People-watching in Cannes

Some go just to glimpse the stars, but there's so much more to see

A woman poses across from the Palais des Festivals on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

During the 11 days of the Cannes Film Festival, the seaside down along the French Riviera becomes one of the great people-watching places in the world.

There are stars to see, of course -- each day features multiple premieres on the famed "montées des marches" which ascend into the Grand Théâtre Lumière. But what I find equally engaging is the spectacle of the not famous, for whom attending a premiere also presents an occasion for making a style statement.

​These are some photos of the activity at night near the Grand Palais.

A woman holds the feathery part of her gown as she crosses the rue des Serbes near the Palais. Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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A couple poses for photos outside the Majestic Barrière Hotel near the Grand Palais. Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Along the avenue de la Croisette Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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On the rue des Serbes, approaching avenue de la Croisette Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Two young men on the avenue de la Croisette Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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A woman waits to enter the Grand Palais for the premiere of "Bulhandang" on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Along the avenue de la Croisette, Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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On the avenue de la Croisette Saturday, May 27, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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A couple on the corner of rue des Serbes and avenue de la Croisette, Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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A young man offering magazines about Belgian cinema, outside the casino next to the Grand Palais, Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Outside the Grand Palais, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Bellbottoms outside the Grand Palais on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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On the Croisette Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Giving good pose on the Croisette, Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Posing outside the Grand Palais on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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On the avenue de la Croisette by rue des Serbes, Monday, May 22, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Approaching the Grand Palais, Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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On the Croisette Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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White tuxedo jacket, black tuxedo pants on the Croisette Saturday, May 27, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Couple on the Croisette Saturday, May 27, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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A woman waits at a security checkpoint before heading towards the Grand Palais, Saturday, May 27, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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You're never too old to rock some style. Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Simple beauty. Heading towards the Grand Palais on Friday, May 26, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey

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Waiting for a town car behind the Grand Palais, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Photo by Matt Carey