Arriving in France on 8 May, the Olympic torch made a stopover at the Croisette on its way across the country

While the new films by Christophe Honoré and Paolo Sorrentino were screened on Tuesday evening, the Olympic torch kept a low profile amid all the glitz and glamour.

The flame on the red carpet for its cinematic ‘quarter of an hour

The Cannes Festival, accustomed to welcoming the biggest stars, welcomed a special guest on Tuesday 21 May. After travelling through several French departments since its arrival in Marseille, the Olympic flame made its way up the steps in the early evening.

Flashbulbs went off everywhere, immortalising a moment that is as unique as it is memorable in this place where magic meets the irrational.