I'm a Big Fan of The French Town Cannes

During my first year of University I was faced with a decision; go to Cannes for a few days in between two of my summer exams or stay in Leeds and study (it didn't take me long to decide)! So with on exam done and one to go, I hopped on a flight to France and then took a bus to Cannes where the annual film festival was taking place (after all, I was studying film so this was technically research, right)?

It may have been summer back home, but the weather up north was nothing compared to that of Cannes. With scorching sun beaming down on our skin, I felt filled with warmth knowing I was indulging in my two favourite things; travel and films. We started off by exploring the town a little. It had an abundance of shops which lured me in and begged me to buy something (I ended up opting for a bikini from Calzedonia, one of the more reasonably priced shops). With a swimsuit in hand, it seemed rude not to test it out, so down to the sea I went to cool off. The beach was so quiet, it felt like we had it exclusively to ourselves! So far, I was loving every minute.

We also took time to go explore the old town which boasted beautiful churches and a great view of the town below. On our way back down we stopped at a buzzing food market which had so many delicious options, it was almost torture not being able to buy it all. We did, however, manage to limit ourselves and put together a tasty picnic to eat back on the balcony of our Airbnb.

With the film festival in full swing, we went to watch everyone arrive on the red carpet. Slicked back hair and cocktail dresses were being flaunted everywhere as I gazed at the dazzling film stars. We also managed to go to a screening which was such a wonderful experience.

Towards the end of our trip, I had a bit of an epiphany. I'd always wanted another tattoo and with a parlour opposite our Airbnb, it seemed like fate. I just never knew what I wanted to get... until now. The Cannes film festival logo is a dainty leaf and I was sold. So, spontaneously I decided to go and get it done. Twenty minutes later I had been inked and I couldn't have been happier with it.

We celebrated by walking up the twisted cobbled streets of the old town and feasting on a last meal. Afterwards we bumped into a director (everyone goes out for drinks after the films of that day have been screened). Having worked on The Matrix and Fight Club, he gave me his card! (So I guess the trip really had been worth it in terms of networking)! The next day we had a last stroll through the gorgeous town before boarding the bus and flying home. Thankfully there were no delays so I did make my exam (and I didn't fail despite the lack of revision immediately before hand).

It had been a fabulous break and so worth it, especially considering the flights had only been £17 (my mum has a talent for finding amazing deals, I don't know how she does it)! I couldn't have turned it down and I'm so glad I didn't, sometimes there's nothing better than a few unexpected days away.