Last year should have taken place the 73rd edition of the Cannes Film Festival, unfortunately the pandemic got involved and forced the cancellation of the latter for the first time since the creation of this event in 1939. This year again, the Cannes Film Festival should have taken place in May, but it is from July 6 to 17 that it will take place. Our joy is even greater to be together, with all the artists, as well as the world of cinema which comes back to life after having suffered so much for a year.
The difficult situation we experienced was still an opportunity to realize the importance of this event. It is also an opportunity to understand the reasons that make it known worldwide.
The magic of the Cannes Film Festival
For nearly 74 years, the Cannes Film Festival has had the mission of revealing talent, serving cinema, developing the cinema industry, but above all celebrating the 7th Art internationally.
What makes this Festival a global event is also the city in which it takes place: Cannes ! Cannes, its red carpet, its sequins, its mythical places, its Croisette… so many places that make us dream. Cannes is also an atmosphere, that of stars, starlets, the excitement of climbing the stairs … a magical atmosphere of every moment.
The Festival is above all a retrospective of the history of cinema, but it is also the discovery of novelty and originality.
Each edition is different, it brings out new projects, new talents that reflect the times.
The Cannes Film Festival, a global meeting, the film market
Each year, more than 12,000 cinema professionals come to the Marché du Film to present and / or discover nearly 4,000 films and projects in 33 screening rooms. This is why the Cannes Film Festival grew in the 2000s with the opening of the Riviera and Lérins, forming a center structured around the famous Palais des Festivals and the International Village!
Some figures for the Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is a major event in the Film Market, it welcomes more and more people every year. With 12,527 accredited members, the Marché du Film enjoyed unparalleled success in 2019.
The United States with 2,264 participants, France with 1,943 participants, followed by the United Kingdom with 1,145 participants.
Did you know?
The Festival could never have taken place in Cannes. Indeed, the cities approached to host the event were in particular Biarritz, Aix-Les-Bains, Vichy, Deauville, Le Touquet or even Algiers. It was not until May 31, 1939 that Cannes was designated as THE city that hosts the Festival, hence the name of the award “La Palme d’Or” which is the emblem of the city.
Between two films, what to visit in Cannes
Cannes has linked its name to the world of cinema, moreover it is thanks to its Film Festival that the city is now world famous.
However, Cannes is not only its Festival and its social evenings, it is also a place steeped in history and unforgettable places. Here are a few to visit!
The “Suquet”
What is the Suquet? Le Suquet in Provençal means “summit”! It is the oldest district of Cannes, it is located on the Mont-Chevalier. It is a place not to be missed, because it offers a breathtaking view from the Quai Saint-Pierre to the Old Port. It is the place to visit in summer: shaded and cool the alleys of the old town will know how to disorient you!
The Old Port of Cannes
At the foot of Mont-Chevalier stands the Old Port of Cannes as well as the Quai Saint-Pierre. The Old Port has become emblematic because it embodies the history of the city of Cannes, once a fishing village. Originally, it was only intended for trade and passenger transport, but now vacationers can take the opportunity to contemplate the sailboats.
Beach
Cannes is above all 8km of beaches. So the time of the weekend take the time to bathe in the Mediterranean Sea. Obviously among the most beautiful sandy beaches in Cannes, the best known are those that run along the Croisette. But if you are looking for a quiet swimming spot, prefer the beaches around the Pointe de la Croisette or those on Boulevard du Midi, west of Le Suquet.
The Lérins Islands
Opposite the Old Port are the Lérins Islands, the unmissable meeting point for visiting Cannes. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are two magnificent islands where natural and cultural heritage shine.
Sainte-Marguerite Island
Île Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of the Lérins Islands. It offers an idyllic setting, between coves and pine and eucalyptus forest.
Saint-Honorat Island
Separated from Île Sainte-Marguerite by only 600 meters of sea, Île Saint-Honorat also has a rich historical past. Its Abbey of the Lérins monks, as well as the remains of a fortified monastery and numerous chapels, make the island a great destination for meditation.
