The Cannes Film Festival is the biggest annual celebration in the film industry, where the best new movies and documentaries are exhibited on the world stage.
Yet, since its founding in 1946, Cannes has also become known for its fabulous fashion, joy-inspiring premieres and experiences, and this year’s hot ticket – lead sponsor Campari’s A-list attended industry parties. That means not only is it a place to see new films but a place to be seen, too.
If you are heading to the Cannes Film Festival this year, these are the events and experiences not to miss, including where to stay, drink, relax and of course, watch movies.
Stay at Hotel Martinez
Located just steps away from the heart of the film festival on the iconic palm-tree lined seaside promenade, a stay at Hotel Martinez allows you to soak up the very best of the atmosphere. Its modern twist on 1930s Art Deco-inspired design guarantees you’ll feel suitably transported back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and you’re likely to be joined by more modern celebrities when checking in too. For rest and relaxation, don’t forget to book a treatment in one of the cosy massage cabins at the newly renovated L’Oasis du Martinez – Spa by Carita.
Go Through The Lens With Campari
Lead sponsor Campari is hosting some of the festival’s hottest premieres and industry parties this year and at the heart of the Festival de Cannes is the Campari Lounge. Located inside the Palais des Festivals – it is the place to see and be seen (aside from the red carpet, of course). It is here that the who’s who of the silver screen will be spotted, interviewed and refuelled from the signature circular bar, serving the finest Negronis and Campari Spritzs. No trip to Cannes would be complete without trying the event’s signature cocktail: the Red Carpet, Cannes Edition is a fresh and salty cocktail that will surely tickle your tastebuds.
Watch Movies Under the Stars
Whether or not you’ve managed to source a golden ticket to the biggest premieres, there are plenty of ways to take in a film while Cannes Film Festival is on. And frankly, it would feel wrong not too. A particular highlight is the open-air screenings offered at Cinema de la Plage, where you can book a deckchair or cosy up on the sand with a bottle of wine to watch some of the festival’s most classic films. The schedule this year includes Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise and Bruce Lee’s The Way of the Dragon.
Celebrity Spot at a New Spa
The iconic Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has played host to some of the French Rivieria’s most notable visitors over the years, and it’s a hub of activity during the festival as the hotel of choice for celebrity parties. A new spa in partnership with Dior also now makes it the perfect place to unwind post-event, as you enjoy exclusive rituals inspired by the hotel gardens, sea and sun. Who knows, you may even end up bumping into Leonardo DiCaprio or Emily Ratajkowski coming out of one of the three treatment suites or lawn cabanas.
Charter a Yacht
The marinas of the French Riviera will be dotted with yachts throughout the festival and taking to the water yourself is one of the best ways to experience Cannes’ stunning bay, especially when the weather holds. Luxury operator Riva offers a daily charter service from moorings at Port Pierre Canto, meaning you can take a moment away from celebrity spotting at The Palais, and almost immediately be reclining on your boat of choice.
Discover New Cuisine
Alfred Hitchcock’s favourite playground and the location for Grace Kelly and Cary Grant’s famous kiss in To Catch A Thief, The Carlton is an icon that now has even more to offer after two and a half years of renovations. For those looking for the best places to satisfy their stomachs, you’ll discover a new bar and two new restaurants, with Rüya bringing the taste of Anatolian cuisine to Cannes for the first time. It’s this year’s hot foodie ticket, so everyone is going to want to secure a table.
Indulge in Some Pampering
Dior are inviting guests for some picture-perfect beauty pampering at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes this year, with makeup artists on hand for touch-ups throughout the event and facialists providing specialised treatments. There’s a nail bar too, offering stress-relieving and outfit-completing manicures, and a further two treatment rooms available for celebrities and influencers at La Terrasse By Albane, located on the JW Mariott Hotel rooftop.
Lead image: Shot from the Hidden Bar at the Campari Lounge
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