Croix des gardes, Nature reserve in Cannes, France.
Croix des Gardes is a nature reserve covering about 80 hectares in Cannes, shaped by Mediterranean plants such as umbrella pines and different mimosa species. Walking paths cross the grounds and offer routes for various ability levels.
King Francis I established a Swiss guard post here in 1525 to protect the coast from pirate attacks. This strategic location shaped the site permanently and gave it its name.
The name recalls a guard post established in 1525 to watch for pirates along the shore. This historical connection gives the place its identity today, even though military patrols no longer happen here.
Access is through Avenue de la Croix-des-Gardes and the area offers various marked paths with different difficulty levels. Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the paths can be demanding in warm weather.
A steel cross created by a modern artist stands at the summit and serves as a landmark for visitors navigating the trails. Local donkeys and occasionally mounted patrols maintain the grounds, echoing the site's historical role as a guard station.
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