A visit to the Cannes Film Festival allows for great sun-bathing, shopping and celebrity-spotting. Although the official film screening is reserved for filmmakers, actors and the media, regular tourists can still get a taste and even watch some of the films in the selection.
Cannes Film Festival 2007 provides a chance to experience the Cannes Film Festival, even if you can't be an insider.
Cinéma de la Plage
Although tourists cannot attend the official screenings, they can still see some of the amazing and groundbreaking films. The Cinéma de la Plage, which is situated on the beach at Plage Mace. This is a great outdoor film screen, and tickets to attend can be obtained at the Cannes Tourism Office.
There are also tents set up at the perimeter of the Cannes Film Festival grounds where you can buy great souvenirs, such as t-shirts, posters and other festival swag.
Celebrity Spotting at Cannes Film Festival
Hit the famous Carlton (right on the croissette), where many celebrities stay and where many vendors have rooms. If you can, try to book a room there (you can't possibly book too early for any lodging during the film festival).
Although security keeps people out of the hotel during the festival, you might be able to hit the hotel lounge, the Bar des Celebrities, where many honchos hang out. Worst case scenario, hang out in front of the hotel and wait for someone tres chic to pass by.
Be a Paparazi at the Cannes Film Festival
In the evenings, you can crowd the barricades near the red carpet for some celebrity-spotting. Be sure to check the festival schedule, though. Some nights, only barely-known celebrities hit the red carpet.
Bring a camera, get there early and get a good spot. Then you will get a chance to shoot some of your own celebrity photos.
Cannes for Tourists
While in this great city, be sure to hit the shopping areas near the festival grounds. You can drop a bundle in spots like Cartier or Gucci, or travel a block or two away from the water-front for cool clothing shops and boutiques selling Provencal wares.
There are plenty of sidewalk cafes near the festival as well, for cafe au lait-sipping and people-watching.
While in town, you are just a short trip away from Nice, which can't be missed, and several other Provencal villages. Be sure to check out St. Paul de Vence, a Medieval walled hilltop city. From some spots, you can see the sea to one side and the Alps to the other.
