Fodor's Expert Review Cannes International Film Festival

The Riviera's cultural calendar is splashy and star-studded, and never more so than during the Cannes International Film Festival in May. The film screenings are not open to the public, so unless you have a pass, your stargazing will be on the streets or in restaurants (though if you hang around the back exits of the big hotels around 7 pm, you may bump into a few celebs on their way to the red carpet). Cinéma de la Plage shows Cannes Classics and Out of Competition films free at Macé beach at 9:30 pm. In addition, Cannes Cinéphiles (www.cannes-cinema.com) gives 4,000 film buffs a chance to view Official Selections; you can apply online starting in February.