Far from suites costing several thousand pounds a night, some celebrities have opted for a simpler, more authentic lifestyle, with comfortable mobile homes, barbecue evenings and rosé aperitifs at a campsite near Cannes. According to several witnesses, Leonardo DiCaprio was seen setting up his camping chair near pitch 42, while Margot Robbie tried her hand at morning aqua aerobics in the campsite's swimming pool between signing autographs.
Even Robert Pattinson was seen hitting a few balls on the ping-pong table, clearly delighted to ‘rediscover a little humanity’, according to a camper who was thrilled to have taken a selfie with her idol.
But the highlight of the show came at the end of the afternoon: a legendary game of pétanque between Jean-Paul Belmondo and Lino Ventura – or at least their perfect lookalikes – under the amused gaze of holidaymakers and a few stunned photographers.
The initiative was born out of a desire to ‘reconnect with the real public’, according to a press officer... or perhaps it was just a very clever publicity stunt.
At least, that's what they say. After all, the real stars may still be sleeping in their palaces with sea views, private spas and 24-hour room service... Or not.