No Sign of Austerity for Cannes 2012

Equally high-wattage Felix continues to lure supper club diners looking for Cote d'Azur glamour in a dining institution that's been famous since the 1950s. Felix does a showstopper French menu of duck liver terrine, roasted rabbit and Brittany lobster -- not for those trying to squeeze into any tight tuxes or gowns. The festival is also a busy time for the town's numerous Michelin star restaurants, like the showy La Palme d'Or at the Martinez, a popular rendezvous for the biz elite that recently featured its own playful Tim Burton-inspired tasting menu. Other gastronomic standouts include Le Park 45 at the Grand Hotel, making up for the unexpected loss of Mon Reve de Gosses due to a change of ownership this year.

In terms of festival nightlife, look for Baoli to continue its favored status with Cannes regulars while summertime clubs such as Palais and the newer Gotha Club open for festival installments and private events. Nikki Beach returns for its Cannes pop-up with a combination daytime beach club at Grand Hotel's La Plage and evening terrace club atop the Palais Stephanie. Le Baron and VIP Room also return to Cannes this year, with the latter headlining superstars such as Mary J. Blige, Flo Rida and Rick Ross and hosting by London's Cirque du Soir. Additionally, VIP Room will host the premiere of Karl Lagerfeld's annual Chanel movie premiere and rare performance by '80s rock group Duran Duran, one of the hottest tickets of the festival.