A Day in Cannes

Before our stop in Cannes, all I knew about the city was that it hosts a fabulous film festival every summer and serves as a playground for the rich and famous. To be honest, after spending a day there, I still don’t know much more than that.   I think that one needs more than a day in Cannes to really discover the city and surrounding area.

Located along the French Riviera in the southeast of France, Cannes rests between the Mediterranean Sea in front and the Alps just behind. It's easy to see why this scenic town became a popular vacation spot for the wealthy.

When we first arrived in port it was raining. We grabbed our umbrella and jackets and headed for the tenders that would take us to shore. 

We walked along the seaside boardwalk called the Croisette. This 2-kilometer walk took us past the marina, with its million-dollar yachts, and along the shore lined with luxury hotels and boutiques.

Along this stretch, we came upon the Palais des Festivals and the Walk of Fame. This is the location where, during the summer festival, one might catch a glimpse of a movie star or two. Since we weren’t there at that time of year, we had to settle for seeing the place from the outside. We also enjoyed spending a few moments checking out the Walk of Fame to see whose handprints we recognized.

Walking through the old town, called Le Suquet, was very enjoyable.  This area is a maze of narrow streets that are filled with shops and cafes. As Cannes was built on the hillside we had to navigate some hills, but in doing so, it allowed us to get away from the busier part of Le Suquet and enjoy some quieter, more picturesque spots.

Built on top of the hill in Le Suquet, stands Chateau de la Castre, a medieval castle that was built by monks in the 11th century. This fortified castle overlooks the harbour and town below. After being damaged in the 16th century, and partially demolished in the  18th century, the town of Cannes aquired the buildings in 1919 and the castle now hosts a museum.

The Church on the castle grounds, called Eglise Notre-Dame de l'Esperance, was built in the 15th and 16th century, and is the most significant church in Cannes.  During World War II this church was used as a hospital. Today, it is still used as a place of worship, and is also a main tourist attraction.  The views from on top of the hill are breathtaking.

As with so many of the places we have visited on this trip, I look forward to coming back to this area in the future when I can spend more time exploring and getting to know more about this area.