Cannes

Cannes started out as a small fishing village in the 11th century. Since then it has grown into a prosperous and fashionable town, and is home to the most famous film festival in the world – The Cannes Film Festival, which is held yearly in the city. This world renowned festival is visited by thousands, including celebrities and media from all over the world.

Attractions

The Musée de la Castre is one of many art galleries in Cannes. It is based in a chateau that used to house monks, but is now home to an extensive collection of artwork, and a large collection of musical instruments and antiques from the Mediterranean and the middle-east. St Honorat Island is another interesting place to visit – this small island has been home to monks since the 5th century, and they are still the only inhabitants here. Cannes has a whole host of glorious sandy beaches, making it a very popular and busy resort.

Shopping

There are a large number of designer stores and famous brand names stores in Cannes. It is this that has gained Cannes its trendy and stylish reputation. The main shopping road in Cannes is La Croisette, which runs through the centre of the city. Designer gear is not all that is available to buy in Cannes, two flea markets can be found in the centre of the city, and the Marché Forville sells a variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Nightlife and Eating Out

The food in Cannes is standard Provençal fare, typically prepared with garlic, olives, onions and olive oil. Fish is one of the core ingredients in traditional dishes, a reflection of its history as a fishing village. Bouillabaisse is a dish typical of this region. The nightlife in Cannes is bustling, the city being full of trendy clubs and bars, with a large casino.

Tourist Information

Palais des festivals et des congrèsEsplanade Georges PompidouBP27206403 Cannes CedexTel: +33 (0)492 998 422tourisme@semec.comwww.cannes.fr

Airport

The closest airport to Cannes is Nice Airport, approximately twenty miles away to the north-east of Cannes. The airport has flights out to 19 European countries, with a total of 49 destinations.