The Cannes Film Festival (le Festival international du film de Cannes) is held over 12 days, in May every year, in the seaside town of Cannes on the French Riviera. For these 12 days Cannes is transformed from, what was originally a humble fishing village and now, a quiet seaside resort into a world famous city, the capital of the international film industry. Over 200,000 people including filmmakers, film fans, stars and has-beens, minders and agents descend on the Boulevard de la Croisette to take some part in the Cannes Film Festival, where careers can be made (or ruined), and stars from all over the world gather to bask in the limelight.
Now it is easily the most famous film festival of them all, and a mere mention of Cannes conjures up images of red carpets, palm trees, scantily-clad starlets, celebrity parties, and of course the attendance of a million paparazzi cameras.
It is a fascinating experience to spend time there soaking up the atmosphere. Although restaurant, hotel and bar prices are higher than usual, it is still possible to eat and drink at a more reasonable price if you step away from the “main arena”.
If you are planning to go to the festival make sure that you book Cannes accommodation early. Cannes is about 45 minutes by road from Nice, depending on traffic, so most festival goers arrive via Nice International Airport. Once in Nice you will find that the easiest way to get to Cannes is on the local shuttle bus which operates out of the airport.
But the main problem in visiting Cannes during festival time is securing accommodation, as naturally hotel beds are at a premium. If you are planning to stay in Cannes, book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. If you are unable to find a place to stay in Cannes you could do is what the media and the more reclusive stars do and rent a holiday villa just out of town. An advantage to this, if you are easily star struck, instead of just catching a glimpse of a star on the red carpet you could have them as your neighbour for a week.
If you take an early evening stroll along La Croisette you will find early evening television shows being broadcast nationally and internationally to satisfy the hunger of viewers all over the world. As dusk draws in the visitors start arriving to see, and be seen at, the films showing at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres.
But the hundreds of film screenings that take place during the festival are not only for the rich and famous. You can find them all over the town. A visit to the local tourist office will get you all the information you need.
One such screening usually happens on the beach after dark, on a giant screen. It is an amazing setting with laser lights illuminating the entire bay and the yachts and boats anchored in it. This is certainly an interesting (and inexpensive) way to pass a few hours.
Thinking of heading to Cannes for the film festival? Browse the range of Cannes accommodation today.