Star-studded Cannes: the Movie - Handbags, Heels and Passport

By Lisa Francesca Nand

Ever since the late 1800s when the English aristocracy began to patronise the French Riviera, Cannes and its surrounding lands have literally sparkled. 

Whether it's the unbeatable Mediterranean light reflecting off the sea or the bling that adorns the super-rich who hang out here the whole coast really does seem, in its truest sense, brilliant. 

Back in the days when I was an event producer I spent a lot of time here, holed up in dark conference halls, only emerging occasionally into the blinking sun for a quick bout of lifestyle envy before burrowing back into the depths of the Palais des Festivals and muddling my way through some less than fascinating presentation about, say, mobile phones.   

This was only slightly compensated for by the fact I could tell my mates I would be spending the week in Cannes (not that I saw much of it) and also I could hop on the helicopter there from Nice airport and pass it off on company expenses being that this was actually cheaper than catching a cab along the rocky coastal road. 

So, having merely glimpsed all Cannes had to offer, I jumped at the chance to spend a weekend in this notoriously glamorous location.

Cannes

The Croisette (that's the seafront prom to you and me) is the only place to stay and the art deco Hotel Martinez, one of the three 'palaces' that grace this iconic stretch of real estate, epitomises old school allure. 

Celebrating its 80th anniversary this year it's played host to presidents, royalty and more movie stars than the Oscars. Alas, the 35,000 euro-a-night penthouse suite is taken for the festival so I've had to 'make do' with a room fit for a princess, with that all important sea view. 

A treatment at the newly refurbished roof-top spa sees me suitably beautified to face Z Plage, the hotels beach bar, which rather fortuitously happens to be the hottest place to be seen on the sand. 

The next morning I catch up with the hotel's head chef at the local market as he discusses fish and cheese with some very Gallic stallholders. Since being given not one but two Michelin stars the hotel's le Palme D'Or is one of Cannes' most celebrated restaurants and Christian Sinicropi oversees all three restaurants. 

After the market and coffee in the old town I did something I have always wanted to do; explore the Îles de Lérins, the islands just off the coast of Cannes, with the Île de Saint-Honorat. It's occupied by a century old monastery and an idyllic restaurant which sells the monks wine and other ecclesiastically produced goods.

Unsurprisingly, I don't get to hang around with monks very often and after being met off the boat by Frere Marie Paq and led to a white-clothed wine tasting table in the most picturesque meadow, I enjoyed chatting to him as we strolled around the abbey. 

He told me visitors who stay at the small hostel have to do so in silence but the monks don't ask questions about whether couples are married or not. 

The rooms are very basic but the silence and the lack of luxurious amenities give you time to think. 

It didn't take me long to think I was happy I'd opted for the five star hotel where I can have a deep bubble bath and talk the ear off whoever will listen. However, the island is stunningly peaceful and in the unlikely event I fancy keeping quiet for a few days I would love to return for more than a day trip. 

Back to the mainland, a quick cocktail at sunset on the beach and where else to dine than the Palme D'Or, where I get to sample more of the monk's wine, the fresh market produce and the finest French cuisine. 

This week, as the movie world's glitterati descends on this beautiful part of the world, they will be following in my footsteps, only they might be attracting somewhat more of a crowd.

Getting there

You can search for flights and flights + hotel packages to Cannes on Sky Travel's Flights and City Breaks pages.

Sleep in style at the über glam Hotel Martinez, part of the Concorde Hotels and Resorts Group, specialising in international luxury hotel accommodation with 31 four and five star hotels in 13 countries.  To celebrate the Martinez 80th anniversary there are some great deals on offer. See www.concorde-hotels.com/martinez.
 
Eat, drink and be silent with the monks at the Abbaye De Lerins, visit the restaurant (you’re allowed to chatter freely on a day trip) or just invest in some wine online: www.abbayedelerins.com.