Last Updated on March 4, 2025
A stay in a film star favourite hotel
After Hollywood, there is only one place on earth that is as synonymous with the allure and chic of the red carpet. Cannes is about as close to Hollywood as you get in Europe, with the film industry’s megastars descending on its pristine shores for its annual film festival. Le Majestic Barrière Cannes plays host to a number of celebrities during the festivities, and it would be nigh on impossible to book when the festival is in full swing. Staying at this bijoux gem on the Cote D’Azur in the off-season, is about as close as us mere mortals can get to unravelling the mystique of celebrity.
The Majestic is a hotel steeped in rich history, and one ultimately tied to the development of Cannes. It was a city made prosperous by the advent of the railways in the nineteenth century, becoming yet another haven on the French Riviera and a destination for Parisians to while away hours on a pristine sandy beach. The luxury hotels, such as the Majestic itself, didn’t arrive until the early twentieth century, when a host of artisans began to redevelop the city in a bid to capitalise on its increasing tourism.
The Majestic was first conceived in 1924 when Henri Ruhl commissioned architect Théo Petit to design a hotel on the Croisette, a long boulevard that, to this day, snakes along Cannes’ seafront. The first wing of the building was able to open two years later, becoming a bold statement of the art deco world on the city’s pristine shore.
Today, the building’s façade is as opulent as it ever has been. The hotel’s signature uniformity, characterised by arching windows and bright red canopies, capture a French sophistication that is oh so chic! Although history has not always been kind to the Majestic, as indicated by its brief stint as a military hospital during World War Two, the hotel is a testament to a rich and varied history. I imagine that the Majestic is beloved by stars, not just for its glamour and excellent service, but for the stories its walls could tell – if they chose to speak.
Speaking to Gilles Bastoni, Clef d’Or Concierge at the Majestic, he explained: “My father used to be the head concierge here for 40 years, I’m very proud of taking over from my dad, who was very proud of the hotel and its history.
“I love my job, because it’s always challenging, I never know what the next guest is going to ask me, and you cannot say no, so you need to find a solution.”
The restaurants at the Majestic are second to none. Blessed with three restaurants, a traditional French bistro, Italian terrace and (my personal favourite) a seafood forward beach bar, there is little need to leave the hotel to find a bite to eat.
Fouquet’s, their swanky bistro, has perfected a number of French classics like beef tartare, French onion soup, a succulent braised beef, and a cracking crème brûlée. At night, the restaurant feels like a swanky members club, complete with art deco light fittings and gold detailing. In the morning, the space is soaked in natural light, becoming the perfect place to grab a coffee, recover from the night before, and enjoy the breakfast buffet.
Breakfast is taken very seriously at the Majestic. It is the only hotel I’ve ever visited to a fresh sheet of honeycomb (from their rooftop hive) at a breakfast buffet, not to mention the dangerous inclusion of free-flowing champagne. Every indulgence you could think of is accounted for, croissants, omelettes, pastry, fry ups, you name it – it’s all there. The breakfast room service options are plentiful too, nothing is spared, including your own personal set of French jams.
After breakfast, its lounge time, and there is nothing like a spa to help you unwind. The Spa Diane Barrière, has been expertly curated as a relaxing environment for a treatment. With so many options to choose from, including restorative facials and full body massages, don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back for round two.
The hotel also has a fully functioning gym and sauna, and a small ‘au terrace’ pool and bar. Although the pool is more for serene sunbathing than doing lengths, the hotel’s proximity to the beach means that you can get your fitness fix in the sea, whilst soaking in Cannes’ extraordinary beach views.
Undeniably, these views are best enjoyed from the hotel’s penthouses, that are perfect for larger groups and events. Their largest, the Majestic Suite, even includes a private rooftop pool that overlooks the entire bay. Even in the autumn and winter, Cannes is a good few degrees warmer than England and northern France, so it’s worth checking the hotel’s availability in the colder months.
There isn’t much to do in Cannes but park your yacht in the bay and head for the nearest beach bar or designer outlet. Quite frankly, however, that is all part of the city’s charm. Away from the festival, there is a tranquillity about Cannes, a pleasant hazy quietness that makes it an ideal luxury weekend away – even for those of us who can’t drop a few million on a yacht to float near the Majestic’s private pontoon.
Doing very little, or even nothing at all, is best done by the sea, and within arm’s reach of an ice-cold glass of champagne. I can’t think of a better place for this than the Majestic.
Le Majestic Barrière Cannes
Address: 10 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France
Telephone: +33 4 92 98 77 00
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