When the Cannes Film Festival lights up the French Riviera each May, the city transforms into a glamorous stage where stars stroll the Croisette, yachts line the shore, and the whispers of red carpet secrets echo through its grand hotels. But behind the glitz is a man who knows every velvet rope, hidden table, and last-minute celebrity request — Gilles Bastoni, Cannes’ legendary “concierge of the stars.”
Raised in the gilded halls of Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic — where his father served as head concierge for 42 years — Bastoni has inherited more than a title. He carries with him a Rolodex of A-listers and an unrivaled knowledge of the town’s dual identity: Cannes as Hollywood’s Riviera outpost, and Cannes as a quiet, soul-rich Provençal village. Here is his exclusive weekend itinerary — where the golden age of cinema meets the timeless charm of the Côte d’Azur.
La Croisette: Cannes in Full Cinematic Glamour
Start your weekend with a walk down the iconic Boulevard de la Croisette, the seaside promenade that sparkles with fashion houses, legendary hotels, and palm-fringed glamour. “It’s where the spirit of the festival lives year-round,” says Bastoni. With luxury boutiques, beachfront cafes, and the Palais des Festivals at its heart, it’s the Cannes of postcard dreams.
And during the Film Festival, Bastoni says the Croisette becomes electric. “Open-air cinemas on the sand, celebrities everywhere — you feel the energy.” Don’t miss the embedded handprints of global film legends along the sidewalk.
Address: 1 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes
Website: palaisdesfestivals.com
Instagram: @palaisdesfestivals
Le Suquet: The Soul of Old Cannes
Trade red carpets for cobblestones in Le Suquet, the city’s medieval old town. “Cannes was a fishing village first,” Bastoni says. “Here, you still feel that history.” Wander up through pastel alleyways to the 12th-century Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance and Château de la Castre for panoramic views of the bay.
Down in the old port, traditional boats share water with sleek superyachts. “There’s something magical about seeing both side by side,” he adds. For dinner, Bastoni swears by Le Maschou — a rustic, wood-fired restaurant beloved by locals.
Address: 15 Rue Saint-Antoine, 06400 Cannes
Website: lemaschou.com
Instagram: @lemaschou
Marché Forville: Savor the Riviera Flavors
At the base of Le Suquet sits Marché Forville, Cannes’ vibrant daily market. “If you want to eat like a local, this is the place,” says Bastoni. Under terracotta-tiled eaves, vendors offer sun-ripened tomatoes, socca pancakes, Provençal herbs, and the freshest seafood.
“Our cuisine is light, fresh — fish, olive oil, herbs,” Bastoni explains. It’s Mediterranean, not buttery French. Grab ingredients for a beach picnic, or just soak in the aromas and energy of Côte d’Azur life.
Address: 6 Rue du Marché Forville, 06400 Cannes
Website: marcheforville.com
Lérins Islands: Secret Histories and Serene Escapes
For a midday escape, Bastoni recommends hopping on a ferry to the Lérins Islands, just 15 minutes off the coast. “They’re quiet, historic, and beautiful — a different world from Cannes,” he says.
Île Sainte-Marguerite houses the Fort Royal, once home to the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask. On Île Saint-Honorat, 21 monks live in a Cistercian abbey and run a 1,000-year-old winery.
Lunch? “Try La Guérite on Sainte-Marguerite,” Bastoni advises. “Elton John’s been two years in a row.”
Nightlife: Sunset Glamour at Medusa
As night falls, the city’s hedonistic alter ego awakens. Bastoni’s pick for an unforgettable evening is Medusa — equal parts fine dining, cabaret, and elite nightclub. “It’s where Cannes comes alive after dark,” he says.
Located at Palm Beach, the venue transforms from Mediterranean-Asian restaurant into a high-octane club with aerial acts, costumes, and curated theatrics. “The cabaret show is incredible,” says Bastoni. Expect a €55 entry, but also expect fireworks — literally.
Address: Palm Beach, Place Franklin Roosevelt, 06400 Cannes
Website: medusacannes.com
Instagram: @medusa_cannes
The Final Word
Gilles Bastoni’s Cannes is not just about stars and spotlights — it’s about rhythm, contrast, and discovery. “The perfect weekend,” he says, “is one where you explore both sides of the city. Sail the islands, eat in a hidden bistro, walk La Croisette at night. You don’t need a film pass to feel like a star.”
Whether you’re chasing the glamour or craving authenticity, Cannes offers both — and no one guides that journey better than the man who’s spent his life making Cannes magical for the world’s most discerning visitors.
