Being one of the most famous cities of the French Riviera, Cannes belongs to the Provence – Alpes – Cote d’Azur region. Its history begins even before our era, however, under a different name – Egitna, and was mainly associated with fishing and servicing the seaport for trade with other regions. Closer to the turn of the first millennium AD, it received a new name (Kanua) and, thanks to a well-fortified fortress on the mountain, the Church authorities were able to keep it under their control during the turbulent times of the Middle Ages. The city was not particularly known outside of Provence until the mid-19th century. Everything changed due to historical coincidence – the English chancellor was forced to stay in the region, which he appreciated after moving to Cannes, and thereby setting the trend for other English aristocrats. Soon, the city was also chosen by the elite of the Russian Empire, making it a favorite place of leisure by the end of the 19th century. Cannes retain the fleur of an elite resort even now, despite the current processes of globalization, which entail the simplification of old traditions.
The city includes various parts – from the well-known center around the Palais des Festivals and Promenade de la Croisette, to the old city, rising up to Suquet Hill and the fortress of Cannes, as well as extensive residential neighborhoods with relatively modern houses inhabited by common people. Of course, only the part of the city that is adjacent to the Palace of Festivals on one side or another is of interest from the point of view of tourist attractiveness.
Actually, the Cannes Film Festival is currently the main international event taking place in the city, which is followed by millions of people around the world. The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has also become world-famous event, although other events such as the mobile communication technology exhibition or the commercial real estate exhibition are also held in the city. Having visited Cannes for the first time many years ago, it is impossible to forget that first impression, which is etched in the memory for the rest of your life, especially for a person who is not indifferent to movies.
The city itself, if we forget for a moment about its festival component, is also a pretty pleasant resort place. There are a lot of cafes (especially in the old city), restaurants, clubs and bars, life is boiling here.
Carlton Hotel (Check the rates at Hotels Scanner), which became a landmark of the city many years ago, of course, takes a special place among other hotels. Located on the Promenade de la Croisette, this hotel dates back to 1912, hosting stars and historical figures throughout its long history. And if you can’t stay here, you can at least visit its restaurant with a terrace on the waterfront.
Special attention should be paid to the beach along the Promenade de la Croisette. In addition to the fact that there are beach clubs of luxury hotels, which you can visit for a substantial fee, there is also an open part of the public beach boiling with life. The most delicate golden sand brought here specifically to create this beach allows you to comfortably spend whole days there. However, due wrong correlation of the sand density with the water density, they brought here too lightweight sand, and the unforgettable azure of local waves in the coastal strip is always slightly colored with golden grains of sand.
Cannes can be called the focus of dynamics and activity of all the variety of resorts on the French Riviera in many respects due to mass international tourism, as well as due to the justified image of the city. If the first impression knocks you down and falls into memory for a lifetime, then during all subsequent visits it only strengthens. And, of course, attracts to come here again.
