Cannes Attractions

The Bay of Cannes lights up each year when the Festival International d'art Pyrotechnique brings together the best fireworks designers in the world. The festival began in 1967 and brings out thousands of spectators along the beaches. The top pyrotechnic team receives the Vestal prize at the end of the fireworks competition.

The Boulevard Jean-Hibert leads westward along the shore, passing the square of the same name, to the magnificent Square Mistral. From here the 3km/2mi long Boulevard du Midi connects with the Corniche de l'Esterel (Corniche d'Or).

The Chapelle Bellini was bought by the artist, Emmanuel Bellini, and converted into his studio. The Italian Baroque design bears the arms of Count Vitali, who built the chapel.

Above the boulevard du Midi in Cannes extends the Quartier Anglais (English Quarter) with its sumptuous villas. The boulevard Leader leads up to the Croix des Gardes. situated 164m/538ft above sea level in a copse of mimosa which blooms in February and March. This is a fine viewpoint with the best light towards evening. 1km/.5mi to the northwest the Rocher de Roquebillière lies 130m/427ft above the little river of the same name.

Le Malmaison, a 19th C residence, contains temporary exhibits of modern and contemporary art. A few of the exhibitions are dedicated to Picasso, César and Miró.

From the northern edge of the Inner Town of Cannes the broad boulevard Carnot winds northwards to the beautifully situated villa settlement of Le Cannet from which there are fine views.

Musée de la Mer is a museum of marine archaeology, on the island of Sainte-Margeurite, and was once the state prison. There are remnants of ships dating back to Roman times and other treasures of the sea.