In brief
Hotels, transport, dress code… All our tips to make the most of the Cannes Film Festival 2026.
Cannes Film Festival 2026: key dates and facts
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world. The 2026 edition runs from 13 to 24 May at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. Each year, the city welcomes over 35,000 professionals — directors, producers, distributors, stars and journalists — for twelve days of cinematic celebration. Thorough preparation is essential to make the most of it.
Accommodation: book early, very early
Cannes hotels fill up months before the Festival opens. Key points to know:
- Croisette palace hotels — Martinez, Carlton, Majestic: book from October for May dates
- City-centre hotels — still convenient but pricier, availability limited from January
- Antibes and Mandelieu-la-Napoule — more affordable alternatives, 20–30 minutes by private chauffeur
- Rental apartments — ideal for week-long stays or groups, book at least 6 months ahead
- Yachts and boats — premium option, Cannes harbour welcomes many private yachts during the Festival
Whatever your accommodation, arrange your transfers in advance: during the Festival, taxis are scarce and unreserved private cars are impossible to find in the evenings.
Getting around during the Festival: what to avoid and what to do
Forget driving yourself: parking is a nightmare, the Croisette is partially pedestrianised and traffic grinds to a halt from 9am.
Recommended options:
- [Private chauffeur VTC](/en/private-chauffeur-cannes-film-festival-2026) — the solution chosen by professionals and delegations: direct drop-off at VIP entrances, hotels, yachts. Advance booking essential
- Bicycle and e-scooter — ideal for short journeys along the Croisette and side streets
- Night buses and shuttles — reinforced service during the Festival for late-night journeys
For an airport transfer from Nice (€80, ~30 min) or from Monaco (€120, ~45 min), book with us several days in advance.
Dress code: the rules you need to know
Dress code is non-negotiable for evening screenings:
- Red carpet (Montée des Marches) — floor-length gowns required for women, black tie or dark suit for men; flat heels have been accepted in recent years but keep it elegant
- Daytime (Film Market, Village International) — smart-casual; no shorts or flip-flops
- Private events (yachts, rooftops, after-parties) — check each event's dress code; some require formal dress even during the day
Pack outfits suited to the Mediterranean warmth of May (20–25°C daytime) while maintaining an elegant style throughout.
Not-to-miss highlights
- The red carpet arrivals — even without accreditation, watching the procession from the outside tapis rouge is unforgettable
- Sélection Officielle screenings — accessible with press or professional accreditation
- Free beach concerts — public spaces host showcases on the beach every evening
- The artisan market in Le Suquet — the historic quarter of Cannes, guaranteed authenticity
- The Film Market — the world's largest cinema marketplace, accessible with a professional badge
Restaurants: plan ahead
Tables at Cannes' top restaurants get snapped up weeks in advance. Book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Croisette brasseries fill up from the first evening; restaurants on side streets often have better availability at more reasonable prices.
For a stress-free stay, our Cannes Film Festival chauffeur service handles all your transfers — from Nice Airport to your hotel, right through to the latest evening events.