Stroll around and sample Cannes specialities at the Forville market

Provençal markets have existed ever since people began settling the land in the south of France. A real event in the life of a commune, the market is a place for people to meet and share, and is part of Provençal tradition.

Originally, it was the only way for local people to obtain supplies of fruit, vegetables, bread, meat and fish; the inhabitants of the Haut Var, for example, relied on fishermen from the coast to come up and sell their wares at the market. Some markets date back to the Middle Ages. In those days, these places were the only way to keep abreast of the latest news.

You'll find local, seasonal produce at the Forville market in Cannes.

Today, although sales channels have evolved, markets have remained a tradition in Provence. In some towns like Cannes, the market is so large and diverse that locals hardly need to go to the supermarket.

Markets are part of a local and circular economy. They enable farmers to sell their produce directly, and consumers to find out where their food comes from.

In the 20th century, Provence experienced a wave of intense tourism. Today, in the south of France, some markets are only alive during the summer season, thanks to the tourists.

The market in the centre of Cannes is full of traditional dishes that you absolutely must try during your stay in Cannes, some of which are typical of the area, while others come from the surrounding communes.

Fishing of the day

Cannes was originally a Mediterranean fishing village. Every morning at dawn, the fishermen of Cannes set off along the coast. They then return to sell their fish at the Forville market.

The most popular fish are what are known as rock fish, more specifically fish such as scorpion fish, capons, bass, sea bream, dentex, swordfish and red mullet.

The best-known fish in Cannes is the pelamide. It is found precisely between the Lérins Islands and the coastline, in the Bay of Cannes. Simply delicious.

To sample the catch of the day, we recommend you find a table in one of these restaurants.

Lucky you

Excellent seafood and fish restaurant that also serves fine cuts of meat.

🍴 Fred l'Ecailler

On the Pointe de la Croisette, Fred l'Ecailler offers a rich and colourful menu that evolves with the local catch.

🍴 L'ostrea

On the road to Fréjus, this must-visit fish restaurant offers excellent fisherman's baskets.

Seasoned olives, sun-dried tomatoes, lupins or even anchoïade, this is the most traditional stall in Provence. You'll find it at every market in the south of France. Antipastis can be shared as an aperitif or as part of a picnic, with your feet in the Mediterranean Sea or on a hike in the hinterland.

Here, it's known as "socca'nnes". Typically Provençal, this is a chickpea flour cake baked on a copper plate in a roller oven. The vendor goes from market to market selling the socca, which he sprinkles with cumin as it comes out of the oven – a delicious treat!

This liqueur, a speciality of the monks of the Abbey of Lérins on the island of Saint-Honorat, is made from 44 plants. A tradition for centuries, this liqueur sublimates the flavours of the herbs of the Var region.