Blue & Beyond #4 - South Of France

A luxury yacht charter enables you to focus on your clients whilst letting the dedicated crew worry about creating a perfect and relaxed atmosphere in which to conduct your private meetings. The South of France hosts three big business events, all attracting a very different but nonetheless important clientele. Select the event which meets your business needs or alternatively if you are just looking for some fun away from the office, book a yacht charter and invite family or friends to join. Here we give some ideas on where to dine, drink and party, and where to escape the crowds.

MIPIM

MIPIM is an international property conference held over four hectic days in Cannes, when Cannes actually becomes MIPIM. The event is attended by investors, corporate end users, local authorities, developers and a wide range of professionals working in the real estate sector, from all around the world. This event is around-the-clock with networking events and after parties from morning ‘til the early hours. To discuss booking your future MIPIM charters, contact one of our brokers.

Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1946 and is without a doubt the most prestigious film festival around, and definitely one of the most publicised. Over the years it has played host to all the most fabulous screen icons, and everywhere you look you will see celebrities wandering the streets of Cannes. Even the team here at bluewater found ourselves swapping red carpet clothing ideas with a famous Spice Girl in our local Mango! You just don’t know who you will bump in to.

Cannes Lions Festival

The Cannes Lions Festival is one of the largest events held in Cannes, attracting around 15,000 delegates. Officially called the International Festival of Creativity and formerly the International Advertising Festival, it is a global event primarily for those working in the creative communications, advertising and related fields. It is probably the world’s largest advertising festival, attracting participants from 100 countries to participate in the eight-day event, including four award ceremonies and an opening gala, plus a spectacular closing party.

What to do in Cannes in between all the action

Depending on which conference you are in town for, there are many bars and restaurants to enjoy.

The MIPIM revellers tend to head for Caffe Roma, opposite the Palais des Festivals; here you can find hundreds of delegates spilling out on to the street enjoying beers, wine and cocktails, accompanied by delicious Mediterranean delicacies. You need to be brave to enter this thriving throng of madness but everywhere you look the MIPIM-ers are having a blast. The Cannes Film Festival crowd can be found hanging out at Le Petit Majestic, discussing the day’s business and swapping industry gossip. This little bar is off the beaten track, just behind Le Grand Hotel. The Cannes Lions contingent are usually found at the many private parties hosted during the eight-day festival; for the well-connected you can expect to be invited to the exclusive rooftop bar parties and yacht soirées, otherwise head to the opulent Carlton Hotel for drinks, hang out at the Google Beach and don’t forget to stop by the Martinez Hotel to join the many Lions revellers. The roof top Cannes Connect Bar hosts networking events all week so be sure to include this in your schedule.

Dinner plans

No matter which conference you are in town for, don’t forget to visit Le Suquet, the oldest part of Cannes. Head to La Mirabelle, where you will be welcomed by Director Christophe Gournay who oversees the menu with his talented chef. This beautiful restaurant in the heart of Le Suquet will delight your senses with a delicious gastronomic meal and comprehensive wine list. If you can’t get a table here, this little cobbled street is lined with restaurants, including Le Mesclun, Le Manoir, and Le Manteau to name but a few. Most of these establishments will be serving typically French dishes so be sure to arrive hungry!

Another spectacular establishment to head to for dinner or drinks is Eden Roc. As a favourite celebrity hotspot it can be extremely difficult to get a table so be sure to book early. If you prefer to stay in central Cannes closer to all the action, any of the big hotel restaurants will be able to accommodate you for a gastronomic delight.

Hidden gem

If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all but still enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean views, then the new restaurant, Le Plongeoir, is for you. It sits atop a rock in the Mediterranean offering panoramic views; this venue opens its doors from March 2016. You can take the tender from your yacht across to Nice where the restaurant is located on the coast. The Mediterranean menu is designed around fresh seasonal produce, and you can also soak up the relaxed atmosphere in the lounge bar whilst enjoying a selection of platters over a bottle of chilled champagne.

Grab your dancing shoes

If after all that food and delicious local wine you are still ready to go partying, head to the bars of the Martinez or Carlton Hotels and then to La Chunga, a late night piano bar opposite the Martinez, and of course the famous "Gutter Bar" or 72 Croisette as it is officially known, is where you will find the crowds at the end of the night.


The only way to party at the Cannes Film Festival is to get hot tickets to all the after parties! Must-see party venues are Nikki Beach and the VIP Room, who open up exclusively for the Film Festival, and you will find hordes of party goers waiting outside hoping to be granted access. Book your VIP table in advance to be swept past the waiting crowd and escorted to your own private area.

After all these outrageously glamorous celebrations, you will be glad to head back to the luxury and calm of your own private yacht, where the attentive crew will be waiting to serve you a delicious breakfast. No calling room service and waiting for the all-night staff to make it round to your order - a private charter means you are the only guests the crew will be waiting on.