Riviera

This year's Festival de Cannes will he held May 17 though May 28.

Attending the Festival

Unless you are an accredited professional in the film industry (or member of the press) entrance to screenings and official venues will be closed to you.  These events are strictly guarded, and hotels reserve their accommodations for the thousands of film critics, actors, directors and other experts in the industry.  As a basic tourist, the most you can do is watch from the sidelines, but what a view and great entertainment!  Between star-gazing at movie stars and strolling Cannes' beautiful beaches, the festival is sure to delight as a sight-seeing experience.

For those who simply must see a film at the festival, there are a few organizations that allocate a small number of tickets to the public (the International Critics' Week and Directors' Fortnight sidebars). Educational groups and French film enthusiasts can also gain some access via the Cannes Cinéphiles programme.  If you are interested, you should contact these organizations at least a year or two in advance to try and claim your spot.  Otherwise, you may be able to catch a Cinéma de la Plage (Film on the Beach), which is a screening category open to the public.

Cannes Detailed Map and Regional, Michelin map

History of the City: Like most French cities on the Riviera, Cannes' history dates back to pre-Roman times. Cannes as we know it today started in 1864 with Lord Brougham and Vaux (former Chancellor of England). Blocked at the Italian border because of a cholera outbreak, Brougham decided to spend the night at the Pinchinat Inn in the little fishing village of Cannes (4000 residents). He fell in love with the site and decided to build a mansion there (Eleonore Villa). Following his example many of the English high society and the Russian aristocracies started building beautiful villas and castles in the region. This influx of power and money to Cannes brought better irrigation systems and amenities for all. Today Cannes has 70000 inhabitants and is one of the most famous cities on the French Riviera.

Saint-Tropez detailed map and regional map, Michelin map.

In the year 68 A.D. Knight Torpes was the highest steward of the Emperor Nero. As a devout Christian, Torpes attracted Nero's anger by refusing to accept multiple gods. The Emperor had him tortured and beheaded. His dead body was put adrift in a boat, which after several months, ended up at Heraclea. A villager recovered his body and deemed him the 'patron saint of the village', which was later renamed Saint-Tropez in his honor.

The history of this village is extremely rich, and is celebrated annually during 'the Bravades' festival from May 17th to May 19th. Although Saint-Tropez only has 5,000 permanent residents, it can become extremely crowded during the summer months.