At the very top of the Le Suquet district, the Notre-dame-d’Espérance church, with its tall tower, is a real sight to behold. We strongly advise you to climb it, at least to enjoy the views over the city, but also to discover its many paintings.
Here are our practical tips for planning your visit to the Notre-dame-d’Espérance church in Cannes.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Notre-dame-d’Espérance worth a visit?
Yes, it’s a must-see in Cannes.
It takes a little effort to climb to the top of the hill, but this 16th-century church is a magnificent example of Provencal Gothic architecture. She has a lot of character. What’s more, it’s famous for its bells, and their unique sound, which have long punctuated the daily life of the people of Cannes, and from the tower of the church you can enjoy magnificent views of the town and the sea.
This is one of the best attractions in Cannes.
What you can see
The architecture
The church is in the Provencal Gothic style, with a sober facade highlighting the beautiful stonework. But it is unusual in that it has a tower.
Known as the Clock Tower, it was originally connected to the castle. We were won over by this special feature, which sets it apart from the rest. It has a lot of character, both inside and out.
Read more about its history here.
The Choir
The choir catches the eye as soon as you enter the church. It is perfectly divided into 3 with 3 stained glass windows and 3 paintings.
The statue of Notre-Dame D’Espérance
This gilded wooden statue sits at the center of the choir. It was donated by the Abbey of Lérins and dates from the 16th century.
We imagine it to be made entirely of gold, given its brilliance, but it’s actually made of wood. She holds the child Jesur and a marine anchor, ensuring protection in difficult times.
Numerous paintings
As you walk around the church, you’ll see numerous chapels with several paintings.
- The Chapel of the Virgin Mary with its central painting “The Donnation of the Rosary”.
- La Chapelle Saint-Jospeh with a rare depiction of Joseph’s death at its center (photo above)
- Chapelle des Saintes Thérèse with a central 18th-century painting of Saint Anthony
- Sacré-Coeur chapel
- …
The organ
Look up and admire the organ’s 3 sound planes. It was built in the 1850s by the Lingiardi brothers. The wooden decor is simple and elegant.
Statues and woodcarvings
You’ll also find plenty of wood-carving objects.
We particularly liked this 17th-century statue of Saint-Roch with his dog.
The baptismal font chapel
There are no paintings in this chapel, but murals depicting the Nativity in Bethlehem, Christ’s Baptism and Presentation in the Temple.
Views of the town from Place de la Castre
Take the time to stroll around the church, where you’ll enjoy magnificent views over the town, the Bay of Cannes and the sea. In fact, we think the city looks much better from above!
Notre-dame-d’Espérance church in Cannes: access
Where Notre-dame-d’Espérance church is located
- In the heart of Cannes
- In the Le Suquet district
- From the port of Cannes, it’s a 10-minute walk uphill.
Access by car
It is not possible to drive up to the front of the church.
Parking lots: park nearby
Once in Cannes, we advise you to park your car in one of the underground parking lots and get around on foot, by bus or cab. Only take the car to visit places outside the city, such as the charming village of Mougins.
Public transport access
A small electric bus winds its way through the backstreets of the Le Suquet district. It can bring you closer to the church.
Visiting difficulties
You have to climb a little way up the hill to reach the church. You can see the clock tower on the right of the photo above, which we took from the port.
Once inside the church, there’s no difficulty.
Practical tips for visiting Notre-dame-d’Espérance church
Schedules and prices
Admission to the church is free.
We think it’s at least open from 8am to 5pm every day, but haven’t seen any signage.
Masses on Wednesdays and Sundays.
How long
Depending on your interest in churches and religious art: between 5 and 30 minutes.
Best moment
The viewpoint beside the church faces south-east. Here you can admire the sunrise. But for the best light to see the city and the bay, prefer late afternoon.
Direction of visit
No direction of travel.
But we recommend you combine this with a visit to the Museum of World Explorations just next door, in the castle.
Eating out
There are no restaurants right next to the church, but if you go down into the Le Suquet district or around the port, you’ll find plenty of restaurants.
See our article on the best restaurants in Cannes (coming soon)
Hotels
You’re right in the center of Cannes. Here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Cannes
Option 1: Downtown
Enjoy the charm of the old town and all its restaurants.
We recommend..:
- Five Seas Hotel – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel BW Le Mondial – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: on the Croisette
Along the seafront promenade and beaches.
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Carlton – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Martinez – prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: The Suquet and surrounding area
On the heights of the old town, with lots of charm.
- Hotel le Suquet – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Canopy by Hilton – see prices, pictures and availability
