With an immeasurable worldwide impact, the Cannes Film Festival is undoubtedly the most well publicized and acclaimed film festival in the world. Aside from the caliber of the films screened over the twelve-day event or the celebrities in attendance, the amount of activity surrounding the festival brings Cannes, France, to life with vibrant, high profile events that leave everyone wanting more. Whether you’ll be attending the festival or just staying current with all the activities, here are the top 7 things to do in Cannes this year:
Sandra Zeitoun De Matteis with Robert Pattinson
#1: Attend A-List Parties
It’s no secret that celebrities from all over the world travel to attend this legendary film festival. Leonardo Di Caprio, Katy Perry, and Kendall Jenner are just a few. If you want to mingle with Hollywood’s finest, here are a few parties to attend.
This year, the party on everyone’s list can be found on the terrace of Sandra Suites and Co. With its elegant style, location between the Carlton and Martinez hotels, and the largest outdoor terrace on the Croisette, this party is as exclusive as it gets. During the day, the terrace facilitates meetings among the film industry’s elite and celebrities from around the world; however, after 8 p.m. it is transformed into the most premier party on the Croisette. Unlike most of the Cannes parties, there are no guest lists. A private invitation from Sandra, herself, is the only way to get into one of the hottest events of the year. Celebrities and entertainment industry legends can be found at this private, luxurious event, indulging in the finest champagne under the Parisian night sky. Without a doubt, this garden party overlooking the beautiful, bustling city will be one to remember.
Eva Longoria
Launched in 2015, the sexy Popup restaurant on Miramar Beach - Le Petit Paris has become a ritual for hosting press junkets, after parties and more. The list of celebrities spotted here - Salma Hayek and Francois Henri Pinault, Mélanie Laurent, Kelly Rutherford, Michel Hazanavicius, Thomas Langman, Pierre Lescure, Alain Terzian, André Téchiné, Olivier Dahan, Lambert Wilson, Cécile Cassel, Hugo Gélin, Mads Mikkelsen, Jacqueline Bisset, singer Mika, Inès de la Fressange, Manu Payet, Benjamin Biolay, Sonia Rolland, Frédéric Beigbeder, Anna Mouglalis and Miss Agnes, Denis Davidson, Laurent Weill, Adèle Haenel, Lindsay Lohan, Coco Rocha, Chrystelle Saint Louis Augustin ... and goes on and on.
amFAR’s Gala has been a staple of the festival for several years, and is a hub for celebrity sightings. Located at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France, this gala raises money to conduct ground breaking research with the goal of curing AIDS. Every year, attendees dress in red carpet style and attend one of the most glamorous parties of the festival.
Another appealing party is aboard the Chopard superyacht with views of the iconic and breathtaking Côte d'Azur. With the promise of a fashion show, the Gyspy Queens band, a DJ set, dancers, and a magician, this party will be one for the books.
If you’re looking for one of the most prestigious combinations of film and entertainment, then look no further than the Cannes Fashion and Global Short Film Awards. This collaboration between internationally acclaimed designers and award winning short films will create an unforgettable evening. With a red-carpet entrance, champagne, and a gourmet dining experience, the fashion show and live entertainment will be an added bonus to an already elegant evening in the heart of France.
Still in search of more options? Check out the Vanity Fair Party at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, or the Dom Perignon Party. Unless you’re a guest, this one will be more difficult to find because the location is top secret.
#2: Scout Out the Newest Hotspots
Although the traditional events around the festival remain, there are countless additions to the lineup every year. Because this is the 70th anniversary, L'ÂME is presenting an outdoor garden in the heart of the festival. A tribute to life and a true sensory experience, this garden will host live events and allow an area for serenity and reflection in the center of the event.
After a year of success in London, Clubbable is hosting an extravagant launch party to show what their brand is really about. An app that helps users discover high-end night life, Clubbable found the perfect opportunity to show Cannes, France, what it means to have a good time. Boasting special guests, models, famous celebrities, and champagne, this new launch party will be on everyone’s list.
The Technikart Boat will also be a new pop-up addition to select attendees who want to get away from the chaos and enjoy the party experience provided by this magazine.
Actresses should take time to visit the Kate Bee sweet at the Carlton. This young luxury brand is providing an elegant pampering experience to the stars every day before they make their red-carpet appearances. Although it may be a new exclusive, it’s still a can’t miss opportunity.
Susan Sarandon
#3: Make a Trip to the Celebrity Gifting Lounge
Presented by DPA and Nathalie Dubois, the Cannes gifting lounge will be hosted at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel. The four different atmospheres for this year are the “red carpet lounge,” the “beauty lounge,” the “Japanese private showroom”, and the “casual but chic bar.” The red-carpet lounge will introduce a new swimwear line and model red carpet looks from internationally recognized designers. DPA will be giving away 10 trips for celebrities to relax in French Polynesia and Bora Bora. The beauty lounge will feature exotic cosmetics and jewelry. The appeal of this lounge comes with the $75,000 in gifts given away to select guests. Located at the Carlton Hotel, A-list celebrities and juror members for the festival will be expecting an invitation.
Usher and Robert De Niro
#4: Head to the Beach
During the Cannes Festival, a day at the beach looks a little different than the traditional swim and suntan. There are a few ephemeral places that are staples throughout the festival. The first is Nikki Beach & Nikki Beach Le Petit Bar. This popup beach bar is adorned with luxurious and modern décor to provide a seaside retreat from the activities in the Carlton hotel. Its benefit is the ability to host guests mingling at the bar while providing space for professional meetings.
The second beach stop is Le Bleu Marlin Ibiza Pop-Up Beach. Located at 52 Boulevard de la Croisette, this location is known for its extravagance and musical emphasis, which is sure to attract a crowd looking for an evening dancing under the stars along the Mediterranean coast.
#5: Dance the Night Away
Once the sun goes down, the city comes alive with pop up clubs and events. None is more famous than The Villa Schweppes: Night Club Les Marches. Featuring headline performers like Busy P, Cerrone, Pachanga Boys, Martin Solveig, Jacques, and several more who are sure to make their tenth anniversary at the event the most memorable.
In Palm Beach at Pointe Croisette, the Gotha Club is one of the most renowned at the festival for its location facing the sea and lineups of international artists. With open doors during all twelve days, the Gotha Club is the perfect end to a day in Cannes.
For the lucky ones, who’ve been invited to this inner circle of celebrities, influencers, and tastemakers...there is this cool app: BottleBooking. The way this works is pretty simple - 1) Pick the event or club in Cannes 2) Pre-order your bottle service (optional) 3) Get the confirmation from the club. Enjoy your night!
Their next app, called FASTE adds a little twist : You can make a request > Their concierges assisted by AI will analyze you and get you the destination based on your liking. Sweet.
#6: Unwind Along the Coast of France
Although twelve days of luxury dining, events, and films seems like a dream, it can also be completely exhausting. During a down day, there are plenty of opportunities to relax like at the Sap Ephemere Valmont. With the goal of restoring a youthful glow to skin dehydrated by activity and travel, this spa offers luxurious treatments to enhance well-being.
If you’re in search of an elegant venue with cozy areas designed for easy listening and conversation, then Madame Monsieur is for you. This premium club is ideal to unwind or network with the most elite clients and customers. With its terrace overlooking the Croisette and the sea, the timeless decoration, and chic style, this club is the most private, elegant night club in Cannes.
#7: Rub Elbows With the Stars
The Majestic is the premier hotel along the Cote d’Azure. During the Cannes Film Festival, it is transformed into a hub for networking, press interviews, business connections, and an unparalleled hospitality experience. Aside from the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel, this is the most integral location for the festival. Between the TV set, private business lounge, and prestigious restaurant, there is always something essential happening at the Majestic.
With only six days and endless activities that transform the city of Cannes, the 70th Anniversary of the Cannes Film Festival is sure to outshine the rest. The question is...what will you be doing?
Check back often, this page will be updated on an ongoing basis as more parties and events are added.