Cannes, Place of Memorable Experiences
A small fishing village on the shores of the Mediterranean with a tranquil atmosphere which had been so loved by the British Lord, Henry Brougham. Cannes won its luxury worldwide reputation due to the film festival. This year the occasion has already passed and you can look forward to the next one, to be held from 14. to 25. May 2019
The beginnings of the luxury film festival
Still only a hundred years ago nobody really knew anything of Cannes. Then came the year of 1946 and the intention of Minister Jean Zay to hold an international event in France to rival the one held in Venice. Originally it had been planned for September 1939 under the presidency of Louis Lumière. But in the midst of preparations came the war and so the festival was started seven years later.
Nowadays, le Festival de Cannes belongs among the most luxurious, most acclaimed and most prestigious film festivals in the world. It is held in May of each year on the French Riviera. The most prestigious film prize in Cannes is the Golden Palm ("Palme d'Or') awarded for the best film and for the first time it was to be obtained by film-makers in 1955. In the years 1939 to 1954 the main prize was the "Grand Prix du Festival International du Film", same as later on in the years 1964 to 1974.
If you cannot manage to come to Cannes during the luxury film event, certainly do not put off your visit till next May. This place is beautiful all year round and you will not be able to get enough just through a single visit.
To Cannes also outwith the festival
Cannes is a synonym for luxury and throughout the year it enjoys a mild, very pleasant climate, that allows you to enjoy the local beaches from May to October. It is simply a paradise. Also worth visiting is one of the most elegant streets of French Riviera, Boulevard de la Croisette bordered by palms. It starts at Palais De Festivals and passes by the Rade de Cannes, which will astound you by its beautiful beach. The fascinating promenade will indulge you with beautiful views of the bay and the famous Lérins islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
A visit of Le Suquet will transfer you back to the past. If you long for relaxation, there are also many private, but also public beaches. Just 15 minutes away by ferry from Cannes are located the famous Lérins islands. On the main island of Sainte Marguerite the story of man with the iron mask took place.
Tip of the editor
You can best get to Cannes by car or by ČSA plane, from Prague to Nice and then by train. The flight takes around 1.5 hours, journey by train from Nice to Cannes takes approximately 35 minutes and a return ticket costs EUR 14.
