Cannes might be synonymous with the International Film Festival, but beneath this celebrity veneer is a city rich in rewards for travellers. That’s not to detract from the annual extravaganza, which has become Cannes’ biggest drawing card since it was introduced in 1939.
Every year celebrity A-listers come from all over the world to walk the hallowed red carpet of the Palais des Festivals and Cannes turns into a media circus with photographers hovering around film stars like flies around the proverbial. But you don’t need a press card to rub shoulders with the stars, who frequent some of the city’s most popular haunts.
Although a sense of normality returns when the circus leaves town, parts of the city remain fairly exclusive; luxury yachts float in the harbour, designer boutiques line the streets and the main beach is reserved for wealthy guests at Cannes’ lavish hotels. However, being filthy rich is not a prerequisite for an entertaining sojourn in Cannes as there is plenty to do for those on more modest budgets.
The narrow, cobbled streets of the lofty Old Town (Le Suquet) are charming, and those who climb them will be rewarded for their labours with stunning views across the Côte d’Azur. At the top you’ll also find the remains of a fortified tower and the 12th-century Chapel of St Anne.
The islands of Ile St Marguerite and Ile St Honorat are a short boat ride away from Cannes and shouldn’t be missed. The former is where ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’ was incarcerated for 11 years. This mystery prisoner was believed to be of noble blood but his identity has never been proven. Today visitors are able to step inside his cell in the Fort of St Marguerite, housed within the Musée de la Mer (Museum of the Sea).
Annoyingly it’s not possible to take a boat from Ile St Marguerite to Ile St Honorat, which is a mere paddle away (don’t get any ideas). Visitors must go back to Cannes and take a different boat out to St Honorat, but it’s worth it. Monks have inhabited this island since AD410 and medieval vestiges remain, the most striking of which are the ruins of an 11th-century monastery. The monks divide their time between prayer and producing wine, which you can purchase on the island.
Back on the mainland you’re never far from Cannes’ cinema heritage. Scattered around the city are giant wall paintings depicting Hollywood’s finest, while outside the Palais des Festivals you will find the Allées des Stars, a parting gift from visiting actors, who have left imprints of their hands in the pavement.
Just past this celebrity sidewalk is Vieux Port with its odd medley of luxury boats and tiny fishing vessels, rows of palm trees and fragrant flower market. Beyond this you’ll find the Plage du Midi, a beautiful ribbon of golden sand that is free to bathe on. If you have time it’s also worth exploring the surrounding hinterland, which boasts quaint villages, empty beaches and exciting flora and fauna.
Travel Guide 2012
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