Provençal and Cannes cuisine is a hymn to the Mediterranean, with flavors that combine fresh produce and irresistible aromas. From socca to wines, discover the Cannes specialties that will make your taste buds capsize.

Socca'nnes, a staple of Cannes cuisine

Historically and officially, He sucks her is an emblematic specialty of Nice. However, Cannes offers its own version that is not fundamentally very different from the original recipe, but which is based on the quality, know-how and origin of the ingredients used in the Cannes area. The real distinction of Socca'nnes lies in the place and method of preparation. In Cannes, it is at the heart of the Forville Market that we find the best addresses. Quality is guaranteed by:

• The traditional wood-fired oven: Socca'nnes are cooked à la minute, on large copper or cast iron plates, in a wood-fired oven. This ultra-fast, very high-temperature cooking is essential to achieve this perfect contrast: a flatbread crunchy on the edges, but melting inside.
• The minute service: Tasted burning, fresh out of the oven, simply salted and peppered, Socca'nnes is the experience of street food Cannes par excellence. It's the morning ritual at Forville.

The other pillar of Socca'nnes lies in the origin of the ingredients, which give it a unique flavor compared to its neighbors:

• Chickpea flour: Although the basic ingredient is the same everywhere (chickpea flour), local artisans favor short supply chains.
• Olive oil from the Cannes hinterland: The king ingredient that binds everything together is a extra virgin olive oil from the mills in the Cannes hinterland (Grasse, Opio, etc.). It is this fruity and fiery oil that gives its depth and inimitable character to the dough before and after cooking. It also enhances many Provencal recipes.

The well-kept secret: the treasures of the monks of Lérins

Cannes is generally associated with the luxury of the Film Festival. However, it has many other treasures to offer, such as the products from the Ile Saint-Honorat, which constitute the Lérins Islands with the Ile Sainte-Marguerite. Located in the Bay of Cannes, this island has claimed a monastic vocation since 410. It is home to the Lérins Abbey, whose Cistercian monks perpetuate a unique agricultural and distillation know-how that allows them to obtain products exclusive to the Cannes area.

Flavors born from a unique terroir

• The wine of the Abbey of Lérins : The island's 8-hectare vineyard produces wines of remarkable finesse from 6 different grape varieties: Clairette, Chardonnay, Viognier for the whites and Syrah, Mourvèdre and Pinot Noir for the reds. These vintages are produced in the Cistercian tradition of plot-by-plot vinification to achieve exceptional quality. The monks manage the entire process, from the vineyard to the bottling, always in a quest for authenticity. Today, these beverages are recognized worldwide and have even been served to Heads of State during a G20 session or during jury deliberations at the Cannes Film Festival.

• The Lerina and the Lerincello : The monks also distill liqueurs made from plants and herbs gathered on the island. Lerina (green or yellow) is a digestive liqueur whose recipe has been jealously guarded since the end of the 19th century. Composed of 44 plants, it evokes the intense flavors of the ager (the monastic garden). More recently, they created the Lerincello, a local and artisanal version of the famous liqueur made from the pulp and peel of organic Menton lemons macerated for a long time to obtain delicate aromatic notes.

• Le island honey : Less well-known but just as exclusive, the honey produced on the island benefits from preserved flora to obtain a rich and unique taste. It is prized by great starred chefs to concoct their best recipes in Cannes' gourmet restaurants.

Where can you acquire these rare products?

These treasures are not found in mass retailers. Their rarity makes them precious and sought-after souvenirs:

• On Saint-Honorat Island: The best way to guarantee authenticity and purchase the entire range (including the rarest products) is to go directly to the Abbey boutique, after the boat crossing from Cannes. There is also a Online Store for those who cannot move.
• In Cannes: Some specialized wine merchants and delicatessens in the city center, particularly around the Forville Market or on Rue d'Antibes hold the authorization to distribute Lérins wines and liqueurs.

Where to taste the authentic flavor of Cannes?

To truly appreciate the culinary soul of Cannes, you have to step away from the Croisette for a moment and head to places that celebrate local produce and tradition. Here's where to find the city's most authentic flavors:

The Forville Market

Cannes has a few local markets, but the Forville market remains the most popular. From flowers to local produce, there is nothing you can't find in this colorful and fragrant place. Located in Le Suquet, a stone's throw from the Old Port, the market is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 13:30 p.m. On the 3000 m2, you can find local products, fruits and vegetables, fresh products and cooked dishes of the day. Don't miss the return of the fishing boats where you will find, among other things, typical fish of Cannes such as the bonito which is caught between the Lérins Islands and the coast.

Historic restaurants: institutions of taste

For a dining experience, some addresses are true institutions that have marked the gastronomic history of Cannes and continue to serve ancestral recipes.

• Da Bouttau (AuberProvençal age): Often cited as one of the oldest restaurants in Cannes, From Bouttau offers an atmosphere ofubertypical Provençal style. It's the perfect place to taste specialties like tapenade, the house's signature recipe.  
• To the Good Children: A discreet and authentic address, this restaurant is renowned for its generous, family-style cuisine. It celebrates the dishes of grandmother and seasonal cuisine, far from the glitz of the Croisette.
• Astoux and Brun: A true institution located near the Old Port, Astoux and Brun is the essential reference for lovers of sea ​​food and fresh fish since 1953. Their trays and their version of the Fish Soup bear witness to Cannes' maritime heritage.
• Pizza Cresci: Although specialized in Italian cuisine, the Pizza Cresci is an iconic Cannes address. Famous for its wood-fired cuisine and lively atmosphere, it's a festive stop that's part of the city's popular culinary culture.