ÉCU-The European Independent Film Festival

So you’re attending the 2012 Cannes Film Festival, but what else is
interesting off the red carpet? While Cannes is mainly appraised for its
highly esteemed film festival, there is much more to be discovered in
this trendy and posh French town.

As
an attendee of the Festival, it is very likely you will take stroll
along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette. This street stretches 2
kilometres along the shoreline of the Mediterranean Sea, and is filled
with many prestigious shops, restaurants and hotels. While on Blvd. la
Croisette, you will also find one of Cannes nicest beaches, called plage
de la Croisette. Although there is an entrance fee of 15 – 22 euros,
you will receive a full day pass to the beach and all its conveniences,
including a mattress, parasol, a ‘chaise longue’ (long chair), fresh
water showers and a kiosk selling drinks. If high-end shopping and
dining on la Croisette isn’t quite your bag, take a visit to la rue
d’Antibes. Here, you can find an abundance of more moderately priced
shops, boutiques and restaurants. Rue Meynardier is particularly known
for its great priced dining and is surrounded by one of Cannes oldest
residential areas.

Only
a five-minute walk from plage de la Croisette, lays the historic
neighbourhood le Suquet, another must see in Cannes. Wonder through the
windingcobbled roads, packed with many restaurants, overlooking the Bay
of Cannes itself. At the bottom of Le Suquet, on Rue Dr. P. Gayagnaire,
you will find the Marche Forville. Here, you’ll find an authentic,
French outdoors market, specializing in quality produce harvested by
local farmers and vendors.

Got
some time on your hands? The city of Cannes is close to a number of
beautiful and well-known islands, and if you’re feeling adventurous, why
not take a boat trip just off shore of the French Riviera to the nearby
destinations. Ile Ste. Marguerite is home to the famous Fort Royal,
which detained the mysterious prisoner, ‘Man in the Iron Mask’ for what
is said to be 11 years of his life. Enjoy a tour of the prison, Musée de
la Mer, and see for yourself the prisoner’s cells, all of which date
back to the 17th century. Places such as Nice, and lavish
island, St. Tropez, are no longer than an hours travel outside Cannes.
Simply rent a car or take a bus trip to these southern getaways. A boat
ride is necessary to travel to St. Tropez, but rest assured, this small
island is packed with some of France’s finest and most luxurious
amenities, and is truly worth the time!

Night time in Cannes is just as exciting as daytime, so if you’re
more of a night owl, Cannes has a handful of lively spots where you and a
friend can grab a drink and enjoy some great music. Bar 4 U, located on
Rue des Frères Pradignac, (just off of la Croisette) is the spot for
you if glam, fashion and costly drinks are your style, and hey - you may
even spot a celebrity or two in this swank nightclub.

Looking for something a little more low-key and casual? Definitely
check out Morrison’s, Cannes’ best Irish pub, located on rue Teisseire.

And last but not least, for any of you wine connoisseurs out there, (okay, you don’t actually have
to be a wine connoisseur, but an appreciation helps) drop into Le Bar a
Vin. Here, you’ll taste a variety of some fabulous French wines Cannes,
(and don’t worry - you won’t pay an arm and a leg either!)

So, while you enjoy these upcoming weeks the perks and benefits of
experiencing one of the world’s greatest annual film events – don’t shy
away from exploring the many other impressive sights the South of France
has to offer!

by Gabrielle Martin