The August summer heat and humidity in Cannes is always difficult for me. Lots of tourists, half of which seem to leave their brains at home. Combine that with all the noise from summer renovations (first there was a new real estate agent across the road, followed by a tanning salon that went on and on, and finally an apartment downstairs). Everyone likes to think summer is the time for wonderful warm and peaceful vacations, yet for myself peace and tranquillity come in the autumn and winter months; when people resume the rhythm of their day-to-day lives.

Still, Cannes does have many a calm moment: sitting in cafés drinking tea or wine watching the world go by; walking along the Croisette in the early mornings or late evenings; just being at home watching the sun set over the Estérel hills.