Movie Stars. Luxury. Opulence.
Say “Cannes” and these are the images that come to mind.

Known the world over as a playground for the wealthy, this gorgeous city along the Côte d’Azur is of course most famous for the Cannes Film Festival, a 12-day long celebrity-packed spectacle that takes place every May. But Cannes as a “gaycation” destination? While there is certainly a gay population here, the gay scene on the French Riviera is much larger and more lively in Nice, located about 15 miles up the coastline.

But all of that may be about to change. In a bid to actively court the gay travel market, early December saw the launch of the Cannes Rainbow website, the “Cannes Rainbow Passport” and the signing of the Gay-Friendly Cannes Charter.

The Cannes Rainbow website offers a homocentric guide to hotels, restaurants, beaches and nightlife, while the Passport (available at the Tourism Office and participating establishments) features coupons for free cocktails, room upgrades and various discounts, as well as a handy little guide map. The Gay-Friendly Cannes Charter pledges to welcome gay people with “Hospitality, respect and attention,” “Equality,” and most likely, a flute of bubbling champagne.

I was on hand for the charter signing and reception at Villa Domergue, a beautifully appointed, lavishly landscape 19th-Century estate tucked into the hills of Cannes’ tony Californie suburb. I nibbled on sweets by Jean Luc Pele, gasped at the terraced gardens and made sure not to even think about touching the priceless artworks and antiques that were seemingly everywhere.

David Lisnard, the First Deupty Mayor to the Mayor of Cannes and several local business owners were on hand to welcome members of the gay media and travel professions at this tres gay soiree. The cocktail reception was a lovely kickoff to an activity-packed weekend designed for us to “discover the new face of Cannes.”

One of the main attractions to any visitor is the stunning blue water of the Mediterranean. Summer may be high season for frolicking along the beach, but the mild climate of Cannes allows for enjoyment of the beautiful bay at any time of year.

The Boulevard de la Croisette follows the waterfront and makes for a picturesque stroll, complete with palm trees, salty sea breezes and squawking gulls. Also, no shortage of heavily surgerized rich broads giving serious trout pout. C’est la vie! Over on the other side of le avenue awaits an impressive line up luxury shops including Fendi, Chanel, Dior and many other one word names that are synonymous with luxury. A quick jaunt a couple of blocks north is the Rue d’Antibes which has many funky shops, art galleries, cafes and a more “downtown” feel than the ultra-swank Croisette.

All shopped out? Enjoy a chartered sail over to Île Saint-Honorat, a stunningly beautiful island inhabited by wine making Cistercian monks. Honey, you can’t make this stuff up! The wine, which the Brothers make from the grapes that they grow here, includes Pinot Noir, Mourvèdre and Chardonnay, and is actually quite delicious.

The island itself is breathtaking: The vineyards, the gardens of lavender, olive trees and bougainvillea, all set against the dazzling sea and punctuated by the stony grandeur of the church buildings and the monastery ruins.

I spooked an entirely different genre of ruins at a drag show at  Zanzibar—and that was just the audience! (Kidding!) The crowd at this intimate venue (rumored to be possibly the oldest gay bar in Europe) was very mixed age-wise, but very lively and friendly, and everyone enjoyed the drag show by “Coca” and “Transdance.” I personally think 45 minutes of anybody lip-synching is just way too much, and although I wasn’t into the whole old school, La Cage aux Folles vibe, it was harmless fun.

The show was a little fresher over at Disco 7 as a trio of dragzillas lip-synched their way through a few high-energy well-choreographed dance numbers. Be warned however—the crowd is kinda straight-ish, the drinks are overpriced and watered down, and the doormen were among the most unfriendly I have ever encountered—and darling I’m from New York City!

A much more relaxed charm rules at Le Night, a smallish dance club with drag bartenders and the only flock of “le twinks” I saw in Cannes. The feeling is very gay bar on Long Island circa 1989. Cute! My gaydar was thrown off a bit in Cannes; all European men look gay. I think it’s the shoes.

After a night of debauchery, it’s off to the HO2 Thermes Marins spa (part of the new 1835 White Palm Hotel), for some rest and relaxation. I sampled the hydrotherapy bath and an algae wrap, which was mildly enjoyable, but did leave me feeling and smelling like a bit of warmed over sushi. All was forgiven when I swam in the indoor/outdoor sea water pool, simply divine. I then enjoyed a spectacular sunset whilst enjoying the bubbling hot tub which over looks the Mediterranean. Magnifique!

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the cultural center of the city; in addition to its long relationship with the Cannes Film Festival the Palais also hosts a large and varied roster of performing arts including theater, dance, opera… And circus!

France is known for its fabulous food, and there are several places in Cannes to experience the deliciousness. Word to the wise: You will come across frog’s legs and escargot on the menus, and you can hardly turn around in this town without someone shoving foie gras up in your face. Bea Arthur would so not approve. Now let’s eat!

Le Sparkling is a delightful, somehow swanky and funky restaurant with a lounge, bar and patio area, and the food is excellent. The eclectic menu offers everything from a glazed vegetable tart to a juicy bacon cheeseburger; the tiramisu was divine.

At Maitre Renard, located on a charming side street in the historical district, has both elegant décor and fine food including Salmon Gravlax marinated in dill sauce, Duck Tournedos Rossini, and for dessert, a Charlotte raspberry “House” drizzled in sweet Berry Coulis. (P.S. I thought the chef that day was one hot slab of French daddy meat. Just saying. )

For mouth-watering food with a view, check out the 360 Restaurant, located atop the 1835 White Palm hotel. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, the town and the blue sky while savoring the fresh and well prepared food. I inhaled roasted chicken breast with truffles, a crisp cold carrot soup and salad with grilled vegetables. Dessert was a globe of dark chocolate, onto which was drizzled a stream of hot chocolate, thus melting the shell to reveal the fruit sorbet and fresh strawberries tucked inside. Scrumptious and extra points for presentation. I live for the drama!

Cannes as a gay destination isn’t quite ready for its close up; there is no “gay district” a la Hell’s Kitchen or The Castro—the gays are lightly sprinkled throughout the town. The nightlife scene was small but cute. It is not a cruisey destination, at least not in the off-season. Cannes seems like it would make a nice romantic weekend getaway for a couple, or a fun stop over if one is doing a driving adventure along the coastline. And of course, shopaholic queens will have a field day here.

The InterContinental Carlton Hotel is the grande dame of accommodations in Cannes. The very definition of luxury, the Carlton offers 343 rooms, of which approximately 200 have stunning sea views. The hotel also has some old Hollywood history and glamour; Alfred Hitchcock, along with stars Grace Kelly & Cary Grant, shot several scenes of To Catch A Thief here. Several of the palatial suited are named after past presidents of the Film Festival jury, including Jean Cocteau, Sophia Loren, and Clint Eastwood. From the regal ballroom to the Carlton Restaurant to refined, tastefully appointed rooms and suites, this is opulence.

For an extra thrill, consider traveling on the brand-new A380 superjumbo jet. [I’m serious.] Air France is now offering flights to Paris from New York on this plus-sized plane, which features six on board bars, and on the “upper deck” (business and first class), large comfy flatbead seats, individual tv screens, scrumptious food, and champagne, champagne, champagne! From Paris it’s a quick 90 minute flight to Nice, the airport that serves all of the Côte d’Azur, including Cannes.

3.14 Hotel
5 rue Einesy
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 4 92 99 72 00
http://www.3-14hotel.com

1835 White Palm Hotel
1 Boulevard Jean Hibert
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 492 99 73 20
Fax 33 492 99 73 13
http://www.1835-hotel.com/
Email: service-clientele@1835-hotel.com

The InterContinental Carlton Hotel
58 La Croisette
Cannes 06414, France
Tel 33 493 06 40 0
Fax 33 493 06 40 25
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/cannes-carlton

Zanzibar
85 rue Felix-Faure
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 4 93 39 30 75
Open daily from 6pm-4am.
http://lezanzibar.com/

Disco 7
7 rue Rouguière
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 493 39 10 36
http://www.discotheque-le7.com/

Le Night
52 rue Jean Jaures
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 493 39 20 50
http://www.nightlife06.fr/
Email: info@nightlife06.com

Le Sparkling
6-8 rue des Frères Pradignac
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 493 39 71 21
Fax 33 493 43 05 53
http://www.sparkling-cannes.com/
Email: contact@sparklingforyou.com

Maitre Renard
4 rue Saint-Antoine
Cannes 06400, France
Tel. 33 493 39 99 38

360 Restaurant
1835 White Palm Hotel
La Croisette, 1 Boulevard Jean Hibert
Cannes 06400, France
Tél. 33 492 99 73 20
Fax 33 492 99 73 13
http://www.1835-hotel.com/
Email: service-clientele@1835-hotel.com

Île Saint-Honorat
An island just off Cannes with monks and a winery! Need we say more? Find out how to visit!
http://www.abbayedelerins.com/

Palais des Festivals
http://www.palaisdesfestivals.com

H02 Spa
1835 White Palm Hotel
La Croisette, 1 Boulevard Jean Hibert
Cannes 06400, France
Tél. 33 492 99 73 20
Fax 33 492 99 73 13
http://www.1835-hotel.com/
Email: service-clientele@1835-hotel.com

Cannes Rainbow
For all you need to know about what’s tres gay in Cannes right now!
http://www.cannes-rainbow.com/

Air France
Air France will get you to fabulous Cannes like nobody’s business. Book yourself onto the new A380 mega-jet if you’re feeling extra fierce.
http://airfrance.com/indexCOM.html