2008 Cannes costs

Deflated dollar makes fest even more painful

By ELSA BERTET

With its legendary snootiness, the Cannes Film Festival has never catered to all walks of life, but it was just a matter of time until the overwhelming strength of the euro would propel the fest's exclusivity to the next level. This year, doing business in Cannes will not only take years off of your life, it'll thin your wallet more rapidly than before.

For those headed to the French Riviera, here's a quick price preview:

Cab ride from Nice Airport to Cannes
E65 to E70 ($103 to $111) before 7 p.m.; E67 to E82 ($106 to $131) thereafter.

A cappuccino at the Carlton Hotel
E7 ($10); an American coffee -- with unlimited service: E8 ($13)

A large bottle of Perrier sparkling water at the Noga Hilton
E7 ($12)

Three-course lunch special at Gray d'Albion beach
E25 ($40); a bottle of rose, Chateau de L'Escarelle: E16 ($26)

A 'Festival' lychee martini at Century Club Cannes
E13 ($21) at the London-based private members club's temporary beach outpost

A Bellini with Laurent Perrier Champagne at the Hotel du Cap
E39 ($62); a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne: E25 ($40)

A four-cheese pizza at La Pizza Restaurant
E12 ($19)

A Mojito at the Martinez hotel bar
E18 ($29); a Vodka and Burn (similar to Red Bull) cocktail: E16 ($25); a Bellini with Taittinger Champagne: E18 ($29)

A tuxedo rental from the concierge of the Majestic Hotel
E100-E120 ($158-$190); bowtie rental: E15-E20 ($24-$32)

La Roche Posay sunscreen at La Pharmacie du Festival
E15.90 ($25)

A pack of AAA Duracel batteries at Monoprix
E4.90 ($8)