All About Cannes, France - Cannes Travel Guide
Cannes in France is probably one of the most celebrated cities in the world for business tourism. This internationally famous city comes to life during the month of May every year, when the International Film Festival is organized here. Choc-a-bloc with tourists who come here from every part of the world to get just one single look of their favorite Hollywood stars that descend the red carpeted walkway of the Palais des Festivals, Cannes turns into a glittering, glamorous, and glorious starry urban kingdom.
Situated on the very famous Côte d'Azur, Cannes is a chameleon city that takes on a new identify, much different than the earlier one, depending on the temper of each major event it hosts like cultural festivals, conferences, congress sessions etc. With MIDEM – the music conference, Cannes turns into a young, fun-loving, musical city every January; but come March and the MIPIM – the international real estate conference, turns Cannes into a sober and professional city. But one thing is always constant in Cannes, and that is the presence of tourists from every corner of the world.
The tourists flock to this picturesque city for its gloriously long and curvaceous La Croisette sandy beaches that are a bee-hive of activity with Cannes hotels, designer boutique shops, and luxury cruise boat companies, and restaurants doing brisk business. The two ‘Fs’ that are synonymous with Cannes include food and fashion. While fashion has snobbish value, and being well-dressed and well-groomed at all times is paramount to how you are perceived in Cannes, food is equally important and easily located in the urban chic and trendy street side cafes, bars, numerous bistros and fine dining restaurants.
Branded by some critics as superficial in its attractions, the modern day Cannes has grown from a small, sleepy town that was once owned by monks who expanded their monastery to the Island of St Honorat situated nearby. Though the fishing tradition is still alive to date, fresh fish caught at the Vieux Port are sold at the Forville Market each morning. The Musée de la Castre was once a chateau now converted into a charming museum that houses wide and varied artwork. Once there, don’t forget to climb the chateau’s tower for a panoramic view of the city of Cannes below!
When in Cannes, shopping can’t be too far from your mind. Indisputably, one of the main reasons to visit this glittering coastal city is to spend money and the lines of shops on La Croisette and parallel to it give you the perfect reason. From exclusive designer boutiques to upscale fashion stores to shopping malls, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the Rue d’Antibes and Rue Meynadier that are the most famous shopping districts here. The La Crosiette promenade is also popular for souvenirs, cozy street side cafes, seaside Cannes restaurants, and the beach!
Today, Cannes has become the domain of the privileged that come here to relax, play golf, get a tan, and enjoy the Mediterranean climate. This luxurious French Riviera City of Cannes is little larger than a flamboyant village, which can be easily covered by foot, though the stars prefer a limousine!