The (Real) City of Cannes during the Film Festival..

Today I would like to show you pictures of the city of Cannes during the Film Festival, its streets, decors, shops, etc so you can try to get a little feeling of the atmosphere which is really going on over there!

Cannes, during the Film Festival

Ok. Starting with the crazy movie decorations which are always set up outside the Carlton hotel (big picture spot for by passers.. and big spot to try to watch celebs going in and out the hotel).

Cannes, during the Film Festival

Then, what you have to understand is that the Croisette (the main seaside avenue of Cannes) is literally jam-packed with all sort of luxury cars which are all trying to show off their style on this must watched-out avenue. This year, it seemed like the trend was all about ‘vintage cars” (still the Mad Men effect?).

Cannes, during the Film Festival

On the beach side of the Croisette are all sort of private beaches, bars and restaurants: some belong to the palace hotels of Cannes (which are on the opposite side), some others, the “villas“, are temporary party places set up by various companies (like the one I went to, the Villa Schweppes). There are taking place all the beach parties, lunches with seaside views and after-dinner parties.

Cannes, during the Film Festival

One part of the beach side is however still public and there is taking place the “Cinema de la plage”, a public cinema on the beach.. so romantic no??

Cannes, during the Film Festival

Now, more inside the city, are the real shops (I mean the sort of affordable ones.. cause on the Croisette is all taken by Chanel, Gucci and friends). And what is literally adorable during the festival is that most of the shops really do make a big effort to join in the festivities! Some put some free buffet and bars in their shops (here American Apparell), Minelli was offering for any pair of shoes bought to drive you anywhere you wanted in Cannes in motorcycle (with a very cute driver), etc. Nice no?

Cannes, during the Film Festival

But now.. where is the famous red carpet?? Well it is at the entrance of the Palais des Festivals, right at the end of the Croisette. Before the red carpet events, a long line of cars (most of them with tinted windows unfortunately) is queuing in this part of the city..