High season on the French Riviera starts with a spectacular event that puts the region into the international spotlight and into the glare of flashing cameras. The Cannes Film Festival 2017 will take place from 17th-28th May, transforming the coastal town into the heart of the world’s movie industry for 11 days. Despite the billion dollar deals and networking taking place, you don’t have to be a member of the film industry to enjoy the glamour of Cannes Film Festival. There are three things to get right to ensure you’ll enjoy the most luxurious experience possible while in town for the festival.
1. A VIP Helicopter Transfer
Those who have attended the Film Festival before know that there is only one way to arrive in Cannes: by helicopter. A helicopter transfer to Cannes from Nice will reduce travel time from an hour on a traffic-packed road to the length of two movie trailers. The population of Cannes triples to a peak of 210,000 people during the Cannes Film Festival, meaning that land access can be frustratingly slow. Why waste precious time in traffic when you could be enjoying the festival and networking with like-minded people? This year is also the festival’s landmark 70th birthday, so it is set to attract even more attention and visitors.
The helicopter to Cannes leaves from Nice International Airport and flies over the stunning Riviera landscape. It lands at the Croisette Helipad a mere 7 minutes later. Once on the helipad, visitors are only a 10-minute walk from the red carpet of the Palais des Festivals and the heart of the action. Alternatively, a shuttle service is available to take festival participants to the hotel, or drop-off point, of their choice. A Cannes helicopter flight is a VIP experience that shouldn’t be missed and it’s undoubtedly the most convenient and stress-free way to arrive in town.
2. A Luxury Hotel
While attending the Cannes Film Festival, it’s best to stay somewhere close to the screenings, awards, parties and press events. The Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes is situated in an enviable position on La Croisette, across the road from the Palais des Festivals. Not only does it provide instant access to the Cannes Film Festival, but the 5-star hotel is a two-minute walk from the beach and 1 km from the Musée de la Castre in the historic Old Town. Built in 1926, the Belle Epoque palace has an abundance of character and offers exceptional Mediterranean views.
The hotel’s 350 guest rooms are decorated with understated glamour and sophisticated designs. They are furnished with work desks, sitting areas, minibars and designer bathrooms. There are also two penthouse suites with butler service. When you want a break from films and meetings, go and lounge at the outdoor pool or enjoy a cocktail on the private jetty and beach, which has a nightclub atmosphere in the evenings. For those moments of utter relaxation and de-stressing, the cutting-edge Spa Diane Barrière by Biologique Recherche and Ligne St Barth can attend to your aching joints and over-burdened mind.
3. Top Restaurant
Cannes has some fantastic restaurants from which to choose, but the 2-Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or is one of France’s finest. It is located in the exclusive Martinez Hotel on La Croisette. It benefits from a magical setting with a large terrace that overlooks the Mediterranean – the very sea which influences its gourmet flavours. The restaurant attracts a high-profile clientele who enjoy the innovative and delicious food that Chef Christian Sinicropi prepares in a chic art deco-inspired interior. Large windows overlook the Croisette and the hotel’s pool deck.
Popular dishes include Dublin Bay prawns with beetroot, sweetbreads with a duck foie gras stuffing and Mediterranean bass with green pea ravioli. The delicate and refined taste of the food blends perfectly with the surroundings and makes any meal a special occasion. The impeccable service at La Palme D’Or will ensure you have the ultimate festival experience while in Cannes.
