Cannes Information:

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Overview
History (since 1834, and not mentioning the war!)
Statistics
Special Events

Overview of Cannes

The Croisette:

This is one of the most famous promenades in the world. For three kilometers following the curve of the bay one can see flowering gardens, lawns planted with palm trees, umbrella pines and other trees all the way to Port Canto, Palm Beach and a sea water health spa. Strollers can find their way back to the center by taking the renowned rue d'Antibes.

The Vieux Port

All along the Quai St Pierre in the old port one can find fishing boats and pleasure boats side by side. The fishermen work on their nets next to their colorful barks. On the pier Albert Edouard the most beautiful yachts in the world come to moor. Looking out to sea one can perceive the islands of Ste Marguerite and Ste Honorat which are accessible by boat in 20 minutes.

Haute Ville :

One gets to the top of the city by climbing the Mont Chevalier up to Suquet. The panorama at the top is breath-taking with the whole city below surrounded by the blue sea and the Lérins Islands. Following narrow streets down to the market of ForviIle and through the plane tree lined streets of Liberté, one arrives back at sea level.

The Palais des Festivals:

This fabulous structure, capable of housing all kinds of assemblies, has propelled Cannes into becoming the second most popular convention town in France. The International Film Festival is held here, as well as, the MIDEM (congress of record producers), concerts of classical music, dance and theater. There are even four casinos.

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History of Cannes (since 1834. Alot happened before then, but it would mean us writing a book!)

Invasions, conquests and uprisings punctuate the history of Cannes, which before the 19th century was nothing more than a simple Mediterranean fishing village. The arrival of Lord Brougham in 1834, prompting an influx of British and Russian aristocrats wishing to take advantage of the town's warm winter climate, brought the town the fame and fortune it enjoys today. Ever thriving, Cannes has played host to the renowned International Film Festival since 1946, and is now the choice location for staging many a prestigious event.

Following 1834 The once peaceful little fishing village began to welcome prestigious guests such as writers Prosper Merimee and Oscar Wilde, great aristocrats and personalities including the Countess of Oxford, Lord Russell, Baron Haussmann, the Rothschilds, and even the King of Prussia.

Every winter, an international elite disembarked here to languish in this haven of peace. Their presence encouraged many developments such as the appearance of La Croisette along the waterfront where they would stroll, elegance on show, their faces hidden behind parasols to preserve their pale complexions. By the 1930s, the parasols vanished as a healthy tan became stylish, and Cannes' place as a fashionable destination was secured. Even though fears of sun damage to the skin has reversed this trend again, people still flock to Cannes, and you can still admire the furs and riches on parade along La Croisette, as the town retains a special place in the hearts of the rich and famous.

Meanwhile, the International Film Festival, now more than fifty years old (the first one in 1946 was an unprecedented success in which unforgettable French actress Michèle Morgan took the award for best actress) , has lost none of its ability to attract stars, starlets, and groupies. It is undeniably a major international event in the world of the silver screen, such that Cannes since specializes in organising important exhibitions and events like MIDEM and MIPTV. It yields little to mass tourism so as to favour the more distinguished guests in the ranks of celebrities, artists and wealthy businessmen… Today, as in the 19th century, Cannes is the epitome of chic.

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Statistics on Cannes, for those interested!

Location: Côte d’Azur, France
Country dialing code: 33
Population: 69,800 (city)
Ethnic mix: Majority French, minorities include Italian, Spanish and other Mediterranean communities
Religion: Catholic majority, significant Protestant and Jewish communities
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October)
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard
Average January temp: 11.5°C (53°F)
Average July temp: 23.5°C (74°F)
Annual rainfall: 857mm (33.8 inches)

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Special Events:

January:

MIDEM (International Market for Records and Musical Publishing), January, Palais des Festivals

March

MIPIM (International Professional Real Estate Market), March, Palais des Festivals

April

MIPTV (International TV Program Festival), April , Palais des Festivals

May

International Film Festival, May, Palais des Festivals
International Actors’ Performance Festival, Jun, Palais des Festivals and various venues

June

Cannes Lions, International Advertising Festival, Jun, Palais des Festivals
Antique Dealers Exhibition in Cannes, Jul, La Pantiéro

July & August

Musical nights of Le Suquet, Jul, Notre Dame de l’Espérance Church, Le Suquet
Summer in Cannes, street festival, Jul-Aug, throughout the city
International Fireworks Festival, Jul-Aug, Bay of Cannes

September

International Festival de Plaisance, mid-Sep, Vieux Port

October

MIPCOM (International Market for TV, Video, Cable and Satellite Programs), early Oct, Palais des Festivals
Tax Free World Exhibition, late Oct, Palais des Festivals

November

MAPIC (International Professional Market for Retail Outlets and Distribution), late Nov, Palais des Festivals

December

ILTM (International Luxury Travel market), Palais des Festival
International Dance Festival, early Dec, Palais des Festival
Antique Dealers in Cannes, Dec-Jan, Palm Beach

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