Your Cannes experience needn't be limited to screenings
Your Cannes experience needn’t be limited to screenings at the Palais and cruising the Croisette
Two hours: Ready to atone for last night’s depravity? Saunter about 2 kilometers out of town to the Bellini Chapel (67 Avenue de Vallauris Parc Fiorentina), built in 1894 by Count Vitali. This quaint Baroque-style church features a facade of statues, but inside you’ll discover an artist’s atelier. Self-taught painter Emmanuel Bellini used this space as a studio for over 30 years, up until his death in 1989. The chapel has become a museum of his vibrant Impressionistic works and his daughter, Lucette, now conducts tours. It’s one of those deliciously provincial experiences that shouldn’t be missed. To arrange a visit, call ahead (+ 33-(0)4-93-38-61-80).
Half-day: Tee for two? The Cannes-Mougins Country Club — just 10 minutes outside the city — features 18 holes in a 72-par course nestled in the heart of the Valmasque forest. Designed in 1977 by Brits Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, the greens were originally the putting playground of the Aga Khan and Prince Pierre of Monaco. Think rolling hills and expect to cross water. More recently, Greg Norman and Severiano Ballestero have teed off at this club. The European Open used to take place here and the course now hosts a stop on the PGA Senior Tour. Though the club is private, non-members can play €120 per round; it’s €90 for nine holes. Expect to tack on an additional €40 for a golf cart and €35 for clubs rental. After a few hours on the greens, hit the clubhouse’s 175 restaurant in a 17th century olive oil mill. You’ll have views of the distant French Alps and feast on such fare as roasted saddle of lamb with eggplant tartin prepared by Michelin-star chef Francis Cardaillac. Address: 175 Chemin de la Bouillide, Mougins; phone: + 33 (0)4-93-75-79-13; Web: Golf-cote-azur.com.
Full Day: After an afternoon of marathon negotiations with Danish distributors, the best way to see Cannes is from afar. At Dolmen Yachts, you can charter a classy little vintage cruiser like Mabrouka, a 1926 motor yacht once owned by Laurence Olivier. Outfitted with a saloon and on-deck dining table, this 60-foot historic monument can handle 14 guests and rents for €2,500 per day. For €1,000 less, you can round up a group that totals a dozen and take over La Cle de Sol. This 44-foot, 1953 sailing craft once housed a Steinway baby grand piano for the baron who piloted it around the world in the mid-’60s. Dolmen also has faster, flashier yachts. Phone: + 44-78-02-30-16-19; Web: Dolmenyachts.com.