Skimming through the world’s press when the Cannes Film Festival rolls around, it’s hard to believe that this glitzy resort was once a sleepy fishing port. That was the case until 1834, when an English aristocrat visited the area during an emergency stopover and fell in love with the scenery, returning once each winter with increasingly more of his peers. Fast forward to 1955 and the area was thrust into the cinematic spotlight when Grace Kelly and Cary Grant starred in Hitchcock’s To Catch A Thief. It was at the Cannes Film Festival that year where she met Prince Rainier and began her fairytale to become the Princess of Monaco.
Today, Cannes is most famous for the film festival, but it’s also a great holiday destination the rest of the year. Most importantly, you don’t have to own a yacht and a credit card with no limit to visit, there are plenty of hidden gems which you can enjoy.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the biggest draw for visitors: the festival. This year marks the 69th film festival on May 11th for 11 days. It’s anticipated that stars such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Kristen Stewart and Steven Spielberg will attend. The festival will open with a screening of Woody Allen’s Cafe Society. If you haven’t got a ticket, don’t worry as there are ways to get involved in the cinematic spirit. For each night of the festival, there is a free open air cinema at Plage Mace showing classic films; simply bring your own deckchair! There’s also the Cannes Cinephile programme of film at four cinemas across Cannes. During the festival, accommodation gets booked up fairly fast, so if you plan to attend during this time, make sure to book early.
Places To Visit
La Croisette
This glamorous promenade curves all around the bay. Get yourself a delicious ice cream and window shop at some of the most exclusive designer shops in the world. Then, take a walk on the opposite side and look at the luxury yachts to see how the other half live.
Ile St Marguerite
Ile St Marguerite is a small island close to the shore of Cannes. It formerly housed a prison, which you can explore. You can access the island via a 15 minute ferry.
Ile St Honorat
Another small island close to Cannes, this is the home of Monks who have been inhabiting the island for over 16 centuries. The monks make and sell their own wine, which makes for a unique souvenir.
Allées Des Stars
This street is decorated with handprints of famous actors who have visited it, including Charlie Chaplin, Sophia Loren and Robert De Niro as well as many modern day stars.
Vieux Port
This old port is famous for wine, but it also houses an interesting combination of luxury yachts and working fishing vessels, as well as a flower market.
Palais Des Festivals
This is where the films are screened during the Cannes Film Festival. Visit outside the film festival season for a photo on the famous steps.
Things To Do
Beaches
The beaches in Cannes are mostly private. This means you’ll pay around 30 Euros, including a sun lounger and shade. Some are free, but may be busier.
Day Trips
As well as the islands, you can easily make day trips to Nice and Monaco from Cannes.
Casinos
The casinos in Cannes are world class. You’ll need to dress up-suits for men- to get in and you will need your passport.
Nightlife
Cannes has a small but vibrant array of nightlife. The Palais Club is the place to be seen, the Disco Le Sept has an amazing cabaret show and Morrisons Irish Pub has great folk music.
Cannes Travel Tips
- In France, a service charge is always added to your bill in a restaurant. If you wish, you can leave 1 Euro for every 20 Euros spent.
- Learn a few French phrases; ‘Can you take my photo please?’ may be useful if you come across any celebrities!
- To eat cheaply, avoid the front restaurants and walk up past the beach, the restaurants in this area cater for lunchtime customers and are often cheaper.
- Rue Meynadier is a cheaper place to shop, with discount clothes and craft shops.
- If you are interested in cars, there is a car museum with over 100 cars on display including Jaguar and Rolls Royce.
- If you’re hiring a car, legally you must have a high visibility jacket and warning triangle in it.
How to get to Cannes
You can get to Cannes by flying to nearby Nice. The best way to travel between Nice and Cannes is to use public transport, as taxis can be expensive. You can fly to Nice with Ryanair.
