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MAC Cannes - Art & Entertainment
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The Mediterranean sun and sea really help to cultivate the festive spirit and lounging life that Cannes is so well-known for – and of course the palm trees that adorn the local landscape. So come on – join in and enjoy yourself! You'll be truly spoilt for choice between the beaches, nightclubs, museums and galleries, festivals and shopping all year round.

Nightclubs

Starting with the white, sandy beaches, they may not be the biggest in the world, but they certainly have their advantages. Most of them, like Plage du Martinez, and Plage Calao, are private, which means they offer every imaginable service, from sunbeds, umbrellas and refreshments to waterskiing, parasending, and jetskis for hire. And the water is of course blissfully warm, at least in the summer.

After a long day of sunbathing and relaxation, it's time for a bite to eat before getting ready to dance the night away in one of Cannes' nightclubs, which are in plentiful supply whatever your rhythm. The Cat Corner attracts a diverse young crowd, always ready to party until dawn. It's often where the regulars at Farfalla restaurant, where good humour and good company are the recipe for a great night out, end up. The atmosphere is also buzzing at Opéra (which is in fact a nightclub), Jane's Club at the Gray d'Albion Hotel, and Jimmy'z, a rather upper class disco whose huge dance floor is just begging you to move to the music.

Culture

But for those who prefer a more highbrow form of entertainment, Cannes is also very culturally satisfying. The handful of museums in the town, while disappointing in number, are of uniformly high quality. On Boulevard de la Croisette, you'll love to linger around Malmaison, a former private mansion dating back to the belle époque, featuring some excellent temporary art exhibitions. At the summit of Le Suquet – the old town on the hill – stands Musée de la Castre, a museum which boasts a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings, as well as collections focussing on Mediterranean archaeology and musical instruments from all over the world. Just next door is the church of Notre-Dame de l'Espérance with its intriguing commemorative plaques made by locals giving thanks to the Virgin Mary for prayers answered. Make sure you cross the shores to the island of Sainte-Marguerite, where you can visit the actual prison where the regrettably well-known Man in the Iron Mask was held. Incarcerated without trial by order of King Louis XIV, the true identity of this prisoner is still a mystery which continues to puzzle historians. Was he an unknown elder brother of the King? Had he learned that Louis XIV was unable to have children – something which would jeopardise his line? The speculation is endless. Also on the island is a significant collection of nautical pieces at the Musée de la Mer (Maritime Museum); note, too, the newly restored Roman frescoes. Finally, Cannes also boasts a number of art galleries to rival any in France, such as the fine contemporary displays at Galerie de Cannes, Galerie Alexandre Léadouze and Atelier Bernard Payet.

Cinemas

But given that you're in a film buff's paradise – the International Film Festival has been running in Cannes for over 50 years – you might prefer to catch a movie. Cannes hasn't yet been kitted out with enormous multiplexes, but the three main local cinemas – Arcades 3, Star, and Olympia – are all fantastically placed in the centre of town. Studio 13 is also well worth a visit; it shows classics, writer/director films and other movies that fall outside the commercial sphere.

Festivals

And don't forget that Cannes hosts festivals all year round: the Festival de la Plaisance (Pleasure Boat Festival), the world-renowned International Film Festival, and the MIDEM (Marché International du Disque, de l'Edition Musicale) music festival are just a few of the events held here annually.

Shopping

Finally, Cannes is heaven for shopaholics, who will never tire of the countless boutiques on Rue d'Antibes and Boulevard de la Croisette, and will be enraptured by the big French labels such as Chanel and familiar chains like Zara. There's no denying that fashion is a high profile business in Cannes!







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Beach at The Martinez


Popular Provençal beach
Hôtel Martinez
73, boulevard La Croisette
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
http://www.hotel-martinez.com
The Martinez Hotel's private beach is paradise: fine sand, upscale comfort and wealthy patrons. It's the largest beach on La Croisette. There are numerous sports activities on offer; including parasailing, offshore racing, helicopter rides, water-skiing, sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving. During the International Film Festival, the beach's pontoon becomes the site of the Canal+ (French pay-TV channel) studios.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Beach at The Martinez photo by Andre Bellomo
Photo: Andre Bellomo
Beach at The Martinez photo by fr.zil
Photo: fr.zil
Beach at The Martinez photo by Ian-Alexander
Photo: Ian-Alexander
 

 
Calao Beach


Party on the Beach
Plage nº 17
Boulevard La Croisette
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9394 5636
Get set to have a blast at Calao beach, primely located between the Carlton and Martinez hotels on La Croisette. Take advantage of a variety of seasonal menus for evening receptions along with specially organized musical performances. Arrangements can also be made for themed nights or banquets in the florally decorated reception rooms. Deck chairs, locker rooms, warm showers, private sun decks, video games, table football, billiards, table tennis, pedal-boat rental, water-skiing, and massages are also offered. Season tickets and group discounts are available. The beach is closed from November to December.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Calao Beach photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Cannes Film Festival


Prestigious Film Festival
Esplanade Georges Pompidou
Palais des Festivals
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 1 5359 6100
http://www.festival-cannes.com
Stars from all over the world gather at Cannes for this prestigious film festival. Each evening famous actors and directors climb the stairways outside the Palais des Festivals. You can find some of the hottest film stars, such as Sharon Stone, Nicole Kidman, and Tom Cruise attending this festival. Films from all over the globe are screened at this festival in ten different categories. The most prestigious award at the festival is the 'Palme d'Or'. Formal evening attire is the mandatory dress code for attending any screening. A note of advice: dress well throughout the festival, as the paparazzi love to click pretty faces and elegantly dressed people.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cannes Film Festival photo by Ivan Ethan Loh
Photo: Ivan Ethan Loh
Cannes Film Festival photo by Cathleen Jones
Photo: Cathleen Jones
Cannes Film Festival photo by Adrian Bailon
Photo: Adrian Bailon
Cannes Film Festival photo by Stephanie Williams
Photo: Stephanie Williams
Cannes Film Festival photo by Alfred Chan
Photo: Alfred Chan
Cannes Film Festival photo by Adrian Leung
Photo: Adrian Leung
Cannes Film Festival photo by Lee Swanson
Photo: Lee Swanson
Cannes Film Festival photo by jeremy bourgouin
Photo: jeremy bourgouin
Cannes Film Festival photo by George Dunkley
Photo: George Dunkley
Cannes Film Festival photo by Melannie Murray
Photo: Melannie Murray
Cannes Film Festival photo by Joelle Finck
Photo: Joelle Finck
Cannes Film Festival photo by divxplanet
Photo: divxplanet
Cannes Film Festival photo by Chechu Manson
Photo: Chechu Manson
Cannes Film Festival photo by Andy Ngan
Photo: Andy Ngan
Cannes Film Festival photo by phillipacarl
Photo: phillipacarl
Cannes Film Festival photo by jmeg_48
Photo: jmeg_48
Cannes Film Festival photo by katesnelling@verizon.net
Photo: katesnelling@verizon.net
Cannes Film Festival photo by Tim Hardy
Photo: Tim Hardy
 

 
Chanel


Flagship of Haute Couture
5, boulevard La Croisette
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 93 38 5505
The flagship of French haute couture with its famous intertwined 'C' symbol looks out onto one of the most fashionable boulevards in France, Boulevard de la Croisette. The clothes are dressy and original. Beautiful bags and watches.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Chanel photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Farfalla


Pre-club Favourite
1, boulevard La Croisette
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 93 68 9300
Clubbers often come here for a bite before moving onto the Cat Corner nightclub next door. Stylish wooden surroundings and subdued lighting combine to create a relaxed atmosphere. Here, tasty and unpretentious cuisine is the order of the day. This is an enviable location, opposite the Palais des Festivals (where the Film Festival is held annually), and between La Croisette's beaches and the old port. The cafe is buzzing at lunchtime with the office crowd.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Galerie Alexandre Léadouze


For Art Lovers
101, rue d'Antibes
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9399 3211
Situated on Cannes' main shopping street, this sophisticated gallery displays some of the city's finest artwork. Scenic oil paintings and vivid modern acrylics are the focus at Galerie Alexandre Léadouze. All the paintings displayed here are signed by the artists. Stop by at this gallery, if you're a true art lover. Expect to pay between EUR3,048.78 and EUR15,243.90 for a canvas. There is also a sister gallery in Paris.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Galerie Alexandre Léadouze photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Galerie de Cannes


For Art Lovers
111, rue d'Antibes
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9399 0792
http://www.galeriedecannes.com/
For the past 20 years, this beautiful art gallery has truly worked to promote contemporary art. It has a fine collection of both modern and classical paintings and sculptures. Take some time off to check out this gallery, which is located on Rue d'Antibes. Figurative art, still life, Provençale landscapes, nudes and lots more is what you'll find here.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Galerie de Cannes photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Jane's Club


Revival Nights
Hôtel Gray d'Albion
38, rue des Serbes
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9299 7959
This nightclub is famously known as the oldest nightclub in Cannes. It has a colorful interior and most of the walls are laced with velvet padding. You can either shake a leg on the dance floor or enjoy the moves of the GoGo dancers from the lounge. During the International Film Festival, the venue is rented out to the festival organizers and entrance is by invitation only.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Jimmy'z


Large and Chic Nightclub
1, boulevard La Croisette
(Palais des Festivals)
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9298 7878
http://www.lucienbarriere.com/
There is now a Jimmy'z in Cannes...hot on the heels of its famous Monaco namesake. This nightclub is located on La Croisette, on the first floor of the Palais des Festivals, and is usually crawling with press during the Film Festival. It has several dance floors and a great party atmosphere. The clientele is generally very chic, and the club is often the setting for fabulous parties. Admission costs EURO 7-20, depending on the night and the season, and this sometimes includes a free drink.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jimmy'z photo by verena
Photo: verena
 

 
La Castre Museum


Art, Antiques and more
Le Suquet
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9338 5526
http://www.cannes.fr
Opened in 1952, Musée de la Castre truly strives to promote art. Its collections reflect the interests of 19th-century archaeologists, ethnographers, antiques enthusiasts and art lovers. You'll find an impressive collection of Mediterranean artifacts from Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Iran, Syria as well as Cyprus. Primitive art from Oceania, Africa, Asia and the Americas is another area of focus. The collection of 19th-century Cannes landscapes is also worth a look. The 12th-century Sainte-Anne chapel houses a superb collection of musical instruments from all over the world. Climb the medieval tower for a panoramic view of Cannes and its bay. Tickets for adults cost EUR3. Admission is free on the first sunday of each month.

Review © 2007, Wcities
La Castre Museum photo by Dan Friedman
Photo: Dan Friedman
La Castre Museum photo by Soumit Nandi
Photo: Soumit Nandi
La Castre Museum photo by saltybullfrog
Photo: saltybullfrog
La Castre Museum photo by NoelleMarchbanks.com
Photo: NoelleMarchbanks.com
La Castre Museum photo by Mukund Sridhar
Photo: Mukund Sridhar
La Castre Museum photo by ddsartist
Photo: ddsartist
La Castre Museum photo by Evan Mattson
Photo: Evan Mattson
La Castre Museum photo by Santiago di Morales
Photo: Santiago di Morales
 

 
MIDEM


International Music Trade Fair
Esplanade Georges-Pompidou
(Palais des Festivals)
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 1 4190 4932
http://www.midem.com
The MIDEM (March international du Disque, de l'Edition Musicale) is the trade fair on the music world's calendar. Founded in 1967, it attracts a large number of enthusiasts, artists, record companies, concert organizers, and music lawyers. Businessmen get together from the all over the world to negotiate and sign contracts, discover new trends, and generally network. Call the ticket office at the Palais des Festivals or visit the MIDEM website.

Review © 2007, Wcities
MIDEM photo by Oren Levine
Photo: Oren Levine
MIDEM photo by Christian Hieber
Photo: Christian Hieber
MIDEM photo by monty luke
Photo: monty luke
MIDEM photo by LoudFeed.com
Photo: LoudFeed.com
 

 
Malmaison Museum


Cannes' Newest Museum
47, boulevard La Croisette
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9399 0404 / +33 4 9706 4490
Originally a part of the the Grand Hôtel, Malmaison today holds temporary art exhibitions. Located at the center of La Croisette, it is Cannes' newest museum. The Cannes Directorate of Cultural Affairs is located on the first floor of the building. The exhibitions, which promote modern and contemporary art, are held in the beautiful gardens and are worth checking out. A ticket costs EUR1.52 and school children and students can enter free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Malmaison Museum photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Maritime Museum


Marine Archaeology
Fort de I'ile Sainte-Marguerite
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 93 38 55 26 / +33 4 93 43 18 17
The Musée de la Mer is located on Sainte-Marguerite island's Port-Royal (about 1km from Cannes). This unique museum is dedicated to the treasures of the sea. You'll find remnants of cargo from ships dating back till the the Roman times. Among the buildings in this fortress is the prison which held many prisoners, such as the Man in the Iron Mask.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Notre-Dame d'Espérance


Provençal Gothic Church
Place de la Castre
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 4 9339 1749
Completed in 1648, Notre-Dame d'Espérance is a beautiful Provençal Gothic church. Its charm lies in its wood paneling, which dates back to the 14th and 15th century. Also worth a look is the collection of 19th century paintings, which includes a fresco by George Roux that portrays the baptism of Christ. Statues of Saint Anne and Notre-Dame d'Espérance (both in gilded wood) from the 15th and 18th centuries are worth checking out. Situated on top of Suquet hill in old Cannes, the church offers visitors a fabulous view of the town and its bay. One of fishermen's favorite saints, Notre-Dame d'Espérance is also called upon to heal the sick. Mass is held every Sunday at 11a.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Notre-Dame d'Espérance photo by ludo.stnicolas
Photo: ludo.stnicolas
Notre-Dame d'Espérance photo by barry hotchkies
Photo: barry hotchkies
Notre-Dame d'Espérance photo by Jim Fenton
Photo: Jim Fenton
 

 
Salon nautique (Festival de la Plaisance)


Boat Festival & Display
Port de Cannes
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 06400
France
+33 1 4190 4855
http://www.salonnautiquecannes...
For years this festival has displayed the latest models of fabulous pleasure boats from the world's most illustrious designers. The crowd of connoisseurs who attend the festival grows every year. The festival is a hub for dealers and importers looking for vessels, equipment manufacturers and all those involved in the industry. It is held in September at the Old port in Cannes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Zara


A Family Affair
9, rue d'Antibes
Cannes, Alpes-Côte d'Azur 064 00
France
+33 4 9259 2800
Zara dresses the whole family - men, women and children. It has taken just a few years for this Spanish label to stamp its mark on European fashion. The clothes are made from beautiful and classic fabrics and the store has everything from sportswear to evening dress. There is also a good collection of shoes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Zara photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Cannes - Art & Entertainment"
Cannes
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Cannes - Neighborhood Guide
Cannes - Where to Stay
Cannes - Dining & Drinking

Other nearby cities:
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Montpellier (254 miles)
Milan (271 miles)
Lyon (295 miles)
Florence (312 miles)
Bologna (359 miles)
Verona (375 miles)

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