The church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance is one of the buildings that make up the historical and religious character of Cannes. Begun in 1541 with an initial construction period of 3 years, the church was completed a century later. As well as the panoramic view that the church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance offers over the town of Cannes, the bay and Mont Esterel, visitors are also drawn to its Gothic architecture, its very rare statue and its huge, melodious organ. The church is perched on a hill in the Suquet district, Cannes' vibrant old town.
If you're in Cannes over Christmas, Notre-Dame d'Espérance is famous for its colourfully illuminated nativity scene, painstakingly crafted by church volunteers. In summer, under the scorching sun of southern France, the church offers a moment of respite in the calm and cool of its stone walls.
For more than 400 years, the church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance has stood above the people of Cannes in the town's historic district, Le Suquet.
Work began in 1521. The brief was to build a reproduction of the church in Roquebrune-sur-Argens. The construction cost 2,000 florins, 15 écus and 50 barrels of anchovies. It had to be completed within 3 years...
Cannes
The building was finally completed in 1641, more than a century after work began. It was thanks to César Ferrare from Brignoles that the work was finally completed.
Since then, the church has undergone a number of renovations, notably to its bells and bell tower. The work is complex and will be completed in 2021.
The church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance dates back to 1521.
- © Kiev.Victor / ShutterstockThe church blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. The square bell tower is Roman in style and contains 5 bells. It was renovated in 2021 by the Cannes town council. The side chapels were decorated by local craftsmen.
From the entrance, cross the central aisle, lined with small chapels featuring statues of saints. At the end is an Italian organ built in Pavia in 1857. It was partially restored in 2014 and, to the delight of the faithful, is still playing.
Various statues inhabit the sacred building, including a very rare one made in Burgundy. Located in the baptismal font chapel, it depicts Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and Saint Anne. There are many other sculptures to admire, hidden here and there in the church.
View of the Suquet in Cannes.
- © Marco Rubino / ShutterstockThe church bells are the lifeblood of the village. They ring for weddings and funerals. They sing at midday and ring out every hour of the day, reminding the village of the passage of time.
There are 5 bells in the bell tower of Notre-Dame d'Espérance:
Because of their size, weight and age, they will undergo major renovations in 2021. The bell tower has also been strengthened so that it can continue to support the weight of the bells and the vibrations they exert on the building. The renovated bells and bell tower were inaugurated at Easter 2021.
The bells of Notre-Dame d'Espérance were renovated in 2021.
- © Shalkin / ShutterstockA skull and crossbones is carved into the stone above the main door. Like the "memento mori" of Christianity, it symbolises man's mortality and recommends living while preparing for death. It symbolises the inevitability of death and the equality of all human beings in the face of it.
Lovely staircases lead up to the church of Notre-Dame d'Espérance.
- © Sergey Sukhorukov / ShutterstockThe church is located on the hill of Le Suquet, the historic district of Cannes. To get there, you'll need to go up small stone steps that wind their way up the hill, and there are plenty of benches to stop and admire the view of the island of Sainte-Marguerite and the island of Saint-Honorat.
You can also take the little Cannes tourist train up to the church. For more information, visit the Cannes tourist train website.
Suquet, the town's historic district, is full of monuments and good restaurants. You can visit the world exploration museum or sample Provençal specialities at the Forville market.
The church attracts many visitors during :
Notre-Dame d'Espérance is open from 9am to midday and from 2pm to 7pm every day.
Admission is free.
We recommend that you stay around 1 hour to visit the church and admire the view over the Bay of Cannes.
