By Samantha Coles
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Cannes Film festival, and we visited in the run-up to the event when the town known for decadence and glamour is at its most exciting.
Where to stay
Bastide Provencal
It’s only right that during Cannes Film Festival, you would stay in an iconic French movie star’s villa. Brigitte Bardot’s former home fits the bill. This sprawling chateau has 10 unique bedrooms among a labyrinth of quirky features in classic Provençal style.
Perfect for families or large groups, you have enough space for time to yourself by one of the two infinity pools, but the elegant communal areas bring you back together.
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The dining table on the patio calls for alfresco dining, while you watch the sun set over the hills of Peymeinade and listen to the distant chime of church bells. Elena & Co’s Chef Mohammed’s 24-hour slow cooked lamb is so tender you could eat it with a spoon, and it’s impossible to have just one of his deep-fried courgette flowers.
The mesmerising views are made all the more enjoyable by the subtle scents of honeysuckle and lavender floating through the air. The incredibly peaceful villa has its very own vineyard, hot tub and steam room.
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From $14,000 – $33,000 per week to rent, approx. $6.6m to purchase.
Croisette Penthouse
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Cannes film festival, and this chic penthouse apartment is in the middle of the action.
From the rooftop, you have the distinct vantage point of the red carpet without the hindrance of pesky paparazzi. Should you grow tired of celeb spotting, the swimming pool awaits.
There’s also a curious vertical garden with an array of colourful succulents. Living wallpaper is the ultimate backdrop for a rooftop cocktail party. The interiors are crisp and light, and the penthouse is bathed in natural light.
From $110,000 – $140,000 per week to rent during Cannes Film Festival, $9.8m to purchase.
To book either property, contact Luke McCormick, founder & CEO, +44 203 355 6077, edgeretreats.com
What to eat
Belles Rives hotel overlooks the Riviera, and the Michelin-starred restaurant’s cuisine is as exquisite as the service.
Purchased by Boma Estène in 1929, the hotel has been owned and run by five generations of the family. This sense of tradition extends to the guests — many come back year after year, and have their favorite spots to sit on the terrace and take in the inspiring scenery.
F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda lived here in 1925 – read Tender is the Night during your stay, preferably in Piano Bar Fitzgerald with a glass of champagne.
What to do
Sundays are for market strolls. Cannes La Croisette stretches along the shore of the Mediterranean sea, and underneath the trees are enough stalls to happily while away the afternoon. Pick up an original piece of art, vintage posters, antique furniture, vintage designer clothing or perhaps a fencing needle.
If market meandering’s not for you, head to Domaine de Barbossi. Of course, the golf is excellent as it is one of the biggest courses in the south of France. Keep an eye out for the permanent collection of contemporary sculpture.
There are plenty of other activities to keep non-golfers happy: off-road quad biking, horse riding and tennis. The club also has its own vineyard and the crisp rosé goes down very, very easily.
