Cannes

Every May, the most elite Hollywood players flock to the city of Cannes along the French Riviera to screen their latest and attend some of the industry’s most exclusive—and decadent—parties. The next festival begins May 13, 2009.

Who goes: The crème de la crème of Hollywood and international filmmaking, as well as sun-loving film buffs who aren’t afraid to get a little sand on their Christian Louboutins

Getting in: Officially, the Cannes Film Festival is exclusively reserved for film industry professionals or members of the press assigned to cover it. If you aren’t a producer or director type, look into the Cannes Cinéphiles program, which allocates a small number of limited-access passes to film education groups and film enthusiasts. Cinéphiles accreditation won’t give you access to the Palais des Festival, Riviera complex or International Village (the best places to see and be seen), but it will allow you to queue for tickets to the official screenings.

If all else fails, and you’re a real film buff, you could start blogging about the industry. Several film bloggers gained credentials this past year, so with a little dedication, it is possible—if unlikely—to be accredited through this channel.

Beyond these limited categories, there is no public access to Cannes, so you won’t find festival passes or tickets for sale, regardless of what you’re willing to pay.

Off the red carpet: Short of being personally invited by a Hollywood insider—or arriving on the arm of a director, producer or actor—you won’t be attending the announcement of the Palme d’Or. That said, it’s easy to enjoy both the city and the festival with no pass at all.

For instance, catch a flick at the Cinéma de la Plage, a lovely open-air film screen situated on the beach at Plage Mace. Out-of-competition films and classic movies are screened there throughout the festival. If free tickets are required for a screening, they are typically available through the Cannes Tourist Office.

Plan of attack: Spend at least three days in Cannes, even if you haven’t been able to get into a screening. Take a stroll along the Boulevard de la Croisette; it’s the epicenter of the film festival action, so be sure to spend plenty of time on the famed street soaking up the atmosphere.

If star spotting is on the agenda, consider booking a room at one of the most popular hotels for festivalgoers, such as the Carlton, Majestic Barriere, Hotel Martinez or Noga Hilton; all occupy prime real estate along the Croisette. Shopping along the boulevard, where you’ll find boutiques including Hermes, Chanel and Dior, can also prove fruitful for star sightings.

Next: Sundance