Cannes & Film Festival★★
Cannes (75,000 inhabitants) thrives on glamour — and delivers it reliably. The Croisette, Cannes' legendary beach promenade, is 2 km of pure luxury: palm trees, designer boutiques (Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton), five-star hotels (Carlton, Martinez, Majestic), and the most expensive beach clubs on the Riviera. But Cannes has more to offer than red carpets and superyachts.
The Festival de Cannes (May, 12 days) is the most prestigious film festival in the world. The Palme d'Or has been awarded to films like "Pulp Fiction," "The Piano," and "Parasite." During the festival, the city is in turmoil — premieres at the Palais des Festivals, stars on the Croisette, open-air cinema on the beach (Cinéma de la Plage, free). Hotels cost three times as much, but the atmosphere is electric.
Le Suquet — Cannes' picturesque old town on the hill above the old port. Narrow streets, Provençal restaurants, the bell tower of the Notre-Dame d'Espérance church (1648), and from the tower of the Musée de la Castre a 360° panorama over the bay, the Lérins Islands, and the Esterel Massif. Here, Cannes still feels authentic.
The Îles de Lérins — two islands, 15 minutes by ferry. Île Sainte-Marguerite: pine forests, hiking trails, crystal-clear water, and the Fort Royal, where the "Man in the Iron Mask" was imprisoned. Île Saint-Honorat: a functioning Cistercian monastery from the 5th century, which today produces its own wine (tasting €8, 7 wines). A perfect half-day trip.
Ferry Îles de Lérins: Trans Côte d'Azur, round trip €16 (Ste-Marguerite) or €17.50 (St-Honorat). Departures every 30–60 min. from Quai Laubeuf.
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Cannes outside the festival (June–September) is surprisingly relaxed and cheaper. The public beaches east of the Croisette (Plage du Midi, Plage de la Bocca) are free and less crowded than the private sections. The best value for money for food is at Marché Forville (Tue–Sun 7–13).
