It’s hard to believe that less than 200 years ago Cannes was a small fishing village in the South of France but that’s exactly what it was when Lord Brougham (pronounced Broom) pitched up here in 1834. His Lordship, who happened to be the British Lord Chancellor, was a regular visitor to the Riviera and was on his way to Nice where he planned to spend the Summer as was his wont.

On arrival in Cannes word reached him that there was an outbreak of cholera along the coast, so he rather sensibly decided to stay put and see if things improved. However, he was soon joined by other English Aristocrats who had heard about his change of plan and wanted to join in the fun.

When he retired as Lord Chancellor in 1834 he began to spend a lot of time here and helped to popularize the resort before his death here in 1868. The grateful folk of Cannes decided to honour him and erected a splendid statue in Place Lord Brougham on the Promenade de la Pantiero which was inaugurated in 1879.

Practical Info

Département: Alpes-Maritimes