Cannes: at the heart of the French Riviera

Cannes is a classy place to visit. It offers luxurious hotels, high fashion stores, glittering nightlife. As one of the tourist guides says: depending on your mood, and perhaps the thickness of your wallet, you may find it appalling or amusing, or just plain dizzy.

The most elegant buildings are along the famous La Croisette. It got its name from the little cross which used to stand on the tip of the Pointe de la Croisette, where pilgrims embarked for the monastery of St-Honorat. Today, during summer, the boulevard is filled with constant traffic and beach-goers.

One of the attractions on La Croisette is, built in 1982, Palais des Festivals with its Escalier d’Honeur. Tourist enjoy posing for pictures on the red carpet.

The first festival, planned for August 1, 1939, was cancelled. The one in 1946 did not attract much attention. It was the festival in 1954 with names such as Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren that made this event famous.

And now, more pictures from the beautiful city of Cannes: