Up until the 19th century, Cannes was just a quiet fishing village, but today it is a glamorous seaside city made world famous by the annual Cannes Film Festival. This luxurious resort city is located in the French Riviera of Southeast France, favored for its mild Mediterranean climate and gorgeous beaches.

Every May when Cannes hosts the internationally esteemed film festival, hordes of fans flock to see the rich and famous in person as the celebrities walk the red carpet up the steps of the Palais des Festivals where thousands of films are screened. Leading up to the Palais des Festivals is La Croisette, the beautiful waterfront promenade that is lined with palm trees, upscale hotels, restaurants and designer shops like Gucci, Chanel and Dior.

At the other end of La Croisette is the city’s historic district, known as Le Suquet. Here, tourists can stroll along cobblestone streets to admire old architecture, shop for souvenirs and relax at an outdoor cafe. The Covered Market offers fabulous gourmet food experiences while a walk around the marina allows lovely views of the water and yachts of the wealthy and famous.

Other places of interest in Cannes are the two bay islands, St. Honorat, known for its ruined castle and monastery, and St. Marguerite where the mysterious “Man in the Iron Mask” was imprisoned.