Cannes: Beyond the Silver Screen

Today marks the return of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where the glitz and glam is rolled out to welcome stars, films and style of the highest order for eleven glamorous days in the south of France. To see in the occasion, we're widening our lens to take a look at Cannes as a whole and bring you the best bits elsewhere.

Cannes is almost exclusively known for its film festival, but beyond the bright lights and shimmering dresses lies a city with glamour in equal measure elsewhere. From the pristine seafront to the aristocratic suburbs, this is a surprisingly good destination for a variety of breaks away from the festival - although you can never go far in this city without bumping into some part of film history.

With a host of free, sandy public beaches to choose from, this could be your alternative European getaway in the making. Beaches such as Bijou Plage, Corniche Esterel and Midi Beach will add normality to what should otherwise be considered a different experience of France. 

That's not to say that Cannes is lacking in the major aspects though! You'll still find the finest of cuisine on offer here, not to mention the plethora of world-class palace hotels that will ensure you live a charmed life during your stay here. 

Head to the magnificent Croisette which curves round the bay with the promise of glamour and discover the snaking streets of the old Suquet Hill district which is a delight to wander through. For a spot of adventure, take a boat to one of the islands to get away from typical Cannes, or simply embrace it all to eat, drink and shop to your heart's content. 

To read more about the festival, check out our look at last year's main event!