The Best Things to Do in Cannes During the Film Festival

Cannes is a place that delights in offering lots of different ways to spoil yourself, whether it’s visiting the high-end boutiques, reclining on a lounger at one of the private hotel beaches, or sipping chilled rosé wine on a restaurant terrace. During Cannes Film Festival in May, nothing changes, except that there are more people doing this, and that they talk about film. Here’s a guide to what you should do during the festival, both film-related and not.
Don your best outfit outside the Palais hoping to get in
Cinema

The Palais is where all the major screenings take place during Cannes Film Festival – it has 18 auditoriums. The classic images of stars photographed before their movie screenings during the film festival are taken on its famous red steps, outside the Lumière Theatre. The red carpet gets so dirty that it is changed three times a day (in contrast, the Debussy theatre has a blue carpet). Badge holders attending the festival get penalised for not turning up and leaving auditorium seats empty, so unused tickets will be brought back if they can’t be used, and re-offered to the public. It isn’t unheard of for particularly well-dressed visitors to be given one of these coveted tickets. For men, this means a tux. For women, a glamorous gown.
Take in the history at the Hotel Intercontinental Carlton
Hotel

Watch a film on the beach at cinema de la Plage
Cinema

Throughout the Cannes Film Festival, one of the best places to see movies for free and to soak up some of the wonderful atmosphere is the open-air cinema screening at Mace beach. If you haven’t secured a ticket in advance for a seat, there’s no need to worry. You can spread a blanket out on the ground, open up your pre-prepared picnic and a bottle of wine, and enjoy the movie. Not all films are in the English language, so check beforehand. The cinema is opposite the Hotel Majestic, next to the Palais.
Rejuvenate with delicious food at the Marché Forville
Market, French

Hang out on La Croisette
Building, Park

Walk the cobbled streets of Le Suquet
Church
