Cannes

Cannes (IPA: [kan]) is a city and commune in the French department of Alpes-Maritimes in the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Located in Southern Europe at the south eastern extremity of France, Cannes is a privileged crossroads between the Alps, Provence, Monaco and Italy.

Cannes is one of the best-known cities of the French Riviera, famous for the glitzy hotels, cars, beaches, and visitors. Cannes has become one of the busiest tourist destinations among jet-setters and famous celebrities as the city hosts many significant events including the annual Cannes Film Festival. Its old town, Le Suquet, is also a great spot for remarkable panoramic scenery.

[edit] History of Cannes

The city of Cannes if perhaps most famous for its annual film festival; however, it was the scene of significant activity long before the arrival of celluloid and has a long and interesting history dating back thousands of years. Today, its atmosphere of vibrancy and cultural richness is fortified by it proud heritage.

Evidence exists to suggest that civilisations inhabited the area we now know as Cannes as early as the 2nd century BC. It’s believed that the Oxybian tribe from Liguria formed various settlements here, which came under the name Aegitna. Historians are unsure of the meaning of this name, but what is known is that initially the area was little more than a simple fishing village used as a port of call between the Lérins Islands. Life in Aegitna was fairly uneventful until the year 69 AD, when it became the scene of a violent conflict between the troops of Othos and Vitellius, and this marked a significant period of unsettlement in the area.

[edit] The origim's name

First record, 10th century Canua The name might derive from "canna", a reed.

This was probably the site of a small Ligurian port, and later a Roman outpost on Le Suquet hill. Gallo-Roman and Roman tombs were discovered here. Le Suquet housed an 11th-century lookout tower, and overlooked swamps where the city now stands. Most of the ancient activity, especially for protection, was on the Lerin Islands just off the coast, and the history of Cannes is really the history of the islands

[edit] The birth of the "Suquet"

A new attack from the Saracens in 891 devastates the country (they will be chased away only at the end of the 10th century). The insecurity of the Islands forces the munks to settle on the continent, at the Suquet. Starting in 1035 a castel is built in the heart of the city named "Cannes" (fief of the princes from Antibes). At the end of the 11th century, two tours are constructed on the island Saint-Honorat and at Cannes : the construction of the first will last one century, the second three.

Raymond Berger, Count of Provence, declares the castel property of the munks ; it is named "Castrum Francium" and soon later changed into "Castrum de Canoas". The village encounters plague epidemics, claiming hundreds of victimes. Around 1530, during the war between François 1er and Charles Quint, Cannes detaches from the munks and starts becoming independent. The village takes wing. In the 18th century the church Notre-Dame is constructed.

[edit] The Lérins Islands

A battle bursts on the islands between French and Spanish ; the French fleet chases the occupants with the force of canons ; the matter is closed within a few months. In 1746, the such desired islands also suffer an English invasion, but the Knight of Belle-Isle restores the order by rapidly chasing the English. Within the years they are possessed by many different owners, Jean-Honoré Alziary, Henry Belmont Syms, and also by the Bishop of Fréjus.

He had the idea of integrating the island Saint-Honorat in the department of the Var, but the inhabitants of Cannes are opposed and the project does not come true, except the fact that the abbey of Saint-Honorat today still belongs to the parish of Saint-Raphaël, clericallywise. The island Sainte-Marguerite is rather known for its fort having seen several wellknown prisoners such as " The Iron Mask " , the " Marshal Bazaine " "Lestang", "Valsec" and "Gardien"…

At the end of the 19th century the fort is used as a convalescent home for the wounded soldiers of the war Crimée.

At the end of the 18th century, the strong winters require the help of the government. The high price of bread leads to anger amoungst the villagers, becoming threatening for the town council. The seatrade is helping the economic development of the village, but the sea going over board is threatening the housings of the inhabitants. The discontent of Cannes's population increases, they request fiscal reductions, equality in justice : they wish to go back to feudal conditions

[edit] The Arrival of the rich and famous

In June 1838, the construction works for the pier in Cannes are started, it is a big festivity and great joy for the entire community ; new trading starts and new houses appear. In March 1898 the pier is inaugurated in the presence of the mayor Jean Hibert and of Prince Albert-Edouard of Wales (staying at the Grand Hôtel), whose name was given to the mole. The Casino Municipal and the Esplanade des Alliés are built next it, on each side.

The pier favors the " yachting " and also the fishing which develops to be fruitful and inables the invention of the famous recipe for the "Bouillabaisse". Cannes lives from its seatrade, the fishing, agriculture and small and medium enterprises ; but Lord Henry Brougham and Vaux discovers other treasures, far more beneficial for the development of the city. He buys a terrain at the Croix des Gardes and constructs there the villa "Eleonore-Louise". His praises on the climat and landscape of Cannes attract the English aristocracy, who is then building secondary residences for the winter.

The mild climat, wellknown for its living quality, charms the Empress of Russia, she comes to Cannes to the Villa des Dunes with her entire court in order to take care of her weak health.

At the end of the 19th century, several constructions on railway tracks are done, improving the crossing of the departments of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes, then come the streetcars. In Cannes, projects such as the Boulevard Carnot, the rue d'Antibes and also the famous hotel " Carlton " on the Croisette are carried out. After the closure of the Casino des Fleurs (hôtel Gallia), a luxury establishment is built for the rich winter clientele ; the Casino Municipal is built next to the pier Albert-Edouard. This casino is demolished and replaced by the " new Palace " in 1979. These establishments are in the centre of the " mundane evenings " in Cannes, all the prestige events happen there.

[edit] The new luxury Cannes

With the beginning of the 20th century come new luxury dream hotels such as the Miramar, the Martinez... The city modernises with the construction of the sports centre, the installation of the street car, the opening of the post office, the appearance of educational establishments (le lycée Carnot, l'Institut Stanislas), … All these nice projects are possible only after the terrible First World War (14-18) which changes Cannes into a gigantic hospital. All the big establishments are then requisitioned.

After the war, the German and English clientele of Cannes diminishes, wheras the Americans are attracted by the Côte d'Azur. In Cannes, the luxury, the elegance and the exquisiteness are very appreciated. The number of luxury boutiques multiplies. Sportswise, the choice is equally raising : Yachting, tennis, petanque, polo, golf, ..., fishing is somehow forgotten a bit. Little by little, the winter tourisme is letting its place to the summer tourisme, therefore, the summer casino at the Palm Beach is constructed. One can profit from a large choice of festivities : galas, fireworks, concerts, comedies,... ; so many unavoidable activities leading Cannes to success.

The city council has the idea of creating the " International Film Festival ", the project is started in 1946, after the Second World War (39-45), during which the inhabitants of Cannes have to endure many restrictions and sufferings. The city comes back up, the lust is regaining its place within the community. On September 20th, 1946 is the inauguration of the 1st International Film Festival. It takes place in the Casino Municipal and has enormous success. Nevertheless, the casino is considered ill-adapted to the Festival, and the Nautic Cercle is destroyed. At its place is constructed the " palais des Festivals ", finished in 1950. In 1979 it is destroyed again and replaced at the site of the Casino Municipal. Nowadays, this " Film Festival ", second most known event worldwide (after the Olympic games) is the pride and the good reputation of Cannes, city of a thousand subtleties !

[edit] Cannes Weather

The climate in Cannes is typically Mediterranean and the city enjoys a good 12 hours of sunshine per day during the summer season (May to September), while in winter (December to February), the weather is very mild. Both seasons see a relatively low level of rainfall and the most significant period of rain is during October and November, when an average of 110 millimetres is the norm.

[edit] Winters

As the temperatures drop below 10ºC for only three months of the year (December to February), anytime is a good time to visit Cannes although the summer season is recommended, when temperatures are at their highest but are far from being uncomfortable and are ideal for either a beach or sightseeing holiday. The spring and autumn seasons are also warm enough, although more suited to those who prefer slightly cooler weather. Winters are great if you are fed up of the rain, snow and sub-zero temperatures in the UK or other cool European countries.

[edit] Cityscape

The first place to visit is La Croisette, the beautiful waterfront avenue with gorgeous palm trees offering a relaxing promenade. La Croisette is very famous for its picturesque beaches where you can find many first-class resorts, restaurants, hip cafés and an array of brand name boutiques. La Suquet, the old town of Cannes, provides the breathtaking view of La Croisette. Visitors can see the remains of the fortified tower and the fascinating Chapel of St Anne housing the Musée de la Castre. In which are displayed many items from artworks, musical instruments, sculptures, decorative arts to a section on ethnography. Some nice public beaches can also be found in this area. For chilling atmosphere stroll to Îles de Lérins where the unlucky man immortalised in The Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned. This is only a short boat ride offshore.

[edit] Museums

For visitors with cultural inclinations, Cannes has an impressive selection of museums and art galleries covering a wide variety of themes and historical periods. The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Provence, for example, is home to a collection of artefacts that range from prehistoric to present times, and the museum is housed in a classic 18th century mansion, set amid beautiful French gardens. Meanwhile, at the Musée de la Castre, an exotic collection including objects from the Pacific Atolls, Peruvian relics and Mayan pottery is available for viewing in an impressive château, which was previously known as the Castle of Cannes. Other famous venues include the Musée de la Marine, Musée de la Mer, Musée de la Photographie and Musée International de la Parfumerie.

[edit] Park and gardens

A small "square" on the Le Suquet hill, just below the tower and ramparts, and places to sit amidst large oleander bushes and beneath lovely shade trees.

At the west end of "La Croisette", between the Palais des Festivals and the beach, is a shaded grassy park area with playground, including slides and things. You'll find a real carrousel there, or sometimes an even bigger one out on the esplanade in front of the "Palais".

At the east end of "La Croisette", just before the new Port Canto yacht harbor, is another park and playground. This one also has carnival-type rides for the bigger kids.

Beside the playground at the east end of "La Croisette" is the Jardin Alexandre III, a lovely big flower-garden park.

[edit] Compagnie Maritime Cannoise

Take a boat tour on the sea with Compagnie Maritime Cannoise and get the chance to visit the famous Lerins Islands plus a variety of other destinations worthy of note such as Monaco and St Tropez. A submarine trip is also available to give visitors the chance to see some of the local sea life.

[edit] Parc Zoologique de Frejus

This popular attraction was originally presented as a traditional zoo facility, but has now been redeveloped as a safari park in which visitors can drive around in their cars. The zoo has attempted to recreate the natural habitats of its animal residents in order to encourage them to reproduce and live as they would in the wild.

[edit] Galimard

Galimard is a working perfumery offering visitors tours on which they can get an in-depth insight into the country’s multimillion-dollar industry. Tours take in laboratories where scents are mixed and visitors get to find out some of the elusive ingredients used in perfume making. There’s also the opportunity to create your own scent under the guidance of a master perfumier.

[edit] The Lérins Islands

The "Lérins Islands" is a small archipelago just off the coast of Cannes and part of the commune of Cannes. The archipelago has the two main islands of Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat and the two micro-islands of Tradelière and St-Féréol. Boat excursions to the islands leave from Cannes (15 minutes to Saint-Honorat and 30 minutes to Sainte-Marguerite). Excursions also leave from Antibes, Golfe-Juan, La Napoule and Nice. The islands are pedestrian-only; no motor vehicles are allowed.

Île Sainte-Marguerite Known as Île Saint-Honorat’s sister island, Île Sainte-Marguerite is bigger and offers visitors a maritime museum containing artefacts relating to the area’s maritime history. Take a walk on the island’s beautiful rocky beaches or amid its shady oak and pine trees, or head to the fort that has stood since the 17th century, when it was built as a fortification against Spanish invaders. Later, head for one of the island’s three restaurants, where you can grab a bite to eat.

Île Saint-Honorat Trips are available to the island that was named after the monk, Honoratus, who was responsible for founding a monastery here in the early 5th century. Notre Dame de Lérins, an abbey built on the island in the 17th century, is one of the most famous sights on the island and offers views of fine architecture, both inside and out. The abbey is still inhabited to this day and has a shop that sells goods made by the monks who reside here. Besides the abbey, the island is home to several other churches and chapels as well beautiful coastal scenery.

[edit] Culture

If you visit Cannes at the right time of the year, you can take advantage of the city’s varied selection of cultural events, with the International Film Festival perhaps being the most famous. When the calendar has a blank spot, visitors will find plenty of static attractions to keep them occupied, with historical and natural sights topping the bill. The beach is of course the most popular attraction for many and Cannes’ golden sands are a great place to spend lazy summer days, while the blue ocean waters offer plenty of opportunities to get active.

[edit] Theatre and music

Despite its associations with cultural and film-based events, Cannes is not renowned for its traditional theatre venues. There are a number of small venues, however, which stage regular productions and play host to short sketches during the annual International Actors’ Performance Festival. Popular theatres include the Espace Miramar and the Alexandre III.

[edit] Nightlife

Cannes has night venues of every description and the city is a veritable hotbed of activity after the sun’s gone down. Casinos are a highly popular aspect of the city’s evening entertainment scene and are full seven days a week with addicts, hopefuls and those doing a little controlled dabbling in the gambling scene. The most famous casinos in the city include Casino Croisette at the Palais des Festivals; Palm Beach Casino at Pointe de la Croisette; and Casino des Princes on boulevard de la Croisette. If a more traditional night out is your thing then you’ll find plenty of good bars across the city with boulevard de la Croisette being a good place to head if you want to be guaranteed of finding a busy venue. Nightclubs appealing to all tastes can be found in the city centre and the gay season is especially happening and popular. Most bars stay open until early morning, while nightclubs can still be busy well into dawn

[edit] Shopping

Cannes is great for "upper-crust" shopping. You should be in Nice for serious or business shopping, while Cannes is a shopper's paradise for chic and expensive items. Although you might want to buy your yacht in Antibes, the Rolls-Royce dealer is in Cannes, and there's an endless collection of top-of-the-line jewelry shops, haute-couture clothing shops and art galleries.

• Rue d'Antibes

This long street runs the length of Cannes, from the eastern edge to Rue Félix Faure at the port. Shops of all types are along here, including clothing boutiques and many places with fine gift items. Cannes' movie theaters are along the Rue d'Antibes as well.

• Boulevard de la Croisette

Along this famous boulevard and its many side streets are the art galleries, jewelry stores and the most exclusive clothing shops such as Chanel, Cartier, Valentino, Christian Dior and others. If you're not on a budget, your hotel will probably be here as well.

• Zone Piétonne

The Rue Meynadier runs parallel to the port, one block in from Rue Félix Faure. Roughly six blocks long, this street has markets and shops with things like produce, meat, groceries, clothes and gifts. There's a Pier One Imports shop with household items.

[edit] Local cuisine

With its coastal location, cuisine in Cannes is naturally based quite significantly around seafood and delectable dishes worth trying include escalope de mérou au citron, which is escalope of sea bass in lime; salmon tournedos with truffles; cod and vegetables in garlic sauce; and skate with capers. Meat dishes on some of the best menus in town include estouffade de sanglier (wild boar) and fillet de beef rossini cooked with foie gras. However, this is but a small selection of a huge number of quality French dishes that are available across the city in both upmarket and small traditional venues. Meal prices vary massively depending on where you go, but mid-price establishments are comparable to UK restaurants; the sky’s the limit however and you can easily pay a hundred euros for a gourmet meal here.

[edit] Festivals

There are a number of annual summer festivals that are unique to the city, with highlights including:

• Carnival on the Riviera

is an annual affair that sees a parade through the city’s streets and various festivities to mark the 21-day period prior to Shrove Tuesday. Spectacular torchlight processions and masked balls are among the highlights of the event (February/March).

• The International Festival of Games

is an event that sees visitors converge and indulge their interests in bridge, belote, backgammon, chess, draughts and tarot-reading (February).

• Cannes Film Festival

is the highlight of the city’s event calendar and is a two-week long event that sees the city descended upon by major Hollywood actors and directors as well as a large number of independent film makers. Movies are screened throughout the period (May).

• Festival de la Plaisance

is an event for boating enthusiasts. Held in the Vieux Port, it sees all manner of recreational showboats showcased by various manufacturers (September).

• The International Actors’ Performance Festival

sees various small venues around the city hosting comedic sketches and performances by fringe artists.

[edit] Transportation

The nearest international airport to Cannes is Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport located seven kilometres west of Nice. You can take a bus from the airport to Nice. Shuttle buses run every half an hour from 8am through to 8pm with a travelling time of 30 minutes. Taxis are always at the airport.

The city is also served by the small Cannes - Mandelieu Airport, which caters mainly to general and private aviation.

The trains operate daily between Cannes and Paris, Barcelona, Milan and Genoa. The TGV provides both inter-regional and regional trains with the high-speed train connecting Cannes to Paris, taking about five hours. Alternatively, there are ferries connecting Nice and Corsica and ferry services to Mediterranean destinations operate from Antibes which is 30 minutes away by train.

[edit] Economy

Cannes is a luxury city of French Riviera. One of its main sources of income are tourism. Cannes has many luxury hotels and shops of their beaches of pleasant climate and its Cannes Film Festival attracts tourists from around the world every year.

[edit] Industrial activity

Near Cannes - Mandelieu Airport is the Cannes Mandelieu Space Center, which is organized around the establishment of Cannes de Thales Alenia Space (in the past: SNIAS-aerospatiale, then Alcatel Space in 1998, then Alcatel Alenia Space in 2005) which was the first manufacturer of satellites in Europe. All the Météosat satellites are produced in Cannes. It is the most important industry of the Alpes-Maritimes. More than 2500 people; 2000 employees and more than 500 people who receive benefits, are involved in this industry.

[edit] Annual Cannes Congresses

Cannes is home to many international events such as

• Midem

Midem is the world's largest music industry trade fair, which has been held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France since 1966.

• MIPIM

MIPIM is a market for international property trade. It takes place annually in Cannes, France in March. In 2004, MIPIM attracted 15,157 participants from 67 countries.

• MIPTV

MIPTV Media Market is an event which takes place annually in Cannes, using the facilities and infrastructure which the town has developed over the years to host other important events such as the Cannes Film Festival amongst other events.

• Cannes Lions

The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival (IAF) is generally regarded as the most prestigious international advertising festival.

• Mipcom

The Mipcom is a media content related event which is held in the town of Cannes once every year, normally in October.

• Mapic

The Mapic is one of the leading Real Estate oriented trade shows which relates directly to Commercial Real Estate. It takes place in Cannes, at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès each November.

• ILTM

Luxury Travel Market, it is an event for the tourism of luxury held in December

[edit] Sister cities

Cannes is the sister city of important cities such as Florence, Moscow, Madrid, Quebec City and others.

[edit] External links

• Cannes official website
• Official website of the Cannes Film Festival
• Official website of the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival
• Official website of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
• Official website of the International Luxury Travel Marketaf:Cannes

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