Cannes Hotels, Attractions, and Information

Written by Beth Garrett

Now famous for the annual International Film Festival, Cannes, France has acted as a magnet over the last three centuries for those who have caught the travel bug and are in search of fun, sun and relaxation. On his way to Italy in 1834, Lord Brougham, a former Lord Chancellor of England was waylaid in Cannes as the result of a quarantine order that had prevented him from crossing the River Var. Lord Brougham immediately saw the potential in this tiny Riviera community as an ideal place to pass the harsh English Boats on Seabed in Cannes

winter months. Because of Cannes? mild and sunny climate, wealthy British families began to flock to Cannes and frolic and play until warmer weather returned again to their own country. On what would have been the lord?s one-hundredth birthday, the residents of Cannes unveiled a statue of the city?s father and spent a week celebrating the contributions he made to the city. Prior to Lord Brougham?s lucky discovery, Cannes was little more than an unknown fishing village. Today, Cannes is one of the most well known cities in the entire world, due mainly in part to the yearly film festival. Although tourism is the city?s chief mode of income, Cannes also acts as a major trade center for flowers and fruit.

Cannes International Film Festival

Since 1946 the Cannes International Film Festival celebrities of all walks of life have descended upon this paradise on earth for the chance to be the first to see some of the hippest, smartest movies of their day. Films from all over the world are screened and depending on their success, later picked up by mega movie studios and introduced to the world at large. The film festival takes place between the Ascension Day and Whit Sunday every May. Although there is plenty to do in Cannes during this time of year, visiting during non-festival times also proves to be an enchanting and memorable experience.

Breath-Taking Beaches

Sunbums will be delighted to discover that Cannes is home to some of the Cannes Beach

most spectacular beaches on the entire Riviera, although many of them are private. Paying an admission price for access to the beach can easily conquer this small problem. The most popular private beach is Plage de la Croisette. Admission prices usually cover such necessities and luxuries as showers, umbrellas and beach chairs. Cannes also has several beaches that are open to the public and an admission price is not required.

Historical Points of Interest

There is a lot more to Cannes than the film festival and beaches. For example, the ?Man in the Iron Mask? called Ile Ste-Marguerite his home from the time he was imprisoned there in 1698 by King Louis XIV until his death in 1703. Although much speculation has been made about what he did to anger the king so much, no one knows for sure even Film Festival Palace in Cannes

to this day. The cell has been excellently preserved and this is a haunting, yet unique place to visit. The Musee de la Mer is also located here and has exhibits from ancient Arab and Roman civilizations. A wonderful way to spend a day is a ferry ride over to Iles de Lerins, a collection of islands. The Abbaye de St-Honorat is home to an old, yet still operating monastery and is located on Iles St-Honorat. The public is admitted into the monastery on a limited basis, so make sure you check first before you go.

Shopping, Dining and Dancing

The heartbeat of Cannes resonates from the Promenade de la Croisette. This area of the city is absolutely exploding with restaurants, cafes, hotels and boutiques. Dining is always an exquisite experience while in Cannes and even the most discerning palate will be able to find a meal that will set his or her tongue singing for joy. The nightlife in Cannes is absolutely hopping. The Whiskey a Gogo is among the city?s most popular nightspots. Want to test your luck at the slots or Blackjack? Head over to Le Carlton Casino Club. There is a dress code required. Shopping enthusiasts will have no problem finding ways to spend their money while in Cannes as store, specialty shops and boutiques are abundant.