Cannes is a prestigious resort destination on the Mediterranean Coast of France. The city is mostly know as a home of the famous Cannes Film Festival taking place every year in the end of May.
Palais des Festivals et des Congres with its red stair-carpet and the world stars wearing their best dresses and jewelry has become the symbol of Cannes. The staircase leading to Palais des Festivals et des Congres with 24 steps is among the most famous staircases in the whole world. The Palace was built in 1982. It's the sand-colored, futuristic building. Inside there's 24,000m2 worth of exhibition space and an auditorium with seating for 2,300 people, a casino, fruit machines, and nightclub.
Just after the World War II, in 1946, International Film Festival was organized in Cannes for the first time and the one of the world cinematographic capitals was born. Now the best directors consider it a big honor to present their films on the festival. To receive the main Festival prize can be compared with the obtaining Oscar (some think that Cannes olive-branch costs much more than American prix of Cinema Academy). This year the festival is promised to be opened with the premiere of highly expected "Da Vinci Code".
There is a lot to see in Cannes except festival films. As it was said in the very beginning, Cannes is a very popular resort. Luxury white villas, excellent beaches with the golden sand make Cannes a perfect place for the elite rest. Many VIPs have chosen Cannes as their favorite holidays destination.
Th story of Cannes began with the birth of small fishers' village. In that time the city belonged to the monks. They widened their territories to the Saint-Honore Island. Square tower built as watch tower on the top of the hill still adorns the historical centre of the city.
In XIX century Cannes became a popular place among the European aristocracy. The story tells that English lord Henry Brohem was the first who bought the piece of the land and built his villa here. Earlier he used to rest in Nice, but in 1834 Nice was enveloped by the plague epidemic and he changed his favorite place.
In the middle of XIX century the most famous place in Cannes, its main avenue – Croisette promenade was created. New chic mansions and hotels appeared immediately. Now it's the central artery of the city with the best restaurants and boutiques around. La Croisette ends with Palais des Festivals et des Congres. Then the old port begins.
Some other interesting places in Cannes - Galerie du Carlton, Musee International de la Parfumerie, Musee-chapelle Bellini, Notre-Dame d'Esperance.
When you are in Cannes don't forget to visit two islands nearby - Ile Ste-Marguerite and St-Honorat. Ile Ste-Marguerite is the biggest one. It's covered with forests and is famous for the legend than a man called the Iron Mask was a prisoner of the local fortress. St-Honorat is known for its monastery.
To make a reservation in a hotel, please, go to
Cannes hotels page
