A few words about Cannes

A mention of the French city of Cannes brings to mind images of red carpets, movie stars and palm trees. Indeed, the celebrated film festival has played a large part in Cannes's current fame, but the town itself is also a popular tourist destination in its own right. In fact, a visit to Cannes, situated on the Côte d'Azur, can represent a genuine encounter with the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. However, there is also another side to this eclectic destination, as the more down to earth rhythms of the old port and the fish markets reflect the simpler traditions of Mediterranean Europe.

Like most of the towns on the Côte d'Azur, Cannes began its existence as little more than a humble fishing village. More unusually, it was also home to a large community of Christian monks. The township, along with the nearby islands of Saint-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat, were under constant threat from the murderous raids of Saracen pirates from across the sea. Finally, a castle was built to defend against such attacks and the city received its name. The count of Provence granted the castle to the monks, who subsequently prospered on the donations of pilgrims. This enabled them to develop the city further and to build a look-out tower on Saint-Honorat which still stands today.

During the nineteenth century, Cannes first made its name as a health resort, particularly among the British aristocracy. The wonderful climate and attractive natural characteristics of the region were soon attracting wealthy tourists from all over Europe and later from the United States. The town became a prosperous magnet for the well-heeled, famous for its yachting, hotels, casinos, and, more recently, its film festival.

Cannes is not a large city and it is a pleasure to see the sights on foot. Perhaps its most easily recognisable feature is La Croisette, a picturesque crescent-shaped beach which stretches for twelve kilometres. Expensive shops and restaurants line the curve of La Croisette, and exclusive private beaches make good places to spot movie stars during the film festival. This is definitely the place to be seen in Cannes.

The Vieux Port gives more of an insight into Cannes's past, with its rows of fishing boats moored to the pier. However, alongside these humble vessels, one can also see the ostentatious yachts and boats of the rich and famous, making for quite a peculiar contrast. The fish and flower markets have their own particular atmospheres, which must be experienced firsthand. The Cannes Film Festival, usually held in May, is obviously the main event on the city's cultural calendar. Cannes's population swells enormously as actors, directors, producers, critics, and fans converge from all over the world. The festival is a great place to see some of the cinema world's most intriguing new offerings, or simply to rub shoulders with the stars. Clearly it is a good idea to book accomodation well in advance.

Cannes is certainly a very unique city, with a particular aura of romance and glamour. It also makes a good base from which to explore some of the smaller and more traditional villages along the Côte d'Azur. The city is easily accessible by rail from Paris, and it also boasts an international airport. If you have fantasies of living like a movie star, then Cannes is the place to be.