There is scientific evidence that Cannes was around in the second century BC. It is believed that the Oxybian tribe, originally from Liguria, built settlements under the name Aegitna.
Aegitna was a quiet settlement until around 69 AD when fighting erupted between troops from Othos and Vitellius.
A castle was built for the Lérins after the tribe took over the village in the 10th century. By the 14th century Cannes had developed into an actual town.
In the 17th century 600 citizens called Cannes home and the Notre-Dame parish had set up camp. In 1635 Spaniards took control of the nearby monastery of St. Honorat and expelled the monks.
In the 19th century many important French aristocrats had set up camp in Cannes. Many politicians from other countries also purchased vacation homes in the town.
Because of the mass interest in Cannes, a rail connection was set up by 1863. With the help of the railway, many people found Cannes to be a vacation hot spot by the 1930s, and the first film festival was held in 1946. Cannes continues to attract the rich and famous as well as ordinary travelers.
