Cannes is renowned throughout the world for its luxury hotels, famous Croisette promenade and painted walls depicting movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Everyone has heard of the Martinez and the Carlton, the sumptuous hotels which welcome wealthy, VIP guests. But when I mention the word “Cannes”, there’s a strong possibility that the thing which will immediately come to mind is the film festival. The famed town on the Cote d’Azur has long been associated with the silver screen. This year, the seventieth festival will be held from 17 to 28 May. For the duration of the event, Cannes is full of excitement as it plays host to journalists, stars and spectators from all over the world. Did you know that Cannes Film Festival is second only to the Olympic Games in terms of international media coverage? If you get the chance to visit the town during the second half of May, you will see that it becomes the centre of global attention throughout the 12 days of the festival. Every year, more than 35,000 journalists and festivalgoers arrive in Cannes. Unaccredited visitors take the total number to at least 90,000 people. Following the deliberations of the jury, the festival’s highest honour, the Palme d’Or (Golden Palm), is awarded. Other prizes are also presented, for example the Grand Prix (Grand Prize) and the Prix du Jury (Jury Prize). Among the festival’s highlights is, of course, the celebrated ascent of the 24 steps of the Palais des Festivals by the invited guests (actors, directors, distributors, producers, etc.). You can join in, too! When you’re in Cannes, don’t forget to take a photo of yourself on this most famous of red carpets. You can also wander along the Chemin des Etoiles (Path of the Stars), which is covered with the handprints of personalities such as Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson. Finally, with a bit of luck on your side, you might catch a glimpse of a major movie star. So, what are you waiting for? Come and visit the Croisette!
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