Cannes is one of the most glamorous places in Europe, and its celebrity status peaks come May, when Hollywood’s finest flock for the Cannes Film Festival.
The 77th edition of the event is taking place between 14 May – 25 May 2024, in the glamorous French Riviera city. Whether you’re heading to the famous French festival, or simply looking to stay in Cannes this summer, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is the place to be.
Situated on the famed Boulevard de la Croisette and overlooking the film festival at the Palais des Festivals, the hotel has been a favourite for A-listers for decades, with the likes of Robert De Niro and George Clooney amongst celebrity guests who have walked the halls.
The Vibe
Standing proud amongst a promenade of palm trees and luxury boutiques, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is in the heart of the Cannes Film Festival action, but it’s the bold red façade that proves it’s red carpet ready. The lobby takes inspiration from the Roaring Twenties, when the hotel first opened, and sets the scene with art deco chandeliers and gilded statues. The Mediterranean Sea is a mere few metres away and this star-studded hotel offers unbeatable views across its bay.
The Rooms
Seventy per cent of the rooms and suites have sea views, and it’s worth splurging on these. In total, there are 349 rooms here; 82 are suites and there are eight signature suites, including the Suite Christian Dior (which embodies the style of the iconic Parisian fashion house) and 30 Avenue Montaigne, named after Dior’s most historic Paris address. Our Prestige Sea View Room – found after wandering through corridors lined with photos of all the celebrities that have visited the hotel over the years – was classic and glamorous, with ivory and black furnishings giving it a serene, yet sexy feel. With 180-degree views across the famous boulevard from a private terrace, this is a spot you’ll no doubt enjoy with a morning coffee. Order breakfast to the room, it’s a much more enjoyable way to start the day.
The Food + Drink
Fouquet’s is the main event and is open for lunch and dinner. Adorned with black-and-white portraits of celebrities on the walls, it was designed by three-Michelin starred chef, Pierre Gagnaire, who reinterpreted the great classics of the famous Parisian brasserie. His signature dishes include a duck foie gras terrine, asparagus and brioche starter, grilled salmon steak, spinach and sorrel fondue and a Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée dessert.
The French are not typically known for catering to vegetarians or vegans, but Fouquet’s has options – although don’t hold out for anything more than a simple spaghetti. In the summer, eat al fresco with a table on the terrace before taking a seat at Fouquet’s bar for a night cap, where you can savour a cocktail created with herbs grown on the rooftop garden and spritzed with edible perfumes made in the hotel’s own laboratory. Bar manager Emanuele Balestra has a passion for plants, and his cocktail menu is one of the finest in Cannes. The Lavandou is not to be missed.
The hotel has two beach clubs on La Croisette, just a few minutes’ walk away. Mademoiselle Gray is the stylish restaurant with a bohemian-yet-chic atmosphere and Lebanese-inspired flavours. The vibe is relaxed, with soft DJ decibels accompanying the sounds of the waves, and the menu is full of flavourful plant-based dishes and fresh seafood plates. Opt for a selection of sharing dishes and get stuck in, washed down with a glass (or bottle) of Minuty Rosé.
Beach-side BFire by Mauro Colagreco – another three-Michelin starred chef, who draws inspiration for wood-fire cooked cuisine from his Argentinian roots – has a menu that changes seasonally, but expect a rotation of salads, pasta, wood-fired grilled meat and seafood. Visit for an early lunch, and then catch some rays on one of the nearby sun loungers. Adding to the portfolio of cuisines available at Le Majestic is Paradiso restaurant, which specialises in Italian cuisine, from truffle rigatoni to tiramisu. It’s only open during the summer months and allows the best of al fresco dining; the restaurant is situated on three-level terraces overlooking the hotel’s pool.
The Spa
The red carpet treatment is available to anyone at Spa Diane Barrière, a luxurious, light-filled setting with 450 square metres dedicated to infinite zen. Although not a fully fledged spa, you can enjoy treatments from iconic French skincare brand Biologique Recherche and wellbeing brand Ligne St Barth in one of the five treatment rooms. VIP packages will have you looking like a star, but even the full body massages will leave you feeling new. There’s no indoor pool or jacuzzi, but you’ll find a sauna, steam room and post-treatment relaxation room.
The Little Extras
Palm trees and parasols line the large outdoor pool, a perfect way to unwind from the bustling beach across the road. It’s heated to 28°C all year long, so even if you’re visiting in the cooler months you can enjoy a pleasurable swim. If you’re visiting with children, they’ll enjoy star studded treatment too, thanks to kids’ club Le Studio by Petit VIP which offers unlimited free access for guests between the ages of 4-12, and has a range of activities on offer, from art, photography, cinema and gastronomy.
The To-Do List
Beyond the film festival, Cannes continues to be a hub of luxury. La Croisette offers some of the best fashion houses in the world, from Chanel and Dior to Louis Vuitton. Even if you’re just window shopping, this prominent strip shaded with palm trees is worth the three-kilometre stroll. The Old Town of Le Suquet is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, offering a charming and more authentic insight into Cannes, where winding cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and vibrant markets showcase the true soul of the city.
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