Can you imagine chic, glamorous Cannes as a quiet fishing village? Our Travel Managers for Cannes provide many bespoke services, but even they cannot rewind the centuries to the time when the quintessential French Riviera holiday resort’s only visitors were monks and wealthy pilgrims heading for the monastery on the nearby Island of St Honorat. How times have changed!
It was in 1834 that Lord Henry Brougham, former British Chancellor of the Exchequer, arrived and, finding the climate, views and sea air to his liking, began to establish Cannes as an up-market holiday resort, popular with the British upper classes.
It wasn’t too long before the British were joined by the French and Russian aristocracy – and, gradually, the glitz and glamour that we associate with Cannes today was developed.
Yet even Lord Brougham would struggle to recognise today’s resort. Every May, glamorous stars and pushy paparazzi arrive in their thousands for the annual Cannes Film Festival. Fans line the streets, eyes darting expectantly for a superstar to spot and pose with for a selfie. One of the most esteemed events in the movie calendar, the Film Festival hosts the premieres of many top studio and independent films.
There are also hundreds of other less attention-grabbing international conferences and festivals held in Cannes every year, hoping that some of the prestige and power will rub off onto their proceedings. It is the sheer popularity of Cannes as a destination that makes it harder each year to find quality rooms or the best seats at the top restaurants.
Nowadays, Cannes is busy all year long, frequented by hosts of business travellers off-season and besieged by holidaymakers in the summer. Its long sandy beaches, chic nightclubs, classy boutiques and famous promenades are abuzz with beautiful people flaunting the latest designer wear.
Despite some of the city’s pretensions and its massive over-development, Cannes is still an international city of charm and good cheer. It is a great holiday destination if you know where to find those increasingly rare rooms with a touch of glamour, a captivating view and a vacancy – or if you know a bespoke Travel Manager with all the inside information.
Climate
Situated in the south-eastern extremity of France, close to the Italian border, Cannes enjoys a mild, pleasant Mediterranean climate.
Summer temperatures average 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit) in the warmest months of July and August, and the winter climate is similarly mild, dropping to an average of 8 degrees Celsius (46 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Festival de Cannes is held annually in May, when the springtime brings rapidly rising temperatures.
Language
French is the official language of this highly international resort.
Passport Visa
France is a member of the European Union. You may need a Schengen visa (short stay visa) to stay in the country for more than 90 days. Please check the rules around visa requirements before you travel, as they may change regularly.
Safety
While generally safe, visitors to Cannes are advised to take precautions against street crime, as petty thieves often target the resort’s potentially rich pickings.
Our Services
For all your high-end, bespoke leisure and corporate travel needs to Cannes, contact our Travel Managers on 0203 535 9290 or info@simplexitytravel.com today.
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