Posing for a selfie on the 22 steps leading up to the main entrance to this concrete bunker – unlikely host to the world’s most glamorous film festival – at the western end of La Croisette is a Cannes essential. Afterwards, wander along the Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma , a footpath of 46 celebrity hand imprints in the pavement – pick up the start of it with the hands of Meryl Streep in front of the tourist office.
The only way to enter the festival building and walk into the auditorium, tread the stage and learn about cinema’s most glamorous event is with a Palais des Festivals guided tour organised by the Cannes tourist office . Tours can only be booked in person at the tourist office; check dates on its website.
