Visiting No. 11, Boulevard Carnot, Cannes: a gracious, prestigious address with intriguing features

Although the city's most well-known hotel establishments are situated on La Croisette, overlooking the sea, part of this building, at 11 Boulevard Carnot, Cannes, France, is occupied by a well-appointed hotel. (This hub is limited to some design and historical aspects of this heritage building. For any aspect of the services of this fine hotel, the Hôtel Cavendish, readers should contact its management directly.)

No. 11 Boulevard Carnot is actually very similar to No. 12, situated on the eastern side of the Boulevard at place Vauban. with their rounded, south-facing balconies, cupolas and pillaring.

Some differences, however, include the fact that No. 11's conspicuous, end pillaring is inset, creating the appearance of extra outer walling, while at No. 12 it is open. Also, various of No. 11's balconies have been enclosed, while the corresponding balconies on No. are open, apparently according to the original design (1).

No. 11 is located at the junction of Boulevard Carnot with Rue Léopold Bucquet.

An intriguing fact connected with this building dating from the late 1800s, is that, like No. 12, it is registered with the French Ministry of Culture as a heritage building, but the name of the architect has not been successfully identified in the Ministry's list of heritage properties. This is nothing short of remarkable.

It may be noted that many of the streets around No. 11 Boulevard Carnot refer to English-speaking historical figures. This is in tribute to the fact that English-speaking visitors have been accustomed to visit Cannes ever since the 19th century (2). Thus, not far from this building may be found: rue William Shakespeare, rue Milton, rue Lord Byron, avenue des Anglais, rue Walter Scott. and rue Edith Cavell.

Cannes is situated in the Alpes Maritimes department of south-east France.

May 1, 2013

Notes

(1) It would seem that this extra internal space created by the enclosed balconies has been used for further hotel accommodation; this program of enclosing balconies, however has been carried on the side of the building overlooking Rue Léopold Bucquet, but not on the side overlooking Boulevard Carnot.

(2) Henry, Lord Brougham (1778-1868), former Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, was notably one of the original, prominent English visitors who popularized Cannes as a resort for his compatriots; indeed, Lord Brougham died at Cannes, and is buried there. Thus, while it is well known that Cannes has long attracted North American visitors because of the Film Festival held annually in the city, the presence of English-speaking visitors, and, indeed, longer-tern residents, dates well back to the 19th century.

Also worth seeing

In Cannes itself, also on Boulevard Carnot are various historic buildings; these include the Germain Building at this Boulevard's junction with Boulevard d'Alsace, and the late 19th century Palace of Justice (French: Palais de Justice); closer to the Downtown area, its City Hall (French: Hôtel de ville) is a fine, 19th century building; La Croisette is a much visited coastal boulevard, faced by well-known hotels.

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How to get there: Delta Airlines flies direct from New York to Nice, France (Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur ), the nearest large airport to Cannes , and where car rental is available; a regular coach service from Nice Airport stops close to No. 11 Boulevard Carnot. The French railroad company SNCF maintains services to Cannes from Downtown Nice. Please note that some facilities may be withdrawn, without notice. For up to date information, it is advisable to check with the airline or your travel agent.

MJFenn is an independent travel writer based in Ontario, Canada.