Super Sexy Twins

Yes, we thought that would get your most undivided attention. We're actually referring to the practice of pairing cities across the globe as a way to foster human and cultural links amongst nations. Stereotypically most towns get twinned with unpronounceable Welsh villages with 6 ‘Ls' and super long signposts or at best a Ukrainian back post. But not our very own festival-crazy Cannes.

Cannes is twinned with none other than the other most glamorous place on earth, Beverly Hills. Some places have all the twinning luck. So here's a Cannes versus Beverly Hills 'essential' facts rundown:

1. Beverly Hills is part of a Platinum Triangle. Cannes is not even part of the Golden Triangle (Beaulieu, St Jean Cap-Ferrat and Villefranche). Neither of the twins have had any dealings with the Bermuda Triangle.
2. In the 10th Century Cannes was called Canua, probably meaning 'reed'. In the 10th century Beverly Hills was not even a twinkle in Columbus' eye.
3. Cannes has islands called Les Lérins. With monks on. Beverly Hills is not a ‘religious Mecca'. It's more of a good time place for cosmetic surgeons.
4. Beverly Hills is the most expensive housing market in the United States (average home $2.2 million). The most expensive houses in France are the Parisian private mansions or 'hotels particuliers' at 100 million euros ($130m).
5. Cannes has a Palm Beach. Beverly Hills does not.
6. Cannes's population is exactly twice as big as Beverly Hills' 35,000.
7. Beverly Hills is 5.7 square miles and Cannes is 7.5 square miles.

Okay, so our glamour 'twins' aren't so twin-like after all. But let's compare their real estate offerings. And see just how much bang you get for your Euro and how much bang you get for your Buck.

Well for just under $8m, your Buck can buy you 930m2 (10,000sq ft) of living space in a gated estate right in the heart of Beverly Hills. This stunner (pictured above) has 6 large en suite bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms and a two-story guest house. The master wing (no less) features a fireplace, hardwood floors, a lovely patio, his and hers deluxe bathrooms with jet tubs, sauna and walk-in closets. And it's all set in half an acre of lush landscaping with waterfalls, 2 outdoor hot-tubs and the best bit is the waterslide into the sparkling lagoon pool. We like.

And back on the French Riviera, for €8.9m you can also bag yourself exactly 930m2 of living space. And in this lovely property (pictured below) the space is split between the main house (600m2), a guest house (185m2), two independent 1-bedroom apartments and an independent studio. You also get stunning panoramic views over the Bay of Cannes and the Esterel, 2 swimming pools, a Jacuzzi, a pool house, tennis courts and a 4,500m2 landscaped garden.