Carlton Terrace Champagne Hour

The terrace where deals are made during Film Festival. During those two weeks in May, more movie deals per square meter happen here than anywhere on Earth. Today, you'll get the corner table for €35 and a smile.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Claim the Corner Position Adventure · Free

   The table where you see AND are seen.

   Arrive at 17:30 for golden hour. Request the far-left corner table facing La Croisette (not the sea). This is the position where producers sat during Festival. The angle lets you watch the promenade while remaining visible.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Order the House Champagne Wine · Price: high

   Ruinart - their surprisingly good house pour.

   Order Ruinart Brut by the glass (€35). This is their house champagne and excellent value for the setting. Nurse it slowly - the view and people-watching are free after the first sip.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Count the Paparazzi Positions History · Free · Optional

   The permanent photography spots that activate during Festival.

   Look at the street in front of the Carlton. Notice the slightly raised curb sections? Those are paparazzi positions - marked spots where photographers are allowed to stand during Festival. Count them. Each one represents a moment that became a magazine cover.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Walk-in OK before 18:00, after that it's luck

• Corner table facing Croisette (not sea) is the power position

• Ruinart Brut by the glass (€35) is their house pour - excellent value for the setting

• During Film Festival (mid-May), this table costs €500 minimum. Any other time, it's yours for a glass.