In late spring, the French Riviera comes under the glare of the international spotlight with two high-profile events. The Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix are two of the Mediterranean’s most famous events and they happen consecutively with a small overlap over the weekend of 27th-28th May 2017. If you are planning to attend both glamorous events, it takes some planning as the events are popular and road access is limited, but there are options such as taking a helicopter from Cannes to Monaco.
The first exclusive event is the Cannes Film Festival, which takes place from 17th-28th May 2017. Since it is the single greatest networking event on the planet for filmmakers and distributors, it is intended for the film industry and public access is extremely limited. However, a few of the festival activities are open to the public, such as the nightly screenings on the beach, which are accessed on a queue basis. If you prefer to view newer films, you can obtain tickets to the Critics’ Week (free) and Directors’ Fortnight (small fee) sections of the festival.
Those in the more fortunate position of working for companies serving the film industry and members of the press can become accredited and join the main festival. Most of the events take place around the Croisette Boulevard, Les Palais des Festivals and the superyachts that line the harbour. During the day, most people travel around on foot since the Palais, cinemas, hotels and pavilions are all within easy walking distance. The nightlife is a little more spread out, meaning you may need to use a taxi or one of the hotel shuttle buses.
Getting to the Festival itself is a different matter and people arrive by train, taxis, and rental cars. Usually, international visitors arrive at Nice International Airport, but there is a private airport in Cannes too. The most convenient and luxurious way to arrive is by helicopter transfer to Cannes heliport (right on the iconic Croisette) and then it’s a mere 10 minutes’ walk to the Palais.
A helicopter transfer is an equally convenient way to travel onwards to the Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place on 28th May this year. Many other people will have the same idea so the traffic will be a nightmare, but a helicopter between Cannes and Monaco only takes 15 minutes and deposits you safely in a central location that is convenient to the action. A private chauffeur is included with flights and can take you to the hotel or race spectating point of your choice.
Perhaps you’ll watch the adrenaline-fueled action unfold from a public grandstand at the harbour or on one of the corners like at the famous Piscine. For truly spectacular views with first-class service, head to a hotel with panoramic views such as the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel. This exclusive hotel is located in the heart of the Principality between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino, and overlooks the infamous Fairmont Hairpin – an incredibly technical part of the circuit where the drivers have to concentrate hard. At the end of the race, join the fun at Nikki Beach, the hotel’s stylish rooftop pool area.
As you can see, May is a great time to visit the Riviera if you have tickets to two of the most exclusive events in the Mediterranean. The timing of the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix means you don’t have to miss out on any of the festivities, particularly if you travel by helicopter and beat the crowds.
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Carol Colborn
May 10, 2017 at 8:30 amYes, those two festivals are the best that Monaco and Cannes have together. Too bad we came a month too early in 2015!
Carmen Edelson
May 11, 2017 at 11:53 amNext time, Carol! There’s always next time 🙂
Mayochup
May 13, 2017 at 5:34 amI have been here a long time ago and it’s a beautiful part of the world
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 10:15 amI definitely agree!
Sandy N Vyjay
May 13, 2017 at 6:42 amWow the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco grand prix – it is definitely two best things one can experience! We hear and read a lot about the Cannes Film Festival where many actors from all over the world assemble. It is interesting to note that even what they wear and by which designer is all in the papers. Would love to travel by helicopter from Nice to Cannes!
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 10:14 amYes, fashion is a big part of it! Thanks for reading, Sandy 🙂
Nina
May 13, 2017 at 10:22 amWow this looks so cool! Have heard of this festival but haven’t heard much about what goes on there… very neat!
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 10:14 amIt’s a very exciting time to be there!
Audrey
May 13, 2017 at 11:19 amWhat a cool experience! I definitely added this festival to my bucket list
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:21 amGlad to hear it, Audrey!
Miranda
May 13, 2017 at 9:09 pmI’m not sure I’ve heard of these festivals, but it sounds exciting to be at!
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:20 amIt’s definitely the most exciting and popular time to be there!
Kevan
May 13, 2017 at 11:55 pmI have always been a racing fan and The Monaco GP is one of the premier races in the world I would like to see. Now I have some ideas for other things to do if I can make it.
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:19 amThat’s great! I hope you have a fabulous time when you finally make it over.
Silvia
May 14, 2017 at 6:56 amThis is definitely bucket list material! Hopefully some day… Thanks for sharing!
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:19 amYou’re very welcome, Silvia!
jo
May 14, 2017 at 11:59 amI’ve been to Monaco but not had the good fortune to attend either of these events. I’d take the film festival and my husband the grand prix. Love to arrive by helicopter!
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:19 amSounds like a plan… that way both of you are happy 🙂
Omar
May 14, 2017 at 2:50 pmBeing in Monaco was a great experience for me too, but can imagine how incredible it must be during grand prix and film festival! ?
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:18 amThe energy is very exciting!
Punita Malhotra
May 15, 2017 at 2:36 amLux is the word! Arrival by helicopter and a bird’s eye view of the Prix at Monaco…so much pampering! Its a lovely little town with pretty streets, apart from the mega event.
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:18 amYes, I agree 🙂
Sarah
May 15, 2017 at 3:37 amI visited Nice quite a few years ago and did a day in St Tropez and to Monaco. So much money there! Feels a bit overwhelming especially in Monaco with all the swanky casinos! Definitely more of a luxury destination, but absolutely gorgeous
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:18 amVery cool that you went to both of those places! They are definitely luxurious.
melody pittman
May 15, 2017 at 10:48 pmThat is so fabulous! I love film festivals and know this one would be the ultimate. Great photos. You are killing it this year! I love following along.
Carmen Edelson
May 16, 2017 at 9:17 amThanks, Melody! I love following along with your adventures as well 🙂