Cannes is one of the most glamorous film festivals in the world. Every year, celebrities from all over the globe descend on the French Riviera for this prestigious event. It’s fair to say that the atmosphere is quite different from that of the typical Hollywood Film Festival. There are very few dull moments during the whole three-week-long festival. Most notably, the streets of Cannes are completely deserted during the day while the festival is taking place. It is almost like a ghost town. This makes the whole area feel quite ominous. It doesn’t hurt that the most famous film festival in the world is located in the middle of the French Riviera, either.
Where to Stay in Cannes
Whether you are visiting Cannes for the Film Festival or not, there are plenty of hotels that can help you enjoy your stay. It isn’t exactly easy to find the right accommodation during festival time. The good news is that if you are looking for a high-end hotel with a cinema, you can find a suitable room at the prestigious Hotel du Palais. There is also the three-star Anis Hotel, which is located in the center of the town. It doesn’t get any better than this when it comes to finding a classy place to stay in Cannes. You should visit the Château Marmont, located in the heart of the famous Cannes Beach. It also has an excellent reputation when it comes to hosting big events, so if you are looking for a luxurious experience, this is the perfect choice. The downside is that this hotel is usually filled to its capacity during events, making it very hard (if not impossible) to get a room. The same can be said for other high-end hotels in the city. Fortunately, there is also a large selection of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in Cannes. The Grand Hotel, for example, is a gorgeous property set back from the sea, with elegant gardens and a pool.
The Best Places to Eat in Cannes
The best restaurants in Cannes fall into two categories: those that serve aperitifs and those that offer traditional French cuisine. For something more casual, there is also a variety of international restaurants in the city – from Irish pubs to sushi bars. All of this adds up to make for one very exciting dining scene in Cannes. The best place to start when it comes to aperitifs is undoubtedly Le Barriquet. For classical French cuisine, there is the two-Michelin-starred Domaine de la Plage. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to the L’Occitane Villa. This luxurious hotel restaurant serves as a taste of Provence. Dining here is like being transported away to the beautiful south of France. The downside is that if you do not have a reservation, you may have to wait a long time for a table. For something more discreet, try Le Café Saint-George. Although it has a contemporary décor, the food is classic French. If you’re looking for an inexpensive meal or aperitif, this is the perfect choice. For something more extravagant, visit the rooftop terrace at Le Plaza, which offers breathtaking views of the city. From here you can order whatever you want and pretend that you’re in Las Vegas. It’s all about you, your bachelor party, and how much you want to spend.
What to Do in Cannes
If you’re not overly familiar with Cannes, it may come as a surprise to discover that there is so much more to the city than the Film Festival. The very fact that there is a ‘Cannes Film Festival’ at all is testament to the fact that there is so much more to the city than the films that are showcased there. While the films of the film festival are mostly premieres, you can take a walk down the street and stumble upon any number of world premieres that are playing in smaller cinemas around town. It is also a city that loves its galleries and museums. If you’re looking for a bit of culture, head to the Musée d’Art Moderne or the Musée de la Condématique. If you have a budding art collector, this is the perfect place to indulge their hobby. In terms of shopping, there is certainly plenty to choose from. The good thing is that if you do not want to blow your budget, there is plenty of street shopping available. If you’re looking for a bargain, galleries and museums offer some fantastic sales. One of the best buys that I’ve ever made was a painting that I bought in the Musée de la Condématique for a quarter of the price of what it normally sells for. Even without a discount, the piece was still worth far more than I paid for it. The downside is that if you want to buy something unique, you will have to search diligently for it. When it comes to attractions, the city is certainly not short of options. For something a little different, visit the Thumbimail Thumbprint Garden. You’ll get to see what an ode to nature this place is. It’s certainly not your typical garden, but it’s one of the few green spaces that you’ll find in the middle of the city. To end on a high note, one of the best things that Cannes has to offer is people-watching. It is said that the city is the most photographed in the world because of the beautiful people that it attracts. Strolling down the streets is like falling into a fairytale. It really is.
If you have a taste for luxury and adventure, then Cannes is the place for you. While there is no escaping the madness that is the Film Festival, it’s still a gorgeous city to visit. It doesn’t hurt that even the locals seem to love it there. Be sure to put this on your travel bucket list. You’ll have the time of your life. All that said, if you want to make the most of your trip, be sure to organize travel insurance before you go. That’s one thing that Cannes is definitely lacking – good documentation when it comes to travel insurance. The people working there simply do not know the first thing about coverage for tourism. It would be a shame to arrive at the airport only to discover that your travel insurance does not cover you for travel to other countries.