A morning coffee on La Croisette, an afternoon screening and a dinner reservation worth dressing up for: Cannes gives you plenty to look forward to before you even reach the red carpet. During the Cannes Film Festival, the city fills with filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts, while its hotels and beach restaurants become meeting places for visitors from around the world.

A little preparation makes the trip much more enjoyable. Start with the screenings you can access, choose a hotel that suits your plans and leave time to enjoy the Riviera between events. Here’s how to put it all together, with private jet travel through AirX.

What Is the Cannes Film Festival?

The Cannes Film Festival is an international film festival held each May in Cannes, on France’s Côte d’Azur. First staged in 1946, it presents new films through its Official Selection, with the Palme d’Or awarded to the winning feature in Competition. The Palais des Festivals is its main venue.

Alongside the screenings, the Marché du Film brings film professionals together to buy and sell rights, meet potential collaborators and discuss upcoming projects. For visitors, the appeal also lies in the city itself: seaside lunches, late dinners and conversations about the film everyone has just seen.

What Date Is the Cannes Film Festival?

The Cannes Film Festival dates usually fall in May. Recent and confirmed dates are:

  • 2025: 13–24 May.
  • 2026: 12–23 May. Read AirX’s dedicated Cannes Film Festival 2026 guide for more about that edition.
  • 2027: 11–22 May, marking the festival’s 80th edition.

How long is the Cannes Film Festival? 

Each of these editions runs for 12 days, including the opening and closing dates. You can visit for part of the festival, depending on your accreditation, invitations and chosen screenings. Confirm the dates of the Cannes Film Festival on its official website before booking travel. Application deadlines and screening schedules are published separately.

Arriving at Cannes Film Festival: Popular Flight Routes

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the main international gateway for visitors to Cannes. It also has a dedicated business aviation terminal, making it a practical arrival point for an AirX private jet to Nice. Allow extra time for the road transfer during the festival, especially when travelling to an evening premiere.

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport is closer to Cannes and serves general and business aviation. It can be suitable for private arrivals, but the choice depends on the aircraft, runway performance, airport opening hours and availability. AirX can advise on the appropriate airport for your journey.

Popular European connections include London and Geneva, with Paris another convenient starting point. Travellers arriving from further afield can discuss Dubai departures with AirX:

  • London to Nice: a convenient route for a festival visit or a longer Riviera holiday.
  • Paris to Nice: useful for combining Cannes with time in the French capital.
  • Geneva to Nice: an option for guests travelling from Switzerland.
  • Dubai to Nice: discuss an aircraft suited to the longer journey and your group’s requirements.

If you’re spending time in Nice before or after Cannes, AirX’s luxury Nice travel guide has further ideas for accommodation, dining and Riviera experiences.

Getting Into the Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most exclusive events in the world, with access to its main venues controlled through accreditation and screening invitations. Unlike traditional film festivals, where general admission tickets are available, Cannes requires invitations or industry accreditation. However, there are ways for luxury travellers to access this prestigious event.

Can Anyone Attend the Cannes Film Festival?

Can anyone go to Cannes Film Festival screenings? Access to the main events and premieres is controlled, but there are ways for non-industry guests to experience Cannes:

  • Cannes Cinéphiles Programme: Film lovers can apply for accreditation under the Cannes Cinéphiles category, which provides access to select screenings at cinemas around the city.
  • Public Screenings at Plage Macé: Free outdoor screenings are held on Plage Macé, giving visitors a chance to enjoy festival-selected films under the stars.
  • VIP Hospitality Packages: Luxury concierge services offer exclusive hospitality experiences, which can include private events and gala dinners. Any official screening access must meet the festival’s admission rules.

Cinema enthusiasts aged 18–28 can also apply for the festival’s “3 Days in Cannes” programme. Applications are assessed, and access depends on the programme’s conditions and available seats.

An accreditation badge does not guarantee a seat at every premiere. Check which screenings your category allows you to book. Official screening tickets are personal, and their sale is prohibited, so confirm exactly what a hospitality package includes before paying for it.

How to Be Invited to the Cannes Film Festival?

If you want to walk the red carpet, a valid invitation or ticket for the relevant screening is required. Here are the main ways to seek access:

  • Industry Accreditation: If you are a filmmaker, producer, actor, or journalist, you may qualify for an industry badge. Journalists apply through the separate press accreditation process.
  • Sponsorship & VIP Packages: Festival partners may invite selected guests to screenings and their own events. Confirm the admission arrangements with the host.
  • Film Associations & Media Contests: Check official competitions and association opportunities for the precise access offered and eligibility requirements.
  • Luxury Concierge Services: Concierge companies can help with hospitality arrangements. Any proposed red carpet or screening access remains subject to the festival’s rules.

Cannes Film Festival Dress Code

The Cannes film festival dress code is most formal at the evening gala screenings in the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Under the latest published rules, guests should wear evening attire, such as a long dress or tuxedo. Accepted alternatives include a cocktail dress, a dark trouser suit, a dressy top with black trousers or a black or navy suit with a bow tie.

Dress shoes and dressy sandals are permitted with or without heels. Trainers are not allowed, so you can choose comfortable flat shoes that meet the rules.

Nudity is prohibited. Outfits with excessive volume or long trains that obstruct movement or seating are also prohibited, and tote bags, backpacks and large bags cannot be taken into gala screenings. Check the festival-goers’ charter and your invitation before packing.

For daytime plans, lighter clothing and comfortable footwear will help with walking between venues. Keep your evening outfit ready at the hotel, particularly if you have a screening followed by dinner. Restaurants, clubs and private parties may have their own dress requirements.

Luxury Parties and Experiences at the Cannes Film Festival

Beyond the films, Cannes is renowned for its exclusive parties, fine dining, and elite social gatherings. The social calendar changes each year, so confirm invitations, venues and access directly with the organisers.

  • Chopard’s festival soirées: The festival’s official jewellery partner hosts celebrations associated with its cinema partnerships and high jewellery collections. These are private occasions, with access arranged by the host.
  • amfAR Gala Cannes: This established fundraising event has been held at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, combining dinner, performances and an auction supporting HIV/AIDS research. Check amfAR’s current event information for dates and booking opportunities.
  • Private dinners and receptions: Hotels and venues such as Palm Beach offer spaces for private celebrations. An invitation to one of these events is separate from admission to festival screenings.
  • An evening afloat: A private yacht charter can provide a setting for dinner or a reception away from the busiest streets. Confirm embarkation arrangements, catering and cruising plans with your charter provider.

Cannes Film Festival Hotspots

Top Restaurants and Cafes

Reserve the meals that matter most to you, then leave a little room for spontaneous plans. A film can run late, and a leisurely lunch can be a welcome pause between screenings.

At Hôtel Martinez, La Palme d’Or currently holds one Michelin star. Its cinema-inspired dining room and menu make it an especially fitting choice during the festival. Allow time to enjoy the meal rather than squeezing it between appointments.

La Petite Maison Cannes at Palm Beach serves Mediterranean cuisine with views towards Cap d’Antibes and the Lérins Islands. It suits an evening when dinner is the main event.

For a more casual stop, Cannelle on Rue des Serbes serves French Mediterranean dishes and homemade pastries, with continuous daytime service. It’s a useful address when your screening schedule makes fixed lunch times awkward.

The Most Stylish Street in Cannes

La Croisette is the boulevard most closely associated with festival glamour. It links the Palais des Festivals with seafront hotels, designer boutiques and beach restaurants. Take a walk here between appointments, or arrange a shopping visit before changing for the evening.

Rue d’Antibes, which runs inland from the seafront, is another shopping address to include. During the festival, allow extra time around the Palais, where crowds and security controls can affect your route.

Bars and Clubs

Le Bar du Majestic is a central choice for a cocktail before dinner or a conversation after a screening. The hotel’s position opposite the Palais makes it convenient for guests staying nearby.

For a later night, Bâoli at Port Canto combines a restaurant and club. Dress carefully and check the current booking conditions: a restaurant reservation does not guarantee club admission, which remains at the door team’s discretion.

Where to Stay for the Cannes Film Festival

For those attending in style, Cannes offers some of the most luxurious hotels in the world, combining proximity to the Palais des Festivals with world-class service and opulent amenities.

Choose your location around your itinerary. Staying near the Palais makes repeated screening visits easier, while Cap d’Antibes offers more space to unwind between trips into Cannes. Hotel prices vary by room, date and booking conditions; request a quote in euros for your stay, including any minimum-stay requirement, breakfast and local taxes. These are indicative estimates; festival rates may be higher. Transfer times below are approximate and may increase during the festival.

1. Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic

This iconic five-star hotel embodies the glamour of Cannes. Located just steps away from the Palais des Festivals, it offers panoramic sea views, a private beach, and a heated outdoor pool. The rooftop pool is private to the Majestic Suite. Guests can enjoy brasserie dining at Fouquet’s Cannes and unwind in the luxurious spa, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

  • Distance from airport: Around 30 minutes by car from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in light traffic; allow longer during festival periods.
  • Price per night: €1,100 
  • Features: Opposite the Palais, private beach, heated outdoor pool and spa.

2. Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel

Steeped in history, Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, is a Belle Époque masterpiece and a favourite among Hollywood elites. With its ornate facade and lavish interiors, the hotel exudes Old World charm, offering exquisite seafront suites overlooking La Croisette. The Carlton Beach Club provides an exclusive seaside retreat for VIP guests.

  • Distance from airport: Approximately 27 km from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport; around 30 minutes by car in light traffic.
  • Price per night: €1,400
  • Features: Belle Époque architecture, seafront location and Carlton Beach Club.

3. Hôtel Martinez – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

A symbol of French Riviera luxury, Hôtel Martinez is known for its Art Deco design and impeccable service. Its Penthouse Suite, one of the largest in Europe, offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The hotel’s one-star Michelin restaurant, La Palme d’Or, serves up gourmet delights inspired by the region’s fresh ingredients.

  • Distance from airport: Approximately 30 km from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, or 8 km from Cannes-Mandelieu Airport.
  • Price per night: €1,000 
  • Features: Art Deco heritage, La Plage du Martinez and Michelin-starred dining.

4. Five Seas Hotel Cannes

A hidden gem in Cannes, Five Seas Hotel offers a more intimate, boutique luxury experience. Its contemporary design and rooftop infinity pool provide a serene escape from the busy festival streets. The hotel is known for its tailor-made concierge services, ensuring guests enjoy VIP treatment at every turn. With 45 rooms and suites and a location a few minutes’ walk from the Palais, it suits guests who prefer a smaller hotel in the centre.

  • Distance from airport: Approximately 30 km from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport; usually 30–40 minutes by car outside heavy traffic.
  • Price per night: €800 
  • Features: Central location, rooftop infinity pool and spa.

5. Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes

A short drive from Cannes, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is the epitome of secluded luxury. Nestled in a lush private estate, this legendary retreat has been a favourite among royalty and Hollywood legends for decades. Guests can enjoy private villas, the seawater infinity pool carved into the rock, and treatments at Dior Spa Eden-Roc, making it the ultimate getaway from the festival’s hustle and bustle.

  • Distance from airport: Around 40 minutes by car from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, depending on traffic.
  • Price per night: €2,400 
  • Features: Seafront estate, private villas, seawater pool and Dior spa.

Things to Do During the Cannes Film Festival

For luxury travellers seeking a break from the festival’s high-energy events, Cannes offers a wealth of sophisticated experiences:

  • Luxury Shopping on La Croisette: The famous boulevard is lined with designer boutiques such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton. Whether looking for haute couture, statement jewellery, or the latest runway trends, shopping on La Croisette is an experience of pure indulgence.
  • Private Yacht Charters: Book time on the water with a crewed yacht charter, agreeing the route and timings in advance. A trip around the Bay of Cannes or towards the Lérins Islands can fit into an afternoon away from the screenings.
  • A walk through Le Suquet: Cannes’ old quarter offers narrow streets and views over the harbour. Visit when you have time to walk slowly, stopping for lunch before returning to the seafront.
  • The Lérins Islands: Take a boat to Sainte-Marguerite for woodland paths and the historic fort, or visit Saint-Honorat for its abbey and vineyards. Check sailing schedules before setting off, particularly if you have evening plans.
  • Wine on Saint-Honorat: The island’s monks produce wines and liqueurs. Check the current vineyard visit and tasting programme for a nearby alternative to a longer excursion into Provence.

You can also plan a day in Nice or Antibes before or after the festival. Keeping these outings outside your busiest screening days gives you more time to enjoy them.

Arrive in Style: Private Jet Charter to Cannes with AirX

Flying to the Cannes Film Festival should be as elegant and seamless as the event itself, and AirX ensures just that. With direct private flights from London to Nice Côte d’Azur or, where aircraft and operating conditions allow, Cannes-Mandelieu Airport, passengers can arrive through facilities suited to private aviation, with onward transfers planned around their festival itinerary. The convenience of private aviation means less time in busy passenger terminals, flexible scheduling within operational requirements, and a journey tailored entirely to your needs.

Onboard, guests experience unrivalled luxury, flying in a Legacy 600 or Challenger 850 private jet, both designed for superior comfort. Expect plush reclining seats, bespoke catering arranged around your preferences, and a dedicated concierge team ready to help organise the details. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or preparing for a high-profile event, the journey sets the tone for an unforgettable festival experience.

From the moment you board, AirX delivers an elite travel experience, offering options such as champagne on arrival, private chauffeur transfers, and VIP ground handling services. With the freedom to depart on your own schedule subject to airport and operating requirements and enjoy a fully personalised itinerary, AirX helps ensure that your Cannes Film Festival adventure begins in absolute style and sophistication.

Ready to experience Cannes in the most luxurious way? Book your private jet with AirX today and elevate your festival experience to new heights.