Cannes Film Festival 2016: Insider Tips No One Tells You

The annual Cannes Film Festival (Festival de Cannes) is hosted each year in May at the Palais des Festivals beside Vieux Port and is one of the French Riviera’s primary events and a major Festival on the global film circuit.

The 69th Festival starts on 11 May and runs until 22 May 2016.

cannes film festival

Cannes Film Festival 2016 – official festival poster

The Cannes Film Festival is iconic and Cannes itself is a fitting backdrop to the proceedings – luxury hotels are booked well in advance and fashion boutiques line the Croisette, while the same designer garments are draped over the celebrities on the red carpet.  Every big name luxury brand wants a piece of the action from diamond-dripping  jewellery to luxe supercars, expensive liquor to makeup brands.

I have curated this post ‘Cannes Film Festival 2016: Insider Tips No One Tells You’ with local tips and advice to help Festival attendees get the most out of your visit whether you are in Cannes for the first time or a regular attendee.

Note: This guide is the only online guide for Cannes Film Festival that specifically includes supplementary ‘Access Notes’ after most sections giving information for persons with reduced mobility to enable them to enjoy the Festival. I hope you find this informative and share it on social media.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2016

Woody Allen’s Café Society starring Kristen Stewart, Jesse Eisenberg, Blake Lively, Steve Carrell and Parker Posey will open the Festival and it signals the third time the director has kicked off the Festival, following 2002’s Hollywood Ending and 2011’s Midnight in Paris.

Woody Allen's 'Café Society' will open Cannes Film Festival 2016

Woody Allen’s ‘Café Society’ will open Cannes Film Festival 2016

The Festival Jury & La Palme d’Or

This year’s Festival Jury is presided over by Australian screenwriter, producer and director George Miller (of Mad Max credit) who will be joined by other jury members that include Mads Mikkelsen, Vanessa Paradis, Donald Sutherland, Kirsten Dunst, László Nemes and Valeria Golino and their aim is to decide the award winners between 21 films in competition including the winner of the coveted Palme d’Or.

The Palme d’Or is the highest accolade at the Cannes Film Festival, awarded to the best film in the official selection.  Since 1998, the trophy has been crafted annually at the Chopard workshops in Meyrin near Geneva, it takes 7 craftsmen around 40 hours for the process including injecting fair mined certified gold into the mould and mounting it to the rock crystal pedestal.

Get in early

For first timers to Cannes, the first weekend is traditionally the busiest and the first week is most preferred by buyers of film distribution rights at Marché du Film as attendance drops off in the last few days of the Festival. So, in essence go early to bag the best chance for industry success.

There are various accreditation types to gain access to screenings, pavilions and events ranging from Buyer passes to Producers Network accreditation and of course, highly sought after Press accreditation.

Screenings

For spectators (i.e. visitors / tourists hoping to see celebrities), the red carpet sashaying happens twice nightly at 7pm and 10pm when the Jury watch the films in competition at the Palais and the main stars show up.

celebrities-and-models-attend-red-carpet-movie-premieres-where-hundreds-of-paparazzi-await-their-arrival

For a copy of the screenings guide for Cannes Film Festival 2016, you can download it here: http://www.festival-cannes.fr/assets/File/WEB-2016/PDF/2016_HORAIRES%20CANNES%20web2.pdf

Other screenings include Un Certain Regard, Cinéfondation, Quinzaine des Réalisateurs (also known as the Director’s Fortnight and a budget-friendly way for the public to see a film), and Short Films In Competition.  A sidebar festival is Entr’2 Marches which runs alongside the main Festival from 15 to 20 May 2016 and screens short films with the themes of disability.

Cannes Film Festival Parties

As well as a hub for business networking, Cannes hosts some epic parties including those thrown by Wild Bunch, Variety and Film 4.

THE event to be at each year is the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS gala night; 2016 sees the 23rd gala fundraiser hosted at the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc on the Cap d’Antibes on Thursday 19 May.   Every supermodel, actor and producer in town attends – here’s a video of last year’s amfAR event:

Dress Code

I’m often asked what the dress code is for tourists to Cannes during Film Festival – if you’re going in the day, smart casual is normal but in the evenings party attire is perfectly fine.  For those lucky enough to get to the gala screenings, the dress code is black tie/evening wear.   The weather in May can swing from baking hot to rain storms so be ready for all seasons!

Cinema de la Plage 2016

Each year, free screenings are held on the beach for the public and you can see Cannes Classics and out-of-competition films.

To find the Cinema de la Plage open-air cinema, go to Plage Macé which is the public beach beside the Palais des Festivals and opposite the Majestic Barriere Hotel.  You can’t miss the huge film screen and sound system on the beach!

Look for the scaffolding and sound system on the beach, you can't miss it! (Cinema de la Plage, Cannes)

Look for the scaffolding and sound system on the beach, you can’t miss it! (Cinema de la Plage, Cannes)

The Cannes Office du Tourisme will tell you to reserve in advance, but it’s not necessary, entrance is free and you don’t have to show a physical ticket.

Screenings are listed as starting at 9pm but usually commence from 9.30pm nightly.  If you want one of the deckchairs, show up early (many people arrive before 7pm).

The front row chairs are often reserved for film industry execs and sometimes the Hollywood stars show up (in 2014, I spotted Adrian Grenier from Entourage, Quentin Tarantino, John Travolta and Uma Thurman who showed up for Pulp Fiction).  Keep your eyes open for surprise guests!

Cinema de la Plage, Cannes

Cinema de la Plage, Cannes

If you miss out on a deckchair, there is plenty of room on the right-hand side of the screen on the sand so take a picnic blanket.

It may be warm and sunny during the day, but Plage Macé can get chilly at night especially if there is a mistral blowing. Take warm clothes and rain protection as the entire zone is uncovered.

There are no food facilities, but you are able to take a picnic.  We have taken a bottle of wine and plastic glasses before also with no problems; please respect the environment and take all your rubbish away with you.

The nearest public toilets are located on the Croisette just past the children’s play ground, they are usually open late during the Cinéma de la Plage screenings.

Access notes: Persons with reduced mobility can access the beach via a concrete ramp at the Cinema de la Plage site, there is no specific area set aside for disabled people but there is plenty of room for you.

The Cinema de la Plage schedule for 2016 is:

Thursday 12 May   Purple Rain – Albert Magnoli, 1984, duration 1 hour 50 minutes

Friday 13 May  King of Hearts (Le Roi de Coeur) – Philippe de Broca, 1966, duration 1 hour 42 minutes

Saturday 14 May  Coup de Tête – Jean-Jacques Annaud, 1979, duration 1 hour 32 minutes

Sunday 15 May Surprise film

Monday 16 May The Endless Summer – Bruce Brown, 1966, duration 1 hour 35 minutes

Tuesday 17 May The Great Dictator (with Charlie Chaplin) – 1940, duration 2 hours 5 minutes

Wednesday 18 May  Sorcerer – William Friedkin, 1977, duration 2 hours

Thursday 19 May The Easy Life (Il Sorpasso) – Dino Risi, 1962, duration 1 hour 45 minutes

Friday 20 May Kiss Me Deadly – Robert Aldrich, 1955, duration 1 hour 46 minutes

Saturday 21 May  We All Loved Each Other So Much (C’eravamo Tanto Amati) – Ettore Scola, 1974, duration 2 hours

WHY VISIT THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL?

Cannes Film Festival may appear a crazy mix for first-timers; international media focuses on the red carpet, the awards, the charity galas, the fashion and the celeb sightings but you won’t find much reporting of road closures, numerous security personnel, wait staff with attitude to boot and photographers and camera crews clawing for their space on every spare inch of pavement on the Croisette.

croisette cannes film festival

However, it’s a fantastic place for people-watching and you really do see all walks of life during the Festival. Festival spectators bring their own seats and ladders to the Croisette in the hope of seeing a movie star on the red carpet – frequently, their view is of the back of someone else’s head, but we can all dream of a slice of cinema magic.

Cannes Film Festival is a magic event where cinema welcomes the big names and emerging talent to this glossy town that once was a fishing village – if you get the chance to visit the French Riviera during Film Festival I highly recommend it.

PRACTICAL DOWNLOADS FOR CANNES

  • If you’re attending the Festival, click onto this pdf link for the map of the Festival sites
  • For the layout of the actual Palais, click here
  • Access notes: For persons requiring disabled access, download this accessmap for entry points to the Palais
  • For a tourist map of Cannes, click on this link Cannesmap
  • Download the free bilingual (English and French) mobile application ‘Festival de Cannes’  available for iPhone, iPad and Android to stay updated with hour-by-hour coverage, film trailers, videos from the red carpet and more.
  • On Twitter, you can follow @Festival_Cannes with hashtag #Cannes2016.  You’ll also find official Festival updates on Facebook, Instagram and Festival TV.

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TRANSPORT

The most popular option to arrive in Cannes is via bus or train. Central Cannes and the zones around the Palais and Croisette are flat and paved, and the distance from the train station to the Croisette is only 5 minutes walk.

If you’re driving, be aware that the large carparks nearby and under the Palais des Festivals are extremely busy.  There are road closures during Cannes Film Festival, notably the Croisette, and police frequently block roads for major stars exits from hotels and restaurants.

It’s a given that Festival combines business with pleasure and you’ll experience some memorable (and forgettable) parties, however be aware that if you decide to stay out late you may end up for paying pricey cab fares. Public transport schedules at night are limited and taxis are expensive; try to pre-book a transfer before you hit the nightlife.

Cannes train station

The Cannes train station (Gare de Cannes SNCF) has ticket counters with attendants, but you can also purchase your train tickets from the self-service ticket machines.

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TOP TIPS: Use coins for the self-service ticket machines as they can be temperamental and often they can’t read non-French issued credit and debit cards.  The self-service machines have English language options so you don’t need to be fluent in French.

ZOU ! Hebdo is a train ticket valid for 7 consecutive days and gives you up to 75% fare discounts and they are available to tourists or residents.  You have to specify your origin point and destination point – for example, Juan les Pins or Antibes to Cannes.  These passes give you super savings if you’re in the region for Cannes Film Festival.  TER SNCF, the regional train providers offer many different fare discounts including discounts if you’re under 26 years of age so ask at the ticket counters as they don’t willingly sell them unless you ask!

ALL tickets must be validated before boarding your train, look for the yellow validating machine (compostage de billets) at the entrance to the platforms.

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The train station has a newsagent selling newspapers, phone credit, cigarettes, snacks. There are caféterias and vending machines onsite, and high tables with connections for smartphones and tablets.

Well-maintained and clean public toilets are located just outside the station, 50 metres to the left of the station entrance. These toilets are open Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm (excluding bank holidays), these toilets cost 50 centimes and you insert your coin into the automated turnstile and it opens the gate. There are 2 ladies toilets, 2 men’s toilets and a parent’s room with baby changing facilities. There is a change machine there to swap notes for coins but it is often out of order so don’t rely on it.

Access notes: Persons with reduced mobility can contact ONET Accueil in the main hall of Cannes train station (service available Monday through to Sunday 7.30am-7.30pm) where they can assist passengers with luggage and access on and off trains. All interior facilities of the train station including the public toilets are on flat ground and accessible.

Buses

Getting to Cannes you can take the following bus routes:

  • Bus 200 (between Nice and Cannes)
  • 210 line (between Nice Airport and Cannes via the highway)
  • 200 line Noctambus (a night service exclusively for Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights and bank holidays between Nice Airport and Cannes)

All of the above timetables and prices current as at 07 May 2016 are found here: https://www.departement06.fr/vous-deplacer-en-bus/lignes-et-horaires-3029.html

The journey on Bus 200 takes around 1.5 hours for the full oneway journey from Nice to Cannes, but it is by far the cheapest option at €1.50 oneway.  To compare, the train journey from Nice to Cannes takes about 40 minutes.  It should be noted that Bus 200 is a local bus that is particularly busy during peak hours and luggage storage is limited onboard.

The Cannes bus stops are the Gare Routiere (near Hôtel de Ville and the port), and outside the train station (the 200 stop is opposite Hotel Ligure).

Local Cannes buses with Palm Bus cover the greater Cannes area and nearby zones of Le Cannet, Palm Beach and Mandelieu-La Napoule.   Their website is in English, French and Italian with maps and timetables – visit it here www.palmbus.fr

Access notes: Buses have kneeling ramp entrances and designated wheelchair areas midway on the bus. On main route number 200 there are on board visual route maps, lighted signage and sound calls advising of the next bus stop to assist hearing and sight-impaired travellers. Wheelchair bound travellers also have an on demand service for regional buses called Access06 whereby you can pre-book a designated minibus ; more information is here (in French only) https://www.departement06.fr/accessibilite-des-transports/service-access06-4020.html

Specialised transfers

For helicopter transfers, private chauffeured transfers or classic car rental, I recommend using registered businesses that know the region well.  Find out more in my Cannes Film Festival 2016: Supplier List

WINE AND DINE

Don’t be discouraged from a few sundowners or a meal out in Cannes for fear of breaking your bank balance during Film Festival. Here are Access Riviera’s suggestions for places to go for well-priced food and drinks, great atmosphere or a true Cannois experience:

La Boulangerie par Jean Luc Pelé, 3 rue du Vingt-Quatre Août

If you need a snack on the run, head here for artisan breads, salads (most priced around €6-€7), sandwiches, fruit salad and yoghurt, open Monday-Saturday 7.30am-7.30pm.

Or grab some chocolates and macarons at Jean-Luc Pélé’s patisserie-chocolatier shops on rue de Meynadier and rue d’Antibes.

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. No toilet facilities.

Le Petit Majestic, rue Tony Allard

Le Petit Majestic is a lounge bar that actually is a Festival street party.  Festival attendees rock up here pre and post-event to mingle and network, and the French authorities don’t bat an eyelid at people drinking beer in the street.

Le Petit Majestic - a Festival favourite for pre and post-event drinks

Le Petit Majestic – a Festival favourite for pre and post-event drinks

L’Epicurieux, 6 rue des Frères Casanova

A wine bar first and foremost, they serve excellent antipasti platters as well as pasta, salads and steak. The café gourmand is great and they regularly have live music.

L'Epicurieux café gourmand

L’Epicurieux café gourmand

Le Jardin Secret, 2 rue Frères

Le Jardin Secret is located in Le Suquet (Old Town) and is a low-key place with entry through a narrow bar area/art gallery. Open from 7pm (also open for weekend brunches) if you’re looking for white table linen and silver service dining don’t go there – they serve tapas-style dishes in a laidback manner.

Lovely little garden courtyard and Wifi. Look for the entrance on rue Frères through the old door and the sign with the key. Follow them on their Facebook page for current news on opening times as they close for private events.

Access notes: Accessible but can get crowded in the garden.

Le Jardin Secret, Cannes

Le Jardin Secret, Cannes

Le Tube, 10 rue Florian

Super stylish, modern with a slightly industrial feel with brickwork, exposed pipes and graffiti artworks Le Tube offers French food with a modern twist.  The steak is good, but be warned its pricey.  An excellent choice for pre or post-Festival meet ups.

Access notes: Fully accessible.

Le Tube, Cannes (letube.fr)

Le Tube, Cannes (letube.fr)

Le Tikawa, Allées de la Liberté

It may not be the hub for industry wheeling-and-dealing, however this local snack kiosk sells tasty decent-sized salads, paninis and cold beers – all for a fraction of the price at neighbouring restaurants.

My favourite salad costs a wallet-pleasing €7 and its an under-the-radar option where you can get a table beside the plane trees, have a quick bite to eat and watch the locals playing pétanque.

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. Nearest accessible toilet facilities are automated pay toilets in the square.

Ma Nolan’s, 6 rue Buttura

One of Cannes better pubs and found on a corner site close to the Palais des Festivals, Ma’s gets a lot of Festival foot traffic.  Head there for tap beers, pub food, live music, and sports coverage such as football on TV.   www.manolans.com

Access notes: Fully accessible outside tables on flat ground, however there are stairs up to interior of the bar and toilet facilities.

Ma Nolans - one of Cannes best pubs

Ma Nolans – one of Cannes best pubs

Marché Forville

I can’t mention food in Cannes without a tip to go to Marché Forville.

As well as fruit, vegetables, cheese, cured and fresh meat, seafood etc there are specialty shops around the perimeter of the main covered market including a shop selling regional products and duck, a Fish and Chips shop, a salmon and caviar store, a bakery (boulangerie), a roast chicken store, and a socca vendor.

Marché Forville, Cannes

Marché Forville, Cannes

Many bistros and bars are around the Marché Forville, and there are also a few supermarkets there – LeaderMarket, SPAR, and Picard for frozen foods (good for people staying in apartments who are self-catering).

The market is open every day from 7am-1pm, except on Monday when it is a bric-a-brac flea market.

Access notes: The entire market is accessible and on flat paved ground. There is an accessible ground-floor toilet at Café de l’Horloge next to the market.

Philcat, promenade de la Pantiero

Head to promenade de la Pantiero beside the port to the unassuming blue and white snack kiosk where Philcat serves one of the best pan-bagnats in Cannes. For those not already in the know, a pan-bagnat is a regional specialty (of Nice) and comprises of a pain de campagne (French sourdough) or white bread bun filled with salad Niçoise.

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. Nearest accessible toilet facilities are automated pay toilets in the square across the road.

Philcat on the promenade de la Pantiero (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Philcat on the promenade de la Pantiero (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

rue Hoche

Rue Hoche is a great place to grab a meal, coffee or drink.  I can recommend:

  • Le Cirque with lots of seating outside or indoors upstairs if you need a quieter space, most mains cost under €15 and they have good coffee.  Access notes: Fully accessible outside terrace on flat ground, however toilet facilities are located upstairs.
  • Volupte Anytime is a tearoom but has some of the best coffee in Cannes!  Great cakes, sandwiches and salads for reasonable prices.

WIFI

Here are some places in Cannes to find Wifi:

  • Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) gardens across from the port. For details on how to log on, click ẀifiCannes
  • Mocca (directly opposite the Palais des Festivals)
  • La Potinière du Palais (on square Merimee)
  • New York New York (Allée de la Liberté Charles de Gaulle)
  • Cristal Café (rue Felix Faure)
  • Le Melting Pot (rue de la Rampe; the opposite side of the port from the Palais des Festivals)
  • Factory Café (Gray d’Albion shopping arcade)
Wifi in Cannes

Wifi in Cannes

LAST MINUTE ACCOMMODATION

Cannes is a money pot for rental companies and generally any accommodation centrally located in Cannes will increase room rates dramatically for Film Festival.

I’d advise Festival attendees to book through reputable sources or if you use 3rd-party sites check out some reviews.

This can be difficult to avoid, however sadly when Festival arrives it brings fraudulent companies to the scene so check, check and double check the authenticity of your accommodation source. French-registered rental businesses should have a physical address, contact details and a SIRET or SIREN number (business registration).

Overseas accommodation representatives should email you full booking details including local contact numbers, so take the time to check before parting with your cash.

Some fraudulent company names to avoid that have duped Festival goers in previous years include: Business Travel International or Expo Travel Group, Cannes Events, Euro-Events, Global Living Group, Premier Destinations, Riviera Network, The Ultimate Living Group, Universal Shows or Splendor.

Staying outside central Cannes can be a more financially feasible option for many Festival goers. Possibilities include Mandelieu la Napoule, Cannes La Bocca, Le Cannet, Golfe Juan, Juan les Pins or Antibes.

Here are some suggestions for last minute Festival accommodation for attendees who may have a smaller budget, are travelling solo or are happy to commute:

Antibes

Antibes is just 15 minutes by train to Cannes – stay in a cute one bedroom apartment on the first floor of an old fisherman’s cottage in Old Town Antibes, Wifi, close to all town amenities including restaurants, beaches and the covered market.  Bookings and enquiries via https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5911531?s=8&user_id=15895004&ref_device_id=217525741291f1b9cc6c4ff0d9a1b993c04efc84

Juan les Pins

Juan les Pins is 12 minutes by train to Cannes – Hotel Astor is 5 minutes from the Juan les Pins train station and bus stop to Cannes, and located in a quiet residential street. It is run by a friendly bilingual French couple who have a number of clean and comfortable spacious rooms and studios. Free Wifi, flat screen TV’s, free parking and some accommodations with balcony or patio terrace.  Bookings and enquiries via http://astorhotel.fr/

astor

Le Cannet

Just off boulevard Carnot, close to Cannes there is a studio with own entrance with some availability for the end of Festival, sleeps 2.  Wifi, and 1 minute from bus route which takes 5 minutes to get into Cannes (or walkable in 25 minutes). Bookings via https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/741466

Mandelieu la Napoule

Villa Béthanie has two bedrooms with king-sized beds, Wifi, parking, it’s on the bus route to Cannes and Nice Airport and large outdoor entertaining space with BBQ.  Book via https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/8751253?guests=4&s=3XZ7rXAx

Mouans Sartoux

Villa sleeping 6 located in Mouans Sartoux with short distance to local restaurants, golf  course and shopping. Book via https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5079395?s=8

Mougins

Le Club Mougins Diamond Resorts have single and duplex accommodation in a resort-style hotel close to golf courses, restaurants and just 8.6 kilometres from Cannes.  There are some renovations being undertaken so enquire at time of booking if this affects your room.

Roquefort les Pins

Perfect for a post Festival stay to wind down, there are rooms (bookable per night) and apartments (minimum 3 night stay) available in a 17th-century restored manor located between Cannes, Grasse and Nice.  Bookings and enquiries via Mas Shabanou

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If you’ve left your Cannes accommodation until the last minute, you can also ask at the Office du Tourisme at the Palais des Festivals as they often have updated information on hotel availability and get last minute rates to fill rooms at partner hotels.

FREE THINGS TO SEE & DO

If you are not an actor, crew, director, or have a Press Pass or Festival badge, you can still visit Cannes and enjoy the atmosphere at the Film Festival for free (or a low budget). Here are a few inside tips:

Allée des Étoiles du Cinema

Outside the Office de Tourisme at the base of the Palais des Festivals, you can see handprints from movie stars but it is nowhere near as extensive (or publicised) as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and there’s no plaques with information.

If you’re spending a few days on the French Riviera and really into immortalised handprints, Juan les Pins also has a Walk-of-Fame of jazz stars from the annual Jazz à Juan Festival, and Monaco has a Champions Promenade which pays tribute to some of the world’s best footballers.

Access notes: Fully accessible on paved flat surface.

Allées des Étoiles, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Allées des Étoiles, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Cannes cinema murals

For over a decade, Cannes has been developing a series of film-themed murals scattered around the city on walls of buildings.

There are 15 in total, including murals of Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and cars from films.

For the map of where to find each mural and descriptions, download this pdf the Murs peints de Cannes

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat paved surfaces.

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La Croisette

The Croisette buzzes during Film Festival and is one of the best seafront promenades on the French Riviera, with a huge cross-section of people found there during Film Festival  – keen tourists, wannabe celebrities with their own ‘rent-a-photographer’ following them, men in tuxedos at 9 a.m, champagne guzzlers at beach restaurants, and every dressed-up fashion addict in town strutting along hoping to be snapped by any one of the many photographers.

Seats and ladders for red carpet viewing on the Croisette

Spectator seats for red carpet viewing on the Croisette

It’s all great fun and superbly entertaining.

Walk along the Croisette and you’ll see the promotional billboards draping down the façades of the hotels from the film production companies.

The top hotels for star spotting are the Carlton Intercontinental, Hotel Martinez and the Majestic Barrière. Security is intense for all the hotels, but you can join the spectators and paparazzi crowding the road frontages for free; enter inside you better have a hefty credit card limit. The beach restaurants are set up with marquees for the private events.

To break up the frenzy for families, there is a small fairground area with carousel (fee applies) and a public playground near to the Palais, and also another small public playground at the other end of the Croisette.

Access notes: The Croisette is paved and flat all the way from the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto, and there are accessible public toilets along the Croisette.

Le Suquet

Le Suquet is Cannes Old Town, interspersed with old houses spilling over with flower boxes, brick-vaulted entrances, small alleyways and numerous restaurants.

While the Croisette, Palais des Festivals and the seafront hotels are famously busy (and expensive) during the Festival, Le Suquet goes about each day almost unaware an international festival is happening mere minutes away.

Traverse de la Tour, Le Suquet, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Traverse de la Tour, Le Suquet, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

To get to the church and Musée de la Castre at the summit (fee applies to enter the museum, excluding the 1st Sunday of the month when entry is free), walk up rue Saint-Antoine, rue du Suquet, and then Traverse de la Tour. The views from the top are some of the best in the area stretching across Cannes, the Lerins Islands and the Esterels.

View from Le Suquet (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

View from Le Suquet (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Access notes: Wheelchair bound or tourists with reduced mobility can still visit the top to enjoy the views, though the streets are steep!   Follow rue Saint-Antoine, rue du Suquet, rue du Pré then rue Louis Perrisol. This route follows paved flat roads and avoid the many stairways in Le Suquet. Or jump onboard the Petit Train tourist train that departs from near the Palais des Festivals as it chugs it way up there too.

Vieux Port (old port)

Stroll for free along the port admiring the expensive superyachts berthed there. Many yachts host private parties in the evening so it’s a good time to wander past for a nosey.

Access notes: Fully accessible on paved flat surface.

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An Advanced Guide to Cannes Film Festival

Cannes has flourished from its origins as a small fishing port, and now stamps a firm mark as one of the major tourist destinations in this region.

Every year, the red carpet is rolled out again for the annual Festival de Cannes (Cannes Film Festival) being held this year between 13 May – 24 May 2015.

Cannes Film Festival 2015 official poster (festival-cannes.fr)

Cannes Film Festival 2015 official poster (festival-cannes.fr)

The Cannes Film Festival is iconic and epitomises the glamour of Cannes – celebrities dressed in haute couture dripping with jewellery from the leading jewellery houses, photographers clicking away incessantly on the red carpet outside the Palais des Festivals, and tourists jostling on the Croisette for a glimpse of a celebrity.

Whether you’re a first time visitor or a regular stalwart, Access Riviera has curated this ‘Advanced Guide to Cannes Film Festival’ with local tips and advice to help you get the most out of your visit.

Note: This guide features supplementary ‘Access Notes’ after most sections specifically giving information for persons with reduced mobility to enable them to enjoy a Festival experience. I hope you find this information useful and share it on social media.

What’s included in the 2015 Programme?

French drama La Tête Haute (Standing Tall) opens the festival with the director Emmanuelle Bercot becoming the first woman to launch the event in over 25 years.

Controversial films include ‘Amy’ about the life story of singer Amy Winehouse, and ‘Carol’ a lesbian drama starring the beautiful Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.   It seems Woody Allen and Emma Stone can’t stay away from the French Riviera – they filmed ‘Magic in the Moonlight’ here in 2014 and are at Cannes Film Festival this year for out-of-competition mystery drama ‘Irrational Man’.

Un Certain Regard, a section of the official competition features global films from countries including Japan, Italy and the Philippines.

The Palme d’Or is the highest prize awarded at the Cannes Film Festival. . The palm design is a tribute to the coat of arms of the City of Cannes.

Cannes coat of arms

Cannes coat of arms

The trophy has been crafted annually in the Chopard workshops since 1998 and is now created with ‘fairmined’ certified gold. In tribute to the 60th anniversary of the trophy, Chopard has designed two jewellery lines inspired by the palm leaf with one collection being showcased at a special release lunch on 17 May at the Chopard Rooftop at the Hotel Martinez. There will also be the gala evening at Port Canto on 18 May with a concert by Robbie Williams.

The Palme d'Or crafted by Chopard (image: Chopard)

The Palme d’Or crafted by Chopard (image: Chopard)

Why visit the Cannes Film Festival?

For first-timers to the Cannes Film Festival it may seem like a crazy place with road blockages, numerous security personnel and photographers and camera crews occupying every spare inch of pavement on the Croisette.

However, it’s a fantastic place for people-watching and you really do see all walks of life during the Festival. Spectators bring their own seats and ladders to the Croisette in the hope of seeing a movie star on the red carpet – frequently, their view is of the back of someone else’s head, but we can all dream of a slice of cinema magic.

Film and fashion combine to bring the big names and undiscovered stars to the streets of Cannes, if you get the chance to visit during Film Festival I highly recommend it.

Useful downloads for visitors to Cannes Film Festival

If you’re attending the Festival, click onto this pdf link for the layout of the Palais

Access notes: For persons requiring disabled access, download this accessmap for entry points to the Palais

Download the free bilingual (English and French) mobile application ‘Festival de Cannes’ in partnership with Orange that is available on the App Store and Google Play for Festival news, hour-by-hour coverage, videos from the red carpet and more. The app link is here http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en/apps.html

If you need a general map of Cannes for orientation (a tourist map), click on this link Cannesmap

Can you get tickets to the films?

The official Film Festival and the Main Marketplace are closed to the general public, so unfortunately you’re out of luck if you were hoping to buy a ticket and sit beside someone famous.

The Director’s Fortnight and International Critics Week have a small allocation of public tickets, and residents of Cannes can win a ticket to a free screening; they apply to the Mairie (Town Hall) and they are entered in a lucky dip.

Things to see and do during Cannes Film Festival

If you are not a producer, actor, production crew or have a Press Pass or Festival badge, you can still enjoy Cannes and the atmosphere at the Film Festival for free (or a low budget). Access Riviera has many tips and snippets of advice:

La Croisette

Undeniably, one of the best seafront promenades on the Côte d’Azur, the Croisette throngs during Film Festival.

The Croisette offers an incredible mix of people during Film Festival time – imagine eager tourists, ladies in haute couture cocktail dresses, champagne at terrace restaurants, and private parties on superyachts.

Seats and ladders for red carpet viewing on the Croisette

Seats and ladders for red carpet viewing on the Croisette

Wander along and check out the huge promotional billboards draping down the façades of the hotels from the film production companies. The top hotels for star spotting are the Carlton Intercontinental, Hotel Martinez and the Majestic Barrière. Security is intense for all the hotels, but you can join the spectators and paparazzi crowding the road frontages for free; enter inside you better have a hefty credit card limit. The beach restaurants are set up with marquees for the private events.

To break up the frenzy for families, there is a small fairground area with carousel (fee applies) and a public playground near to the Palais, and also another small public playground at the other end of the Croisette.

Access notes: The Croisette is paved and flat all the way from the Palais des Festivals to Port Canto, and there are accessible public toilets along the Croisette.

Allée des Étoiles du Cinema

Outside the Office de Tourisme at the base of the Palais des Festivals, you can see handprints from movie stars but it is nowhere near as extensive (or publicised) as the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

If you’re spending a few days on the French Riviera and really into immortalised handprints, Juan les Pins also has a Walk-of-Fame of jazz stars from the annual Jazz à Juan Festival, and Monaco has a Champions Promenade which pays tribute to some of the world’s best footballers.

Access notes: Fully accessible on paved flat surface.

Allées des Étoiles, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Allées des Étoiles, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Cinéma de la Plage (Open-air cinema)

Every evening during the Film Festival, there are free public film screenings at the open-air cinema at Plage Macé opposite the Majestic Hotel.

Screenings start from approximately 9.30pm nightly, but due to its popularity Access Riviera recommends you arrive early to have any chance to grab a deckchair.

The Tourist Office advises tourists to prebook an invitation, but it’s not necessary. The 2015 schedule of films is here

Access notes: The open-air cinema is on the beach so direct access is tricky. There is a concrete ramp with small landing at the entrance where you can watch but no designated area for persons with wheelchairs or reduced mobility. The Croisette is raised from the beach though, and the projection screen is huge so you can also watch from the promenade.

Cinéma de la Plage (festival-cannes.fr)

Cinéma de la Plage (festival-cannes.fr)

Vieux Port (old port)

Stroll for free along the port admiring the expensive superyachts berthed there. Many yachts host private parties in the evening so it’s a good time to wander past for a nosey.

Access notes: Fully accessible on paved flat surface.

Le Suquet

While the Croisette, Palais des Festivals and the seafront hotels are frenetic (and expensive) during the Festival, Le Suquet awakens each day almost unaware an international festival is happening mere minutes away.

Le Suquet is Cannes Old Town, interspersed with old houses spilling over with flower boxes, brick-vaulted entrances, small alleyways and numerous restaurants.

Traverse de la Tour, Le Suquet, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Traverse de la Tour, Le Suquet, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

To get to the church and Musée de la Castre at the summit (fee applies to enter the museum, excluding the 1st Sunday of the month when entry is free), walk up rue Saint-Antoine, rue du Suquet, and then Traverse de la Tour. The views from the top are some of the best in the area stretching across Cannes, the Lerins Islands and the Esterels.

View from Le Suquet (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

View from Le Suquet (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Access notes: Wheelchair bound or tourists with reduced mobility can still visit the top to enjoy the views, though the streets are steep!   Follow rue Saint-Antoine, rue du Suquet, rue du Pré then rue Louis Perrisol. This route follows paved flat roads and avoid the many stairways in Le Suquet. Or jump onboard the Petit Train tourist train that departs from near the Palais des Festivals as it chugs it way up there too.

Cannes cinema murals

Since 2002, Cannes has been developing a series of film-themed murals scattered around the city on walls of buildings.

There are 15 in total, including murals of Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe, and cars from films.

For the map of where to find each mural and descriptions, download this pdf the Murs peints de Cannes

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat paved surfaces.

Cannes cinema murals (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Cannes cinema murals (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Festival updates

A pop-up TV stage is set up on the Croisette, with presenters interviewing stars, directors and other industry notables. If it all gets too much ‘on location’, you can still watch the Film Festival action from your Cannes hotel room. TV Festival de Cannes will be broadcast in French and English throughout the Palais complex and in most hotels along the Croisette on the TV Orange, Canal 30 and Canal 32 channels in the CANAL+ and CANALSAT packages.

On Twitter, you can follow @Festival_Cannes for all the latest Film Festival news.

TV Festival Cannes (festival-cannes.fr)

TV Festival Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Transport

My recommendation is to arrive via bus or train. There are road blockages during the Festival, notably the Croisette, and police frequently block roads for major stars exits from hotels and restaurants.

The large carparks nearby and under the Palais des Festivals are extremely busy.

Cannes is walkable, and the distance from the train station to the Croisette is only 5 minutes.

Outside of Film Festival season there is a small minibus (called City Palm) that travels a circuit regularly between Hôtel de Ville, the Croisette, rue Latour-Maubourg, eastern end of rue d’Antibes, the train station (Gare SNCF), and rue Félix Faure. However, it doesn’t operate during Film Festival time due to the Croisette closures.

Cannes train station

The Cannes train station (Gare de Cannes SNCF) is still undergoing renovations – it’s much lighter and brighter than it’s predecessor, with ample glass to let in more natural light and more seating but you’ll find construction vehicles and pedestrian detours outside the entrance.

There are ticket counters with attendants, but you can also purchase your train tickets from the blue ticket machines and then validate them in the yellow machine at the platform entrance. TOP TIP: Use coins for the blue ticket machines as often they can’t read non-French issued credit and debit cards.

As at 12 May 2015, there is just one yellow validating machine – located at the entrance to the westbound platform (Voie 2) – so ALL tickets must be validated here whether you are using either platform.

The train station has a Relay newsagent selling newspapers, phone credit, cigarettes, snacks. There are caféterias and vending machines onsite.

Well-maintained and clean public toilets are located just outside the station 50 metres to the left of the station entrance. These toilets are open Monday-Sunday 8am-9pm (excluding bank holidays), these toilets cost 50 centimes and you insert your coin into the automated turnstill and it opens the gate. There are 2 ladies toilets, 2 men’s toilets and a parent’s room with baby changing facilities. There is a change machine there to swap notes for coins but it is often out of order so don’t rely on it.

Access notes: Due to ongoing renovations including new installation of elevators at Cannes train station, persons with reduced mobility can contact ONET Accueil in the main hall of Cannes train station (service available Monday through to Sunday 7.30am-7.30pm) where they can assist passengers with luggage and access on and off trains. All interior facilities of the train station including the public toilets are on flat ground and accessible.

Buses

Cannes is on the following bus routes:

  • Bus 200 (between Nice and Cannes)
  • 210 line (between Nice Airport and Cannes)
  • 210 line Noctambus (a night service exclusively for Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights and bank holidays between Nice Airport and Cannes)

All of the above timetables and prices current as at 12 May 2015 are found here https://www.departement06.fr/vous-deplacer-en-bus/lignes-et-horaires-3029.html

The journey on Bus 200 takes around 1.5 hours for the full oneway journey from Nice to Cannes, but it is by far the cheapest option at €1.50 oneway. The train from Nice to Cannes takes about 40 minutes.

The Cannes bus stops are the Gare Routiere (near Hôtel de Ville and the port), and outside the train station (the 200 stop is opposite Hotel Ligure).

Local Cannes buses with Palm Bus (previously known as BusAzur) cover the immediate Cannes area and extend to nearby areas of Le Cannet, Palm Beach and Mandelieu-La Napoule.   Their website is in English, French and Italian with maps and timetables – check it out here www.palmbus.fr

Access notes: Buses have kneeling ramp entrances and designated wheelchair areas midway on the bus. On main route number 200 there are on board visual route maps, lighted signage and sound calls advising of the next bus stop to assist hearing and sight-impaired travellers. Wheelchair bound travellers also have an on demand service for regional buses called Access06 whereby you can prebook a designated minibus ; more information is here (in French only) https://www.departement06.fr/accessibilite-des-transports/service-access06-4020.html

Specialised transfers

If time is the essence, make use of a helicopter transfer with Uber and Helipass between Nice Airport and Cannes. Available from 8am-9pm for the duration of the Film Festival, the trip duration is less than 7 minutes, cost €160 per passenger which includes a private driver from Nice/Cannes to the heliport and then to central destination (maximum of 4 passengers). There are 7 helicopters on call. To book your Ubercopter transfer:

From Nice airport to Cannes downtown or vice versa

  • Open the Uber app and request ‘UberCopter’ at the bottom right of the screen.
  • Go to the Hélipass desk, following the indications at the airport.
  • A private driver will take you from the heliport to your final destination.
  • From Cannes downtown to Nice downtown or vice versa
  • Open the Uber app and request ‘UberCopter’ at the bottom right of the screen.
  • Request your driver. He will get in touch with you to confirm the flight.
  • Benefit from a private drive to the heliport.
  • Upon your arrival, another private driver will take you from the heliport to your final destination.
Uber helicopter transfers Cannes (image: uber.blog.fr)

Uber helicopter transfers Cannes (image: uber.blog.fr)

For something a bit different and to stand out on the Croisette, book one of the stunning cars from Riviera Classic Car Hire. The rental fleet includes head-turning cars such as a Morgan 4/4, Fiat 124 Spider and a Triumph TR3. www.rivieraclassiccarhire.com

Where to find Wifi hotspots

France is cottoning on that the world likes 24/7 online access.   Here are some places in Cannes to find Wifi:

  • Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) gardens across from the port. For details on how to log on, click ẀifiCannes
  • Mocca (directly opposite the Palais des Festivals)
  • La Potinière du Palais (on square Merimee)
  • New York New York (Allée de la Liberté Charles de Gaulle)
  • Cristal Café (rue Felix Faure)
  • Le Melting Pot (rue de la Rampe; the opposite side of the port from the Palais des Festivals)
  • Factory Café (Gray d’Albion shopping arcade)

Where to wine and dine

Don’t be discouraged from dining in Cannes for fear of breaking your bank balance during Film Festival. Here are some of Access Riviera’s favourite places for well-priced food and drinks, atmosphere or a true Cannois experience:

Le Jardin Secret, 2 rue Frères

Le Jardin Secret is an eclectic place in Le Suquet with entry through a narrow bar area/art gallery. Open from 7pm (also open for weekend brunches) if you’re looking for high-end fine dining don’t go there – they serve tapas-style dishes in a laidback manner.

Lovely little garden courtyard and Wifi. Look for the entrance on rue Frères through the old door and the sign with the key. Follow them on their Facebook page for current news on opening times as they close for private events.

Access notes: Accessible but can get crowded in the garden.

Le Jardin Secret, Cannes

Le Jardin Secret, Cannes

Marché Forville

I’m always promoting Marché Forville – why? Because I think it’s one of the French Riviera’s best markets for ambience, food stores and convenience – the people-watching is great too!

Drop by to buy fruit, vegetables, fresh pastas, tapenades, sun-dried tomatoes, sauces, cheese, cured meats, fish, eggs, honey, olive oils.

Marché Forville, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Marché Forville, Cannes (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

You will also find products here that are sold much cheaper than a supermarket such as courgette flowers, morel mushrooms and Fleur de Sel de Camargue, the salt harvested near the town of Aigues-Mortes.

There are specialty shops surrounding the main covered market including a shop selling regional products and duck, a salmon and caviar store, a bakery (boulangerie), a roast chicken store, a Fish and Chips caféteria and a socca vendor. There are also a number of supermarkets there – LeaderMarket, SPAR, and for frozen foods go to Picard (good for people staying in apartments who are self-catering).

Many restaurants, bistros and bars fringe the Marché Forville including an oyster/wine bar. My pick is Café de l’Horloge with it’s French bistro-style with clocks adorning the walls. A café noisette costs €1.60 or stop by for a glass of wine after your shopping.

The market is open every day from 7am-1pm, except on Monday when it is a bric-a-brac flea market.

Any day is great to visit, but my tip is on Sunday as that is when the farmers and growers go to the market to sell their produce.

Top Tip: Take cash in small change (avoid €50 notes) and take your own shopping bags.

Access notes: The entire market is accessible and on flat paved ground. There is an accessible ground-floor toilet at Café de l’Horloge next to the market.

Astou et Cie Brun, 27 rue Felix Faure

If you’re feeling partial for seafood, head here where you can gorge yourself on seafood platters piled with clams, prawns and oysters or fresh sea bream. Reservations recommended as it gets busy.

La Boulangerie par Jean Luc Pelé, 3 rue du Vingt-Quatre Août

Grab your fill of artisan breads, salads (most priced around €6-€7), sandwiches, fruit salad and yoghurt, open Monday-Saturday 7.30am-7.30pm.

Or for sweet tooths, drool over the store windows filled with chocolates and macarons at Jean-Luc Pélé’s patisserie-chocolatier shops on rue d’Antibes and rue de Meynadier.

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. No toilet facilities.

Le Cirque, 30 rue Hoche

This café/bistro has a modern cosmopolitan vibe that wouldn’t see it out of place in New York, Melbourne or London.

Le Cirque, Cannes (all images Access Riviera, except bottom image LeCirque.fr)

Le Cirque, Cannes (all images Access Riviera, except bottom image LeCirque.fr)

Situated on a corner site, it has a modern décor (design geeks will love their quirky logo, and interior fittings) with good coffee and most mains are under €15. A café noisette cost €2. Plenty of seating – indoors includes a second-level, or outdoors with terrace tables. There is a high-chair for babies, and a baby change table in the toilet facilities upstairs. Recommended.

Access notes: Fully accessible outside terrace on flat ground, however toilet facilities are located upstairs.

Le Bouche a Oreille, 7 rue des Gabres

Cosy wine bar serving tapas platters. A good diversion from some of the overhyped, overcrowded Croisette eateries.

Access notes:  Accessible with outside tables.

La Bouche a Oreille, Cannes

La Bouche a Oreille, Cannes

Le Tikawa, Allées de la Liberté (next to Le Grand Café)

Whoever thinks grabbing food from a snack kiosk is not ‘de rigeur du jour’ during Cannes Film Festival is missing out!

Le Tikawa may not have the prestigious surrounds to finalise film deals, but they sell tasty decent-sized salads, paninis and cold drinks – all for a fraction of the price at any of the neighbouring restaurants.

My favourite salad costs a wallet-pleasing €6.50.

Grab a table beside the plane trees, have a quick bite to eat and watch the locals playing pétanque.

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. Nearest accessible toilet facilities are automated pay toilets in the square.

Philcat, promenade de la Pantiero

Head to promenade de la Pantiero beside the port to the unassuming blue and white snack kiosk where Philcat serves one of the best pan-bagnats in Cannes. For those not already in the know, a pan-bagnat is a regional specialty (of Nice) and comprises of a pain de campagne (French sourdough) or white bread bun filled with salad Niçoise.

Access notes: Fully accessible on flat ground. Nearest accessible toilet facilities are automated pay toilets in the square across the road.

Philcat on the promenade de la Pantiero (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Philcat on the promenade de la Pantiero (accessriviera.wordpress.com)

Ma Nolan’s, 6 rue Buttura

Looking for a decent pint? Head to Ma Nolan’s.   It can get rowdy, but it escapes the pretentiousness that sometimes sniffs around Cannes bars. Good range of tap beers and pub food, and only a hop, skip and a jump from the Croisette action and the Palais des Festivals. www.manolans.com

Access notes: Fully accessible outside tables on flat ground, however there are stairs up to interior of the bar and toilet facilities.

Factory Café, 17 la Croisette Gray d’Albion

Situated in the arcade for the Galerie du Gray d’Albion shopping centre between rue des Serbes and rue des États-Unis. They serve burgers, meat dishes, pasta ranging up to €15 and most are served with fries and coleslaw. Friendly staff. Seating indoors, or outside including a small patio area with wine barrels as tables (perfect for resting a pint of beer). Has played non-intrusive jazz/lounge music in the background on my last few visits. A café noisette cost €1.80. Mainly corporate clientele. A bonus is they have free Wifi.

Access notes: Accessible outdoors but a tight squeeze indoors and one step down.

Le Tube, 10 rue Florian

One of my top picks for Cannes. If traditional French bistros aren’t your thing, Le Tube will inject some oomph into your gastronomic search. Stylish, modern with a slightly industrial feel with brickwork, exposed pipes and graffiti artworks Le Tube offers French food with a modern twist. Try their menu du marché and café gourmand. A good option for pre or post-Festival cocktails too.

Access notes: Fully accessible.

Le Tube, Cannes (letube.fr)

Le Tube, Cannes (letube.fr)

Things to avoid

Big notes at Marché Forville – take small denominations of Euros; avoid €50 or higher denomination notes. French market vendors are none too pleased when you buy a slice of cheese or a bottle of truffle oil and pay with a €100 note.

Driving – avoid driving if at all possible, especially anywhere near the Croisette. During festival time, there are many road blockages and unannounced road diversions. Park at Port Canto, find a car park on the outer rim of central Cannes or catch a train or bus.

Booking accommodation through non-reputable sources – this can be difficult to avoid however check, check and double check the authenticity of your accommodation source. French-registered businesses should have a physical address, contact details and a SIRET or SIREN number (business registration). Overseas accommodation representatives should email you full booking details including local contact numbers. Some fraudulent company names to avoid that have duped Festival goers in previous years include: Premier Destinations, Cannes Events, Euro-Events, Global Living Group, The Ultimate Living Group, Riviera Network, Business Travel International or Expo Travel Group, Universal Shows or Splendor.

Bear in mind, that any accommodation centrally located in Cannes will increase room rates dramatically for Film Festival – if you can stay outside Cannes at other towns it may be a good option. Possibilities include Mandelieu La Napoule, Cannes La Bocca, Le Cannet, Golfe Juan, Juan les Pins or Antibes.   If you’ve left your Cannes accommodation until the last minute, ask at the Office du Tourisme at the Palais des Festivals as they often have updated information on hotel availability and get good rates to fill rooms at partner hotels.

Partying till late if you’re not staying in Cannes – It’s a given that Festival goers will enjoy a sundowner or two, however be aware that if you decide to prolong the party action you may end up for paying pricey cab fares. Taxis are expensive on the French Riviera and public transport schedules at night are limited.

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