Nestled on the sparkling coastline of the French Riviera, the city of Cannes is far more than a glamorous backdrop to the world’s most iconic film festival. With its elegant promenade, palm-lined boulevards, azure Mediterranean waters, and Belle Époque architecture, Cannes is a refined mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. Yet, each May, this seaside resort transforms into the global capital of cinema.
As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival returns from May 13 to 24, cinephiles, critics, and stars descend upon the city for an event that celebrates not only the art of filmmaking but also the legacy of a city that has been central to cinematic history for nearly 80 years.
Once a sleepy fishing community, Cannes was renowned for its serene beaches and temperate environment. When European nobles, such as Lord Brougham from Britain, started taking vacations here in the 19th century, it started to change and eventually turned into a trendy resort town. Soon after, opulent hotels like the Carlton and Martinez were built, solidifying Cannes' standing as a destination for leisure and luxury.
The political unrest of the 1930s is where the history of the Cannes Film Festival starts. The artistic integrity of the Venice Film Festival has been undermined by the growing influence of fascism. In response, French intellectuals and politicians came up with the idea for a brand-new international festival that would honour free speech while honouring great cinema. Despite being delayed by the start of World War II, the Festival de Cannes held its inaugural edition in 1946. Since then, Cannes has developed into the grounds for hosting the world's most renowned film festival, a site where auteurs are created, disputes arise, and the history of cinema is continually altered.
Cannes' allure as a festival destination stems from its distinctive fusion of natural splendour, cultural sophistication, and filmmaking infrastructure. The festival's main location, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, is a monument in architecture in and of itself. Under its renowned red carpeted steps, it hosts gala premieres, press conferences, and screenings.
However, the city of Cannes is also a skilled host. It provides both luxury and intimacy with its five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and a coastal promenade lined with palm trees called the Croisette. Because of its manageable size, Cannes feels less like an elite club and more like a cinematic republic where everyone speaks the same language: film. Industry insiders, members of the international press, and moviegoers frequently meet up in cafés or on the beach.
The lineup for this year is among the most eagerly awaited in recent years. The primary competition jury is presided over by French actress Juliette Binoche and is composed of an international panel that includes Indian director Payal Kapadia, Halle Berry and Jeremy Strong. Highlights of the competition segment include Julia Ducournau's recent Palme d'Or winner "Alpha," Ari Aster's surreal Western "Eddington," and Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme." While Kristen Stewart returns to Cannes as director of "The Chronology of Water," an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's biography, Scarlett Johansson directs her first film, "Eleanor the Great." With his gritty urban drama "Urchin," British actor Harris Dickinson is also making his directorial debut.
"Die, My Love," a dark and emotionally packed thriller directed by Lynne Ramsay and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, is also creating a lot of hype. It is anticipated that the festival's film enthusiasts would find great resonance in Richard Linklater's Nouvelle Vague, a tribute to the French New Wave movement. Robert De Niro is set to receive this year's honorary Palme d'Or in recognition of his illustrious contributions to world cinema.
In its Cannes Classics strand, the festival will screen a newly restored print of Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush, in honour of the film’s centenary. This inclusion reinforces Cannes' dual focus—celebrating the future of cinema while never forgetting its foundational roots.
Cannes is a place worth visiting outside of the festival. Start at the historic neighbourhood of Le Suquet, where cobblestone streets ascend to the Notre-Dame d'Espérance Church, which provides expansive views of the city and the ocean. Housed in a mediaeval castle, the neighbouring Musée de la Castre features global art and Mediterranean artefacts.
Explore Cannes' most famous avenue, the Boulevard de la Croisette, which is dotted with upscale shops, art galleries, and shaded patios ideal for people watching. The local market, the Marché Forville, is a sensory extravaganza, featuring fresh fish, aromatic cheeses, and Provençal olives.
Take a quick ferry to the nearby Îles de Lérins for a more sedate getaway. Sainte-Marguerite and Saint-Honorat are two islands rich in history. The prison where the Man in the Iron Mask was detained is open for tours on Sainte-Marguerite. In contrast, a monastery in Saint-Honorat produces liqueurs and wines that are crafted by Cistercian monks.
The Mediterranean spirit of Cannes and its international tourists are reflected in its gastronomic scene. Sea bass and red mullet are among the regional seafood delicacies that are a must-try, as is the classic Provençal fish stew known as bouillabaisse. Try pissaladière, a delicious tart with caramelised onions and anchovies, or socca, a local chickpea flatbread.
Visit the Hôtel Martinez's two-Michelin-starred La Palme d'Or for exquisite cuisine. Astoux et Brun offers some of the greatest oysters and seafood in town for a more laid-back experience. Enjoy a glass of cold Provence rosé, the ideal accompaniment to a sunset on the Croisette.