Say the word Cannes and you instantly think of the red carpet with famous names, gorgeous outfits and glitzy parties. For this French Riviera town is the nucleus of high fashion, thanks to the film festival that is held here every summer. But Cannes has so much more than that, says influencer Tarini Peshawaria. By Ismat Tahseen
You cannot imagine a vacation spot with more superlatives than Cannes. From the most stylish vacationers strutting around its waterfront boulevard to marinas with lavish mega yachts and beautiful resorts and boutique hotels wherever you look, this city puts travel into the luxury tourism category. The ongoing annual film festival is of course the highlight for this place, but there are interesting things to tick off your travel diary if apart from the glitzy event. Influencer Tarini Peshawaria who was invited to the fest, also took some time out soak in some French-Mediterranean charm. We caught her between all that over a chat…
On the red carpet
“It’s an absolutely surreal experience being here,” is the first thing that Tarini Peshwaria says. “This city has a different vibe all together and I feel so proud to be here to represent India on a global forum like this. I’ve been to the French Riviera before, but never to the city of Cannes. So, it’s my first time to be walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival, and hopefully first of many.”
It must be exciting to savour all that fabulous fashion up close…
She adds, “I think everyone attending the red carpet here looks spectacular and the fashion statements at Cannes are like no other. What I love about this event is that how every individual is dressed in their own unique way and it kind of represents their own personal style. My own red-carpet experience was so much fun. I got to walk the carpet with my husband, which made it even more unforgettable.”
What else can one do in Cannes? List key places to go to, in case you’re not at the film festival.
“Cannes is known for its views and beautiful streets. La Croisette, which is where I was staying as well at the Martinez Hotel is one place I recommend for an afternoon stroll, shopping and to enjoy the beach and palm tree views. Its swanky with a fair share of eateries, shops and clubs. I also highly recommend doing a quick tour to Eze village, not too far from Cannes. It’s such a delightful place, set on a hilltop with a medieval-sense from where you get a lovely view of the sea. I’d advise anyone coming here to make a stop at the Jardin Botanique d’Èze, which is the botanical garden. The trail takes you into a well-laid garden with cacti and it’s a different, unhurried world once inside. There is also a perfumery near to Eze called Fragonard, where one can see how perfumes are made and buy some. Do a workshop which I did and loved that. If you have time at hand, make a trip to Monaco and Nice, which are just around 30-40 minutes away from Cannes and are a must-visit if you’re in the French Riviera! Rent a car and head here to check out the architecture; it’s one for the travel album, for sure,” Tarini admits.
Traipsing through town on a plate
The pleasant summer also played host. She says, “The weather is my favourite thing about Cannes. There’s no place like the French Riviera in summer. It’s warm and breezy to sit outdoors and the sun sets around eight in the evening. The evenings are slightly cooler and you may need a light jacket. But weather wise if there’s a good time to visit Cannes, it’s literally now!”
And like visitors to most of the world’s best cities, Tarini has checked out the restaurant scene and found it was apt for her vegetarian palate. She explains, “The food at Cannes and overall, in the French Riviera is hugely inspired by Italy. I particularly liked the raviolis, homemade gnocchi and fresh pesto pastas here. Since I’m vegetarian, my food preferences are a bit limited when it comes to French cuisine, but if there is one thing I highly recommend, it is the desserts here. The gelatos are to die for and the choux pastries melt in your mouth. It just rounds up the day for me,” she reveals, adding, “One of the days, I decided to chill. So, after I woke up early, showered, and had breakfast in a sunny French cafe, I walked around the city, had a couple of margaritas and just told myself how grateful I was to be here, in this very moment in time.”
Related: Gaurav Gupta, Who Designed Aishwarya’s Sculpted Cannes Gown, On How Places Inspire Him