LOCATED adjacent to the red-carpeted steps of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, home of the Cannes Film Festival, the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic offers unmatched glamour with a sea view.
Exterior of the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Since opening its gilded doors in 1926, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic has become an important landmark within the world of cinema. Famous actors, actresses and directors from every era have wandered the mirrored hallways celebrating a film premiere. The hotel was also the setting of the 1963 French film, Mélodie en Sous-sol, starring Alain Delon and Jean Gabin.
Lobby & reception area of the Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Eager staff and glimmering chandeliers greet me upon my arrival at Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic. After checking in with ease, I make myself at home in my ocean and pool view room stocked with welcome treats and, you wouldn’t believe it, a pillow menu. The hotel’s pillow menu allows guests to choose a selection of pillows, so they can find one best suited for a good night’s sleep – this is one of many unique amenities the hotel implements that set it apart from other luxury hotels.
Ocean view room
There are two restaurants on-site, including Paradiso Nicole et Pierre, a fine dining experience that pays homage to the surrounding Mediterranean and Italian regions. Sitting poolside on the candle-lit terrace, I enjoy a selection of antipasti dishes, including an extraordinary burrata, truffle arancini and orzo zucchini flower fritters. For my main, I have the truffle parmesan rigatoni, which I go on to order the following day again.
The ingredients are sourced locally and often sourced that morning at a local market. Last but not least, I finish off my meal with the rich Acarigua chocolate fondant. Surely, this is what dreams are made of: eating chocolate cake poolside on a summer evening in the south of France.
Paradiso Nicole et Pierre’s outdoor dining terrace
The following morning begins with a wake-up call from the Cannes sunshine streaming through my balcony glass doors. I venture downstairs to Fouquet’s, the brasserie-style restaurant where the continental breakfast is being served. I am welcomed by an impressive selection of pastries, an omelette bar, warm french toast and pancakes, but most importantly, a mimosa station with self-service champagne and fresh orange juice. Like I said earlier, unmatched glamour.
Poolside dining set up at Fouquet’s
The glamour continues at the Spa Diane Barrière. After spending a day lounging in the sun at the hotel’s private beach, the skincare specialists come to my rescue, analysing my skin and then developing a treatment tailored to my needs. A personalised experience is a theme throughout the hotel, starting with the pillow menu to the vast range of activities available for guests at request. Every guest can have a holiday designed to fit their interests, a cooking lesson with chef Pierrick Cizeron for the culinary inclined or a tour of a nearby island which houses a monastery winery for history lovers.
The onsite Spa Diane Barrière facilities
Cinephiles, families, or any guest after a bottomless champagne breakfast can find exactly what they are looking for and more. The Hotel Barrière Le Majestic is an extravagant stay that references a bygone age of decadence. Situated in the heart of Cannes, it offers the perfect window or, shall I say, a silver screen into the beloved seaside city’s history.
The Hotel Barrière Le Majestic’s private beach & dock
by Jamison Kent
Rooms begin at £154 a night.
To make a reservation or for more information here.