Stars from the Silver Screen and the great and the good from the film industry descend to Cannes once again this May 8- 19, for the ‘Festival de Cannes’.

As only an event of this stature can command, nothing less than the best luxury vacation rentals will suffice. After all, this is a city steeped in glamour and class.

With its elite selection of luxury vacation rentals, Global Luxury Villas provides the perfect solution for holiday homes to rent for guests attending the Festival. With a wide selection to choose from, many of the luxury holiday homes include special touches – from a personal chef to a housekeeper. Every stay includes a personal concierge service, to help secure reservations to the most exclusive venues in the city, at the best value for your visit.

What are the highlights this year?

As one of the greatest and most widely publicized celebrations of film, and now in its 71st season, this year’s event promises to be another memorable year, with Cate Blanchett named President of the Jury.

The list of shortlisted films has just gone live here too.

Free Screenings

As usual, open-air screenings at the Cinema de la Plage are open to all from 9pm during the Festival. Usefully, this is opposite the Hotel Majestic – one of the prime locations for a pre-and post-film Prosecco. It’s always a guaranteed venue to rub shoulders with industry insiders too.

Alternatively, if you’re happy to mingle with bystanders, the Red Carpet and Blue Carpet zones in and around the coveted Debussy Theatre, are great vantage points to soak up the atmosphere.

Invite Only Screenings

Those on the inside, including; investors, journalists, directors, publicists, actors and producers, will need to apply for a badge beforehand for accreditation.

For those lucky enough to have bagged an invitation to the Grand Theatre Lumiere, it’s a strictly black-tie or evening dress affair. The Gala screenings are held every evening, and passes are essential.
The latest events are updated to: http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/

Where to Schmooze!

For a touch of elite luxury, the annual Chopard gathering is not to be missed on May 11, returning to the legendary Savarona yacht. If you are lucky enough to be on the guest list to the Swarovski lunch (May 19) you can look forward to rubbing shoulders with Penelope Cruz, heading up the intimate get-together.

Meanwhile, the delectable de Grisogono party (May 15) held at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc is sure to deliver high octane fun!

Finally, die-hard Star Wars fans cannot miss ‘A Star Wars Story, Orchestra’ on May 15 at Corbeille.

For an altogether more public event, look out for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for top gatherings with fundraising initiatives.

Where to wine and dine

One of the ultimate Cannes venues is the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, a great location for lunch, dinner and post-theatre drinks.

However, La Palme d’Or at the Martinez Hotel is the place to be when the film set take over. It offers the finest dining experience with sweeping views of the golden stretch of Cannes famous beach. Afterwards, trot over to its ‘Bar l’Amiral’ for a glass of bubbly, usually with an A-lister standing next to you.

For lunch, 45 La Croisette at Le Grand Hotel is the perfect spot for a two-course lunch, with a delightful selection of fresh seafood and an excellent wine menu.

However, since time began, the bar at the Carlton Hotel is the go-to destination for a sophisticated night cap, in this ultra glamourous spot.

For the latest information on the Cannes Film Festival, visit: www.festival-cannes.com/en and for luxury and last minute villa rentals, Global Luxury Villas.