Climbing to Le Suquet, Cannes' old town
Cobbled lanes climb above Cannes towards an 11th-century watchtower and a view across the whole bay.
Cannes before the Croisette.
Le Suquet rises above the waterfront, its narrow lanes and stone houses belonging to a much older Cannes. The climb leads through the old quarter towards Notre-Dame d'Espérance and the Tour du Mont Chevalier, before opening onto a view across the bay, the Croisette and the Îles de Lérins.
Through the oldest streets of Cannes.
The lanes wind upwards past stone houses and towards Notre-Dame d'Espérance, begun in 1521 and completed in 1642. Spring's mild air makes the ascent easy to enjoy, with small squares and glimpses between the buildings offering plenty of reasons to pause along the way.
An 11th-century lookout above the bay.
The Tour du Mont Chevalier was built as a watchtower, with views across the coast to help guard against raids. It remains the highest point in Le Suquet, rising above the old town and giving the climb its natural destination.
Cannes, all at once.
From the top, the geography of the city falls into place, the Croisette stretching along the waterfront, boats scattered across the bay and the Îles de Lérins beyond. Come in the last hour before dinner, when the afternoon light settles over the rooftops and water.
