Le Cannet Tourist Information

Le Cannet Tourist Information

Le Cannet separated from Cannes officially in January 1777. It was once an area of great agricultural production - the Tivoli Gardens now stand on former fields - and Le Cannet has since developed south to intertwine its streets with Cannes.

Did you know... Cannes, Cannet, Cagnes and similar words simply mean high or high place?

New in 2011

The Bonnard Museum, next to the Mairie (above right), opened in June. The Bd Sadi Carnot on which the Mairie and the museum stand has been modernised. And to complete the hat trick the countryside which inspired the artist Bonnard will be open to the public. In particular, the Canal de la Siagne will have seating, fountains, pergolas and trees installed. Bonnard's home was near the canal and he often walked along this route.

Pierre Bonnard lived in Le Cannet from 1922 until his death in 1947 and is buried in Notre-Dame-des-Anges cemetery. Today he is regarded as one of the top 10 modern artists and was described by Matisse as "The greatest among us". He has only come to prominence in the last few years so his work will be a refreshing surprise. This summer the museum will show 40 of his works including several of his most important canvasses. Entrance 5€.

There is also the Bonnard Walk which takes you past his home (a private residence) with some excellent view points. Bonnard used to walk this route along the canal (now covered over) every morning for inspiration.

Vieux Cannet, the old town, is well worth visiting. For a free guided tour you need to contact the Tourist Office 48 hours in advance 04 93 45 34 27 or you can follow the yellow and blue marks on the pavement with information boards at strategic points and conduct your own tour.

New this year is Arts et Assiettes, 243 rue Saint Sauveur, in the old town. Here you can dine provencal or visit the 100 sq meters of exhibition space for art, music and theatre events. First art exhibition is work by Loredane Piris and there is a musical soiree 14 July.

The restaurant and venue is open from 10am till midnight.

St Catherine's St Catherine's altar The lovers' wall

Places to visit include: St Catherine’s church, completed in 1556 - a real treasure trove; St Sauveur Chapel containing a major work by the artist Tobiasse; the Lovers’ Wall, a 1990 fresco by Raymond Peynet and Guy Ceppa; on another wall you can find the Heritage Orange Tree, a monumental fresco showing the family tree of the 140 families from Italy who founded Le Cannet in 1441. There are towers and chapels and twisting streets and artists’ work such as Bonnard and Bellini to be seen. Also in the old town are 20 or more artisans – from paintings to mosaics -working in the St-Sauveur quartier.

If you want to purchase something original try a pair of sandals made at Les Artisans de cuir, 42 bd Paul-Doumer: open Mon-Wed, closed at lunchtime. The boss, Christophe Cully, used to work for the shoe divisions of St Laurent and Dior. Expect to pay 80-300 euros. He also has a shop at 4, rue Pasteur, Cannes.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2011

Every Friday evening at the Place Bellevue, starting 15 July, there will be free live entertainment at 8.45pm

Excellent restaurants and nice bars abound - at reasonable prices - especially around the Place Bellevue which has great views of Cannes and the bay. And you can study the orange family tree while waiting to be served.

Try Retour du Marche, restaurant and wine bar open every evening till midnight, 243 rue St-Sauveur. A little further on is Le Clos Fleuri at number 347 (closed Thursday and Friday lunchtime). Aux Anges, set meals 22€ and 30€, carafe of wine 6€. Le Coin Gourmand has its supporters at 2 rue Calvys 04 93 45 44 70. In summer everyone dines outside in the square, no matter which restaurant you choose (see picture right).

Opposite the town hall is The Tivoli which offers an excellent lunch - main dishes 12€ - and is open for drinks until 8.30pm. It is very popular with the locals. (see picture left).

The latest hotspot is La Villa Archange** in rue Notre Dame des Anges, Le Cannet. Owned by Bruno Oger, the former two Michelin starred chef at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes, he has lavished nearly three million euros on this venture. The venue includes l'Ange bar and Le Bistrot des Anges. In July there is a series of dinner concerts. Book well ahead for these.

The jewel is the gastronomic restaurant, La Villa Archange with 26 covers. In 2011 it received two Michelin stars.

Reservations: 04 92 18 18 28 or reservations@bruno-oger.com

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