The Mediterranean

A terrace overlooking the sea

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...

The balmy climate of the Côte d'Azur

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.