Cannes

Cannes may be a festival for film, but it's also a social festival: many people come to Cannes solely for the parties.

"I've never been to a film at the festival," says Cannes veteran, who comes to the festival every year to attend some of the best parties and most exclusive clubs in the world.

While most of these parties are expensive and very exclusive, there are some, especially during the day, that are more opened to the general public--at least to those who can pay. For 30 Euros (and a reservation), you can get yourself a transat (lounge chair) at the popular Pool Beach, ouside the Palm Beach casino at the far end of the Croisette.

Yesterday, the beach was hopping, although the median age was about 20 years old, as a mix of French and foreign beach-goers braved the cold and imposing grey skies for a few hours of sun at the tip of the Croisette. Seats at the exclusive beach are by reservation only, and some people came in onto the pontoon from little put-put boats to join the crowd gathered along the shore. A DJ mixed house and electronica by the pool, where dancers performed and people lounged and picked at lunch.

Around 4:00, raindrops began to fall, and many people (including yours truly) fled the scene in search of clearer skies, or at least a roof. Some braved the rain, however, and as evening fell, the party started up again, with many people climbing into the pool for a swim and grabbing another bottle at the bar before heading elsewhere for another fabulous festival soirée.

- Emily Monaco