There is only one possible word to describe Cannes, France — and that is ‘glamorous’. The sparkling Mediterranean Sea, haute boutiques and opulent hotels are only some of the reasons why this city on the Côte d’Azur is considered to be a playground for the rich and famous. Cannes’ biggest draw is, of course, it’s utterly fabulous film festival.
A-listers arrive in droves to sip champagne poolside at the legendary Hotel du Cap, lounge on yachts in flimsy bikinis and attend glitzy film premieres in dazzling designer gowns. This year the fame factor is even more mega-watt than usual, as an array of impossibly beautiful actors and actresses will be on hand to debut their latest movies.
So who can you expect to see at the 65th Festival de Cannes? Scottish star Ewan McGregor, German stunner Diane Kruger and The Descendants director Alexander Payne are all part of the jury that will decide this year’s Palme d’Or winner (The Palme d’Or is the highest prize awarded at Cannes).
You can also expect to see a handful of heartthrobs, including Brad Pitt, Zac Efron, Garrett Hedlund, Edward Norton, Shia LaBeouf and Inception’s Tom Hardy.
If you’re a die-hard fan of the teen vampire Twilight Saga series, you may just get lucky and catch a first-hand glimpse of its loved-up leads, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. The British actor stars in David Cronenberg’s Cosmopolis, a drama following a billionaire’s trek through Manhattan. Stewart will finally screen On the Road, a big-screen adaptation of Jack Kerouac’s classic beat generation novel.
So grab your fanciest frocks, prepare to say ‘bonjour’ to the glitterati and rub shoulders with your favorite stars while visiting the jewel of the French Riviera from May 16-27. Be ready for your close up!
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel du Cap – Eden Roc
Hotel du Cap – Eden Roc’s reputation as the celebrity hotspot of the French Riviera is unparalleled. Anyone who is anyone stays here during the film festival. A word to the wise: non-Hollywood types may want to try booking rooms a year in advance. Expect to see A-listers like Madonna and Cameron Diaz hanging out by the cool pool, which is unique in that it’s blasted into seaside bedrock.
http://www.hotel-du-cap-eden-roc.com/eng/welcome/
InterContinental Carlton Cannes
If you’re after opulence, the InterContinental Carlton Cannes is where to find it. This elegant, old-fashioned hotel is steps away from the action on La Croisette. Celebrities, too, will enjoy staying here: those who value their privacy will be relieved to have their own private beach and pier.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/cannes-carlton
Hotel Martinez
This iconic Cannes hotel has a Roaring Twenties style, but its amenities – including electronic shutters and a heated outdoor pool – are purely modern. Naomi Campbell and Robert De Niro flock here for the private beach and the outrageous parties: in 2011, they were among the chosen few invited to watch Kanye West perform just moments before a giant fireworks display lit up the sky.
http://www.hotel-martinez.com/en/?
WHERE TO EAT
Le Festival
Le Festival doesn’t have the initial ‘wow’ factor that many of its competitors do upon first glance, but its food more than makes up for that. This is why the restaurant has become the go-to breakfast spot for A-list festivalgoers…the ones who eat, that is.
Felix
This extravagant French restaurant is one of Madonna’s favorites. Enough said.
Baoli
Baoli is very much a ‘see and be seen’ spot in Cannes. Though its seafood is amazing, its celestial views are the primary draw. Among those who’ve broken bread in the chic eatery are Bono, Jay-Z and Eva Mendes.
http://www.lebaoli.com/baoli/
WHERE TO PARTY
La Terrasse
You must find a way to get your name on the list at La Terrasse, the 5-star hotel Palais Stephanie’s invitation-only rooftop lounge. International supper club Nikki Beach typically throws their annual parties at this hotspot. It is additionally important because it rests on the original site of the Palais des Congrès, home to the very first festival.
http://www.restaurantlaterrasse-06.com/
Hotel Majestic
Tinseltown’s crème de la crème flock to this impressive French Riviera hotel. Eva Longoria, Kate Beckinsale and Russell Crowe have all been spotted hanging out at its infamous Rotonde Louise Pommery Champagne Bar, while Jude Law was recently seen taking a pre-Cannes break at the stunning spot. Jeweler Chopard has also been known to take up floors of the Majestic in order to provide the jet set with their pick of million dollar gemstones to wear on the red carpet.
http://www.thehotelmajestic.com/
Ritz Carlton
Those that throw parties at the Ritz are “spending every dime for a wonderful time.” Gerard Butler, Juliette Binoche and former Paris Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld have been in attendance at parties here, such as the 2011 Style Night Star party sponsored by W Magazine.
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/cannes-carlton
WHERE TO SPOT A CELEBRITY
Head over to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. This is where the festival’s red carpet is rolled out, so rest assured you’ll have a bird’s eye view of all the action. Pay special attention to those in taffeta gowns and tuxedos.
Casually stroll around the Port de Cannes marina, where you’ll be certain to see a few faces you’ll recognize. Last year Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale were among those holding court aboard Roman Abramovich’s yacht, Luna. Leonardo DiCaprio paid Steven Spielberg a visit on the Seven Seas and Sarah Jessica Parker partied on Russian investor Len Blavatnik’s Odessa.
La Croisette is the heart of Cannes, but if you really want to live like the jet set, you’ll browse through expensive boutiques like YSL, Chanel, Dior and Gucci. Who knows? You may just need a last minute designer dress in case you happen to have a Notting Hill moment!
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/
HOW A NON-A LISTER CAN TRY TO SCORE TICKETS FOR A FILM
Tickets to the film festival are harder to procure than gold dust as they are primarily for stars, industry bigwigs and press. There’s no use trying to sneak in or pretending to be one of the above, either: you’ll be rumbled immediately.
That said, there are ways of seeing some films if you so choose.
If you’re a true film enthusiast, you can try to get accreditation through the Cannes Cinephiles program.
Tickets to the Director’s Fortnight and International Critics Week screenings are open to the public. Hurry, though – tickets go fast and can only be purchased at the Malmaison esplanade.
Lastly, you may be able to catch a screening at the Cinema de la Plage. These showings are FREE every evening and include movies from the official selection, those in the competition and classic Cannes films. Get your invitation at the Cannes tourism office. http://www.cannes-hotel-booking.com/