How a quaint French seaside town became host to the world’s most glamorous film festival

Cannes is what France has instead of Lytham St Annes in Lancashire. Both are modest seaside resorts, slightly more stylish than their neighbors. Both have pleasant coastlines, a long history of sea bathing and many retirees.

The main difference is that while Lytham St Annes has potted prawns, Cannes has the world's most important film festival. Depending on who you listen to, it's the second or third media event in the world (after the Olympics and maybe the World Cup).

This year 77 ^e version kicks off on May 14 at the Riviera resort's Palais des Festivals. Camille Cottin (from ...