All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Cannes has long hosted some of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous gatherings, but September brings a distinctly nautical focus. Cannes Yachting Festival fills its two harbours with motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, tenders and brokerage vessels, drawing shipyards, brokers, owners and prospective buyers from around the world.
The appeal lies largely in access. Hundreds of boats are presented afloat, major builders unveil new models, selected yachts are available for sea trials, and visitors can meet designers, brokers and shipyards beside the vessels themselves. Combined with Cannes’ luxury hotels, restaurants and Riviera setting, the festival makes a compelling reason to spend several days on the Côte d’Azur.
Cannes and the Yachting World
Cannes Yachting Festival traditionally takes place in September, as the Mediterranean yachting season begins to wind down. One of Europe’s major in-water yacht shows, it regularly brings together more than 700 boats across Vieux Port and Port Canto.
Cannes is also an established launch platform for international shipyards, with world premieres and new models appearing alongside marine equipment and technology. Buyers can compare builders in one visit, while owners have direct access to brokers, designers and specialists in refits and yacht management.
Many vessels can be boarded with the exhibitor’s approval, allowing visitors to assess layouts, finishes and onboard spaces properly.
Two Harbours, Two Sides of the Festival
Understanding the division between Vieux Port and Port Canto makes the festival considerably easier to navigate.
Vieux Port, beside the Palais des Festivals and Le Suquet, is the main address for motor yachts. Its pontoons accommodate leading international shipyards alongside power catamarans, RIBs, tenders and marine equipment. The Jetée is particularly significant for larger yachts and major launches, while Quai Saint-Pierre and Quai Max Laubeuf add a broad selection of motor yachts and performance-focused vessels.
Pantiero broadens the mix with the Power Cat Village, large RIBs and marine technology, while the Palais des Festivals houses further yachting brands and equipment specialists.
Port Canto, at the eastern end of La Croisette, has a different focus. Its Sailing Area brings together monohulls and multihulls from international builders, forming one of the world’s largest in-water sailing showcases.
The Brokers & Toys area specialises in pre-owned yachts from 25 metres alongside water toys and leisure equipment. Port Canto also incorporates the Power Boat Marina for smaller motor boats.
For anyone seriously comparing yachts, both harbours deserve proper time.
Yachts, Premieres and Innovation
Cannes brings together a particularly broad cross-section of the yacht market, including large motor yachts, sailing yachts, multihulls, day boats, chase boats, tenders and brokerage vessels.
World premieres are a major draw. Builders regularly introduce new models at Cannes, giving visitors early access to recently launched yachts and emerging design trends.
Contemporary models increasingly feature expansive beach clubs, adaptable outdoor areas, larger glazing and spaces with a closer connection to the water. Multihulls attract particular attention for their volume and stability, while performance and long-range cruising remain important elsewhere in the show.
Marine technology also has a substantial presence, including hybrid and electric propulsion, energy management, navigation systems and more efficient engineering. For prospective owners, the festival offers a useful view of where yacht design and technology are heading.
On Board and On the Water
Preparation can considerably improve a visit. Although many yachts can be boarded, access remains at the discretion of individual exhibitors. Prospective buyers should contact shipyards or brokers beforehand and arrange appointments for priority vessels, particularly major launches and larger yachts.
Appointments allow more considered inspections of cabins, crew areas, deck arrangements, storage and technical spaces. Selected exhibitors also offer sea trials, providing an opportunity to assess handling, performance, noise levels and comfort away from the pontoon.
Cannes is equally useful for those considering the brokerage market. Port Canto brings substantial pre-owned yachts together in one location, while brokers across the festival can advise on acquisitions, sales, charter, management and refits.
Inside the VIP Experience
For visitors with a busy programme of yacht appointments and meetings, VIP access can make the festival considerably more comfortable.
The Vieux Port VIP Club occupies the rooftop of the Palais des Festivals, overlooking the harbour. It provides concierge assistance, refreshments and a quieter setting for meetings or a break between yacht visits.
Depending on the pass selected, premium access can also include dedicated entrances and VIP sea transfers between Vieux Port and Port Canto. These benefits are most useful for owners, prospective buyers and visitors spending several days at the show, while standard admission may be sufficient for more casual visits.
Getting to and Around Cannes
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is the principal international gateway, with chauffeur-driven transfers providing a straightforward onward journey. Private aviation and helicopter transfers offer greater flexibility, while Cannes is well connected by rail for travellers arriving from elsewhere in France or along the Riviera.
Within the festival, Vieux Port and Port Canto are separated along the waterfront, with sea shuttles connecting the two. Grouping appointments by harbour is generally more efficient than repeatedly moving between them.
Comfortable footwear is essential for long days on pontoons and gangways, and shoes may need to be removed before boarding some yachts. Serious buyers should also leave space between appointments for longer inspections, sea trials and unplanned meetings. Two or more days provide a more comfortable amount of time to explore both harbours properly.
Life Along La Croisette
Cannes makes it easy to combine the yacht show with a few days on the Riviera. La Croisette places many of the city’s leading hotels and restaurants within convenient reach of the festival.
Staying around the central Croisette or Vieux Port works particularly well for visitors concentrating on motor yachts and meetings around the Palais des Festivals, while the eastern Croisette offers easier access to Port Canto. Hôtel Martinez, Carlton Cannes and Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic remain among the city’s established five-star addresses.
Restaurants and hospitality spaces within the festival are convenient between appointments, while the Croisette, Le Suquet and waterfront provide greater choice for longer lunches and dinners.
Evenings remain closely connected to the yachting world, with hotel terraces, restaurants, yacht gatherings and private events extending conversations started on the pontoons.
A September Fixture on the Riviera
Cannes Yachting Festival earns its place on the international luxury calendar through the breadth of yachts on display and the access it provides to the people behind them. New launches sit alongside established models and brokerage yachts, while selected vessels can be experienced on the Bay of Cannes.
For prospective owners, experienced yachtsmen and travellers with a serious interest in life on the water, Cannes remains one of the most rewarding opportunities to explore the contemporary yacht market in a fitting Mediterranean setting.
