Cannes is really famous and alive only in a few weeks in spring, the time of the Cannes Film Festival. It’s the European alternative of the Oscars; some people even say that Cannes is better because the festival tributes the cinema as art and not industry. Indeed the movies shown there are often not mainstream and easy to accept; they are not the shaky high-budget blockbusters. Unfortunately, Cannes al contrary is a city of showing off pretenses and definitely high budget for travelers.
The easiest way to reach Cannes is with a flight to Marseille (the second largest city in France).
Cannes is too small to rent a car. In addition the street layout is such a pain: most of the streets are too narrow and one way. Parking is a problem, so you should pay extra for not using the car you just rented. If however you’re by car, the best place to stop is the The Fontville parking; it’s near the port and the old town.
The old town is cozy and traditionally expensive. Normal lunch starts from 50 euro. In Cannes you can also enjoy the Croisette, the Covered Market or drop and check the Palais de Fetivales (the place of the film festival).
Almost all beaches in the area are private and the entrance fee is 30 euro (his includes sun bed and shade). There are a few public beaches too but they are too crowded and do not worth the time and efforts to get in.
If you have some free time visit the two islands of Îles de Lérins (called Ste Honorat and Ste Marguerite). The ferry will take you there for just 5 euros. On the islands you can have some natural food and wine made by local monks and relax in a quieter place.
Cannes is interesting during the film festival when you can see la crème de la crème of the modern movie celebrities, actors, directors, screenwriters. BUT in the next eleven months of the year it is relatively boring and it is okay to visit but just for a day.
Check here tomorrow to see what alternatives for travel the Marseille region has to offer!
