The Best of the Cote d'Azur: Cannes

The French Riviera has no shortage of incredible sights, sounds and smells. It's a place that is guaranteed to provide you with unforgettable memories of the beautiful region and you'll see for yourself exactly why the Cote d'Azur is one of the most sought after destinations in the world.

Back in March, Saint-Tropez was our focus. 

This week Cannes is the centre of attention and as festival season is upon us, what better time to take a look into this wonderful city...

A Brief History

Cannes is a city located on the French Riviera and plays host to the annual Film Festival, Midem and the Lions International Festival of Creativity. Known for its association with the rich and famous, the luxury hotels, fancy restaurants and several large conferences. In 2011, the city also held the G20 organisation of industrialised nations. 

A rich history lies within the city and was the focus of multiple ancient conflicts. The history of Cannes is closely linked to the nearby Lerins Islands as well as the monks who resided there. 

Lerins Islands; a paradise just off shore

At the end of the 19th century, the railways were completed ushering in the announcement of street cars. The Boulevard Carnot and the rue d'Antibes projects were completed as well as the closure of the Casino des Fleurs which was renovated into a luxury establishment for rich winter clientele. 

The 20th century saw Cannes grow into a more modernised city. More luxury hotels appeared including the Carlton, Majestic and Martinez. The city also began building schools, post offices and a sports centre. 

There were fewer British and German tourists after WWI but more Americans stayed. Just before WWII, the Film Festival was created. 

The beautiful Carlton Hotel

Sightseeing Opportunities

Museums
Set in a stunning 18th century house, the Musee d'Art et de Histoire de Provence is an excellent place for people who seek pre-historic and present artifacts. 

Musee d'Art et de Histoire de Provence

Musee de la Castre specialises in Mayan pottery and Peruvian relics.

Musee de la Castre

Promenade de la Croisette 

The Croisette is a waterfront venue lined with palm trees and famous for its quaint cafes, vintage boutiques, picturesque beaches and fine cuisine. 

Le Suquet 

The beautiful old town of Cannes is an absolute dream and provides some of the best views of the Croisette.

Villas 

Cannes includes some truly magnificent villas in the heights of the hills and around the city centre itself. The 19th century buildings reflect the owners wealth and status inspired by everything from Roman villas to medieval castles. 

These buildings are not normally open to the public but the Villa Fiesole can be visited on appointment.

Villa Fiesole

Ile Saint-Marguerite (St Marguerite Island)

This interesting island is famous for the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. His cell can be visited in the Fort of St Marguerite also known as the Museum of the Sea. The museum also includes parts of shipwrecks from around the island. 

St Marguerite Island

Ile Saint-Honorat (St Honorat Island)

Cisterian monks are the island's only inhabitants and have been since AD 410. In the height of their power, these monks used to own Mougins, Cannes & Vallauris, they now inhabit the Lerins Abbey and divide their time between prayers and producing red and white wine. The stark church is open to the public and is a definite must see. 

St Honorat Island

Fesitvals & Events

Cannes is home to some major annual festivals and events, bringing big name stars and crowds to the city.

• Film Festival - founded in 1946 and held annually in May at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres.
• Lions International Festival of Creativity - held annually in June and is a global awards events for advertising and related fields
• Midem - an international trade show for the music industry
• Yachting Festival - Held in the Vieux Port in September for all boating enthusiasts.
• Le Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique - a summer time fireworks competition held annually in the Bay of Cannes.  

Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Lions Festival

Le Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique

Best Time to Visit

The summer is definitely the best time to visit the city if you don't mind the hustle and bustle. The Mediterranean climate makes for a warm summer from May until September. The French Riviera generally has mild winters from December to February. 

Thinking of a stay in Cannes?
Speak to one of our expert South of France luxury villa and apartment specialists today:

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enquiries@elegant-address.com

Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

June welcomes yet another international festival to the stunning region of Cannes. The Cannes International Festival of Creativity is a massive event designed to bring together advertising professionals to bring the recognition their work deserves. 

What is the Lions Festival all about?

Formerly known as the International Advertising Festival, this global event brings together professionals in the fields of communications and advertising.
It's known as the largest gathering of worldwide advertising experts and can include approximately 11,000 registered delegates from 90 different countries.

The 7 day long festivities are held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres (the same venue as the Cannes Film Festival which was the inspiration) and takes place annually. 

Palais des Festivals et des Congres; the venue for Lions

Inspired by the Cannes Film Festival, a group of cinema screen advertising contractors, belonging to the Screen Advertising World Association, came together in the late 1940's and felt that the makers of advertising films should also be recognised for their creations.

In 1954, the first International Advertising Film Festival was held in Venice and featured 187 film entries from 14 countries.
The famous Lion trophy given to winners was inspired by the lion of the Piazza San Marco in Venice.

The elegant lion statue at the Piazza San Marco in Venice; the inspiration for the trophy

In the 1990's, a programme of learning was created in the form of seminars and workshops held throughout the event. From 2013, the programme featured around 130 sessions over the 7 days and included talks from big names such as photographer Annie Leibovitz, actor and musician, Jack Black and F1 driver, Jenson Button. 

Who judges the entries?

The managing director of the festival is Jose Papa, Terry Savage is the chairman of the festival and Philip Thomas is the chief executive officer of Ascential Events. 

Jose Papa; Managing Director of Lions Festival 

Philip Thomas; Chief Executive Officer of Ascential Events

Terry Savage; Chairman of the Lions Festival

Global experts are drawn to make up the juries to choose which pieces win which awards. 

What kind of categories are involved?

Submissions can include Film, Media, PR, Press, Creative Effectiveness, Design and lots more.
Other annual awards include Network of the Year, Agency of the Year, Media Person of the Year and more.
There's also the Lions equivalent of the Palme d'Or award for Best Production Company. 

The Young Lions Competitions

Established in 1995 and was previously known as the Young Creatives Competition. It is open to advertising professionals up to the age of 28 and their projects are managed in teams of two.

Lions Health

2012 saw a two day event established for creative communications in the healthcare, well-being and sustainability sectors. Running just before the main Lions festival, the event is two days long.

Lions 2017

This year is set to be another big year for professionals in the advertising industry. As always, the event draws in some fantastic personalities from various sectors and this year features actor Sir Ian McKellen, actress Gabourey Sidibe, creative director of Apple/Beats, Zane Lowe and speakers from Facebook including Sheryl Sandberg. 

Gabourey Sidibe; actress & director; speaking at Lions Festival 2017

Sir Ian McKellen; actor; speaking at Lions Festival 2017

Don't want to miss out on next year's event? Contact one of our expert South of France villa & apartment specialists today:

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Falling In Love With The French Riviera

Part 1 

If you've never been to the French Riviera, you've definitely heard of it!

With the famous festivals including Lions & Film, giving it a celebrity status, it's no wonder its a such a desired location, of course its certainly our favourite, but why?
On our latest visit to the South of France (February 2017) we explore our favourite reasons.....

Arriving 

As you descend, you can see through the windows of the plane the stunning coastline, Mediterranean waters, and the snow capped mountains of the French Alps (depending on when you travel!) and its clear you're in a place of true beauty. 

Stepping off the plane, the weather is much milder than the UK, even in February!

Driving to our destination of Cap d'Antibes, is a pleasant drive, along the A8 taking just over half an hour. 

Cap d'Antibes 

Being one of the most sought after addresses along the Riviera, the charm of Cap d'Antibes is evident from the offset, with quaint cobbled streets and beautiful scenery. 

Once we had dropped off our luggage at the our villa, we went for a stroll.... 

The old town is beautiful, with pretty houses, designer shops and a wonderful market in the centre, with a vast variety of produce ranging from fresh vegetables, flowers, meats, cheeses and spices. We didn't have much time as we had a jam packed schedule, however we did have chance to wander through the market and we were enticed by the array of colour! 

Cannes 

We continued to walk into Cannes, where our first stop was one of our our favourite chocolatiers - Juan Luc Pele. The display is so inviting you can't help but be drawn in.The smell of the sweet chocolate has your taste buds doing summer salts from the moment you walk through the door, and there is an entire wall made of chocolate which adds to the tantalization. Our treats of choice are the macarons, they are so delicious! Whatever you purchase from here, you won't be disappointed! 

After a long walk, it was time for a well deserved drink! We stopped off at 72 Croisette for a refreshing gin & tonic. It was a great location opposite the beach with a great sea view, and it turned out to be a prime spot for the sunset! 

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat 

It was a fly in visit for Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, but this is such a charming town, located on a peninsula between Nice and Monaco, & is nestled in greenery. 

It is one of the most popular locations on the French Riviera, with exclusive homes and a large yacht harbour, The village itself is quite small, but there are plenty of terrace cafes and restaurants along the port. 

One of the regions most popular attractions is the Ephrussi de Rothschild, which is a museum with extensive grounds & beautiful gardens. It is definitely worth spending a couple of hours here!   

The beaches in Cap Ferrat are ideal for relaxation, with a range of panoramic views across the bay of Beaulieu-sur-mer, Villefrance harbour and the cliffs in Eze.  

Monaco 

Monaco is well known for the Grand prix, as well as the famous Monte Carlo casino. 

It's a haven for the wealthy, and a playground for tourists! It is known to be the second smallest country in the world (Vatican City being the smallest) 

Whether or not we visited on a quiet day, but it was very peaceful, there were numerous groups of people, but it seemed calming. The buildings are all so beautiful and pristine. 

The palace is protected by guards and chains, but you have a perfect, unobscured view of the building. 

Monaco Cathedral is particularly striking, entrance is free and there are no photographs to be taken inside. It is truly stunning and so tranquil, you find yourself silently gazing upon the architecture and incredible details - a definite must visit! 

Eze

A beautiful medieval village situated in the hills, with absolutely stunning views of the coast!  

In my personal opinion, it is my absolute favourite location, and needs to be seen! 

The village is pedestrianized, so there is a car park located below it where there is also the tourist office. There are a number of paved streets to explore with plenty of picturesque buildings to be photographed! 

It really is a wonderful place that we just can't get enough of! 

To be continued....

Stay tuned for Part 2! 

  

If you're looking to visit the South of France, contact our experts who will locate your perfect villa based on your every requirement. 

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enquiries@elegant-address.com 

Cannes Best Restaurant Guide

Cannes is one of the best culinary cities in France with a wide range of international influences, Michelin stars and individual restaurants; you can dine in a new restaurant every night of the week!

Below, we have created a guide to our favourite restaurants to try in Cannes for the very best food, ambiance and service on offer.

Le Park 45, Grand Hotel Cannes

One Michelin star restaurant Le Park 45 is situated on the famous la Croisette and boasts one of the best, sun-drenched terraces in Cannes! With beautiful views out to sea and their gardens, Le Park 45 is the Grand Hotel in Cannes' Michelin started restaurant that serves light and creative culinary delights with Mediterranean style.

Palme d’Or, Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez, Cannes

Everyone has to experience the most famous restaurant in Cannes at least once in a lifetime. Holding 2 Michelin stars since 1991, the restaurant La Palme d’Or has an international reputation for its passion for food and offers a unique sensory and culinary experience. Enjoy fabulous views overlook the Croisette from the elegant white table-tops surrounded by pictures of movie stars that have visited the Palme d’Or.

A taste of the menu begins with asparagus on a bed of cucumber gazpacho, Dublin Bay prawns with beetroot or sweetbreads with a duck foie gras stuffing. Second course options like risotto with mullet roe are best left for heartier mains like Mediterranean Bass with green pea ravioli.

Mantel, Cannes

The legendary chef Noel Mantel began his career at the famous Negresco in Nice before co-running the Louis XV restaurant in Monaco and Residence de la Pinede in St Tropez. In 2002 Noel set up his own restaurant ‘Mantel’ just a few steps away from La Croisette and the Palais des festivals.

Noël Mantel creates sophisticated Mediterranean meals such as an Italian style risotto, perfectly roasted rabbit with thyme or traditional Fried zuchinni flowers, all made with passion and refinement.

Bistrot Gourmand

Bustling, friendly and simply great food. The Bistrot Gourmand is a classic Provencal bistro with bright French windows, modern art dotted on the walls and well-presented dishes of local favourites with a modern twist. The menu changes several times a week so each dining experience here will be delightfully different! We recommend the likes of the fillet of turbot in a lemon sauce with veg from the nearby Forville market which looks and tastes terrific. As do cod in fig leaves or lamb chops in a mustard sauce.

La Tonnelle

Take a gentle, picturesque cruise by boat from Cannes to visit this fantastic on the beach of Iles Saint Horant. La Tonnelle offers a unique dining experience of a relaxed and serene atmosphere whilst enjoying the local homemade wines produced by the islands monks. Serving seasonal produce, gourmet salads, fresh fish, grilled meats and other delectable Mediterranean inspired dishes.