Cannes, and the red carpet

The city of Cannes, in the heart of the French Riviera.  Home or more correctly, playground of the rich and famous.  Azure blue seas, infinity pools, suntans, food, cheese, wine, beautiful women and men.  Check. We have all of those.  So we must be rich and famous too!  The people are so respectful here, no one has asked for an autograph even though I do have the "movie star" hair flowing....LOL 

Last year we took a boat to Cannes, this year we take the regular 1 euro bus or walk along the sea. Each method of transport arrives in the centre of this French paradise.  Cannes, unlike Nice, is not confused about its identity. This is the quintessential French seaside resort town.   It all begins as a humble fishing village in the 2nd century,  more or less overshadowed at that time by the Lerins Islands that are an omnipresent guard to the port of Cannes.  These islands offer the consummate escape from the glamorous and crowded streets of Cannes.  A mere 20 minutes by boat, the islands boast a tranquil setting to enjoy a walk in the forest, a picnic lunch and a visit to the monastery.  We did all of the above.  Cistercian monks have inhabited the Lerins, specifically the Isle to Saint Honorat, since the 5th century.  A  monastery was built around the 10th century and still exists today.  The monks produce wine and liquor there to this day. 

The Island of Sainte-Marguerite, the larger of the four islands,  is best known for the imprisonment of the "Man in the iron mask".  While never identified, he is believed to be the twin brother of Louis the XV......(only one can inherit the throne so the other one has to go) or Pascal, a philosopher of the times enemy of royalty or else just one of the many illegitimate sons of the king.  The most common version of the story is that the extravagant King Louis XV was so concerned about his livelihood that he hid his brother as far from Paris as he could .  After all, if the people knew there was another heir to the throne, the French revolution might have had a different outcome.  While in Cannes, you must not miss out on a trip to these islands!    

Cannes, like the rest of the Mediterranean, had it's battles over ownership, Romans, Saracens, etc.  In fact the monks took control of Cannes for awhile.  

The city of Cannes is named after the "roseaux" or reeds, which surrounded the areas beaches.  Cannes translates from ancient Greek meaning reeds.  This swampy beach area forced the development of the first village of Cannes high above the Mediterranean in the area known as Le Suquet.  Puts a whole new value to swamp land as today Cannes is among the most expensive real estate on the Cote d'Azur.

The Film festival, which helped to create the lure of the area, was to start in 1939. Hitler stopped before it started.  1946 marked the date of the first festival.  It was a big success and has been every year since.   

Fun facts!

Cannes boasts the best Oysters on the Riviera

Go to the Intercontinental Hotel- see the dome inside(modelled after a gypsy's breast)

 Renting a mattress at  Palm Beach will set you back 20 euro for the day.

Population 74,000,  January weather is 13C July is 27C

The film festival Red Carpet is 60 metres long, changed 3 times per day.  1500 lucky winners, through a draw, get to surround it as the stars walk it.

15% of Hotel business for the year is done during the 12 days of the festival

Almost 4600 journalists attend (second largest event viewed after the Olympics)

Screening of 1200 films

200,000 actors, directors and producers attend

Cost 20 million euro to produce the event.  50% comes from public funding

700 police officers are added for security to the stars

Yachts for entertainment and negotiating movie deals contracts are a common site.  The cost is not common.   12 days rentals will set one back 130,000 to 400,000 euros, and that is just for moorage!

Each well known hotel has 15,000 bottles of Champagne to greet customers

Hotel Martinez, now a Hyatt hotel,  is 1,500 euro per night for a basic room........and I am not lying......

Take a stroll through the Marche de Fortville,  one of the best markets on the Rivera.   From the moment you enter, the flavours of Provence stand up to greet your senses.  Fresh cut flowers,  fragrant herbs, fruits, veg, the sounds of happy people trading with their favourite farmers.  This market has it all, fresh caught fish, organic butcher's, cheese makers etc.  Six days a week from 8 until 1 you will find this energetic stalls open to your needs.  Once through the market you will find yourself on Rue Meynadier where you can continue  your culinary experience or shop for the latest fashions.  Famous patisseries, rub shoulders with Christian Dior, Gucci, Channel, etc.  The vacant walls of many of the towns century old buildings are adorned with murals offering a permanent reminder of the glamor hosted by Cannes most famous event.

In the top corner of the picture above you can see a Riviera specialty.  Stuffed pasta. Tortellini like pieces filled with Daube.  A rustic stew that is eaten as a hearty lunch or in this case served in a pasta.  Either way it is comfort food that is deeply satisfying, especially when enjoying a nice pichet of Rouge, Rose or Blanc.

Art of all kinds is present in Cannes.  This week also marks the start of the TV version of the Cannes film festival.  The producers and broadcasters from around the globe trying to find the next big show for the coming season.  

After a morning in the Marche Forville, it is customary to stop for a verre de vin rose and a small bite.  We found a little place, 20 seats, all locals except 2.  The owner, above was quick with the wine and a pression (draught beer) for moi.    We did find many ships in the harbour, 150 feet +.  Just in case you thought I was kidding about the rich part.

Sadly, not all was good on the Riviera.  We experienced a massive storm, flooding out many areas around us.  Many businesses are still digging out two days later.  Several cars were washed into the sea.  Those seen below were pushed some 500 feet down the road and over a bridge, only stopped by a building as rushing water feverishly fought its way to the Med.

Johanne and I ventured about 2 km walk to the west of our hotel to the village of La Bocca.  This town was just crushed by the rush of water.  Every single business and/or house was damaged.  I am sure those of  you reading this post from Calgary can appreciate that hardship that water can cause.
20 people died in that flood, most of them trying to get their car out of their garage...what a shame!

We were lucky, our hotel is high above the sea and was not affected by the storm, with the exception of losing the Internet and phone service for almost 2 weeks.  The sun came out after the rain.  Here is a view from our suite!

We host a happy hour each night at the hotel for our group of travellers,  I am happy to report we didn't miss a single minute of our 5pm to 7pm ritual.  Canadians are a thirsty bunch.

In the days to come we will be visiting Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze.  Can't wait to tell you about it.

Be well

Sante