Cannes dates back to the fifth century when the Lérins Islands were inhabited by a religious community. Sailors and fishermen were the only inhabitants of Cannes until the middle of the 19th century when Lord Henry Brougham and Vaux, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain and a famous speaker in the House of Lords, discovered the delights of the area and founded an English colony there.
Tourism blossomed and the town underwent an economic revolution becoming the world-famous cosmopolitan seaside and sailing resort.
Prosper-Mérimée, the French author of Colombia and Carrosse du Saint-Sacrement (brought to the screen by Jean Renoir), took part in the resort's high-society life and was instrumental in turning it into what he termed as the "world salon".
For a panoramic view of the city, climb the slopes of the Mont Chevalier to the Suquet. Pay a visit to the museum of La Castre in the 12th-century castle and the chapel of Saint Anne.
Wind back along the arched roads with many steps, leading via the rue du Suquet or rue Saint Antoine to the rue Forville and to the smart, lively provincial market of Forville. Nearby is the Hôtel de Ville, the town hall, located opposite the old port near the quai Saint-Pierre at the end of the Allées de la Liberté. Under the trees near the statue of Lord Henry Brougham and Vaux is a favourite spot for the local jeu de boules players. The daily flower market is held here and on Saturdays there is a fascinating antique market.
If you have time to travel outside Cannes visit St Paul de Vence, located to the north-east, a scenic village encased within fortified walls and set back in the mountains. Over the years St Paul de Vence has attracted such world famous artists as Picasso and Monet. Closer to Cannes is La Napoule, where the local castle - known during the festival as the Moving Pictures bastion - houses an exhibition of its former owner, the US-French artist Henry Cluse.
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