I've been trying to write a post about my trip to Cannes for quite a while now but have kept on putting it off. Normally I procrastinate when I know that I'm not going to enjoy the task ahead or because I can't think what to write, but for this post it was the complete opposite; I kept on setting the post to the side of my head because there is simply too much that I want to say and I can't possibly put it all into words. Every minute I spent in Cannes was absolutely wonderful, from laying out on the busy beach, bare faced and slathered in factor 50 to getting ready to head out on a night, making the most of what can be an incredibly glitzy and glamorous place. As I sit writing this snuggled in a big jumper and banana print pyjama bottoms listening to the rain beat on my window, it seems even more of a blur than it ever has before, worlds away from what I am used too. It was amazing how much one city offered, that you could find yourself in a bustling food market one minute and outside Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Dolce and Gabanna the next.
If you've followed my blog for a while you'll have seen my visits to Bruges, Paris and Prague to name a few, and though I've loved every one of these cities I've never felt quite so comfortable and relaxed as I did in Cannes. Maybe it's because I had the sparkling blue sea to one side of you and charming buildings, beautiful restaurants and friendly people to the other, and combined with the sun this was basically my idea of heaven. I also feel that I should point out that when I say the sea was sparkling, I mean it, as we realised a few days in to our visit after finding that our bikinis seemed to glimmer an awful lot that the sea actually had glitter in it. I don't know why this is or how this came about, but I loved it (instant full body strobing anyone?).
I didn't know what to expect of Cannes. I was a little worried it would be pretentious and intimidating to be honest, as I often am when im heading somewhere with so many different stories and labels attached. I thought I might be a little out of my depth and spent an awful lot of time wondering what clothes to take and if anything I had was suitable for such a beautiful, glamourous place, but I needn't have worried. It really is an everything goes kind of city and I never felt uncomfortable, however I was dressed. Days were often spent wandering around in the mornings, stopping for a leisurely breakfast, visiting Forville market or hanging out and eating avocado toast before hitting the shops or the beach. The shops in Cannes were AMAZING, from Zara (which was full of bargains when we went. I ended up buying the loveliest red skirt and a wool winter coat that I forced myself to try on despite the 37´C heat) all the way to the friendliest Chanel I've ever been in, plus a whole load of little boutiques selling everything from formal dresses to the daintiest little string bracelets. I didn't even try to seek out secondhand shops the way I normally do when travelling somewhere new and instead found myself wandering around looking at vintage Chanel handbags and Dior skirt suits, nearly new Jimmy Choos and Gucci loafers. Obviously all this secondhand and vintage was out of my price range, but it didn't stop me looking and dreaming!
We were lucky enough to be in Cannes for Bastille Day which meant we got to see the most beautiful firework display take place. I love a good firework display and this one was the best I have ever seen. Watching it while sitting on the beach, squashed together under the palm trees made the whole experience so special .
(I hope this gives you an idea of how happy I felt)
Bethany x
