Cannes is best known for glitz and glamor and the famous film festival that’s held here in May each year. But, away from the hubbub, it also has a beautiful old district, called le Suquet.
Le Suquet was an old fishing village. The fishermen’s’ houses in the narrow winding streets are more than a hundred years old. This area became the property of the monks of the Iles de Lérins in the 11th century and they built the Château de la Castre which dates from 1088.
The largest part of le Suquet is pedestrianized so you can enjoy the small shops and the wonderful aromas that comes from the restaurants. The most famous street is the Rue St Antoine, with many restaurants, old stairs and a romantic atmosphere, it’s a great place to enjoy dinner when the air starts to cool as the sun sets.
Next to the Château, you will find a church on a perched hill, called the Notre Dame de l’Esperance. From this high point among the flowering oleanders, you have stunning views over Cannes, the port and if the weather is clear, the islands of Iles de Lérins, surrounded by sparkling sea.
Near Le Suquet, in the Rue Dr P Gazagnaire, you will find the market called Marché Forville, (Rue Félix Faure). Here, from early morning to early afternoon, Tuesday to Sunday, you can buy local products such as vegetables, fruit, fresh fish and delicious cheese.
On weekends there is a wonderful flea market near the port the Marché des allées de la Liberté, with beautiful (designer) pieces, old books, arts and clothes.
The difference between the jet set life of Cannes down the hill and the charm of the medieval streets at the top is immense – and both are well worth enjoying…
By Darina Nykl who lives in Holland where she works in a hospital and is an author. She blogs about the stories she is writing which are mostly set in Amsterdam, Paris, Provence and the Cote d’Azur, places that inspire her: darinanykl.com
