The Suquet District

Cannes’history is often summed up to one word : cinema. But if you take a step back — and climb a little higher — you’ll soon discover there’s much more to this city than the red carpet. Away from the spotlights and the bustle of central Cannes lies “Le Suquet” — a name that means “the summit” in Provençal — an old local language once used across southern France. This is the city’s oldest district, and the true startig point. Perched on the slopes of Mont Chevalier, Le Suquet was already occupied by the Romans in ancient times. It was during the medieval period, however, that the neighborhood truly took shape. Following invasions by Saracens and other regional threats, the Counts of Provence, along with the abbots of the Lérins Abbey, decided to build a fortified settlement on higher ground. Between 1080 and 1178, a real community emerged — with a castle, homes, a hospital, and churches. Over time, the hill was gradually developed, and a village grew. In the 18th and 19th centuries, parts of the old walls were taken down to make way for proper roads, and the damaged castle was later turned into a ceramics workshop.Today, the story of Le Suquet lives on through its cobbled lanes, its hilltop church, and its castle, now home to the Museum of World Explorations. Though the original heart of Cannes feels like a quiet escape, don’t be fooled — every July, it transforms into a grand open-air stage for the Nuits Musicales du Suquet, a classical music festival that brings the district to life with young, up-and-coming talent. The Suquet may look peaceful, but it knows how to turn up the volume.