A waft of jasmine alighted my senses as the taxi door opened at The Hotel Barrière Le Majestic in Cannes. A welcoming concierge guided me to the elegant art deco entrance. Several more stood by the mature palm trees in the hotel’s beautifully manicured, crescent-shaped garden entrance. Clad in smart dark suits, shades on, shoes polished. Were they security guards? I wondered. Privacy is paramount, discretion a necessity for the famous, iconic, world-class names who have crossed these doors over the years—from film stars to world leaders, designers, musicians and celebrities from all walks of life.
What do they have in common? Class, elegance and style.
I knew I had arrived somewhere very special indeed.
Am I really going to dine in the same restaurant as Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, climbing through the years to the likes of Princess Diana, Kate Moss, Rihanna? The list is endless.
As the double doors opened into the reception, I was welcomed by an eclectic mix of design. The hotel’s classic art deco mirrored, panelled walls and geometric ceiling and pillar structures, ornate handles and ironwork on the staircase, created a rich background to the pastel-coloured 60s-style blown glass, enormous chandelier. A very stylish mix of old, new, classic and avant-garde.
Bronze panelled lifts swept me up to the bedroom floors, elegant fully equipped spa and gym, and turquoise views out over the Mediterranean to die for. My bedroom was very spacious and airy with a pretty wrought iron Juliet balcony that looked over tall palm fronds onto the expansive sea and sky. A gentle breeze freshened the already airy room beautifully as I took in the pale blues, ivory and beige colours of the décor, creating a very calming, peaceful ambience.
All the discreetly placed necessities such as a good number of sockets and charge points for our modern technological world were easily found. My exploration of the room and bathroom, all beautiful, gave me a delightful surprise upon discovering amongst the usual mini bar and tea and coffee selection—the hotel had gifted me the most delicious, handmade banana bread and two bottles of freshly juiced strawberries. What a treat!
The Star-Studded Location
Hotel Le Majestic is directly opposite the main venue for the Cannes Film Festival. Le Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is where all the major screenings and ceremonies take place. I was star hunting for sure. Yes, they are all here—some relaxed, some parading, but all desiring fame and fortune and acknowledgement in this most famous, glamorous and iconic of venues.
It is a thrill to walk in the steps of the most classic and timeless movie stars in history.
Beach Dining Paradise
Crossing the road from the hotel onto La Croisette, the parading path along the beach, Le Palais des Festivals is on the right-hand side and directly to the left as you walk down a few steps onto the beach are the hotel’s legendary two beach restaurants.
Ciro’s Cannes has a glamorous, laid-back atmosphere yet it is classic and traditional in style. The refined Mediterranean cuisine has been a historically popular haunt for celebrities during the Film Festival. Le Ciro’s combines the glamour of a beach club with the elegance of a fine dining restaurant.
Did I see what I thought I saw? Yes I truly did—so South of France! An exquisitely dressed woman, hair up, dark shades, little black dress and outrageously high stilettos carrying her frou-frou, puffed up fluffy Pomeranian dog straight from the poodle parlour to the beach bar 🙂
Mademoiselle Grey Plage has a more gentle and Bohemian style, offering a truly gourmet and epicurean experience. I slid my sandals off under the table and my toes sank into the very fine white sand. I lifted my chilled glass, savouring the delicate, dry yet aromatic Provençal rosé, listening to the eclectic mix of vibes and beats from the resident DJ.
I cannot recommend more highly my delectable fresh asparagus topped with a sublime saffron sauce, followed by a creamy lobster pasta. My taste buds were in heaven. The service was prompt, our waiter was polite and extremely knowledgeable about wines of the region and the local food produce to experience and enjoy.
I began to get a desire to pad down the sea’s edge and have a dip. Somehow I felt that following my exquisitely appetising lunch, I might lie down on a sunbed and drift into peace as I topped up my tan. Mademoiselle Grey Plage attracts a trendy crowd, creates a festive ambiance and serves sun-blessed dishes to savour all day long.
Not forgetting the suntan and the swim 🙂
The Alchemist’s Touch
Completely unique to Le Majestic Barrière is the resident Chef-Bartender Alchemist, Emanuele Balestra. This is truly the lifestyle of the stars.
Early morning, Emanuele wanders the roof of the hotel with a pair of scissors where he delicately hand-picks each leaf from a selection of herbs, flowers and plants that will perfume the evening nectars. Behind the scenes in his laboratory, this alchemist transforms his plants, flowers and herbs into jelly, ice cubes, syrups and most recently, edible perfume.
These edible aromas are distilled then rippled into exceptional bottles where they are delicately sprayed over an intuitive and personally created cocktail to suit each individual guest. Emanuele Balestra is the maestro of taste!
Parisian Elegance Meets the Côte d’Azur
Cocktails led to dinner at Le Fouquet’s brasserie—casual-chic, set elegantly on the enclosed terrace in winter but opening up onto the beautiful hotel’s swimming pool in spring and summer. A place where movers and shakers in art and culture mingle and rub shoulders with foodies.
It encapsulates the spirit of Paris, where for 125 years on the most beautiful avenue in Paris it has fed the elite and special. Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire brings the sophistication of the Parisian elite to the Côte d’Azur, ensuring all his culinary creations are in step with local heritage and tradition, sourcing local produce and bringing in Southern French recipes with style, flair and a unique edge.
Restoration and Rejuvenation
On my final day, following the most wonderful culinary delights, I decided a change of pace was in order. I spent the morning having a good workout in the hotel’s fully equipped gym, followed by a bespoke massage in the Spa Diane Barrière. I was fully relaxed, nurtured and restored in a beautifully cosy, yet urban setting. All products are organic and treatments holistic, creating a sense of being in a luxurious haven of serenity.
Beyond the Hotel
It is hard to leave the luxury of Le Majestic, but for those with an adventurous and curious spirit there is a great deal to explore locally and in the surrounding area.
Within a 10-minute walk along the Croisette is the old town, with picturesque and characterful cobbled winding narrow streets that are full of charm. Another 5-minute walk further past the marina is the Port de Cannes, where you can take a quick ferry trip to the Lérins Islands where you will discover hiking trails, beaches and the historic Fort Royal on Saint-Marguerite Island.
Marché Forville is a vibrant Provençal market offering local produce, flowers and many other local goods—a “must-do” visit for all foodies.
Further inland for day trips are many fascinating and beautiful places to visit. Grasse is the home of the perfume industry and there are many famous perfumery factories and houses to visit. The perfumeries of Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard offer free guided tours where you can learn the process and history of perfume-making.
Biot is a medieval village perched on a hill, known for its glassblowing. Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a very famous hilltop village renowned for its art galleries and astoundingly beautiful views. Antibes is a charming coastal town with a historic centre, ramparts and the Picasso Museum. Èze and Gourdon are both stunningly beautiful hilltop villages famous for panoramic views and traditional crafts.
The Perfect Cannes Experience
Cannes is a wonderful location to visit whether to star-spot, film-spot, enjoy a gourmand extravaganza, sunbathe, swim, explore the stunning Provençal flora and fauna unique to this part of the world, or delve into the millennia of historical intrigue.
The Hotel Barrière Le Majestic is in the perfect location to enjoy all the magnificence, fame and beauty that Cannes has to offer. The hotel’s sublime luxury is truly a 5-star temple to French elegance and refinement, with its timeless charm and breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
I cannot recommend it more highly.
For more info an bookings visit www.hotelsbarriere.com
