Vieux-Cannet plunges its visitors into a typical Provençal atmosphere, with its narrow streets, tiny squares, colourful ochre and yellow façades and flower-clad balconies. Stroll along under a clear blue sky, enjoying the song of the cicadas.
In the older parts of Vieux-Cannet you will also discover many fountains. For a long time they constituted the hamlets' only source of water supply, and as such became the soul of Mediterranean villages throughout Provence. These fountains and the communal village washhouses were an essential part of everyday life and a favourite spot for the exchanging of news.
The oldest fountains, which were probably built before Le Cannet became a permanent settlement, include the fontaine de Perée in quartier Sainte-Catherine (it was built towards the end of the 16th century and now no longer exists) and the Fontaine des Calvys, set in the village square. The spout of the latter bears a small orifice making it possible to drink straight from the fountain. Blocking the spout causes the water to spring out of the hole and straight into the drinker's mouth.
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The vegetation of Le Cannet can rival with that of Giono or Pagnol's Provence. It is filled with plane trees, much appreciated for the shade provided by their dense foliage, pine trees and hackberries, elegant trees that produce small red non-edible fruit.
There are also many olive trees, emblematic of Provence and the South of France. The unique shape and colour of the leaves of these famous and majestic trees are a source of inspiration for table fabric (tablecloths, place settings) and household objects. Its fruit, the olive, produces perfumed oil and is used in the preparation of culinary specialities such as tapenade, a thick and homogeneous olive paste much appreciated in the Midi as an aperitif.
The traditional Bitter Orange tree is also an essential part of Le Cannet. Its delicately scented flowers produce wonderful perfumes. Its fruit is used to make a delicious jam as well as a sweet wine known as "vin d'orange". You can taste it on a visit to one of the two associations of the town's old families (for more information call +33 (0)4 92 18 21 66), or even make it yourself:
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The market at place Jean Jaurès
Every Tuesday from 8 am to 1 pm, this square, set in the heart of Cannet Centre and daily used by locals to play pétanque, is taken over by the market. Come and enjoy its friendly atmosphere as you stroll amongst its thirty or so stands selling everything from food (fruit, vegetables and fish), to clothes (for men, women and children), shoes, cosmetics, bedclothes, plants and flowers, and also handicraft - with the faithful chair stuffer who is present all year round.
Every Tuesday from 8 am to 1 pm.
The market at place Foch in Rocheville
The two markets which occupy this square are immersed in the local atmosphere with its identity, its traditions and its agitation. On Sunday mornings, not only the Cannettans and Rochevillois, but also people from the neighbouring towns stream in, searching for bargains, bazaar articles, clothes and accessories.
On Thursday mornings, especially on sunny days, go and savour the authentic atmosphere of the food market, and particularly its tasty products!
Every Thursday, food market: open from 8 am to 1 pm.
Le Cannet, one of the first stages of the Route Napoléon, is located 3 km away from the beaches and ports of Cannes and nestled at the heart of seven hills. Its heights offer a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean, from the Iles des Lérins to the massif de l'Estérel, a panorama which provided the town with fame and success very early on.
It was partly the beauty of its landscapes that caused 19th century guide books to include Le Cannet in the walking circuits they suggested to winter visitors. The Conty guide book states for example: "The view from place Bellevue, in the centre of the land, is incomparable. As far as the eye can stretch, every sight is enchanting. Here nature has provided, for the delight of your eyes, its most brilliant splendours".
Sitting at the table of one vieux-Cannet's restaurants in place Bellevue is like resting on a private terrace facing the sea... In the peaceful atmosphere of Le Cannet, far from the agitation of the coast, take a moment to enjoy a gourmet break. Here, as in most Cannet establishments, the very name of the dishes served bears the stamp of the South: anchoïade (anchovy puree), tapenade, pissaladière niçoise, fougasse, fava beans, mille-feuille made with Provençal vegetables, Provençal tarts, socca, panisse, fish soup, red mullet or scorpion fish fillets, loin of lamb, daube provençale, petits farcis, polenta, cannelés, fruit carpaccio, Provençal apple tart served with lavender honey...
Spending a winter in Le Cannet is like enjoying a second spring...
With 2,959 hours of sunshine, the equivalent of 123 sunny days, Le Cannet is a town synonymous with good living, much appreciated by visitors and tourists for its pleasant climate.
It owes its fame to Doctor Pietra Santa who was sent there by Napoleon the third in the end of the 19th century, to conduct a study of Mediterranean climates. "I call this charming valley the Madeira of France" he observed on returning from that island. He was also convinced that, with its sheltered location, Le Cannet was "destined to a great future as a winter resort. It is a perfect hilly area".
The town was to reaffirm over time that it was appreciated for its climate whatever the season. It was first frequented mainly by French and foreign aristocrats who stayed there for long stretches of time. "The great of the world are deserting their castles for the duration of the winter... ". In 1906 the town counted no less than 4 hotels, 6 boarding houses and over 75 villas available for seasonal rental, in order to accommodate this clientele seeking sun and milder temperatures.
Today, Le Cannet welcomes you all year round to come and enjoy its Mediterranean climate, with temperatures which are particularly agreeable in the springtime.
The musical Encounters
A summer music festival dedicated to classical music
Each summer, Villa Notre-Dames-des-Anges opens its doors for a series of intimate and friendly dinner-concerts to be held in its enchanting setting. This is one of the festival's not-to-be-missed events and is much appreciated by the public. Other exceptional places, the Théâtre du Tivoli and the Sainte-Philomène Church square, also welcome new musical formations. Budding artists and professional musicians from renowned musical ensembles mingle to provide a varied program that is both rich and surprising.
Summer evenings
When vibrant music takes over the streets !
A great moment of fun and musical enjoyment settles over the whole town throughout July and August. You will be offered a highly varied musical program, a melting pot of rhythms and styles. With the evenings ringing to the sound of jazz, blues, a piano bar, flamenco or French pop, performed by established musicians or budding artists... there is something to satisfy everyone's taste and guarantee a brilliantly coloured summer! And it's all free.
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