As the A-list once again descends on France's glittering resort town of Cannes, you'll be inundated with red carpet pictures, street style snaps, party gossip and film reviews. But for those that have never been, what is it really like to stay in Cannes, during the film festival or otherwise? Here, we’ve put together our favourite places to stay, eat, shop, party and of course, rub shoulders with the glitterati...

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Where to Stay in Cannes

Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes

You've likely heard of the uber famous Hotel Martinez - countless column inches are dedicated to it during the festival. However, there's no shortage of film stars at the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes too. Robert De Niro and Matthew McConaughey are just a couple of stars who've pitched up at the hotel during the film festival.

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The theme throughout the hotel's corridors is the photographer's flashbulb and walls are adorned with photos of screen sirens walking the red carpet. Even during off-season, the hotel offers enough glam to feel the buzz and vibe of peak times.

Bar manager and master mixologist Emanuele Balestra has done extraordinary things for the drinks on offer. All ingredients – botanicals, flowers, herbs - are grown on site at the hotel. And the hotel's rooftop hosts a beehive for on-site honey demands too. Balestra's care and dedication to the craft is evident in even the smallest of details - concocting essences and syrups as 'food and drink perfumes' and generating a remarkable sensory experience from first sniff to last quaff.

And if you thought the food might not keep pace with the drinks, you'd be dead wrong. Executive chef Pierrick Cizeron has brought unbridled joy to fine dining on the Croisette. Cizeron takes diners on a culinary tour of the mediterranean, from creamy avocado soup, through to grilled octopus with padron peppers.

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Fashion lovers will rejoice at the hotel's rich sartorial connections. A joint collaboration between the institution and the luxury fashion house of Christian Dior has seen the creation of the Dior Suite. Inside the exclusive 450m2 apartment, the partnership has seen a recreation of the ceiling from Dior's historic Avenue Montaigne boutique in Paris and Louis XVI-style table and medallion chairs upholstered with 'Dioresque' details. Plus the sofa cushions were made by Christian Dior himself. J'ADior!

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In terms of location, this is absolute tip-top, prime real estate. Not only does the palatial hotel have a coastal view, but it even has its own private beach La Plage Barrière Le Majestic. And trust us when we tell you, that is a rarity in this part of the world.

Rooms start from €260 per night, with various special offers available throughout the year.

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3.14

For something a little edgier, try the 3.14 around the corner. A quirky boutique hotel, it’s a warren of eccentricity, with a good dose of kitsch. Each unique room tells its own story: from candy-coloured pop to Moulin Rouge boudoir or 1001 Nights. The icing on the cake, though, is the rooftop pool with its views over the twinkling Mediterranean, cool sun loungers and smattering of exotic plants.

Where to Eat in Cannes

One of the most famous addresses in town is the Palme D’Or at the Martinez (73 La Croisette) where if you like your gourmet food (like Clint Eastwood, Sharon Stone and Quentin Tarantino) book a table in the Michelin-starred chef’s private kitchen for a meal at the heart of the action. Plus, there’s no doubt that the check-in list here will read like a roll call, perfect if you want to ogle the A-list over your oeufs at breakfast.

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For a real culinary indulgence, you might need to heed your sense of adventure. Drive up towards Le Cannet and check out Bistrot des Anges, for more Michelin-starred fare. Or head on to Grasse and the Bastide St Antoine (48 avenue Henri-Dunant) where Michelin-starred chef Jacques Chibois has created a glorious gourmet hideaway. In a unique spot, with views stretching over Cannes, the charming retreat retains traditional French countryside chic while mixing in a dose of Provencal style.

La Mère Besson has been attracting stylish crowds since the 1930s (13 rue des Frères Pradignac) and for Italian fare we’d thoroughly recommend checking out the uber-cool Vesuvio (68 Boulevard de la Croisette).

Where to Go Out in Cannes

If you want to see and be seen, then the hottest venue in town is usually Bâoli (Port Canto-Boulevard de la Croisette). It’s the stars’ favourite party spot during the festival and the place to rub shoulders with Brad Pitt, Cameron Diaz , Paris Hilton and Uma Thurman. Be warned, though, it’s only open ‘in season’ and always tough to get past the doormen.

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After Party at Baoli cannes

This is Cannes, though, and it is the Film Festival so there’ll be more parties going on than you’ll know what to do with. As always, you’ll probably need to know someone that knows someone, but boy will it be worth it. For something more low-key but still happening, stop by Le Sparkling (8 Rue Frères Pradignac), part bar, part restaurant and part club, it’s the place to go for a meal followed by some dancing on the sofas. Head upstairs to the funky outdoor Le Patio bar where you can party al fresco. There's also a Nikki Beach, if that's your kind of thing.

What to Wear in Cannes

It’s going to be flashbulbs a go-go down in Cannes this month, so whatever you wear whether you’re lounging on the beach or off for some high-octane partying, make sure you’re preened to perfection and looking your best. The classic chic Riviera resort town embraces both the classy and the flashy, and Cannes really is all about the labels. Choose from, or (for a handbag if budget will stretch). The real key to Cannes style is to look understated but polished with chic separates, simple tailoring and several pairs of skyscraper heels (teamed even with just your swimsuit, for the brave), well, you never know whose yacht you may be invited on… oh, and don’t forget to pair everything with a killer tan.

cannes, france may 13 people walk past luxury stores along the croisette during the 63rd cannes film festival on may 13, 2010 in cannes, france shopping and luxury brands are an intrinsic aspect of the annual film festival at cannes photo by sean gallupgetty images
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Where to Shop in Cannes

Shopping comes pretty high on the agenda here in Cannes and it’s well geared up for you to flex your credit card. Rue d’Antibes is a good place to start for affordable high street brands like chic French labels Blanc Bleu (102, Rue d'Antibes) and staples at Comptoir des Cotonniers (10 Rue d'Antibes). YHowever, the real draw here is the Croisette, offering quite possibly to the be all and end all in designer chic.

Don't Leave Without...

Picking up something or other designer, be it from the Croisette or one of the vintage shops. For treats that are more on budget, stop by the markets and pick up olive oil based soap, lavender goodies or beautiful, monogrammed antique white linens. Smuggle fragrant oils or herbs, or if you like to make your own fragrance, drop by Fragonard in Grasse. The home of French perfumeries, you’ll find out all about the process and come back with something tailor-made for yourself whether you prefer jasmine, pepper or rose.