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The French Riviera explodes with famous cities, and places, restaurants and museums choose one, choose them all. It's guaranteed you'll have an amazing time and come back again, and again, and again.
CANNES is the midpoint of it all. And CANNES is most famous for its global FILM FESTIVAL. Started shortly after the Second World War to help rebuild the City, a nation, a region, and an industry, The CFF was created to bring some much needed cash into the local area. Over its 60+ year history The CANNES FILM FESTIVAL is a Mecca for film makers and stars across the globe.
It began as a couple of days venture, now it is 10 days of 24/7 film screenings, deal making, premiers, parties, associated events and the Palme d'Or Jury selection of the year's very best film, actors, and director - a veritable Golden stamp of approval.
The whole city is sold out, so unless you want to sleep on a beach, which Robert Redford did once in his college journeying days, book early. For the CFF not only Cannes is filled for fullest capacity, so is all the surrounding area, Juan les Pins, Antibes, Cap d'Antibes, St. Jean Cap Ferrat. And the traffic - as most of these highways become one way streets into town, getting anywhere is impossible.
THE CARLTON sitting in the middle of the CROISETTE is possibly the most famous of all the hotels in Cannes. A lush backdrop for so many films, and current jewelry heists, the Carlton and its Terrace where multi-million dollar deals go down hourly, is the magnet. Remember Grace Kelly encountering Cary Grant there in TO CATCH A THIEF? There are many fine and splendid hotels around the Croisette, so although you may have a preference, it may just be that you'll have to take wherever has an open occupancy. Remember that! If it's on Rue d'Antibes, that is good, it's the street behind the Croisette so close to the beach and all the activities.
Cannes is split in two, There is the Ancient Port area clustered around the old fishing and tourist boats. They sit at one far end of the Croisette. The Palais, where all the films play and the red carpet shimmers is in that area. In addition to being the movie Mecca, an exhibition hall for other business events which appear there annually, The Palais is also the Casino in off season times.
In season, you have to journey to the very opposite end of the Croisette - and there you'll find the Municipale Casino, set into a quiet Residential area. But, new life is springing up around it, and the famed nightclub Baoili and several others have taken over the new port at night. Here the bigger boats are docked, and it's a whole different up market feel at this end.
One splendid thing will happen every night as you play in the Casino. Without warning, you'll hear loud explosions, and as a newcomer you'll rush to the windows. There you will see a wondrous fireworks display lighting up the night sky. Not only lighting the sky, but capturing the magic of the beautiful buildings, the palm tree lined Croisette, the sidewalk cafes, the strolling legions. Now you're in the real Cannes.
CANNES is a delightful place to visit for several days, or it's compact enough for just one. Because of its central location it is a good stopping off point to other places up and down the Riviera. It is relatively flat and broad expanses of walking space make it easy to navigate. If you stay in Cannes, it is a day trip to St. Tropez in one direction, or Nice and Monte Carlo in the other. You can also quickly escape into the mountains and gaze down at this Paradise.
ENJOY!
September 27, 2023
