Musee de la Castre
You may negotiate foreign rights like a pro, but don't bother haggling with Cannes boutique owners. Let Nice native and personal shopper Anne Davene-Vantalon do the talking. Her tours can be customized for any splurge, from designer shoes to local delicacies. She can also access special discounts and arrange a private opening of a shop. Davene-Vantalon charges about $90 per hour for her services or $315 for a half-day of shopping. She will also handle all those pesky VAT (value-added tax) details. Here's her take on the shopping scene at Cannes and a few insider tips:
Name a secret place that a tourist would never find. "I like Private Room, a small luxury lingerie store at 5 rue Tony Allard with a wonderful collection of exclusive 'dessous.' The shop owner designed the boutique like a boudoir with your very own private room on the top floor. There are exclusive brands like Carine Gilson, Nuits de Satin and Strumpet & Pink."
What's the best local delicacy to bring home as a gift?"Canned olive oils are a favorite treat for bringing back a taste of Provence, and they're easy to carry. For modern packaging and savory oils, try Oliviers & Co at 4 rue Mace." (Be sure to check out tapenades by local chefs, such as Alain Lorca's green olive and pistachio variety.)
How about a local tipple? "Head to Cave Croisette at 151 rue D'Antibes for a large selection of wine and try a local one made with oranges called 'le vin d'orange.' It make a great aperitif." (Seek out the young sommelier Giovanna Rapala and the offerings by local vintners.)
Which shop in Cannes has the best linens and pottery?"For bed, bath and table linen, check out Ahimsa at 148 rue d'Antibes — they sell the collection of Mia Zia, which is modern and fresh linen made with traditional techniques and materials. The embroidery is absolutely gorgeous. Descamps (111 rue d'Antibes), a French brand, also offers high-quality contemporary linen. Two doors away, Sia is great for chic table decoration and pottery."
How about the best stores to shop for kids?"On the lower- to midrange, I like Le Phare de La Baleine (133 rue d'Antibes) for its French touch. On the higher range, head to IKKS at 71 rue d'Antibes for trendy kids clothes or to Sonia Rykiel at 52 la Croisette, which designs absolutely wonderful clothes for little girls."
Shoes? "On the high end, I like Jacques Loup (21 rue d'Antibes) for its large selection of designer shoes, the efficiency of its salespeople and the overall luxurious feel of the place. Tiny and always crowded Mercedeh Shoes at 130 rue d'Antibes sells gorgeous, French Riviera-style shoes and designer labels." (Don't miss the Mercedeh kids shoes shop a few doors down.)
Do you take requests? "Yes. During the Cannes Film Festival I have a lot of last-minute requests for evening shoes, tuxedos or accessories. Upon request, items can be hand-delivered to hotel rooms, villas or even yachts."
Web: ishopforyou.fr Phone: +33 6 77 91 30 15FRENCH DRESSING: Practical and stylish are the dominant keywordsPacking for Cannes becomes effortless when you include a few versatile staples. Remember that the French have no qualms about repeating outfits, so there's no reason to take along a new ensemble for every day of the fest. Pack smart. Pack chic.
The dress: The perfect Riviera frock doesn't cinch or wrinkle and can make that critical leap from lunch on the Croisette to cocktails at the Carlton. This Diane von Furstenberg Alondra dress — with its nautical bent and ladylike cut — can be accessorized for an evening out with heels, a chignon and statement earrings. ($425;
dvf.com) The flats: One word — cobblestones — should be enough to deter you from trying to navigate Cannes by day in Choos. Save them for evening. These Seychelles bronze wedge sandals are perfect for afternoon strolls in the Suquet and beyond. ($90; Maggie at
lfstores.com)
The shades: Oversized sunglasses are essential for disguising last night's Champagne rampage or avoiding eye contact with that annoying market guy from Berlin who refuses to accept that you're married. Oh and most important, this style from Oliver Peoples will cut out the glare, too. ($390; Guiselle at
oliverpeoples.com)
The tote: An ideal satchel can handle all your essentials and swallow an impromptu purchase of a bottle of Sancerre or a pair of chic ballet flats. This durable ballistic nylon tote, piped in leather, by Hayden-Harnett makes the perfect carry-on for magazines and bottled water, too. ($198; Ibiza flight tote by
HaydenHarnett.com)
CULTURE: Museums map the artists and crafts of the Cote d'AzurFragonard Perfume Museum: This homage to scent in Grasse (about 40 minutes away) houses a collection of decanters and flacons, alongside the ancient equipment and stills used to produce all things eau de. The factory is also open for private guided tours.
20 boulevard Fragonard, Grasse
Phone: +33 4 93 36 44 65Musee de la Castre: Atop Le Suquet, near the watchtower built in 1088, this cultural bijou that was once the castle of Cannes houses ancient artifacts and 19th- and 20th-century paintings by artists of the region.
Place de la Castre, Cannes
Phone: +33 4 93 38 55 26Musee Renoir & Les Collettes: Home and studio for the artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir for 11 years until his death in 1919. In his atelier, see his easels, brushes and the sculptures he produced in later life. One bedroom features a terrace with amazing views of the Cap d'Antibes.
19 Chemin des Collettes, Cagnes-sur-Mer
Phone: +33 4 93 20 61 07Musee de la Photographie: Portraits of the mercurial Picasso — as shot by Robert Doisneau, Edward Quinn, Jacques-Henri Lartigue and Andre Villars — dominate this quaint museum in Mougins.
Porte Sarrazine, Mougins
Phone: +33 4 93 75 85 67Malmaison: Tucked away on the Croisette and built in 1863, this last vestige of the original gaming hall and tea room of the Grand Hotel was converted to a museum in 1983. The gardens — featuring modern art and an exhibition devoted to cinema — are the draw, but be sure to view the Miros and Matisses, too.
47 boulevard de la Croisette, Cannes
Phone: +33 4 97 06 44 90
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