Lord Henry Brougham visited what was a tiny fishing port distinguished only by poverty. Brougham approved of the bay and surrounding hills so much that he had an impressive villa built there. Word got about. There was no looking back.

The image of present-day Cannes is overshadowed by the Film Festival, ten days in May when the town becomes the world capital of cinema. There are hotel suites named after movie stars, movie star cocktails, and wall-filling movie-star murals.

Even though movie stars are not permanent fixtures, it has helped Cannes become an important conference destination by attracting other major shows and exhibitions, thus ensuring restaurants, bars and shops are open year round.

 

Cannes is compact – you can get around on foot – and it’s more affordable than many think. New hotels, the redevelopment of existing properties together with a large number of apartments for short term rental have meant prices are attractive.

Thus we can all stroll along la Croisette, just like a celeb, palms trees on one side and the Med on the other whilst enjoying the mild climate. And you can even get a sense of what Cannes was like before Brougham in the old town, le Suquet, now full of restaurants and bars. Cannes really is a unique business destination.

Cannes can be two worlds in one. You just need to know where to look.