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© Mairie de Cannes
Grand Jas Cemetery
An impressive cemetery that showcases the history of Cannes
North west from the centre of Cannes is the impressive Grand Jas Cemetery. The cemetery was built in 1866 as the town centre of Cannes kept growing thus creating a need for a bigger cemetery.
The Grand Jas was built over nine hectares of land, and today it remains a favourite place to visit as it is adorned with impressive ancient trees, pretty flowers and architecture. The English also have their own section called the 'carre anglais' which is the resting place of some English aristocracy. It is dominated by the statue of Henry Peter Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux who played a major role in building the city.
An office just outside has leaflets listing the graves of famous people and where to find them - from Lord Brougham to Charles Fabergé. And like many Mediterranean cemeteries, it has the best view in town.
Watch out for
The tombs of Peter Carl Fabergé, the famous Russian jeweller best known for the Fabergé eggs, Olga Kholklova, the Russian ballerina who was also Picasso's first wife, or the writer Prosper Mérimée, author of the novel Carmen.
Visitor comments
- "Its a gorgeous cemetery, Full of history and character. I didn't take any photographs as I was feeling a little melancholy and wanted to remain respectful. Spent a good hour wandering around looking at the various crypts, etc. So picturesque" - Trip Advisor
When to come
Opening times are as follows (the main entrance closes 15 minutes before the official closing time):
- February to March - Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00. Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00
- April to September - Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 19:00. Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 19:00
- October to 15 November - Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00. Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 18:00
- 16 November to January - Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:30. Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 17:30
