Take Me Away: Cannes

Formerly a small fishing village, Cannes is now a glamorous and expensive seaside town. Each May, the Film Festival rolls into town and the A-List descend onto the French Riviera.

Cannes is located just half hour drive north east of Nice, 45 minutes from Monaco and around an hour and a half of Saint Tropez. The beautiful beaches, streets and architecture combined with the glamorous hotels, restaurants and nightlife make Cannes my favourite stop along the South coast of France.

What the Chateau Marmont is to LA, the Hotel Martinez is to Cannes. Its the five-star favourite where its all about the tip-top service and perfect sea views. Everyone from Liz Hurley to Scarlett Johansson have checked into the art deco palace with its grand, sweeping staircase, slick spa, private beach, palm-fringed pool and fabulously fresh croissants.

For something for the more edgy, try the 3.14 which is located just around the corner. A quirky boutique hotel, each unique room tells its own story; from candy coloured pop to a Moulin Rogye boudoir. The icing on the cake is without doubt the rooftop pool with its views over the twinkling Mediterranean, cool sun loungers and scattering of exotic plants.

The most popular places to eat in Cannes are all along the riverfront, yet I dont feel offer particuarly good value for money. The food is overpriced, yet the beautiful surroundings, people watching and posing-potential offers excellent compensation. I feel the most romantic setting for dining in Cannes is away from the centre, in the historic quarter of Le Cannet, a northern suburb of Cannes around two kilometers away. Accessable by taxi or local buses, the restaurants offer amazing views down over Cannes. One of the most famous addresses in town is the Palme D’Or at the where if you like your gourmet food (like Clint Eastwood, Sharon Stone and Quentin Tarantino) book a table in the Michelin-starred chef’s private kitchen for a meal at the heart of the action. Plus, there’s no doubt that the check-in list here will read like a roll call, perfect if you want to ogle the A-list over your oeufs at breakfast. For a real culinary indulgence, head on to Grasse and the Bastide St Antoine where Michelin-starred chef Jacques Chibois has created a glorious gourmet hideaway. In a unique spot, with views stretching over Cannes, the charming retreat retains traditional French countryside chic while mixing in a dose of Provencal style.

If you prefer to eat on the beach, try the very cool contemporary Z Plage at the Martinez where you can eat under a chic white parasol, overlooking the sea to the sounds of the resident DJ. Le 38 in the Hôtel Gray-d'Albion is similarly chic and serves up a mean steak. La Mère Besson has been attracting stylish crowds since the 1930’s and for Italian fare I’d thoroughly recommend checking out the uber-cool Vesuvio.

The hottest venue in Cannes is without doubt, Le Baoli. During the festival it’s the favoured party spot of the stars and the place to rub shoulders with Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz & Uma Thurman to name a few. Be warned, though, it’s only open ‘in season’. This is Cannes, though, and during the Film Festival there’ll be more parties going on than you’ll know what to do with. As always, you’ll probably need to know someone that knows someone, but boy will it be worth it. For something more low-key but still happening, stop by Le Sparkling; part bar, part restaurant and part club, it’s the place to go for a meal followed by some dancing on the sofas. Head upstairs to the funky outdoor Le Patio bar where you can party al fresco.

The real key to Cannes style is to look understated but polished with chic separates, simple tailoring and several pairs of skyscraper heels – teamed with EVERYTHING, even just your swimsuit. Well, you never know whose yacht you may be invited on… Cannes is all about 100% high octane glamour, so whether your lounging on the beach or party hopping – make sure you’re groomed to perfection and looking your best! The classic chic Riviera resort town embraces both the classy and the flashy, and Cannes really is all about the labels, a Louis Vuitton, Chanel or Hermes handbag is perfect if the budget will stretch.

 

All this looking great can be exhausting, which is why it’s well worth the 10-minute drive from town, Le Mas Candille is home to the only Shiseido spa in France. A serene spot with its own glorious blue mosaic pool overlooking the hills, a fab dipping Jacuzzi set in the garden and zen treatment rooms in soothing creams and chocolate colours, it’s just the place for some out of town pampering. However, if you want pure indulgence then you should book yourself in at Sisley’s Majestic Spa. The infamous facials there will leave you glowing throughout the most intense sunbathing and party hopping!

Rue d’Antibes is a good place to start for affordable high street brands like chic French labels Blanc Bleu and staples at Comptoir des Cotonniers. You’ll also find Sephora for a one-stop beauty shop. However, the real draw here is the Croisette, offering quite possibly to the be all and end all in designer chic. You’ll find everything from Dolce & Gabanna to Dior and Fendi.

Picking up something or other designer, be it from the Croisette or one of the vintage shops. For treats that are more on budget, stop by the markets and pick up olive oil based soap, lavender goodies or beautiful, monogrammed antique white linens.

Rachel x