Cannes carries a reputation built on red carpets, luxury yachts, and the glittering Croisette, but beneath that glamorous surface lies a surprisingly deep and layered history. Long before the film festival arrived in 1946, this stretch of the French Riviera was shaped by medieval monks, fortified castles, Roman trade routes, and a 19th-century influx of European aristocracy. Exploring the historic side of Cannes offers a completely different perspective on a city often reduced to its modern-day glamour.
For travellers who associate Cannes only with shopping and celebrity spotting, the old quarters and surrounding hills provide a refreshing counterpoint. The city’s heritage is remarkably accessible, with many sites located within walking distance of the Vieux Port or a short ferry ride away. Whether you have a half-day between business meetings or a full week of leisure, the area’s historic landmarks reveal the authentic Provençal and Mediterranean roots of the region.
Understanding Cannes historically also enriches the overall travel experience. The winding cobblestone lanes of Le Suquet, the fortified monastery on Île Saint-Honorat, and the 11th-century watchtowers along the coast tell a story of monastic power, maritime defence, and aristocratic reinvention. These are not mere photo stops; they are places where you can trace the evolution of a small fishing village into an international destination.
Because the Riviera attracts millions of visitors annually, many historic sites can become crowded, especially between June and September. Planning visits for early mornings or late afternoons often means cooler temperatures, softer light for photography, and a more contemplative atmosphere. Many of the most rewarding sites are also free to explore, which makes Cannes surprisingly accessible for history-focused travellers on a budget.
Local museums and guided walking tours offer deeper context for the architecture and artefacts you encounter. The Musée des Explorations du Monde, housed in a former castle, and the small chapels scattered across the hills provide curated insights into the region’s artistic and religious heritage. Reading even a brief history of the Lérins Islands before visiting will dramatically improve your appreciation of the landscape.
The following selection focuses on sites with genuine historical, architectural, or cultural significance rather than modern attractions. Each entry highlights what makes the location historically important, practical visiting details, and why it deserves a place on a thoughtful Cannes itinerary.
Le Suquet, quartier historique de Cannes
| Address | 16 Rue Saint-Dizier, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Le Suquet is the historic heart of Cannes and one of the most charming areas to explore in the city. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, local restaurants, and historic charm, it offers a completely different experience from the glamorous side of Cannes. Walking up the hill through the old town leads to beautiful views over the harbor, the Mediterranean, and the city below. The area has a relaxed village atmosphere and gives visitors a glimpse into Cannes’ history and authentic character. It is a must visit for anyone wanting to experience the charm beyond the beaches and luxury boutiques.
We spent time exploring Le Suquet, the historic old town of Cannes and the birthplace of the city. The neighborhood is known for its narrow winding streets, colorful buildings, and hillside location overlooking the harbor and the Bay of Cannes. Walking through Le Suquet gave us a glimpse of Cannes before it became a world-famous resort destination. With its charming atmosphere, local shops, and beautiful viewpoints, it was easy to see why this area remains popular historic part of the city.
The old quarter is charming and worth the climb to the viewpoints including the large Cannes sign.
A perfect place to wander, take photos, and enjoy the unique French Riviera atmosphere. Highly recommended!
This part of the city is definitely worth a visit, though you should be prepared for a fair number of stairs. The view from the top is spectacular, and along the old winding streets you’ll even find hidden gems, including some friendly cats.
Fort Royal de l'Île Sainte-Marguerite
| Address | Cannes - Île Sainte-Marguerite, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM |
| Phone | 04 89 82 26 26 |
Off in the distance, I could see Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite, a historic fortress rising above the shoreline. As I admired the view, I learned about its most famous prisoner, the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. In 1687, an unidentified prisoner was brought to the fort under heavy guard and kept in strict isolation. Although popular stories describe him wearing an iron mask, historical records suggest it was more likely made of black velvet. His true identity was never revealed, giving rise to centuries of speculation that he may have been a nobleman, a political rival, or even a secret relative of King Louis XIV. The prisoner was later transferred to the Bastille in Paris, where he died in 1703. The mystery surrounding his identity, combined with the fort's beautiful Mediterranean setting, made Fort Royal one of the most fascinating landmarks I encountered on the French Riviera.
I am deeply disappointed by the way I was treated during our visit to Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite today.
We had already purchased our tickets, but were informed that dogs were not allowed inside the museum. That was absolutely fine. My husband went inside while I stayed behind with our small dog, who was heavily panting in the heat, and I waited quietly in the shaded entrance area.
A staff member, whose name I was told was Zineb, immediately insisted that I had to leave the shaded waiting area and stand outside in 32°C heat. I am heavily pregnant, and our dog was clearly struggling with the temperature. There was no empathy, no attempt to find a reasonable solution, and no kindness whatsoever.
I then moved outside and sat quietly on the steps for just a few minutes while waiting for my husband. Shortly afterwards, the same staff member instructed another employee to tell me that I wasn’t even allowed to sit there and had to move somewhere else. I was causing absolutely no disturbance—I was simply waiting.
I travel frequently and have visited many museums and historical sites around the world, but I have never experienced such a complete lack of compassion or basic human decency. Rules are understandable, but the way they are enforced says everything about an institution.
This experience completely overshadowed what should have been a beautiful visit. I sincerely hope the management addresses how visitors are treated, especially vulnerable guests such as pregnant women and families with pets.
I cannot recommend visiting if this is the level of customer service and humanity that visitors can expect.
Amazing spot when you want to clear up your mind and stay away from busy towns. Only around 20 minutes from Cannes by ferry and very well priced as well. So beautiful nature on the island will amazed anyone! This is must see spot if you are staying in Cannes.
Very beautiful place. Just note for swimming, there are a lot of rocks you will be walking on.
Well worth paying for the museum entry with the visit to the fort, the fort itself is free to wander around but it's the museum you have to pay a small amount for, it's in the museum that you get to visit the cells and the place where the man in the iron mask was held.
All information was in both French and English which is fairly rare with French attractions we have found.
Castillo del Castre
| Address | 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
Great view from the top of the castle. You need to buy a ticket to the museum to get access to the tower which gives you a 360 view over Cannes. It was 6,5 € Full price with discount under 26. Highly recommend
Good but not enough information in place about the museum, also museum’s site is down/not working. Decided not to buy tickets because of this uncertainty.
Nice grounds around the castle. Beautiful views of Cannes from the top. Easy 5-7 min walk up the hill from town. Google maps know the way.
This is also where sign “Cannes” is at. I went early in the morning and had it all to myself.
To enter the main tower you must purchase a ticket to the museum. The museum is quite interesting showing colonial art and temporary exhibitions. The tower enables you to see the whole city from up top. Definitely check it out if you happen to be close by.
This castle has a museum within which is amazing. Artefacts and paintings and lovely staff, as well as a tower with beautiful views.
Musée du Masque de fer et du Fort Royal
| Address | Ile Sainte Marguerite, 1 Place Bernard Cornut-Gentille, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM, 2:15 – 4:45 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM, 2:15 – 4:45 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM, 2:15 – 4:45 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM, 2:15 – 4:45 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM, 2:15 – 4:45 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 1:15 PM, 2:15 – 4:45 PM |
| Phone | 04 89 82 26 26 |
Definitely worth the visit if you like history. The entrance only €6.50. You also will be able to take the best shots as it placed at the highest point on the island.
Small, but nicely layout museum in connection with the prison. You can visit both for free if you pay the entrance to the castle. To the left you ha e the possibility to visit the prison cells, not to compare with any of the other islands prisons I have visited though, but the cells are beautifully decorated with wall paintings depicting two of the most important events in the islands long history. Ground floor is history. First floor is an exhibition room dedicated special collabs with artists. A great stop when you are visiting Cannes or the South of France in general.
Interesting museum about the real man in the iron mask and the prison he was kept in for part of his time in captivity. The museum also has an exhibit about Roman shipwrecks and some recovered artefacts. Upstairs there was an art installation made with recycled plastic waste.
It doesn't take too long to visit the entire museum, there is also a small aquarium included in the entry ticket but this is closed between 1300 and 1400 so I wasn't able to visit while I was there. However, the castle and the island of St. Marguerite is definitely worth a visit even just for a walk amongst the trees and around the lake on the western end of the island.
Absolutely a fun visit... recommend. We landed at the Ferry Dock and then walked up the hill to Fort Royal. It was fun to explore the fort and see the views from the walls.
It is one of the must see of the island. Its not very big so you can very well visit the whole thing in around 2 hours. But the small aquarium only opens on Friday. There is also a free guided visit in French, just ask the person at the entrance and they will tell you. From here you can definitely take some panorama photos of Cannes too
Ménhir de Cannes
| Address | Av. de la Gare du Funiculaire, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
A very beautiful place, with a pleasant view of Cannes.
Unless I'm mistaken, this is not a menhir but a dolmen...
It's a shame it's abandoned.
Abbaye de Lérins
| Address | Cannes - Île Saint-Honorat, 06414 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 92 99 54 20 |
A unique and peaceful place – well worth the visit
There isn’t much on the island besides the Abbey, but it’s absolutely worth seeing. It’s a quiet, spiritual place with history. If you're interested in Christianity, history, wine, or just discovering something off the beaten path, this is a fascinating stop.
You might even get the chance to speak with the monks, which adds a meaningful touch to the experience. From an entertainment point of view, there may not be much to "do," but it's a great place to reflect and enjoy the natural beauty – including beaches, rocky coastlines, and beautiful views. There’s also a restaurant on the island. One important note: there are no trash bins, so you'll need to take any garbage back with you.
Ferries run every hour from Cannes and back, making it very easy to plan a day trip. I definitely recommend visiting
Magnificent and peaceful place! The abbey is surrounded by lush greenery, which makes it well worth a visit if you're in Cannes
I loved this island more than the main/bigger one. It is quieter, more serene and more beautiful in my opinion. I enjoyed a good hike around the whole island along the ocean. Monks run and maintain the whole place, there’s also a shop with their own wine if you fancy something special. Food choices are limited on the island, but I did enjoy a great lunch at the restaurant with ocean view and ocean breeze.
The island is SO beautiful. Easy boat ride from Cannes. The island is not big but a perfect place to spend a few hours, you can even bring some lunch and have a picnic, just a note that you have to hold on to your trash since you cannot leave any trash on the island so bring an extra bag if you bring snacks or anything. The views and surroundings are so beautiful and very peaceful. They actually have a big outdoor restaurant, we didn’t try it but looked decent.
Beautiful, spiritual, simple, lovely staff, delicious food & very fresh crispy wine.
Église Notre-Dame d'Espérance de Cannes
| Address | 1 Rue de la Castre, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 97 06 16 75 |
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance is a beautiful historic church located on Le Suquet hill, the oldest district of Cannes. The church offers a peaceful escape from the busy streets below and features stunning architecture, beautiful stone details, and incredible views over the city, harbor, and Mediterranean from its surroundings. The atmosphere inside is calm and reflective, making it a wonderful place to visit for both its history and its beauty. The walk up through the charming old streets of Le Suquet makes the experience even more memorable.
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance de Cannes is an old church on the hilltop of Cannes. One has to climb some way stiff. From the top, beautiful views of Cannes city, port and beach can be enjoyed. history.
It is a quiet church, ideal for calmness. The architecture is good.
Iconic church which overlook Cannes' Bay and located in the heart of Le Suquet, it was built in 1627 when the town had barely a thousand inhabitants ... but it was only completed in 1641 !
Its construction lasted over a century and was constantly interrupted by invasions and outbreaks of plague. Since then, it has replaced the former Sainte-Anne Chapel, which was then considered too small and is now part of the Castre Museum. A single nave with four bays flanked by eight side chapels and a semicircular chancel constitute the main part of its mediocre interior decoration. It is particularly distinguished by its entrance portal and its bell tower, erected as an extension of the facade on a postern gate of the old fortified castle walls.
Église Notre-Dame d’Espérance in Cannes is a true piece of historic art, standing proudly atop Le Suquet with breathtaking views of the city and sea. The church’s charming architecture and serene atmosphere make it an ideal escape from the bustling streets below. Whether you’re admiring the intricate details of the interior or enjoying the peaceful courtyard, it’s a place where hours pass without even noticing. The tranquil setting makes it perfect for reading, reflecting, or simply taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Beautiful old church on top of the hill where the origin of Cannes begin. Nowadays a beautiful square with a great view over Cannes. The pines on the square create a welcome shadow on a hot summer day.
You can visit the church and/or castle by foot (either walking up the road or taking stairs) but this place is also visited by the tourist train which starts at Palais de Congres.
Villa Domergue
| Address | 15 Av. Fiesole, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | 04 97 06 45 21 |
Garden is awesome, really beautiful place. Villa honestly.. I was expecting more. Fast 20min visit, inside besides few nice paints.. actually nothing wow. Problem with parking so if someone’s coming with car try to find place before
Lovely and very romantic place! Highly recommended 💛💛💛 Nice to see beautiful villa and amazing garden. The view over Cannes is just super. Great sightseeing spot without a lot of tourists for romantic atmosphere.
Small garden but peaceful and there is a nice view. For the art lovers there is a small exhibition (Man Ray last time I went)
Beautiful view and scenery. . . Quite peaceful and not too far from the place we stayed
Photos do not correspond to what it looks like, the photos with sculptures and paintings are just exhibitions (not permanent). It’s also very expensive for a poorly curated garden and most parts are often inaccessible, very disappointing experience …
Cannes Walk of Fame
| Address | 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The Cannes Walk of Fame, located near the Palais des Festivals, is a fun and unique stop for movie lovers visiting the city. Inspired by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it features handprints and signatures of famous actors, directors, and filmmakers who have been honored during the Cannes Film Festival. It is a great place to walk around, search for your favorite celebrities, and appreciate the connection between Cannes and the world of cinema. While it is not a large attraction, it is a memorable photo stop and a reminder of the city’s role as one of the most important film destinations in the world.
Not sure why expected anything more than hand prints from people I've never met lol. It's worth a little stroll, if your in the area, the other strange part is taking pictures on the red carpet...people were lining up like they were are the post office 🤣
After the famous film festival, the hall is going through renovation probably and also the walk of fame is not fully accessible. Only few plaques with hands prints are visible to touch and take a photo with.
So much fun walking around the hand prints. Love that you can put your hand in the prints and see how small your hand is compared to some famous celebrities. I did that with Sylvester Stallon. It was a lot of fun.
It was fascinating to see the handprints of some of my all-time favourite movie stars at the Cannes Walk of Fame.
Standing there and recognising names you’ve watched on screen for years feels surprisingly special and a bit surreal at the same time. It’s a fun little stop, especially if you love movies and cinema history.
Monument aux Morts de Cannes - Vieux port
| Address | 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 97 06 40 00 |
I'm Indonesian Citizen holiday trip to see Cannes Film Festival near Monument Aux Morts de Cannes,
This place is a must-visit place when in Cannes, the afternoon is a good time to just relax while walking and enjoying local restaurants.
This war memorial is a tribute to all the soldiers who died in the First World War. It features a bronze group of four figures: an aviator, two infantrymen, and a sailor carrying on a shield a winged Victory holding a laurel wreath in one hand and an olive branch in the other. It’s beautiful both day and night - a place to pause, appreciate what we have, and remember those who gave their lives for it.
The Monument aux Morts in Cannes is a solemn and moving memorial dedicated to the soldiers who died during the World Wars. As I stood before it, I was struck by the powerful yet simple design, with a tall, elegant stone column topped by a statue of a soldier. The monument is located in a peaceful spot near the Old Port, offering a moment of reflection amid the bustle of the city. The names inscribed on the monument serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made, and walking around it, I could sense the deep respect and remembrance that locals and visitors alike hold for those who gave their lives for freedom.
Nice monument.
It is the city's main memorial dedicated to the fallen of the First World War, located in the city center.
The monument was chosen through a citizens' competition (1922) and inaugurated on November 11, 1927; the sculptor is Albert Cheuret.
The group depicts four soldiers (two infantrymen, an aviator, and a sailor) triumphantly carrying Victory on a shield.
The dates of the major battles are inscribed on the eight sides of the base, and bronze plaques bear the names of the fallen; the city's coat of arms also appears on the bronze plinth, with decorative elements (palm trees and roses).
Château d'eau
| Address | 12 Av. du Château d'Eau, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
No view at all. Google maps guide you up roads which are not safe. Not anything to see here and you can even go through the gate at the water tower.
Beautiful water reservoir at the top of a hill.
It's a water tower. Forget about it.
A peaceful spot overlooking Cannes. The view from north to south is magnificent.
A symbolic and unmissable place to visit in Super Cannes.
Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes
| Address | Palais des festivals et des congrès de Cannes, 1 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 92 99 84 00 |
We were at Cannes just 2 days before the Great Cannes Festival, so there were barricades everywhere and there was no Red Carpet. But ofcourse it felt amazing to be there and guess, ya that was the spot where the actors were seen posing for photos.
Felt amazing!
The Palais des Festivals is not about polished luxury — it’s about power, presence, and global relevance.
Yes, parts of the building feel dated. But that becomes irrelevant the moment you step onto the Croisette side and feel the pulse of the Cannes Film Festival. This is where the world’s most influential voices in film, media, and culture converge — where careers shift, deals close, and stories move from idea to global stage.
The iconic red carpet isn’t just a photo moment — it’s a symbol. Being here means you’re in the room where it happens.
Come for the energy, the access, and the undeniable sense that something important is always unfolding inside.
Not the most beautiful venue — but arguably one of the most powerful.
Great experience at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès while attending World AI Cannes Festival. The venue is modern, well organized, and perfectly located by the harbor. It’s exciting to be in such an iconic place. Definitely worth a visit when in Cannes!
Attended the 79th Cannes Film Festival and spent 10 days at the Palais. The venue is well organized despite the huge crowds.
One tip that many first-time attendees don’t seem to know: if you already have your QR code and your passport/ID, you can use the self-service badge machines to print and collect your accreditation yourself.
On the first day, the badge pickup queues were extremely long, but the self-service kiosks made the process much faster. Definitely worth knowing before you arrive.
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cannes and a must-see for movie lovers. Standing on the famous red carpet steps and seeing the place where the Cannes Film Festival takes place is a memorable experience. The line to take photos on the steps can be very long, and we waited almost an hour, so plan accordingly if you want that classic Cannes photo. Even with the wait, it was exciting to see such a legendary location connected to so many famous films, actors, and international events. The surrounding area is beautiful, with the harbor, waterfront, and La Croisette nearby, making it a great stop while exploring Cannes.
Les Murs Peints - Marilyn Monroe
| Address | 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | — |
| Phone | — |
There was no missing the Marilyn Monroe Painted Wall in Cannes. The massive black-and-white portrait covers the entire side of a building at 16 Boulevard d'Alsace, making it one of the most striking murals in the city. As we continued our challenge of finding Cannes' famous painted walls, this one immediately caught our attention. Part of the city's collection of cinema-themed murals, it pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe, one of Hollywood's most enduring stars, and celebrates Cannes' long-standing connection to the world of film.
A stunning homage to Marilyn Monroe, reminding everyone in Cannes of her timeless charm!
Beautiful wall mural located right next to the train station—an excellent photo spot! The easiest way to capture it from the best angle is to take the elevator inside the station up to the 3rd (top) floor. From there, you’ll have the perfect view for photos just like the one shown.
Great day walking around Cannes!
Beautiful tribute, iconic mural
Le Chemin Des Etoiles
| Address | Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The place was great with a good atmosphere. they were many few star hands on the floor even the film stars, I’ve never heard of.
Good to see famous actors hand prints on the floor.
Nothing special. The building is old, unsightly...it survives thanks to its old glory
The hand prints don't seem to be very taken care (example: some of the them had rails on top of them so we could not appreciate them, those rails could have been stored a bit further away from the hand prints) also the hand prints could have a plaque beneath with the name of the stars as some of them are not perceived as they are signed by the stars.
Great looking for the top stars - just like the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. There's a lot more than you expect so keep following the trail. Our favourites were Meryl Streep and Ben Kinsley.
Monument Leduc, fountain
| Address | 06400 Cannes |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful
A very nice monument in a small square. It shows a horse in a race. On each side of the horse there is a sculpture of naked men trying to hold the horse back. The sculpture itself is placed on a very unusual and interesting pedestal. The sculpture was placed in this place 100 years ago and is surrounded by Mediterranean succulents and other decorative plants. The sculpture itself is a bit out of the way and goes unnoticed by tourists and visitors.
The plaster cast was originally made by the sculptor Le Duc in 1914, where he was awarded, while the plaster was stored during the war.
The cast, however, was made in 1926 by Alexis Rudier, who is considered its final creator, while the base was made by Silvestre Auniac, a sculptor in Cannes.
The sculpture was offered to the city of Cannes in 1927 by Mrs. Le Duc, widow of the original artist, and is currently located on Place Merimee, in the 6th arrondissement of Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) and more specifically in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
The bronze sculpture represents a jumping horse while being held by 2 naked men, one on each side. The red stone pedestal consists of a platform supported in front by 2 octagonal columns and at the back by a block embedded in a pile of rocks.
This sculpture, entitled "Free Race in Rome-The Winner's Cover", is inspired by the horses of Marly, the work of Guillaume 1er Coustou.
Tips for Visiting Historic Sites in Cannes
Making the most of Cannes’s historic landmarks requires a little planning, especially if you are balancing sightseeing with beach time, business commitments, or festival events. These practical tips will help you navigate the area efficiently, avoid common frustrations, and gain a richer understanding of the sites you visit.
-
Start with Le Suquet early in the morning. The old town’s narrow lanes are quietest before 10:00 a.m., and the morning light over the bay is ideal for photography. You can combine a visit to the Notre-Dame d’Espérance church with a walk down to the Marché Forville, which is liveliest before noon.
-
Book the Lérins Islands ferry in advance during summer. The boats to Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat fill quickly between June and August. The first departure of the day gives you cooler walking conditions and a quieter experience at the Fort Royal and the monastery.
-
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Many historic areas, including Le Suquet, the Lérins island trails, and the hillside roads around La Californie, involve steep inclines, uneven cobblestones, or unpaved paths. Fashionable Riviera sandals are rarely practical for a full day of heritage sightseeing.
-
Check museum opening days and seasonal closures. Several smaller museums and chapels in Cannes close on Mondays or operate reduced hours outside the summer season. A quick check of official websites or a call ahead can save you a wasted trip, especially for sites like the Musée des Explorations du Monde.
-
Use public transport for hillside and outlying sites. The Palm Bus network connects central Cannes with La Bocca, La Californie, and other historic neighbourhoods. For the Villa Domergue or the Musée Bonnard in Le Cannet, buses are often faster and less stressful than driving and searching for parking.
-
Respect the active religious communities. Île Saint-Honorat remains a working Cistercian monastery. Visitors are welcome in designated areas, but modest dress and quiet behaviour are expected, particularly inside the church and cloister. The monks also produce wine and liqueurs, which make thoughtful, locally historic souvenirs.
-
Combine historic visits with local food traditions. The Marché Forville and the small restaurants in Le Suquet offer a direct link to Cannes’s fishing-village past. Sampling socca, pan bagnat, or a simple plate of local anchovies connects the city’s culinary heritage to the streets where it developed.
Cannes rewards visitors who look past the contemporary gloss and take time to understand its layered past. Walking through Le Suquet at dusk, standing inside the Fort Royal’s ancient cells, or sitting quietly in the abbey church on Île Saint-Honorat offers a depth of experience that no beach club or boutique can replicate. The contrast between old and new is precisely what makes Cannes compelling.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning Riviera regular, the city’s historic sites provide a meaningful counterbalance to its glamorous reputation. They remind us that long before the first film screened at the Palais des Festivals, Cannes was already a place of refuge, faith, defence, and artistic inspiration. Exploring that heritage turns a simple coastal holiday into a genuine cultural journey.
