Provence

Just around a street corner

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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Under the shade of an olive-tree

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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On the market stands

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.