The Eighth Chapter: Cannes today

Along the Croisette in Cannes

Yesterday I went into Cannes to go to the Brocante. I recently saw a definition of a Brocante that said its more upscale than a flea market, but does not have expensive antiques. Those are saved for the antique stores. They do have second hand stores that are called "secours" ( rescue) but it would not be advisable to go into them.

I got on the highway to drive the 12 miles or so and after 2.90 euro ( about $4 US) I was in a maze that wound down to Cannes. Follow the signs closely and be careful of traffic infractions. There are police everywhere looking to give tickets.

I have driven in Cannes a few times and know that it very stressful and very confusing. I had hoped to get to the parking lot for Le Palais, where the film Festival is held, but I missed it so had to go into the heart of the shopping district...all one way streets. I managed to find the parking structure that I was looking for and parked the car. I walked through town wandering down the main shopping street Le Rue D'Antibes. It is chock full of all kinds of shops, clothes, food, banks, movie theaters. It is one way down to the sea but mostly pedestrian. I saw many fabulous people, many furs a lot of plastic surgery.

Cannes is a fun place. I really enjoy walking around. There is always something interesting to see.

I got down to where I thought the Brocante would be held, and it was not there. I find out later that there is a building that holds the Brocantes on Monday that is off the main area. I will try again another day.

So I just walked down the Croisette, along the beach. It was a beautiful day. I really wanted to go into one of the restaurants on the beach. In the summer they are packed and I could have gone into one, but I am now leery of going alone.

I walked past many. Each hotel has a restaurant on the beach as well as an area for chairs and umbrellas. They separate from each other by the color of their beach umbrellas. In the summer it is colorful ,there are people in the water and it is usually packed,

I could look down into the restaurants that are enclosed in glass, right on the beach and I could see fabulous people having lunch discussing fascinating subjects. I could not see their heads as they were cut off by a low roof. There were men in groups of four in close fitting suits using there wide open arms to express themselves. I could see women with long crossed at the ankle legs and heavy high heels leaning forward to hear what their partner had said.

I felt uncomfortable intruding. I could not see how I would fit in sitting there alone with my book. So i kept walking down Le Croisette.

I did go into The Carlton, just to see what it looked like. The lobby was small but beautifully white with staircases and rooms going off in every direction. The ceiling was very high and there was sculptures of candies in wrappers....solid aluminum color.

I walked in and out and a door man said to me...

Tres Rapide! "