Make the most of the 2023 Cannes film Festival
As the 76th season of the Festival de Cannes approaches, film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate one of the world’s most highly publicized events. Widely regarded as the most important film festival in terms of global impact, Cannes has become a global stage for artists and themes, continuously engaging in a process of self-renewal through its carefully curated works.
First time at the Cannes Film Festival?
Here are some advice for a first-time attendee at the CFF:
- Plan ahead: Make sure to plan your trip well in advance, including your accommodation, travel, and tickets to the festival. Cannes is a busy event, and last-minute arrangements can be difficult.
- Dress to impress: Cannes is a glamorous event, so make sure to dress in appropriate attire. Formal wear is usually expected, and you may even want to consider a tuxedo or a gown for the red carpet events.
- Be prepared for long days: The festival can be quite tiring, with long days spent watching films and attending events. Make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.
- Network: Cannes is a great opportunity to meet people in the film industry, so take advantage of this and network as much as possible. Attend industry events and parties, and be prepared with your business cards.
- See a variety of films: Cannes showcases a wide variety of films from different countries and genres. Don’t limit yourself to just one type of film – try to see a range of films that interest you.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with the festival schedule and events by checking the official Cannes Film Festival website and social media pages.
- Enjoy yourself: Cannes is an exciting and memorable experience, so make sure to enjoy yourself and take in all that the festival has to offer.
Best things to do in Cannes during the Film Festival
Let’s take a closer look at the best things to do during the festival, from attending premieres to exploring the city’s many attractions.
Attend Film Premiere
The Cannes Film Festival is known for its red carpet premieres, which attract some of the biggest names in the movie industry. To attend one of these premieres, you’ll need to purchase a ticket or receive an invitation. It’s important to note that tickets can be hard to come by and are often sold out well in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead if you’re interested in attending.
Relax on the sandy beach
annes is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and during the film festival, they’re the perfect place to relax and unwind. The Plage de la Croisette is a popular beach located just steps away from the festival’s main venue, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. This beach is known for its clear water and golden sand, and is a great place to soak up the sun and take a swim.
Enjoy a day charter at the Lérins islands: check out a small selection of best value Cannes day charter.
Explore the City
While the film festival is the main attraction in Cannes during the month of May, the city itself is full of things to see and do. The old town, known as Le Suquet, is a charming area with narrow streets, colorful houses, old church, and stunning views of the port and the Lerins islands. The area also boasts many restaurants and cafes serving traditional French and Italian cuisine.
For those interested in art, the Musée de la Castre is a must-see. This small museum is housed in a medieval castle and contains a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Another must-visit attraction is the Promenade de la Croisette, a famous 3km “boulevard” that runs along the beach and is lined with luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and high-end restaurants or beach-clubs.
Don’t miss the renovated Carlton hotel with its new garden.
Indulge in French & Italian cuisine
France is known for its incredible cuisine, and Cannes is no exception. During the film festival, the city’s restaurants are packed with movie stars and industry professionals, but there are still plenty of options for those looking to indulge in French cuisine. Some must-try dishes include bouillabaisse, a traditional fish stew, and ratatouille, a vegetable dish made with eggplant, zucchini, and peppers.
Pizza: Cresci is the king of the pizza in Cannes
Italian restaurant: Tredici in le Suquet or Salsamenteria di Parma near the townhous
Seafood: Astoux et Brun in the pedestrian street
Ice cream:Try a delicious Italian ice cream at Niva on the pedestrian street.
Cocktail with a view: sip a cocktail on the rooftop of the Radisson Blue hotel Quai St-Pierr
Radisson Blue rooftop