Cimetiere du Grand Jas, Cannes

Attraction and Cemetery in Cannes

Cimetiere du Grand Jas
Cimetiere du Grand Jas
CC BY-SA 3.0 / ACOR Cannes

Cimetiere du Grand Jas is Cannes' main historic cemetery, set on a green hillside just inland from the city center. Laid out in terraces with cypress trees, stone chapels, and ornate family tombs, it feels more like a landscaped garden than a typical burial ground.

It's an unexpectedly rewarding stop to add to a walking tour of “another Cannes,” especially if you enjoy local history, sculpture, and quiet viewpoints away from the Croisette. Many visitors come specifically to seek out famous names, then linger to wander the lanes and admire the artistry of the memorials.

History and Significance of the Cimetiere du Grand Jas

Created in the 19th century as Cannes expanded beyond its old hilltop quarter, Cimetiere du Grand Jas reflects the city's transformation into an international resort. As wealthy winter visitors and notable residents settled on the Riviera, the cemetery became a place where different languages, faiths, and artistic styles met in stone.

Architecturally, the cemetery is known for its terraced layout and the variety of funerary monuments: family chapels, carved angels, classical columns, and finely detailed inscriptions. The overall effect is both solemn and surprisingly beautiful, with mature trees and plantings softening the setting.

Today, its significance is twofold: it remains an active municipal cemetery for Cannes, and it also functions as a cultural stop for travelers interested in the people who shaped the region's modern identity—writers, artists, aristocrats, and long-time local families.

Things to See and Do in the Cimetiere du Grand Jas

Start by simply walking the terraces slowly and letting the details reveal themselves: sculpted figures, small chapels decorated with flowers, and family plots that tell stories through symbols and epitaphs. The cemetery is well kept, and the landscaping makes it easy to treat the visit like a calm, reflective stroll.

Many travelers come to look for notable graves and the most striking monuments. Keep an eye out for standout sculpture (including expressive mourning figures), as well as clusters of graves that hint at Cannes’ international past.

If you enjoy photography, you’ll find strong compositions in the repeating lines of cypress trees, the geometry of stonework, and the contrast between sunlit terraces and shaded lanes. Aim for a respectful approach: focus on artistry and atmosphere rather than close-ups of recent personal memorials.

How to Get to the Cimetiere du Grand Jas

The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), with frequent connections and straightforward onward travel to Cannes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Cannes on Booking.com.

Cannes is well connected by rail, and arriving by train is often the easiest option if you're coming from Nice, Antibes, or other Riviera towns; from Cannes station you can continue by taxi, local bus, or a longer walk uphill. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

If you're driving, Cannes is accessible via the A8 motorway, and reaching the cemetery is simple with navigation once you're in town. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Cimetiere du Grand Jas

  • Official website: https://www.cannes.com/fr/mairie/annuaire-pratique/equipements-municipaux/cimetiere-du-grand-jas.html
  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) April 1 – September 30; Monday – Friday: 09:00–19:00; Saturday – Sunday & public holidays: 08:00–19:00. (Winter) October 1 – March 31; Monday – Friday: 09:00–18:00; Saturday – Sunday & public holidays: 08:00–18:00.
  • Best time to visit: Go in the morning for softer light and fewer people, or late afternoon for a cooler walk in warmer months. Avoid the hottest midday hours in summer since much of the visit is outdoors.
  • How long to spend: Plan 45–90 minutes for a relaxed wander; history lovers and photographers can easily spend longer exploring the terraces.
  • Accessibility: Expect slopes and steps due to the terraced hillside layout, which can be challenging for wheelchairs or anyone with limited mobility. If you have mobility concerns, consider focusing on the more accessible main lanes near the entrance.
  • Facilities: Treat it as a quiet, residential-style site: bring water, and plan restroom and snack stops before or after your visit in central Cannes.

Where to Stay Close to the Cimetiere du Grand Jas

Best area to base yourself: Central Cannes near the train station is the most convenient all-around choice.

Staying around central Cannes keeps you close to transport links for day trips, while still making it easy to reach Cimetiere du Grand Jas by a short taxi or bus ride (or a longer uphill walk if you like stretching your legs). For a more classic Riviera feel, choose a Croisette address for sea views and easy evening strolls.

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes Chosen for its iconic Croisette location, polished service, and a quintessential “Cannes” experience after a quieter cultural morning.

Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d'Albion A strong central pick for travelers who want walkability to shops, restaurants, and the station, with an upscale feel that’s still practical.

OKKO Hotels Cannes Centre Ideal for convenience-focused travelers: right by the station for day trips, with a modern style that suits short stays.

Hôtel Splendid Cannes A good-value, characterful option near the Old Port area, great if you want to pair the cemetery visit with Le Suquet and waterfront walks.

Hotel America Cannes Included as a comfortable mid-range base close to central Cannes, useful if you want a straightforward stay and spend more on experiences.

Is the Cimetiere du Grand Jas Worth Visiting?

Yes—if you enjoy quiet, atmospheric places and the kind of local history you can't get from beaches and boutiques. Cimetiere du Grand Jas offers a calm, park-like walk with impressive monuments, a sense of Cannes' international past, and plenty of small details that reward slow exploration.

Honest Pivot: If you’re short on time, traveling with very young kids who need playground-style stops, or you prefer high-energy sightseeing, you can skip it and focus on Le Suquet, the Croisette, and the islands instead. The cemetery is best appreciated by travelers who are comfortable with reflective spaces and who enjoy wandering without a strict checklist.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (19)

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors describing a beautiful, well-maintained, park-like cemetery that's worth a detour in Cannes. Common highlights include impressive tomb architecture, moving sculpture and chapels decorated with flowers, and the chance to find graves of well-known figures from different countries. A minor drawback mentioned implicitly is that it rewards slow exploration and can feel less compelling if you're in a hurry or only interested in headline sights.

elisha chen
2 months ago
"This cemetery is particularly significant for Chinese Christians because it contains the remains of Reverend Cao Yazhi, a missionary who came toWenzhou in 1867 to spread the gospel. He preached in Wenzhou for 20 years before leaving in 1887 due to illness. He returned to England and recuperated for over a year, after which his condition improved. Doctors advised him to recuperate in southern France and return to China to continue his missionary work once he was fully recovered. However, after arriving in Ca es in November 1888, his illness relapsed shortly afterward, and he passed away peacefully on Easter morning, April 21, 1889, and is buried in this cemetery...."
Olesya R.
2 years ago
"An interesting cemetery. I was most interested in the Russian graves from the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Many of them, unfortunately, are in adeplorable state - abandoned, with fallen crosses and half-erased inscriptions. The cemetery is huge, I recommend taking a photo of the map at the entrance so as not to get lost. It would not be superfluous to search the Internet in advance for the location of the most famous graves - Prosper Merimee, Carl Faberge, Picasso's first wife, Russian ballerina Olga Khokhlova, actress Martine Karol, etc. There are a lot of mosquitoes, so be sure to take spray with you...."
Matteo Medori
2 months ago
"Prosper Mérimée, Lily Pons, and many others rest here. A moving place, full of surprises both big and small, for those who take the time to visit."

For Different Travelers

Cimetiere du Grand Jas can fit many itineraries, but it's not a “must” for everyone. Think of it as a low-cost, low-crowd cultural detour that adds depth to a Cannes trip.

Families with Kids

For older kids and teens, it can be surprisingly engaging as a “story walk,” especially if you frame it around sculpture, symbols, and how cities remember their past. Keep the visit short and choose a simple route so it doesn’t feel like a long uphill ramble.

For very young children, it may be less rewarding unless they’re already comfortable with quiet spaces. Pair it with a more kid-friendly stop afterward (ice cream in town or a beach break) to balance the day.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Couples who like calm, cinematic corners of the Riviera will appreciate the peaceful lanes, the artistry of the monuments, and the feeling of stepping away from the buzz of central Cannes. It's a thoughtful contrast to the glamour of the Croisette.

If you’re planning a slow day, combine the cemetery with a stroll through Le Suquet and a sunset drink by the port. The mood is reflective rather than overtly romantic, but it suits travelers who enjoy quieter shared experiences.

Budget Travelers

This is an excellent budget-friendly stop: it’s a meaningful visit that doesn’t require tickets and can be reached by public transport. Bring water and snacks from a supermarket in town to keep costs down.

Because it's not a commercial attraction, it also tends to be less crowded than headline Cannes sights. That makes it a good choice when you want a calm morning before a more expensive afternoon activity.

History Buffs

History lovers will enjoy tracing Cannes’ 19th- and 20th-century evolution through names, languages, and monument styles. The cemetery is like an open-air archive of the city’s social history.

To get more context, consider pairing your visit with a walk in Le Suquet (older Cannes) and a stop at a local museum afterward. The contrast helps connect the people buried here with the city you see today.

FAQs for Visiting Cimetiere du Grand Jas

Getting There

Yes, but it’s an uphill walk and can feel longer in hot weather. If you want to save energy for the rest of the day, take a bus or taxi.
Public transport or a short taxi ride from central Cannes is the simplest. If you’re already exploring inland Cannes, it’s easy to add as a stop.
Yes—pair it with Le Suquet and the Old Port for a culture-focused half day. You can also continue on to central shopping and cafés afterward.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a municipal cemetery and entry is generally free. Visit respectfully and follow any posted rules.
Occasionally, local walking initiatives and guides include it as a themed stop. If you prefer context, look for a Cannes walking tour that focuses on hidden or historic places.
Hours can vary by season and may include holiday schedules. Check the posted hours before you go if you’re visiting on a holiday.

Visiting Experience

Comfortable walking shoes are important because of slopes and steps. In summer, bring sun protection and water.
Yes, especially for sculpture and landscape-style shots. Be mindful around recent graves and avoid intrusive close-ups.
Most visitors describe it as calm and well maintained. It’s typically much quieter than Cannes’ beachfront areas.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Visit in the morning, then head back toward Le Suquet and the waterfront for lunch. Save the Croisette for later in the day when you want a livelier atmosphere.
Wander terrace by terrace and let the monuments guide you rather than rushing to specific names. The most memorable moments often come from unexpected details.
Yes, if you enjoy landscaped walks and sculpture. If you only care about headline attractions, you may prefer other Cannes sights.

Photography

Morning and late afternoon usually provide softer light and better contrast on stonework. Midday sun can be harsh on pale monuments.
Rules can vary, and cemeteries often discourage equipment that disrupts others. If you bring one, keep it unobtrusive and be ready to put it away.
Avoid photographing mourners or private moments, and be cautious with identifiable details on recent graves. Focus on overall atmosphere and historic sculpture.

Accessibility & Facilities

Some areas may be difficult due to the terraced layout, slopes, and steps. If accessibility is a priority, plan a shorter route near the entrance and main lanes.
You’ll find occasional spots to pause, but it’s not designed like a park with frequent seating. Take breaks as needed, especially in warm weather.
Facilities may be limited, so it’s best to plan restroom stops in town before or after. Bring water if you’re visiting in summer.

Food & Breaks Nearby

It’s better to avoid eating inside, as it’s a place of remembrance. Save snacks and meals for cafés back in central Cannes.
Head toward central Cannes for cafés and bakeries, or continue to Le Suquet for a scenic wander and a meal nearby. The port area is also a pleasant option.
Don’t count on it—carry a bottle, especially in warmer months. You can refill or buy drinks in town.

Safety & Timing

Generally yes, especially during regular daytime hours. As with any quiet place, stay aware of your surroundings.
You can, but plan for sun and heat: go early, wear good shoes, and bring water. A shorter visit is often more enjoyable.
Yes, but be extra respectful and keep a low profile if you encounter mourners. If the site feels busy with ceremonies, consider returning at a quieter time.

Nearby Attractions to the Cimetiere du Grand Jas

  • Le Suquet: Cannes’ historic old town with steep lanes, viewpoints, and a more local feel than the beachfront.
  • Marché Forville: A lively covered market that's great for produce, snacks, and a quick taste of Provence.
  • La Croisette: The famous seafront boulevard for a classic Cannes stroll past beaches and luxury hotels.
  • Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: The city's festival hub where you can see the iconic Cannes red-carpet setting.
  • Îles de Lérins: A short boat trip away for nature walks, sea views, and a quieter side of the Riviera.

The Cimetiere du Grand Jas appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Cannes!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) April 1 - September 30; Monday - Friday: 09:00-19:00; Saturday - Sunday & public holidays: 08:00-19:00.

(Winter) October 1 - March 31; Monday - Friday: 09:00-18:00; Saturday - Sunday & public holidays: 08:00-18:00.

Price:

Free.

Address: 2 All. du Cimetière, 06400 Cannes, France
Cannes: 1 km
Telephone: +33 4 97 06 41 52
Official Website

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