It is impossible to talk about Cannes without thinking of its Palace of Festivals and Congresses, recognizable by its famous red carpet and its imposing architecture facing the Mediterranean. Located at the end of the Croisette in Cannes, this emblematic place attracts thousands of visitors every year, curious to walk the steps climbed by the biggest stars in the world.

Le Cannes film festival has made the Palace a mecca of glamour and culture. But beyond cinema, this site hosts many events all year round international events : trade fairs, congresses, exhibitions… So many events which confirm the central role of this building in the cultural and economic development of the city.

History and architecture of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes

Du Palais des Festivals in Cannes, we only remember its red carpet, its slew of stars and its beautiful outfits. But before becoming this mecca of international scene, the structure has had a long history which began in 1977, the date on which the first stones of the building will be laid. The construction of the palace is closely linked to that of the Cannes film festival in itself. This having been a great success, the Palais Croisette in which it was organized since 1947 became too dilapidated and cramped to host an event of such magnitude. Then came the idea of a more imposing, modern, modular and functional construction imagined by the architects Hubert Bennett and François Druet.

Since its inauguration, the building has undergone several phases of renovation and expansion, notably in 1999 and 2013, with a complete overhaul of the technical equipment, improved accessibility and an extension of its reception areas. Today, the Palace has plus 35 m² usable, distributed between auditoriums, exhibition halls, halls and panoramic terraces.

But the center of attraction of the Palais des Festivals is undoubtedly its famous red staircase, walked every spring by the biggest celebrities in cinema who meet at Cannes . With its 24 steps covered with the legendary red carpet, now renewed once a day and no longer three times a day for economic reasons during the festival, it alone embodies the prestige of 7^rd Article.  

Major events hosted by the Palais des Festivals in Cannes

Welcoming more than 150 events over 340 days a year, the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès has become an essential meeting place for the entire planet. The Cannes film festival is undoubtedly the one that creates the most excitement. One of the three main international film festivals in Europe, along with the Berlinale and the Venice Film Festival, it was created to reward the best film, the best actor, the best actress and the best director. Its main highlights remain the presentation of the Palme d'Or followed by Grand Jury Prize which rewards the most original and innovative film.

The first convention center in Cannes, the Palais des Festivals is the scene of major international trade fairs and professional markets, notably Cannes Lions which rewards the best works of communication and advertising. More than 20 advertising films and communication media are scrutinized by the international jury of the Cannes Lions composed of the biggest names in the sector.

In the line of the Cannes Lions, the MIPCOM Cannes is a highlight of the Palais's agenda. This international communications program market brings together audiovisual and media professionals who come to buy, sell, or negotiate content.

The Palace also hosts the MIPIM (International Market of Real Estate Professionals) during, a specialized real estate trade fair held in March each year and bringing together 20 participants from 000 countries.

Bringing together music industry professionals including decision-makers, artists and innovators, the MIDEM (International Record and Music Publishing Market) is also held at the Palais. It is a platform for exchange and networking around the sector, with the aim, among other things, of showcasing new musical trends.

Alongside these various events, the Palace also organizes its own appointment such as International Games Festival, Dance Festival, Ball of Fools or Pyrotechnic Art Festival.

Visiting the Palais des Festivals in Cannes as a tourist

If you Palais des Festivals de Cannes is above all known for welcoming large international events, it also remains accessible to visitors, curious to discover the behind the scenes of this legendary place.

Guided tours in the footsteps of the 7th art

Those who have always wanted to walk in the footsteps of their favorite stars while discovering the backstage of the Cannes Film Festival can make their dream come true. Indeed, the Palais offers guided tours to the public on random dates depending on its activity throughout the year. This is an opportunity to learn a little more about the ceremonies, the official screenings and the names of the celebrities who have most marked the history of the festival, not to mention key locations such as the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière, a legendary hall of world cinema. The icing on the cake: visitors can climb the famous red carpet steps of Cannes for a few photos. They will also take the opportunity to stroll along the " Path of the Stars » which is located in front of the Palais du Festival in order to discover the footprints of their favorite stars.

An exceptional location facing the Mediterranean

Ideally located on the seafront, at the end of the Croisette, the Palais benefits from a exceptional panoramaFrom its terraces or the immediate surroundings, visitors can admire a breathtaking view of the bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands and the yachts moored in the port. Just ahead, the Georges Pompidou esplanade is perfect for a sunny break with a sea view.

What to do around the Palace?

A visit to the Palace is naturally part of a wider route to discover other high places of the Cannes tourism :

• Stroll along the Croisette, its palm trees and its luxury boutiques,
• Discover the historic district of Suquet with its steep streets and panoramic viewpoint,
• Take advantage of public or private beaches just a few steps away,
• visit Forville Market, a lively place typical of Cannes culture,
• Embark on a getaway to the Lerins Islands (Sainte-Marguerite or Saint-Honorat), departing from the nearby port.

Where to sleep and eat near the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès?

To fully experience the glamorous atmosphere of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, what could be better than staying in a hotel located nearby and having lunch in one of the Cannes Croisette restaurants ?

• Hotel Barriere Le Majestic Cannes ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Just a few meters from the red carpet, this iconic hotel combines glamour, sea views, and five-star service. A must-see for those who want to experience Cannes like the stars.

• Gray d'Albion Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★

Elegant, modern, and discreet, this establishment offers an excellent compromise between comfort and proximity. It also offers access to a private beach.

• Splendid Hotel, Five Seas Hotel ou Okko Hotels Cannes Center

These establishments complement the hotel offering in the immediate vicinity, with styles adapted to all budgets.

Restaurants and cafes around the Croisette: a gourmet break facing the sea

In terms of gastronomy, the area around the Palace offers a wide variety of places:

• La Mome Plage to have lunch with your feet in the sand while admiring the bay of Cannes.
• New York New York for a relaxed atmosphere with tasty dishes.
• Le Fouquet's Cannes for a chic and traditional experience, in the heart of Boulevard de la Croisette.
• cafes and brasseries along the port and rue d'Antibes complete the culinary landscape, perfect for breakfast, ice cream or an aperitif in the sun.

Visitor information

Before climbing the famous steps of the Palace, here is everything you need to know to organize your visit with complete peace of mind.

Official address

Palais des Festivals and des Congrès
1 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France

Located at the eastern end of the Croisette, the Palace is right in the Cannes city center, opposite the Old Port and a stone's throw from the SNCF train station.

Access to the Palace

• By train : The Cannes train station is located only 5 minutes walk of the Palace. TER and TGV trains connect the city to Nice, Marseille, Paris…
• By bus : Several lines of the network Palm Bus serve the area (stop “Gare SNCF” or “Hôtel de Ville”).
• By car : Access via the A8 motorway, exit Cannes – Mougins. Please note: traffic is heavy during high season. This is why it is advisable to call a limousine service as EDEN CAB to ensure your travel on the Croisette.
• Parking : The Palace parking (underground, paid) is located just under the building. Other parking lots are available nearby (Ferrage, Lamy, Gray d'Albion).

Opening times

The Palace is not not open to the public continuously, because it hosts many professional events. However, guided tours are offered occasionally, particularly outside of major conference and festival periods.

• Guided tours : only by reservation or according to the calendar communicated by theCannes Tourism Office.
• For visiting periods, consult the official website or the Tourist Office:
  www.palaisdesfestivals.com

Tickets & prices

• Adult rate : about 6 to 10 € per person (guided tour)
• Reduced price : students, children, groups (see conditions on the site)
• Booking is recommended online or on site, during off-peak periods

Accessibility

The Palais des Festivals is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility (PRM) :

• Elevators and access ramps
• Adapted toilets
• Reserved parking spaces in the Palais car park
• Easy wheelchair access in auditoriums during events