The Suquet Tower

The Suquet Tower, in Cannes

The Suquet Tower is the high medieval tower that dominates the old town of Cannes, a vestige of the fortifications of the abbots of Lérins. The Cannes audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this emblematic monument, a former watchtower over the bay.

The watchtower of the abbots of Lérins

The Suquet Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of Cannes, which crowns the hill of the old district. A vestige of the fortifications of the town, this high stone tower was built between the eleventh and the twelfth century on the initiative of the abbots of Lérins, the monks of the neighbouring island who then owned and protected the territory. With its twenty-two metres of height, it served as a watchtower: from its summit, the bay of Cannes was watched, prey to the attacks of the pirates and the invaders, and the alert could be given. This square tower, massive and austere, is the most visible witness of the medieval past of Cannes, at a time when the town was still only a modest fortified market town. Dominating the old town, the port and the sea, it offers magnificent panoramas. A symbol of the origins of the town, the Suquet Tower is a must-see stop of the discovery of Cannes.

What to see

You admire the high medieval stone tower of twenty-two metres, a vestige of the fortifications built between the eleventh and the twelfth century by the abbots of Lérins, a former watchtower from which the bay was watched against the pirates, which crowns the hill of Le Suquet and offers magnificent panoramas. The Suquet Tower is the symbol of the origins of Cannes. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Suquet Tower lies at the summit of the hill of the old district, in Cannes, reachable on foot by a climb. You admire it freely from outside; the climb of the tower, when it is offered, follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. The view from its surroundings is particularly beautiful.

Who built the Suquet Tower in Cannes?

The abbots of Lérins, the monks of the neighbouring island who protected the territory, between the eleventh and the twelfth century; twenty-two metres high, this watchtower allowed to watch the bay of Cannes against the pirates and the invaders.

Where is the Suquet Tower of Cannes?

At the summit of the hill of the old Suquet district, in Cannes, in France.