The Cannes restaurant where you can spot the biggest Hollywood stars

In Cannes, the glamorous French home of the world-famous film festival, the stars are everywhere. I spot Russell Crowe, Robert De Niro, Sophia Loren and Naomi Watts as I make my way to an oceanfront table. I'm spending the afternoon at La Plage du Martinez, a chic beach club in Southern France's ritziest enclave. Today, the stars are represented in name only, their famous monikers embroidered in white on plush blue directors' chairs. But it's a fair bet that Russell, Robert, Naomi and co have clinked glasses of rosé right here.

Striped sunbeds line the private beach, an elegant invitation for a post-lunch snooze. Sunlight dances on the brilliant blue Med. The beach club is across the esplanade from its namesake, the historic art deco gem Hotel Martinez, which first opened its storied doors in 1929. In the almost 100 years since, the hotel has welcomed titans of showbiz, politics and royalty.

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Last year, it was announced that Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert was taking the helm of the hotel's restaurants, starting with summertime offerings at the beach. After reading about Imbert - chef Alain Ducasse's successor at Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, named one of the most important people in France by Vanity Fair magazine and a Top Chef winner - my expectations are high.

The meal starts with a glass of local rosé, of course. We nibble on delicate ricotta-stuffed zucchini flowers and crisp green asparagus. I declare the Provencal panisses the best chickpea fries I've ever tasted.