sellers put goods on the stove, passers-by every now and then pass by, which is why some of the prints are not in the best condition.
Forville Market
Forville is the most famous market on the French Riviera. It is visited by both ordinary people and chefs of gourmet restaurants to purchase fresh products for their culinary masterpieces. It seems that all the best is sold here: vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, cheeses and herbs look like in the picture just drawn. Bargaining is possible and necessary, but sellers often speak only French.
Museum de la Castres
The museum collection is located on the territory of the castle, built to protect the city from attacks from the sea. Archaeological, ethnographic and art exhibits are exhibited here. Visitors can see paintings by Cannes and Provencal artists, ancient artifacts from different parts of the world, statues, icons, calligraphy and many other interesting objects. There is another attraction at the entrance to the museum - the watchtower.
Maritime museum
The museum is located on the island of St. Margaret, a 20-minute boat ride from the coast of Cannes in the former building of the royal prison of Fort Royal. The collection is an exhibition of archaeological finds raised from the seabed and dating back to different time periods. There are also temporary photo exhibitions. Tourists will be interested in visiting the chamber of the mysterious prisoner known as the "Iron Mask".
Church of Our Lady of Hope
The temple is located in the historic quarter of Le Suquet. The building was erected at the beginning of the 17th century to meet the needs of the growing flock. The facade of the church is built in the Gothic style, the bell tower is in the older Romanesque style, and the gate has clear Renaissance features. The external and internal appearance of the temple is distinguished by restraint and even some modesty. A music festival is held here in summer.
Notre Dame de Beaune Voyage
The temple is located next to the Palais des Festivals and Congresses, a block from the Croisette. The first chapel was built on this site in the 16th century, at that time it was surrounded by poor fishing huts. The modern building was built in the second half of the 19th century. A famous historical event is associated with Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Voyage - Napoleon's triumphal march to Paris in 1815.
Archangel Michael Church
An Orthodox church built by the French architect L. Nouveau at the end of the 19th century. The building is located on Alexander III Boulevard. The church was erected on the initiative of Russian immigrants, since for a long time the only Orthodox parish operated in Cannes in the villa of the Russian aristocrat AF Tripa (Skripitsina), which could hardly accommodate everyone. The temple was built in the style of neo-Russian eclecticism.
Lerins abbey
The abbey is an important shrine of France; a considerable number of pilgrims come here. The monastery is located on the island of Saint-Honoré, about 3 km from Cannes. The complex consists of several dozen architectural objects: towers, fortresses, churches, outbuildings. The brothers are engaged in the cultivation of oranges, grapes and lavender. Many tourists come here for monastery wine and liquor.
Cemetery Gran Jas
It is quite typical for France that ancient cemeteries are becoming popular architectural sights. The Grand Jas necropolis in Cannes did not escape this fate either. Many famous personalities and war heroes are buried in this place. Its territory is divided into Anglo-Saxon, Italian, Russian and Jewish sections. The cemetery administration offers tourists the services of a tour guide.
Lerinsky Islands
Archipelago of the Côte d'Azur, consisting of two inhabited (St. Margaret and St. Honor) and several uninhabited islands. They were greasy back in the era of Ancient Rome. In the 5th century, Bishop Honorat of Arelatsky founded a monastery here. The islands can be reached by pleasure boat. Tourists come here to relax and enjoy the silence, beauty and peace of mind after the arrogant Cannes.
