Cannes - Exclusive Beauty

The place

Cannes view from Cannes Castles

Although Cannes was a relatively expensive place, Rob and Beth managed to enjoy its beauty on a shoestring budget and enjoy themselves at the same time.

Through airbnb.com, they booked an apartment that was recently renovated and located in a quiet upscale residential area. Everything in the apartment glistened of new, appearing to never have been used before. Although they originally booked three nights, after waking in their beautiful apartment to blue skies and the sun shinning, Rob and Beth booked an extra night. At only 40 Euros per night they couldn't resist.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/856102

Creative Busking

As usual, they asked their host for recommendations regarding where to eat. He suggested ‘Le Cave’ located about five minutes from the apartment. One look at the prices on the menu and they realized they would not be eating there any time soon! Additionally they noticed that, as they walked the pristine streets (even the underground paths which in most cities are foul urine stench, smelled like sweet grape bubblegum), the prices most restaurants were much higher than what they were accustomed. They realized that it was going to take a little creativity on their part if they were to partake in the local cuisine.

Ahhh....

Each day they found time to sit along Boulevard de la Coissette, where they pulled one of the heavy blue chairs up to the low wall as the locals did, and sat to read in the sun. Although the air temperature was cool, the sun was warm. In fact they noted a group of older women congregated every day on the beach and, sheltered from wind by the wall behind them, sun bathed in their two piece bathing suits. They couldn't help but note the contrast between the sunbathers and the people strolling the walk many wearing boots, hats, and winter coats - even full length fur ones.

The friendly bakery

On the way back to the apartment they visited Boulagerie Ronde des Pains to pick up a pastry, bread, and two slices of the house torte. Although they originally mistook the egg pie as a quiche, the proprietor explained that it differed from a quiche in that it didn't contain cheese. It was an amazingly light and fluffy and full of flavour. They brought the torte home and it became the focal point of their lunch that they served with a homemade salad, fresh bread, and, of course, a glass of wine.

One of several film themed murals
in Cannes

Rob doing his red carpet walk.

During the afternoons they explored the city, the old town, hiked through the park, and took a day trip to Nice before heading home for their evening meal.

As they were in Cannes, they decided evenings belonged to the movies and it became their splurge for the day. As one might expect, there were many theatres in town including a few that showed "Version Originale" which were subtitled rather than dubbed in French. On the first evening they were surprised when they entered the theatre to find a very small room, complete with traditional plush red velveteen theatre chairs, and a relatively small screen. They enjoyed Seven Psychopaths with only one other audience member.

Who's ready for a movie? Anyone?

Beth and Sophia Loren have
something in common.

On the subsequent two evenings, they watched ‘Django Unchained’ and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ in a larger theatre, but still small compared to what they were accustomed to, and with a few more patrons then the first.

In Rick Steve's travel book on Provence, he advises travellers not to stay in Cannes as he feels that a day trip to the city famous for its film festival is enough. However, Beth and Rob enjoyed their days in Cannes and feel, as always, that it takes more than a day to get

a true appreciation for a place.

Cannes at sundown