Cannes conjures images of the red carpet, glamorous celebrities, and mega yachts lining the perfect blue of the Mediterranean. As the city prepares to welcome the film festival, learn where to stay and what to do to experience the best of Cannes.
Where to Stay
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Hotel Barrière Le Majestic
Gorgeous landscaping with views over the French Riviera, an infinity pool, and elegant décor, are just a few of the reasons to stay at Hotel Barrière Le Majestic. Relax in the rooftop hot tub as you take in the Mediterranean or book a spa treatment where a wide variety of health and beauty treatments are offered. The classic French décor and acres of olive trees will make you feel like you’re living the dream.
Villa Garbo
An inclusive daily cocktail hour and only 11 rooms make Villa Garbo one of the most exclusive and coveted places to stay in Cannes. A private beach for hotel guests is just 10-minutes away by foot and you’ll pass the Croisette, the city’s seafront promenade, on your way over. Feel like royalty thanks to the original 1884 exterior, Edwardian-style interiors, and spacious guest suites.
La Bastide de l’Oliveraie
With Gucci on one side and Chopard on the other, you know what you’re getting the moment you walk up to La Bastide de l’Oliveraie. The hotel has one of the best locations in Cannes right on La Croisette and just opposite from the Palais des Festivals and the guestbook to back it up. A grand lobby and rooms to match, you’ll have a hard time leaving the hotel, but make sure you do. Guests have access to a private beach, a luxurious spa, and fabulous French restaurants.
What to See
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Promenade de la Croisette
Cannes’ famous seafront boulevard  is the optimum spot to pull up a lounge chair and admire the passing A-list crowd and superyachts lined up in the marina. Most of the beach is occupied by private beach clubs; pay a (not insignificant) fee for access. On the other side, stroll down the promenade and stop in at outposts of some of the world’s most luxurious fashion houses interspersed with delectable French cuisine.
Palais des Festivals et des Congres
Host to the largest film festival in the world, Palais des Festivals does much more than film, but the Festival of Cannes is the best known event. There is no better place to find celebrities and giants of cinema all in one place. Line up outside (the red carpet stays year-round) and take in the who’s-who of film for the 12 days of the film festival.
Baoli
If you can get in, and that’s a big if, expect to leave Baoli with your wallet significantly lighter. Opulent Balinese-inspired décor is the hallmark of this joint restaurant-bar-club. Those lucky enough to get in will party with celebrities, Jay-Z, Jude Law, and Prince Albert of Monaco have all frequented the club. But you could always wait outside hoping to catch a glimpse.
For more information on what to see and do in Cannes, visit Fodors.Â