Walking - During the Film Festival Cannes is chaotic, hot, busy and overwhelming but don’t let this discourage you. Walk old town and up to the viewpoint and the museum. It’s best to walk up to the viewpoint before lunch as it’s not as hot, the sun isn’t as intense and there's usually a light breeze to cool you down. Secondly head to the sea front by the Festival Palace, the roads are closed off and pedestrianised, it’s crazy busy but if you walk this in late afternoon, after lunch, you have some great photo opportunities, great vibes, the sun and a sea breeze and the chance to chill on the beach for a while afterwards.
Shopping - Rue D’Antibes is great for shopping, with many international stores like Zara, Pull & Bear, MAC and Sephora you won’t be short of things to buy especially if you’re looking for a stylish evening getup. Pay attention to the security guards in stores, and stop to let them check your bags and do be polite, they’re stricter than the UK and most of Europe but for good reason. For smaller, independent, quiet and chic stores head upwards to old town for flowy chiffon cover-ups, scarves and handmade jewellery.
Eating - Avoid the area around Prom de la Pantiero at all costs, these restaurants/cafes are expensive and busy, serve generally low-quality food with less fresh ingredients and brimming with press pass holders. Owners are cashing in on the film festival so to avoid being a sucker head a bit further back into the city, and down some side streets for more authentic tastes. Best time to eat is after 2 pm once the lunch rush is quieting and search for canopied tables to avoid being burnt in the intense midday Mediterranean sun. The last tip, unfortunately, you can’t avoid the extortionate costs of a bottle of water, averaging at around 5euro you just have to suck up the price or opt for wine instead!
Bars - The Carlton Bar is where stars congregate during the festival, cocktails aren’t cheap and it’s very sophisticated so dress to impress, have an air of confidence and mingle among the rich and famous to complete that ‘Cannes feeling’. If you’re looking for something more chilled, fun and studenty head into old town, there’s a variety of bar & restaurants with quirky outdoor seating for early evenings and late nights. Most places close at around 12:30 am, although this may be later depending on how busy it is.
Taking Photos - You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities in Cannes and beautiful locations. For quaint, cute and individual photos head again to the
old town and look for narrow, stepped alleyways. Search for green canopied side streets for beautiful natural light and great composure. The promenade which is closed to traffic although busy allows access to the front of the red carpet, in front of the barriers; don’t be embarrassed to pose for a photo here for a memory of the film festival in the early afternoon before avid fans start to gather to catch a glimpse of celebrities.
Parking - Avoid parking on the central side of Avenue Bachaga Saïd Boualam. It’s cheaper and quieter, so more access to spaces on the suburban side of the main road that dissects Cannes. A short walk of 20/25 minutes isn’t too much of a struggle and if anything gives you an insight into the everyday life of residents. We parked in EFFIA Cannes Maria and paid 10.20euro for 6 hours, which although still expensive isn’t anywhere near the price of central car parks!
No press accreditation? Head to old town to avoid the hustle & bustle of central Cannes and the constant onslaught of mostly ostentatious press card holders.
Excursions - The sunset cruise priced at 45europp is a beautiful opportunity, quiet and a glass of champagne supplied that could be the perfect outing on the last night of your holiday, but head straight to the port on the day of arrival to check availability. Otherwise, there are daily excursions offered to Lérins
Island or helicopter rides over the Cote D’Azur, try to catch this at sunset for incredible views and a romantic moment!
Accommodation - Stay out of Cannes to avoid extortionate costs of hotels and apartments to save and have nice lunches and day trips, nearby towns such as Antibes (post to follow) and Port Grimaud offer a more tranquil, Riviera style stay, cheaper prices and most have fast, efficient and regular trains or buses into Cannes.
Finally my essentials list for Cannes; A comfy pair of shoes like ballet pumps or trainers; skip the heels if you want to walk a lot. A silk scarf to wrap around your neck in case of a brisk sea gust. A bottle or beaker to fill up at the many water fountains around the city to keep hydrated. Suncream is a must, unfortunately, I learnt this in hindsight! And finally, 4-6euro to grab an ice cream at Amorino to finish the afternoon in Cannes.
