Elisabeth

If you weren’t trying to explore a little, it might be hard for you to find the "Suquet," Cannes’ oldest and loveliest street.   The little cobblestone street, for pedestrians only, winds up from right near the “Piazza” restaurant on the beginning of Rue D’Antibes and leads to the auto route on the other side of Cannes.  During the off months, the street is sweet and peaceful, one or two bars sometimes open; one souvenir shop selling Provencial goods like linens and lavender; an artist who chooses his hours in his gallery, often sitting outside having a drink and reading, or inside painting; a quiet record shop; and a handful of colorful; small French restaurants, each with a different flare than the others.

Slowly as the weather has gotten warmer, the street has livened up more and more, more restaurants, and more souvenir shops have appeared, and more people have arrived.

Now that not only summer is here but also the Cannes Film Festival, the street is really alive!  Walk up the winding petit rue anywhere from 1 in the afternoon to 11 at night, but more so at night, and you will see.  Every table is full, outdoor tables pushed against the walls on each side that leave just enough room for a walking path; delicious aromas of the daily dish at each restaurant, advertised in the street on chalkboards; and the sounds of clinking dishes, laughter and languages from all over the world (although mostly french) create the atmosphere.

If you walk down the street between 6 and 7, you'll see the chefs, dressed in their white outfits, nourishing themselves, perhaps with the first taste of that day's fresh flavor before the rest of their shift.  So go wander up the cobblestones, look at the plates people are eating as you walk through, bring enough money for wine too, and see which restaurant invites you in: they all have different decor and I think, a little something to offer.