We Traveled To Cannes, A City Of Cinema And Culture
The attractions offered by the French city of Cannes are very numerous. Starting with its perfect location on the Côte d’Azur and continuing as the annual venue for the famous European international film festival, it is an idyllic place to plan a vacation. For this reason, we are going to reveal in detail all the possibilities that this unique place offers us.
The origins of Cannes
It is known that the city was formed as a fishing village in the 2nd century BC. C. to serve as a connection and port with the Lérins Islands. In the year 69 d. Cannes was the battlefield of a violent confrontation between Roman troops. Already in the 10th century, the city was known as Canua and a fortress began to be built.
Around 1530, Cannes became independent, and for centuries there were clashes for control of the Lérins Islands. With the passage of time, this metropolis will be modernized and in the 19th century the first railways arrive. In addition, various urban projects are concluded to improve the city.
Already entering the twentieth century, luxury hotels will appear and tourism is growing. With the founding of the Cannes Film Festival in 1946, it reached the category that it still maintains today: a city that supports the arts, that is filled with stars through its streets and that keeps much more to see inside.
What you can’t miss in Cannes
Many surprises await you in this city. Do you want to discover the places that you cannot miss? Join us for a short, but intense tour.
Le Suquet, the oldest neighborhood in Cannes
The old part of the city is situated on Mount Chevalier. Here you can breathe the authentic smell of traditional Provence, where the heart of Cannes is located, between narrow and winding streets where you can walk. In addition, you can still see the remains of the wall.
The castle of La Castre is one of the monuments that you can visit in this area. Today it is a museum with a wide collection of paintings and antiques, while a tour is offered to learn about the history of the city. Do not forget to climb the watchtower to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view.
Meynadier Street connects this charming neighborhood with the modern part. This road was for a long time the main one in the city. Now it is full of shops and restaurants and is one of the liveliest. On the tour you will see beautiful houses from the 18th century as you approach the most contemporary area, a truly eclectic mix.
The Boulevard de la Croisette
The Cannes promenade borders the bay and may be one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The red carpet of the Film Festival goes from the Palace of Festivals and Congresses of the city to the beginning of this boulevard. So walking around here will make you feel like a real star.
The best and most select Cannes hotels, exclusive luxury shops, yachts anchored in the bay and the parade of sophisticated cars is the usual setting. Let yourself be seduced by the glamor that takes over the environment. And go to the Palace of Festivals to see the handprints that great film personalities have left.
It is a space that every year, during the second half of May, becomes a parade of actors, directors and renowned stars of the seventh art. In this way, it is one more reason to add to the list of reasons to visit Cannes, which has become a film mecca. You cannot miss the walks along its fine sand beaches either.
The Lérins islands
A few minutes by boat are these islands, which belong to the French Riviera and are part of the history of Cannes. It is an unmissable excursion to delve into the past of the city. Especially noteworthy is Santa Margarita Island, famous for being here the Royal Fort, now converted into the Museum of the Sea.
This building was a fortress jail where, among other prisoners, the well-known ‘man in the iron mask’ was in the 17th century. This mysterious prisoner was imprisoned in the Bastille and later arrived on this island. The legend has inspired various writers who have contributed to the enigma, such as Alexander Dumas. Here you can visit his cell.
Likewise, in this museum you will enjoy beautiful views of the coastline. On the other hand, on the island of San Honorato you can visit the old Cistercian monastery, which was built in the 11th century. Its monastic community is still active today.
Our Lady of Hope, the oldest church in Cannes
We are in front of the parish church with the most history in the city, built between 1521 and 1641 after passing through various obstacles. This beautiful construction dominates the entire bay and can be visited daily. The main nave is surrounded by eight chapels on the sides that complete the building.
Be sure to admire its imposing bell tower, typical of the Provencal Gothic style. Take the opportunity to discover that Cannes holds many more treasures than meets the eye.
The old port
Not everything in Cannes is elegant dresses and eternal nights of partying. Get to know the old port, which was born as a place to fish and today has also become a leisure space. Although the structure has been transformed to accommodate all types of boats, it still has a picturesque and authentic appearance.
You can stroll along the Saint Pierre pier to find restaurants that offer freshly caught fish and seafood on their menu. At the top you will find the Forville market, a historic building with strong Provençal architecture. Inside, in addition to local products, antiques are also traded.
Cannes will dazzle you with its beautiful nature, its culture and its corners full of memory. Squares, alleys, large boulevards, beaches, luxurious villas and fashionable shops, the possibilities of the city are endless. Not surprisingly, it is one of the most recognized cities on the Côte d’Azur. And, if you want to continue the tour of the French Riviera, Nice is only 30 kilometers away.
