Mural on the wall, Place

Mural on the wall, Place Bellevue, an homage to the 140 Italian families who settled in Le Cannet Tobiasse Chapel cobbled streets twist like ribbons between the pastel façades of Belle Epoque houses. Vibrant pink and purple bougainvillaea spills over balconies, and tiny squares open unexpectedly, revealing views that stretch all the way to the sea. Take a guided tour to discover Le Cannet’s secrets and surprises (the tourist office offers free guided tours). My guide Karine, a former France volleyball player, took me on a gentle stroll and told me of the town’s rich history, how the Via Julia Augusta Roman road ran through, that Saint Honorat came here in the 5th century and how it was believed that if you gave land to the church you would go to heaven and locals worked on the land for the monks. When plague decimated the south of France. It was the monks who encouraged Italian families to come here and work the fields. As we walked, Karine pointed out doorways marked by a Maltese Cross - “the Templars used to have secret reunions here, and the cross marks their meeting places” she tells me. Wide stairs lead to the upper town - “built for donkeys to go up and down.” It’s a fascinating tour - and completely free! Pop into the Tobiasse Chapel, a former 14th century chapel decorated by artist Théo French playright Victorien Sardou, Place Bellevue, whose family came from Le Cannet Tobiasse - his theme “Life is a celebration” is an explosion of vibrant colour. Le Cannet’s street art is monumental - from a giant image of Bonnard to a monumental fresco at the fabulous Maison Bellevue restaurant called the Heritage Orange Tree which represents the 140 founding families who came to Le Cannet from Italy. The town has long attracted artisans who prefer quiet inspiration over Riviera glamour, says Le Cannet’s head of tourism Walid Chaabani. And in Rue Saint-Sauveur, it’s easy to see why the town has been awarded the ‘City and Crafts’ label, this long winding street is chock full of small ateliers where artists and artisan still work by hand, painters capturing the same light that enchanted Bonnard, ceramicists shaping earthy, sun-toned pieces, a cabinet maker, a seamstress who creates the most beautiful childrens clothes, books, bags and beautiful things. Miniature masterpieces, by Nicolas Canet Nicolas Canet at no. 258 makes delicate santon accessories - trees, shepherds huts, gardens and more for Provencal nativity scenes. A former architect, he studied to become a priest, and says he followed his Pierre Bonnard by Big Ben in Rue des 26 | The Good Life France Prés, Le Cannet The Good Life France | 27