The soul of Cannes
The historic district – Le Suquet – offers a number of beautiful and interesting experiences. It is here in the heart of old Cannes that the city shows its true soul with great contrast to modern life along the Croisette.
Medieval alleys show the way
The Suquet Quarter is reserved for pedestrians and there are several roads up to the top of Mont-Chevalier.
One of the most popular is the oldest road in Cannes – Rue Saint-Antoine. If you follow the road all the way up, you end up at Place du Suquet and from here you can start exploring the different experiences that are located at the top of Cannes.
If you want to go directly to the viewpoint at the La Castre Museum, take Rue du Mont Chevalier, which is only 50 meters from Rue Saint-Antoine.
Le Suquet’s attractions
Not far from Place du Suquet is Le Suquet des Artistes, a creative art environment, which is located, a little unusual, in the premises of the old mortuary in the city. It is dedicated to the city’s own artists and you can, on the 850 sqm among other things, experience the works of 4 renowned artists: Oliver Domin, Richard Ferri-Pisani, Grégory Berben and Olivia Paroldi.
Going east towards the harbor, you come to two very interesting sights: Cannes’ oldest church from 1642, Notre-Dame d’Espéreance and the Museum of World Discovery La Castre.
From Place du Suquet, you can either take the “Hurtigruten”, via the stairs de la Tour or the more worthwhile route via Rue du Pré and Rue Louis Perrissol.
See the image gallery at the end of the article.
A little history
Like so many other cities along the south coast, Le Suquet’s history begins with the Ligurians.
It was in all probability the Ligurians who were the first settlers on the hill (Le Suquet), as well as the island of Saint-Marguerite.
Ancient archeological finds from the 1970s testify to a fortified habitat in the 6th century BC.
These strategic fortifications also fell in the interest of the Romans during their expeditions. At the top of Le Suquet stood a Roman fortified post called Castrum (current name Castre). The Romans left France in the year 486 and approx. 500 years later, in the year 1000, the monks from the islands of Lérins took over this Castrum.
The monks expanded and strengthened the fortifications with the construction of the tower and the ramparts and until the end of the 15th century, the monks are closely connected with Le Suquet.
From the year 1500 the town is transformed into a municipality and the monks escape Le Suquet and gather around the monastery on the island of Saint-Honorat.
Construction on the church of Notre-Dame d’Espérance began in 1521, but it was not completed until 1642 due to wars and the great plague epidemic. During World War II, the church served as a temporary hospital.
In the square in front of the church, the annual music event in July “Nuits musicales du Suquet” is held today.
By Tommy Sverre – 2022
Photo gallery from Le Suquet:
Rue du Suquet
Place du Suquet
Place du Suquet
Rue du Perrissol
Rue du Perrissol
Church Notre-Dame d'Esperance with the Romanesque tower from 1642
Place de la Castre
View from Place de la Castre
- All
- Art
- Boat trips
- Castles and palaces
- Churches & chapels
- Events
- Excursions
- Markets
- Monuments
- Museums
- Ports & Islands
- Squares & Promenades
Monuments Statue of Lord Brougham – Cannes’ “father”
Few have meant as much to Cannes as the English aristocrat and politician Lord Henry Brougham, whose statue adorns the basin of the avenue de la Liberté.
Events The International Film Festival in Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival is known worldwide and one of the most important film awards in the film industry. Was founded in 1939 and can celebrate its 76th birthday this year.
Art Cannes Underwater Museum
Cannes has got France’s first underwater museum, which is wildly fascinating in every way. 6 great sculptures below the sea surface connect…
Boat trips Boat trips to Lérins Islands
If you want to visit the fantastic islands of Lérins, Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, you can sail there from Nice, Cannes and Golfe-Juan respectively.
Castles and palaces Fort Royal & “The Man with the Iron Mask”
At Fort Royal, the legendary Man with the Iron Mask was imprisoned for 11 years. Today, the fort houses the Cannes Sea Museum and is a city-must-xee gem.
Squares & Promenades La Croisette Promenade
The promenade at La Croisette is one of the most valued experiences in Cannes – it is the gathering point for mythical hotels, the casino, the Film Festival and…
Art La Malmaison Art Center
Great art welcomes you in historic premises that used to be part of the Grand Hotel. In 1863, when the hotel was built, this building served as a games room and tea room.
Excursions Excursions Cannes
Cannes is much more than the Croisette and the International Film Festival. With Cannes excursions you can experience Cannes from the Mediterranean
Art Bellini Chapel
This beautiful chapel completely surprises, filled with art and dedicated to one of Cannes’ beloved artists, Emmanuel Bellini.
Markets Forville Market
With its 3000 m2 and approx. 50 stalls, the market invites you inside to some of the best the Riviera has to offer in Provencal and Italian …
Museums Cannes Sea Museum
Cannes Sea Museum, Musée de la Mer, is located on the small island of Sainte-Marguerite. It is located in a unique historic setting in the old Fort Royal.
Boat trips Lérins Islands
Just a stone’s throw from La Croisette, on the opposite side of the Bay of Cannes, are the islands of Lérins. They consist of 4 islands, of which île Saint-Marguerite …
Art Musée de la Castre
Located high on top of Le Suquet, in the medieval castle originally inhabited by the monks of Lérins, the Museum of World Discovery overlooks the Croisette.
