Your Guide to Cannes Yachting Festival
The Cannes Edit 2026
September 8–13, 2026
Each September, Cannes becomes the center of the international yachting world. Cannes Yachting Festival brings together more than 700 yachts and boats across Vieux Port and Port Canto, creating six days of yacht debuts, private tours, sea trials, waterfront dining and Riviera evenings.
Whether you are visiting to explore your next yacht, meet with the industry’s leading shipyards or simply enjoy the atmosphere along La Croisette, there is much more to Cannes than the show itself.
Here is our guide to experiencing Cannes Yachting Festival in 2026.
Begin at Vieux Port
Located beside Palais des Festivals and beneath the historic Le Suquet district, Vieux Port is the center of the festival’s motor yacht displays.
This is where visitors can discover new models, tour the latest launches and meet with many of the world’s leading yacht builders, designers and marine specialists.
The show is extensive, so review the yacht list before arriving and arrange private appointments in advance. Leave room in your schedule for unexpected discoveries… some of the most interesting yachts are often found while walking the docks.
Off to Port Canto
At the opposite end of La Croisette, Port Canto is home to sailing yachts, brokerage yachts, water toys and the powerboat marina.
Rather than trying to cover both ports in one rushed visit, dedicate a half day to each. This allows time for meaningful yacht tours, conversations and a proper look at the vessels that interest you most.
Private Yacht Tour
Cannes Yachting Festival offers the rare opportunity to compare a broad selection of yachts in one destination.
Step aboard, examine layouts, speak with shipyard representatives and explore the differences between models in person.
For serious buyers, private appointments provide the best experience. Your yacht broker can coordinate access, organize a focused tour schedule and arrange sea trials when available.
Walk La Croisette
Between appointments, take time to walk Cannes’ famous waterfront boulevard.
La Croisette connects the festival’s two ports and passes many of the city’s most recognizable hotels, boutiques, beaches and restaurants.
Early mornings are particularly enjoyable, before the docks and surrounding streets become busy. Stop for coffee, walk along the waterfront and take in the changing skyline of yachts arriving for the show.
Where to Eat During Cannes Yachting Festival
Reservations during festival week can be extremely difficult to secure. Confirm lunches, dinners and transportation well in advance, particularly for larger groups.
La Guérite
Located in a rocky cove on Île Sainte-Marguerite, La Guérite is one of the Riviera’s most sought-after lunch destinations. This is not a quick show-day lunch. Make an afternoon of it, arrange transportation by boat and choose a later seating for the livelier experience. Best for: A celebratory lunch, entertaining clients or an afternoon away from the show.
Palm Beach Cannes
Located at Pointe Croisette near Port Canto, Palm Beach brings several major restaurants and nightlife concepts together in one waterfront destination. Its location makes it particularly convenient after an afternoon exploring Port Canto.
Medusa
Part restaurant, part cabaret and part club, Medusa is designed for a full evening rather than a quiet dinner. Expect entertainment, theatrical interiors and a late-night atmosphere. Best for: Dinner that continues into the evening.
La Petite Maison
La Petite Maison offers Mediterranean dining with views toward Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands. The atmosphere is polished but relaxed, making it a strong choice for a client dinner or long lunch. Best for: Refined Mediterranean dining with a view.
Il Grande
Located beneath Palm Beach’s iconic dome, Il Grande draws inspiration from the glamour and energy of 1960s Italy. It is dramatic, celebratory and ideal for groups. Best for: Italian food, a festive atmosphere and group dinners.
Zuma
Zuma Cannes serves contemporary Japanese izakaya-style cuisine in a stylish waterfront setting. It remains one of Palm Beach’s most popular destinations for dinner and drinks. Best for: Contemporary Japanese dining and a sophisticated evening near Port Canto.
La Môme
There are two distinct La Môme experiences in Cannes. La Môme Cannes is located on Rue Florian and offers a lively, Mediterranean-inspired dinner atmosphere in the center of the city. La Môme Plage sits directly on La Croisette, combining a private beach, sunbeds and waterfront dining. Choose the restaurant for an energetic evening or La Môme Plage for a long lunch and an afternoon by the water. Best for: A social dinner in town or a full beach-club afternoon.
Lucia
Lucia is a colorful beachfront restaurant, bar and sunbed destination on La Croisette. Its vibrant interiors and relaxed waterfront atmosphere make it a welcome break between show appointments. Best for: A relaxed lunch, drinks by the water or an afternoon beach reservation.
Beefbar Cannes
Located inside Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, Beefbar offers premium cuts, grilled dishes and the brand’s street-food-inspired menu. Its central Cannes location makes it particularly convenient following a day at Vieux Port. Best for: A business dinner, meat-focused menu or convenient evening near Palais des Festivals.
The Grill at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
For an evening outside central Cannes, reserve dinner at The Grill at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The restaurant’s panoramic waterfront terrace provides a memorable setting for an elegant dinner overlooking the Mediterranean. Allow additional travel time to Cap d’Antibes and arrive early enough to enjoy the surroundings before dinner. Best for: Sunset dining, a special occasion or a quieter evening away from central Cannes.
Luxury hotels
Where to stay during the Cannes Yachting festival
Carlton Cannes
Located directly on Boulevard de la Croisette, Carlton Cannes offers one of the most convenient and recognizable addresses during festival week. Guests are positioned between Vieux Port and Port Canto, with easy access to the waterfront, restaurants and show activity.
Choose Carlton Cannes for: A central location, convenient access to the show and the energy of Cannes during festival week.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc
Set within private grounds at the tip of Cap d’Antibes, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc offers a quieter Riviera experience away from the center of Cannes. This is the choice for guests who prefer to retreat from the activity of the show at the end of the day. Transportation should be planned carefully, particularly around festival opening and closing times.
Choose Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc for: Privacy, resort surroundings and a destination experience beyond the festival.
OTHER THINGS TO DO DURING THE CANNES YACHTING SHOW
Beyond the Show
Visit the Lérins Islands
Just offshore from Cannes, the Lérins Islands offer clear water, quiet coves, wooded walking paths and a welcome change of pace from the show. Île Sainte-Marguerite is the largest of the islands and is also home to La Guérite. A private boat trip can be combined with lunch, swimming or a short cruise through the Bay of Cannes.
Explore Le Suquet
Rising above Vieux Port, Le Suquet is Cannes’ historic quarter. Walk its narrow streets, enjoy elevated views across the harbor and stop for dinner at one of the neighborhood’s smaller restaurants. It provides a completely different perspective on Cannes… only minutes from the festival docks.
Spend an Afternoon at the Beach
After several days of walking the show, reserve an afternoon at La Môme Plage or Lucia. A beach lunch, sunbed and swim can create a much-needed pause before the evening begins. A private yacht cruise offers views of La Croisette, Vieux Port, Port Canto, Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands while providing a quieter setting for clients, friends or family.
ITINERARY
A perfect festival day
Morning: Begin early with breakfast on La Croisette before attending scheduled yacht tours at Vieux Port.
Lunch: Reserve a waterfront table at Lucia or La Môme Plage.
Afternoon: Continue to Port Canto for brokerage yachts, sailing yachts and water toys.
Early evening: Return to your hotel to recharge and change for dinner.
Dinner: Choose Zuma or La Petite Maison for a polished evening, Medusa or Il Grande for something livelier, or The Grill at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc for a destination dinner.
CONTACT US
Experience Cannes With Worth Avenue Yachts
Meet the Worth Avenue Yachts team in Cannes for private yacht tours, market insight and personalized guidance throughout the festival.
Whether you are considering a yacht for sale, exploring new construction or planning your next private yacht vacation, our team can help you make the most of your time in Cannes.
LET US TAKE YOU THERE...
