Le Vieux-Cannet
The village of Le Vieux-Cannet is right out of a motion picture set and could very well have been a set for a French movie at one time. This very tiny village is considered a classic site and sits atop a hill overlooking the ville of Le Cannet-des-Maures (the “new” village) in the VAR.
Vieux-Cannet is one of the tiniest villages I have ever been to. They have no post office, no boulangerie, and no boucherie. In fact, not a single store or administration office is located there. They don’t even have a Maire (town hall). The villagers must go down the hill to Le Cannet-des-Maures for all their needs.
There is an old church named St. Michel in a quiet little square on which rests a wrought iron, free standing bell tower dating from 1776. The architectural design of the church is around the 11th century. I tried to go inside, but found the doors to be locked up tight. There are remains of what was once a chateau, as well, but what is left has become a private residence. What this little village does have is a magnificent 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside and villages and a very unique charm about it with its cobble stone streets.
This quiet little town was completely deserted when my family and I visited even though it was a beautiful, warm day. I doubt many visitors come here even though they would be delighted at the old village houses being redone and cared for. It seems that this little village is working hard to ensure its longevity and many villagers have restored their homes. In fact, several of them were just gorgeous.
The day of my family’s visit, we saw no one. There were no people out in the square or in the small streets. The town cats were the only visible signs of life. We were able to have the whole village to ourselves to stroll about, look at the houses and admire the view. It was the first time I had ever visited a town in France and did not see another person. When approaching the village from a little area we parked in and passed through the remains of the ancient wall, I actually thought it could have been a ghost town. It did have that eerie empty feeling. Once we took a stroll around, though, we could tell that a ghost town village in France would not have restored houses!
This village is a wonderful place to stop off while touring through the VAR. If you plan to make a quick side trip, I would recommend doing so during lunch time. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view while having a relaxing lunch. If you stop by in the spring, the hillside leading up to the village is covered in yellow flowers. We went during the month of October so no flowers were to be found, but the visit and view were just as spectacular.
If you want to see more photos of Le Vieux-Cannet they appear on Flickr. To get there just click on the “More Photos” option under Photos on Flickr.
Posted on May 7, 2012, in Bon Voyage! and tagged ancient, church, countryside, France, historique, panoramic view, postaweek, Provence, Travel and Tourism, Var, village. Bookmark the permalink. 15 Comments.
Welcome to my crazy life in the south of France. I love to write and photograph the day to day experiences that I encounter here in Provence. I hope this blog will give readers an inside look at some of the insane, funny, and beautiful experiences that I have had along the way in making a life for myself in France. 
backyardprovence 
Love hidden away places in France – but quite spooky not to see anyone in a village that is still inhabited!
Definitely, Jacqui. It was a bit strange, but nice at the same time. It sort of felt like I was given a private tour!
Not even a café? Yes, spooky.
Nope Lee, not even a café. Nothing but calm, quiet and a beautiful view.
If its lunchtime there won’t be anyone about, meal times are sacred and no one ever breaks the rules. Sometimes small viallge shops stay closed from 12 until 4pm. Ah, the slow life.
Hi Claire, we arrived well after French lunch time. It was about 3pm or later. As far as stores go, there are absolutely none in this town so it’s a stop for enjoying the scenery and peace and quiet 🙂
Ah the peace and quiet 🙂
This place sounds and looks like Paradise. Tell me, when are you moving there?
It’s a bit too quiet for me to live there, Renee! I would miss walking to La Poste, the boulangerie, and all the little things I have in my town. It is however, a great place for a nice picnic and view and quiet stroll 🙂
It sounds like Le Petit Village! 🙂
I think LPV even has somethin’ on this town, Sara! These guys don’t even have a crazy bar to hang out in or a pizza truck!
It looks like a very pretty village. I think it would be a little small for me to live there; I would want to at least have a boulangerie.
Me too Michel! I must have my daily dose of boulangerie 🙂 It’s a very nice restful place to eat while admiring the view, though.
I am a lover of southern France. There is an ambiance that seeped into my soul and lodges there. There are so many other places to visit but the south of France always beckons me. And I am a lover of doors and so particularly like the carvings on the wooden door and the other full frontal door shot. The one with the blue pot is also very sriking.
Hi Lynne! I am a lover of the south of France, too. Well, maybe all of France! It has been a dream of mine for so long to be able to be here and now I wake up and pinch myself everyday (even on the really bad days and yes, there have been quite a few of those!) I love the flavor, the feel, the architecture, the food, the chateaux….I guess pretty much all of it except the government paperwork and the taxes!! Thanks for reading and commenting!