Cannes during Film Festival

We are looking at a cruise that stays overnight the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival. One part of me thinks it may be exciting to be there at that time, but then the crowds and traffic may prevent normal sightseeing. In addition to walking around Cannes, would probably get to St Paul de Vence again.

Anyone ever been at the festival to comment on what a normal tourist might expect that is not invited to the great parties?

We are looking at a cruise that stays overnight the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival. One part of me thinks it may be exciting to be there at that time, but then the crowds and traffic may prevent normal sightseeing. In addition to walking around Cannes, would probably get to St Paul de Vence again.

 

Anyone ever been at the festival to comment on what a normal tourist might expect that is not invited to the great parties?

You can expect heavy crowds along La Croisette all day long. Little changes in tourists in other towns. The big difference would be if you were trying to get hotel rooms or restaurant reservations anywhere between Cannes and Nice. Since you are on a ship, this would not affect you. To go to St Paul make your travel arrangements well ahead of time or take the ship's excursion.

It will be fun. Enjoy!

I'll bring my binoculars, and long range zoom camera, and maybe see something on one of the yachts parked in the harbor...but our boat will still be the biggest!

lots of people taking photos of people you don't recognise,also a lot of pavements roads closed or restricted,but still a great vibe :):)

There was a thread re this same question as it comes up every year,but someone who was there posted about their day there during one of the days of the week this year as to what they saw or didn't see.If I remember it was ok to get arouns and they didn't see anyone they knew re being a star.

We were in Cannes for the film festival this year. First Day we took a private tour with Sylvie di Christos . We left at 9 so we did not hit much traffic and we went to Antibes, St Paul de Vence and Grasse. We returned a little after 5 and there was traffic but not at a standstill. Had an early dinner and then went back out to see the red carpet festivities. Some people camp out for days before so you probably won't see stars walking the red carpet up close but can see them on the jumbo screens if you are there at the right time. Interestingly there are two red carpets and had we not gone with Sylvie we would probably have missed the official one.

Besides the crowds, sections of the Festival de Palais are closed off. You cannot see the handprints up close as they are in the roped off area.