Tennis Courts in Cannes
In 1879 there was only one tennis court in France - in Cannes. It was built by Sir Thomas Robinson Woolfield, leading property developer in the town. Tennis was adapted by Major Walter Wingfield in England six years earlier from the ancient game Jeu de Paume. He wanted to call it
Sphairistikè (Greek for ball games) but it became known as tennis from Tenez (here you are) spoken by the se
rver just before serving.
By 1881 several courts were installed in the grounds of Hôtel Beau Site.
The Cannes Tennis Club, created in 1907, is very active today. Situated at 11 rue Lacour, just off Boulevard Général Vautrin, it has five hard courts (Dur) and two clay courts (Terre Battue), 17€ an 19€ per hour, respectively. To book ring: 04 93 43 58 85. There is also a small snack bar. (Closed at the moment - February 2011)