The path starts off at the Bonnard museum and leads you along the Siagne canal, passing near the painter's Le Bosquet studio-house. A moment of strong emotions, the walk conjures up memories of the painter's daily rambles along the paths of Le Cannet. Following the trail's five segments you discover the landscapes that inspired some of Bonnard's most beautiful paintings.

All along the path lecterns exhibit some of the painter's work, enabling the visitor to discover his original source of inspiration. A stroll that is a way of entry into the painter's universe, into his exploration of landscapes and the light of the Midi. Several panoramic views still evoke the strong ties uniting Bonnard to nature and the land of Le Cannet.

 

Complete itinerary: 1.5 to 2 hours / 4.5 km
High gradients

1. Musée Bonnard – Rue Saint-Sauveur – The old chemin de Vallauris
Starting from the Musée Bonnard, turn left towards the Town hall to get to the lectern n°1. Then return in the direction of the museum, and to its left, take rue des Prés and follow it until you reach rue Saint-Sauveur. Go down the steps to the Saint-Sauveur Chapel and turn left into rue des Ardissons. Then follow rue de l'Abreuvage until you reach rue Mermoz to find the lectern n°2. Retrace your steps and climb up the old chemin de Vallauris (on the right of rue de l'Abreuvage). These steep alleys bring to mind the heart of vieux-Cannet. Pierre Bonnard was enchanted by this site. He managed to capture its activity that brings his paintings to life.

2. Traverse Victoria-Albert / Avenue Victoria
Take traverse Victoria-Albert and go down the steps to reach avenue Victoria, then turn left. Pass the lectern n°3 and continue until you reach route de Serra Capéou. Before taking the steps, take a moment near the lectern n°2 to take in the view that was painted by Bonnard (see a reproduction on lectern n°6). Head back to the hills opposite traverse Saint-Antoine via the steps of the old Roman path to access the Siagne canal, which has since been covered over. Stop and admire the vegetation painted by the artist: observe the olive trees, pine trees and palm trees, as well as the landscapes of Le Cannet.

3. Siagne canal (Covered over)
Once you have reached the top, follow the Siagne canal trail on your right. Here you can observe the landscapes and views painted by Bonnard as he sat by the canal. From certain points you can still admire the red roofs of Le Cannet as well as a unique view of the Esterel mountains, the Lérins islands and the Mediterranean sea. Stop at the belvedere to enjoy a complete overview of the valley.

4. Return via avenue Victoria
Take the third path leaving the hiking trail, at the "canal de la Siagne par la Californie" road-sign: a steep road on your right. On avenue Victoria, turn left to reach lectern n°4, then take a moment to admire the panoramic view of Cannes and the Château du Suquet, which inspired one of Bonnard's last canvases: Ciel d'orage sur Cannes.

5. House and art studio Le Bosquet
Back via avenue Victoria: after passing Villa Yakimour on your right, stop to view lectern n°5 and then continue until you reach the house and art studio of Bonnard: Le Bosquet. In 1926, Bonnard discovered, lost amongst the wealthy residences of the hills of Le Cannet, this modest pink house which he christened after its neighbourhood. The artist chose to remain in the Midi until his death in 1947. In Le Bosquet, Bonnard created 103 landscapes, 24 paintings of the garden and 153 of the inside of the house, i.e. over 300 works of art, which include world famous canvases such as Nu dans la baignoire (Naked in the bath), L'Atelier au mimosa (the mimose art studio), L'Amandier en fleur (The flowering almond tree). Retrace your steps down traverse Victoria-Albert and the old chemin de Vallauris, and return to vieux-Cannet, end of the walk.

 

Partial itinerary 1 h / 3 km

6. Via the traverse Saint-Antoine
From rue Saint-Sauveur, go up the steps of traverse Saint-Antoine that are immediately on your left (steep slope).

7. Chemin des Chichourliers
From the Siagne canal, leave the pedestrian path by turning right into chemin des Chichourliers (the second traversing path you get to).

The tour map to "In the footsteps of Bonnard" is available at the reception of the museum and tourism Information desks. In the summer, a guided tour* is organised on request.
*Reservations by Phone: +33 (0)4 92 59 14 42