For the past forty years, Cannes has been home to the largest gaming event on the French Riviera. Over 100,000 people gather each year for the Cannes International Games Festival, immersing themselves in a vast gaming area spanning over 60,000 square meters. The program includes virtual reality, video games, board games, traditional and classic games, simulation games, and much more. Distributors, publishers, illustrators, authors, and gamers come to share or discover exclusive new releases. To make the most of this event, here's some information about its history, atmosphere, and details of the 2026 edition.

A look back at the history of the Cannes International Games Festival

The history of Cannes International Games Festival (FIJ) It all started in 1986. At that time, the famous French chess player and sports director Damir Levacic and his Cannes Échecs club launched the first edition of the International Games Festival, which focused primarily on Bridge, Scrabble, and Chess. This first edition was an immediate success, attracting over 10,000 festival-goers.

Two years later, the organizers launched the As d'Or label, which aims to reward the best board games created the previous year. Despite a historic cancellation in 1991 due to the Gulf War, the festival has continued to grow, reaching the symbolic milestone of 170 000 entries during its 25th anniversary in 2011.

Today, the FIJ no longer simply celebrates existing games; it actively supports innovation through its Proto Lab Launched in 2017 and dedicated to prototypes, while also embracing new technologies such as drone racing. A way to confirm its status as the largest French-speaking gaming event.

A vibrant program for young and old.

The Cannes International Games Festival takes place during the month of February each year over three days in Palace of Festivals and Congresses, also known for hosting the Cannes Film Festival. With more than 100 visitorsNear 500 exhibitors (publishers, creators, shops) and 4,000 games presentedThe festival is breaking attendance and diversity records. Here, board games rub shoulders with the fantastical worlds of role-playing games, the excitement of card tournaments, and the unbridled creativity of independent video games.

At the FIJ, the atmosphere is both electric and warm: families compete around giant games, groups of friends dive into frenzied games of Dungeons & Dragons And newcomers marvel at figurines painted with artistic precision. The diversity of the worlds is astounding:

• Modern board games (strategy games(cooperatives, family-run businesses),
• Immersive role-playing games (Dungeons and Dragons, Warhammer...),
• Spectacular miniatures games (Warhammer 40K, Star wars legion),
• Competitive card games (Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!),
• Vintage and collector's games for purists.
• Independent video games with bold concepts.

One of the FIJ's treasures? Testing hundreds of prototypes and new releases for free before their official launch. A rare exclusive. Visitors can also meet the creators (authors, illustrators, publishers) at signing sessions or workshops, exchange tips with experienced players, or simply get lost in the colorful aisles of the Palais.

The 2026 edition of the FIJ

As the entertainment world continues to evolve, the Cannes International Games Festival is poised to make history with its 39th edition. Scheduled from Friday, February 27th to Sunday, March 1st, 2026, this event is now entering its fourth decade with a renewed ambition: to elevate the gaming experience in all its forms. For this exceptional year, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is transforming the Croisette into a colossal 60,000 m² playground, encompassing not only the indoor halls but also the plaza, outdoor tents, and the famous Cannes beaches. This spatial expansion allows the festival to welcome an unprecedented diversity of audiences, from curious families to fierce competitors, all united by their passion for games.

The festival's layout has been redesigned to offer optimal flow and total immersion. On level -1, enthusiasts will find the beating heart of contemporary creation: an exhibition hall dedicated to board games for beginners and experts, as well as the fascinating worlds of role-playing games, miniatures, and wargames. Conversely, levels 0 and +1 (including the Rotonde Lérins) will be a paradise for children and the general public. Here, visitors will discover interactive family spaces, play areas accessible to all, and thematic exhibitions celebrating the history and future of the gaming industry.

The FIJ 2026 is also the nerve center of the industry. Starting Wednesday, February 25, a professional day will kick off the festivities, allowing publishers, authors, and distributors to shape tomorrow's trends. The most anticipated moment remains the awards ceremony. As d'Or - Game of the Yeara veritable "Oscars" of board games, which will crown creative excellence. For night owls and creators, the famous Off Nights will allow prototypes to be tested until dawn.

Guide and practical information for participating in the Cannes International Youth Festival

Important Dates and Times

The festival welcomes you for three intense days of fun discoveries:

• From Friday, February 27th to Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
• Hours: Opening of the doors within 10 to 19 hours.

Location of the event

The meeting is scheduled in the prestigious setting of:

• Palais des Festivals and des Congrès
• 1 boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes.

Ticketing and prices 2026

Access to the festival is subject to a fee for adults, with pricing adapted to the length of your visit:

• Full price (Day): € 10
• Half day : € 6
• Under 16 years old: Free (note: one A downloadable access pass is required.(even for free).

Expert tip: Pre-purchase your tickets on the online ticket office Cannes Ticket is strongly advised to avoid the endless queues at the entrance to the Palace.

Access and transport

Cannes is a very popular city and the influx of people during the festival makes traffic heavy.

• Train: Cannes train station is located just a 5-minute walk from the Palais.
• Plane: Airport Nice French Riviera (then shuttle bus 210 or private driver).
• Parkings : The Pantiero, Croisette and Gray d'Albion car parks are the closest, but they fill up very early.

In this flurry of activity, the question of mobility becomes paramount. With tens of thousands of festival-goers converging on the center of Cannes, getting around and parking can prove complex. To experience this event with the peace of mind it deserves, consider using a... private driver EDEN CAB is the ideal solution. Whether you are arriving from the airport of Nice Whether you're coming from a nearby hotel or a high-end hotel, our premium vehicles guarantee a prestigious arrival at the foot of the Palais des Festivals. This allows you to avoid the stress of traffic and focus on what matters most: the joy of playing.