Dreams along the boulevard

At the heart of the Cannes Film Festival, which ends today, is the Boulevard de la Croisette, stretching along the Mediterranean from the old harbor to the Croisette headland. While thousands of eyes are focused on arrivals at the nearby Palais des Festivals, there is no lack of visual stimulation along the promenade.

Some patrons of the grand hotels lounge seaside under dreamy umbrellas, while others find a quiet spot to rest next to an idle carnival ride. And some give change to a shimmering mime who pretends to film visitors.

But the red carpet beckons like a mythological siren, and those who carry camera bags are among the many who must answer her call. After a brief respite from the chaos of the festival, tuxedo-clad photographers once again jockey for position behind the thick white ropes.

-- Genaro Molina