annes Film Festival, which will take place at Palais des Festivals from 17 to 28 May 2022, is one of the most hotly anticipated star-studded events in the jet-set calendar. The annual event showcases new films slated for release, puts new talent on the radar, and promises heaps of glitz and glamour; from the red carpet outfits to the backdrop of the Côte d’Azur.

With the South of France hotspot welcoming mega movie stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie and Robert De Niro, a schedule of luxury stays at prestigious hotels, fine dining and exclusive after-parties is de rigueur. And, while Cannes Film Festival may be strictly invite-only, why should the stars have all the fun? There is, after all, nothing stopping you from holidaying like a true Hollywood celebrity. Read on for the A-list approved haunts in Cannes to book now.

 

 

The best luxury hotels in Cannes

Hôtel Martinez

For over 90 years Hôtel Martinez has been the jewel in Cannes’ crown. The five-star Art Deco hotel, located on the world-famous La Croisette, has been expertly designed, with each room and suite paying homage to the French city and its cinematic credentials. However, it’s the two-Michelin star restaurant, La Palme D’Or – appropriately named after the film festival’s most prestigious award – that is the true pièce de resistance. This utopia of hospitality also features penthouse suites, a spa, garden oasis and access to a private beach, as well as a second restaurant, Le Jardin, and the legendary Martinez bar.

Make a reservation

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Since opening its doors in 1887, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has become something of a celebrity magnet, welcoming, among others, film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Elizabeth Taylor, literary legend Ernest Hemingway, and members of many of Europe’s royal families. Aside from the decadent interior, impeccable service, and breathtaking views, it is the remote location which attracts the celebrity clientele. Based on the southern tip of Cap D’Antibes, this is perfect for those seeking privacy on their visit to the South of France.

We predict Hollywood’s elite will be competing for the newly-opened private accommodation, Villa Sainte-Anne, situated directly opposite Hotel du Cap during this year’s film festival. The historic five-bedroom villa overlooks cascading gardens concealing a private pool and views across the bay of Juan-les-Pins, which makes this accommodation an A-lister’s ideal retreat.

Make a reservation

 

 

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic

With Palais des Festivals a stone’s throw away, and the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Robert De Niro among the hotel’s celebrity guests, Le Majestic is the hotel to bookmark for your next getaway. Le Majestic boasts an east and west wing, comprising over 250 rooms, 92 suites, a spa and a 35-seat cinema, as well as multiple bars and restaurants, including the famous Bisous Club. In fact, while we highly recommend getting out and exploring Cannes, so well-appointed is Le Majestic you may never want to leave.

Make a reservation

 

The best restaurants in Cannes

Le Bâoli

Following the closure of famed celeb haunt Tetou, Le Bâoli has become the most popular restaurant in Cannes for A-listers who want to see and be seen, with starry guests including Jay Z and Bono. Le Bâoli is a triple threat, as guests can satiate their palate with the Mediterranean-come-Asian inspired cuisine at the double Maitre-award-winning restaurant, before sipping a cocktail on the panoramic rooftop terrace Cloud Nine, and finish the night at Le Bâoli’s club, where world-famous DJs keep guests on the dancefloor until the early hours. Whether you are looking for fine dining, or the full Cannes party experience, there’s nowhere else to be.

Visit baolicannes.com

 

 

La Palme D’Or

La Palme D’Or is the only restaurant in Cannes to hold two Michelin stars, among many other accolades, so it is definitely one for the bucket list. Situated on the first floor of the Hôtel Martinez, it boasts a bay-view terrace overlooking the bustling La Croisette which has become a mecca for golden hour sundowners. Diners, meanwhile, can enjoy an exclusive food and wine pairing experience, or one of chef Christian Sinicropi’s many multi-course menus centred around the theme of Movement, for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Visit hyatt.com

La Guerite

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cannes, but still soak un the Côte d’Azur in all its glory, La Guerite, is one for the foodies and sun worshippers alike. Located across the Bay of Cannes in the cove of  Île Sainte-Marguerite, this hidden gem promises Greek gastronomy, succulent seafood dishes, impressive views of the French Riviera, and historical references at every corner. With its own beach and a bar serving some of the crispest rosé on the coastline, don’t be surprised if your lunch snacks linger into dinner.

Visit cannes.restaurantlaguerite.com

 

 

The best things to do in Cannes

Explore

Cannes is steeped in history, art, culture and fashion, as well as gastronomy, and the best way to soak it all in is on foot. Wander down Rue d’Antibes – coined Cannes’ Rodeo Drive – and weave your way to La Croisette’s three kilometre strip where you can celeb-spot while shopping in the designer stores.

Explore historical Cannes by venturing to the Old Port and Le Suquet, where cobbled streets are laced with pastel-coloured cottages, gothic architecture and authentic food stalls, before hiking through the La Croix-des-Gardes natural park. Here you’ll stumble upon Villa Perrier, where Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief was filmed.

Once you’ve taken in the mesmeric views over the Côte d’Azur, sample the popular white sand beaches Cannes and the French Riviera have become famous for. From Palm Beach to Plage du Midi, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a good spot. Be sure to end the day with a well-deserved gelato at celebrity-hotspot Glacier Vilfeu.

Channel your inner film critic

While Cannes Film Festival is exclusively for invited guests, holiday goers can enjoy a sneak peek inside Palais Des Festivals, which has been home to the annual movie extravaganza since 1949, for just €6. Those wishing for the full cinematic experience, however, should head to Macé Beach, just along from art gallery Le Malmaison, where a new film from the official Cannes Film Festival selection is screened every night at an open-air cinema on the beach for free. Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled for Le Grand Hotel’s giant rooftop screen, which previews the biggest events in the French Riviera and can be seen from four kilometres away.

 

 

Island hop

Cannes may be where the action is but there are plenty of hidden gems off the bay, including the Lérins Islands, which consists of  four smaller islands: Île Sainte-Marguerite, Île Saint-Honorat, Îlot Saint-Ferréol and Îlot de la Tradelière. Take a ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite, where you can explore the Royal Fort, which became synonymous with the Man in the Iron Mask, who was incarcerated there for over a decade, as well as the island’s cemetery, and the Sea Museum.

Another second boat ride will take you to Île Saint-Honorat, the home of Lérins Abbey, an active Fifth Century Cisterican monastery. Visitors can enjoy a silent retreat, sample the produce from a wine estate spanning eight hectares, navigate pine-lined paths or discover untouched beaches and secluded coves. Those looking for a little extra extravagance should also make time for a day trip to neighbouring jet setter’s playgrounds Monte Carlo, St. Tropez, Nice, Monaco or Antibes.

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