The beginning of May is probably my favorite time to go for a trip to Cannes and the Côte d'Azur. The weather is pleasantly warm and rarely too hot, and there are far fewer visitors than later in the summer. Most importantly though, this is when Cannes is at it's best.. the whole town is ready and prepared to host the glamorous Cannes Film Festival which usually starts Mid-May. Everything feels fresh and polished, with gardens and flowers maintained and manicured to perfection. The beaches have been replenished with fresh white sand and it seems that even the leaves of the Croisette's palm trees have been given a glistening coat in anticipation of the glamor and buzz to come. The weather forecast for last week promised sun and blue skies, so the decision to spend my birthday in Cannes was quickly made.
The weather forecast was right, and the Côte d'Azur lived up to it's name by displaying a dazzling array of sparkling blues.
White and yellow stripes... a French Riviera classic
Cannes' main promenade, La Croisette, is lined with luxurious shops and hotels, and the Carlton is undoubtedly the most iconic of them all. This is where Hitchcock filmed 'To catch a thief' (some spectacular real life jewelry heists took place at the Carlton in recent years too) and where Grace Kelly encountered Prince Rainier III of Monaco during the Film Festival in 1955. The Carlton's beautiful elegant terrace faces the Croisette and the Mediterranean sea, and it is a wonderful place to have breakfast, afternoon coffee or drinks before dinner.
Next to the terrace, a 'Palme d'Or' palm leaf (symbol of the Cannes Film Festival) is held by a golden angel statue. The angel's beautiful feathered wings reminded me very much of Alice Shirley's 'Zebra Pegasus' scarf from the AW2014 collection.
Other favorite places in Cannes include the Gaston and Gastounette fish restaurant in the old part of town (Suquet quarter), and the secluded terrace of the Amiral bar at the Martinez Hotel (perfect for drinks after dinner and the most buzzing place in town after midnight during the festivals). Cannes' many beach clubs are wonderful places for lunch, and you can also rent a sun lounger and parasol for the day. The Zplage, the Miramar Plage and the Carlton Beach Restaurant are all fabulous. The Palais Stéphanie (now JW Marriott) has become a favorite place to stay. Built in 1992 it doesn't ooze art deco glamour, but I love the modern, chic and stylish decor of the rooms, and the location could not be better. The large rooftop terrace has a pool, jacuzzi and sun loungers, with sweeping views over the Bay of Cannes and the surrounding Esterel mountains.
Tunics are amongst my favorite summer wardrobe staples, they are so easy to wear and style. Teaming this beautifully embroidered and beaded sale find from Weills (from a couple of years back) with cool tones and a 'Ceintures et Liens' cashmere shawl in a triangular fold.
Capsule pieces: embroidered/beaded tunic and jeans
Accessories: Hermes 'Ceintures et Liens' cashmere GM, Clic-clac H enamel bracelet in bleu indiens and a Picotin 18 in Bleu Sapphire. MaiTai Collection Cluster earrings in lemon (available here)
Shoes: Castañer espadrilles wedges in turquoise
Capsule pieces: embroidered/beaded tunic and light ecru trousers
Accessories: Hermes 'Fantaisies Indiennes' Mousseline GM in a basic bias fold and Picotin 22 in Sanguine. MaiTai Collection Cluster earrings in lemon (available here) and long gemstone necklace
Shoes: Hermes Oran sandals
Monsieur Le Seagull is definitely ready for the Film Festival!
A new favorite place in Cannes will be featured in the next post!
Hotels/Bars:
Carlton Cannes: 58 Boulevard de la Croisette, Tel: +33 4 9306 4006
www.intercontinental-carlton-cannes.com/
Martinez Hotel and Amiral bar: 73 Boulevard de la Croisette, Tel: +33 4 9390 1234
www.cannesmartinez.grand.hyatt.com
JW Marriott Cannes (Palais Stéphanie): 50 Boulevard de la Croisette,Tel: +33 4 92 99 7000
www.marriott.com/jw-marriott-cannes
Beach clubs and restaurants:
Miramar Plage Beach Restaurant, 64 Boulevard de la Croisette, Tel: +33 4 9394 2474
www.miramar-plage.fr
ZPlage: 73 Boulevard de la Croisette, Tel: +33 4 9298 7319
www.cannesmartinez.grand.hyatt.com/zplage
Carlton Beach Restaurant: 58 Boulevard de la Croisette, Tel: +33 4 9306 4006
www.intercontinental-carlton-cannes.com/
Fish restaurant:
Gaston et Gastonette, 6-7 Quai Saint-Pierre, 06400 Cannes, Tel: +33 4 9339 4944.
www.gaston-gastounette.fr
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