Cannes Film Festival Yacht Charter

For over seven decades, Cannes has provided the ultimate stage for cinematic excellence, red-carpet spectacle, and exclusive social gatherings. During the festival, the city transforms into a hub of creativity, luxury, and high-profile networking, making it an exceptional match for an extended Cannes yacht charter.

Superyachts line the waterfront, private parties fill the evenings, and the world’s leading filmmakers, actors, and producers gather to celebrate the art of cinema against one of Europe’s most iconic coastal backdrops.

• Location: Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, Cannes, France
• Event Type: International film festival & industry market
• Dates: Annually in May
• Audience: Film professionals, producers, directors, press, industry leaders, invited guests
• Known For: World premieres, red carpet appearances, exclusive after-parties, Palme d’Or awards
• Ideal For: Corporate hospitality, entertainment-focused yacht charters, networking events
• Best Berths: Vieux Port (Old Port), Jetée Albert Edouard, Port Pierre Canto

Evolving over the years but preserving its core values: a love of cinema, the discovery of new talent, and uniting professionals and journalists from around the world, every year, a new jury of judges awards a series of accolades at the Cannes Film Festival, including the iconic Palme d'Or.

In 2022, the festival celebrated its 75th anniversary, but the star-studded event shows no sign of slowing down and continues to be one of the world’s most widely publicized events and a real highlight of a Mediterranean yacht charter.

At the heart of the event stands the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, positioned directly opposite Cannes’ Old Port. This landmark venue hosts official screenings, press events, awards ceremonies, and red carpet appearances.

The surrounding Croisette boulevard becomes the festival’s main artery, lined with luxury hotels, pop-up hospitality suites, fashion houses, and brand activations. Temporary beach lounges and private event spaces extend along the waterfront, creating a seamless connection between the marina, city, and screening venues.

This compact layout places yacht charters in immediate proximity to the festival’s most important locations, allowing guests to move effortlessly between onboard hosting, screenings, and social engagements.

Adding to the festival's sparkling allure is the fleet of West Mediterranean yacht charters lined up in and around Cannes. With close proximity to Vieux Port, the star-studded event is an ideal platform for a corporate yacht charter, which will act as a private and indulgent setting for hosting parties, fine dining functions, live entertainment, and meetings on board.

Charter guests who want to be close to all the action are advised to book as early as possible to secure a limited availability berth along the Jetee Edouard Albert.

Palme d'Or (Top Prize)

The most prestigious award presented at the Cannes Film Festival, the Palme d’Or is given to the best film in the official competition. This honor has historically launched the careers of many acclaimed directors and solidified the reputations of established filmmakers. Past winners include iconic films such as Pulp Fiction, Parasite, and The Tree of Life. The selection process is highly competitive, with films from around the world vying for this coveted recognition.

Cannes also offers several other awards to recognize outstanding cinematic achievements, with the Grand Prix - considered the second-highest honor, plus other major awards such as Best Director, Best Screenplay, and acting honors for Best Actor and Best Actress. 

Many of the world’s most anticipated films premiere at Cannes, resulting in an immersive variety of screenings, including Competition, Out of Competition, and Special Screenings. Directors often choose Cannes to debut their work due to its reputation for showcasing high-quality films. 

In addition to the main competition, the Un Certain Regard section of the festival highlights innovative and daring films, often featuring emerging filmmakers. This category provides a platform for bold storytelling and diverse cinematic voices. Special screenings and midnight showings also offer space for experimental, documentary, and genre films that may not fit into the competition but are still considered important contributions to cinema.

In addition to the main program of awards and screenings, the Cannes Film Festival also acknowledges legendary filmmakers, actors, and industry figures with Honorary Palme d’Or awards for their lifetime achievements. These awards recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on cinema. Past recipients include George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, and Meryl Streep, as well as international icons like Agnès Varda and Jean-Luc Godard. 

Chartering a yacht during the Cannes Film Festival provides a level of access, comfort, and privacy unmatched by hotels or shore-based hospitality.

A yacht rental offers a discreet yet prestigious base, allowing guests to host meetings, entertain clients, relax between screenings, and enjoy bespoke dining experiences, all within a short walk of the festival’s main venues.

Onboard chefs, attentive crew, and customizable event layouts transform each yacht into a floating luxury venue, ideal for both corporate and social hosting. Whether used for intimate gatherings or high-profile receptions, yacht charters deliver unmatched flexibility and exclusivity throughout the event.

Attendance at the Cannes Film Festival is primarily invitation-based, with accreditation reserved for film professionals, media representatives, and official guests. Public ticket sales are extremely limited, with most screenings accessible only via festival accreditation.

Private hospitality events, brand activations, and yacht-hosted receptions typically operate independently of official festival access, allowing charter guests to experience the social side of Cannes even without formal screening credentials.

Charter brokers and event planners often assist in coordinating access to private functions, beach clubs, and networking receptions during the festival period.

Combining the Cannes Film Festival with a luxurious South of France yacht charter, the glamorous seaside town of Cannes transforms into an unforgettable destination, buzzing with exclusive receptions, star-studded parties, and elegant dinners.

Local Attractions

• Le Suquet (Old Town): A historic hilltop district offering panoramic views across Cannes and the Bay of La Napoule, paired with charming streets and traditional architecture.
• Îles de Lérins: A serene island escape just offshore, the home to historic monasteries, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful anchorages.
• Musée sous-marin de Cannes: An innovative underwater sculpture park providing a unique diving and snorkeling experience beneath the Mediterranean surface.

• Table 22 by Noël Mantel: A contemporary fine-dining venue showcasing seasonal Provençal flavors with creative presentation.
• Astoux et Brun: A celebrated seafood institution near the Old Port, renowned for premium shellfish and refined French coastal cuisine.

How far in advance should I book a yacht for the Cannes Film Festival?
Berths and yachts often sell out 9–12 months in advance, particularly for prime waterfront positions.

Is Cannes suitable for corporate yacht hospitality?
Yes. Cannes is one of the world’s premier destinations for corporate entertainment, networking, and brand hosting.

Can I attend events without official festival accreditation?
Many private receptions, yacht parties, and brand-hosted events operate independently of festival screening access.

Can the festival be combined with a longer Riviera yacht charter?
Absolutely. Many itineraries blend the Cannes Film Festival with cruising along the French and Italian Rivieras.

As competition for a berth during the festival is high, it is recommended that you book early. For more information on planning a Cannes Film Festival yacht charter, or to integrate a visit into an existing booking, speak to your preferred yacht charter broker today for details on availability and yacht charter costs.

Alternatively, find your dream yacht by viewing all luxury yacht charters on YachtCharterFleet, the largest curated collection of superyacht charters.