Celebrity-inspired things to do in Cannes!

There is no denying that Cannes has a repertoire of hotels frequented by several celebrities, especially during Cannes Film Festival. Most of the hotels are situated near or on La Croisette, and have access to their very own private beaches, offering unparalleled views of the Mediterranean Sea! Needless to say, every hotel has tremendous history attached and has welcomed legendary actors through the course of their existence. So, don’t be surprised if you spot Anne Hathaway or Aishwarya Rai Bachchan enjoying breakfast on a table next to yours! Thus, one of the most important things to do in Cannes, is to choose a celebrity-favourite hotel!

If you prefer a mix of old and new Hollywood glamour, the legendary InterContinental Carlton Cannes is a good choice. Its belle époque exteriors add to its romantic charm, and its suites (some named after personalities such as Elton John, Sofia Loren, Sean Connery, Sharon Stone, etc.) are a melange of modern and traditional. The Alfred Hitchcock film, ‘To Catch a Thief’ was filmed here. The hotel is currently undergoing a renovation and will be open to guests in spring 2023!

Another belle époque-styled property - Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic - boasts of five signature suites, one of which is inspired by the French couture label Christian Dior. One of the things to do in Cannes, if you’re travelling with kids, is to introduce them to the world of cinema! Studio by Petit VIP is a dedicated space in the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, where they can learn how to make their own movie, and have it premiered in a private screening room for viewing- how cool is that!

The contemporary art deco style Grand Hyatt Hôtel Martinez takes privacy very seriously- only guests are allowed to step into the hotel! It has the largest private beach and is committed to sustainable luxury through its eco-friendly initiatives.

Another one of the things to do in Cannes, or rather, a short drive from Cannes, is to stay at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc. If you’re feeling particularly fancy, a boat ride will also get you here. Set amongst pine trees, the hotel used to be an artist’s retreat, before becoming a celebrity-hotspot. What makes it memorable? Its mythical heated seawater infinity pool carved into the rocks! Maison Christian Dior recently created a luxury fragrance called ‘Eden-Roc’ to honour the iconic property!

Add dining out like a celebrity to one of the things to do in Cannes! La Palme d'Or, inside the Grand Hyatt Hôtel Martinez, is the only two Michelin starred restaurant in Cannes, named after the famous film festival award, and serves creative seafood meals. Not far away from Cannes, is another Michelin starred restaurant called Le Moulin des Mougin- a cosy restaurant on the hills. For traditional French cuisine with a Mediterranean feel, head to La Colombe d'Or in Saint Paul de Vence, that also houses a private collection of 20th century art.

Add shopping to the various fun things to do in Cannes! To emulate that chic celebrity style, head to La Croisette, the palm-lined promenade, where you can find haute couture French brands like Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, international brands like Gucci, Prada and Armani, as well as eminent jewellery brands like Cartier, Chopard. You could spend an entire day here!

You will see most celebrities unwinding on a night out in town, partying till the early hours of the morning! For an amazing clubbing experience, head to Le Baoli. A swanky nightclub overlooking the Bay of Cannes, Le Baoli invites DJs from France and all over Europe, and a night of partying here should be added to your list of things to do in Cannes! If you want to bump into Leonardo DiCaprio, Kendal Jenner, A$AP Rocky, and the likes, then Gotha club is where you need to be at. Renamed Palm Beach Club, the club brings together some of the hottest performers, and has a strict entry policy- no guys without girls! Nikki Beach, said to be one of the first luxury beach clubs, has multiple coastal locations around the world. The beach organises their pop-up during the Cannes Film Festival, hosting several parties, charity galas and press junkets, attended by A-listers.

Lastly, to complete the list of things to do in Cannes like a celebrity, why not take it a notch above, and host your own party on a superyacht? Several companies in Cannes offer options to rent a luxury yacht, depending on whether you would like to charter the yacht or stay at the dock.

Pro tip- The best way to see Cannes like a celebrity, is to arrive in style. For an experience of your lifetime, book a 20-minute helicopter flight from Nice airport to Cannes, just like the rich and famous! Fly over the ultra-glamourous buildings and sparkling waters of the Mediterranean. Life is good.