Cannes Yachting Festival 2025: Dates, Access & Insider Tips

Every September, the French Riviera reclaims its role as the world’s most elegant marina. The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025, returning from September 9–14, is more than the opening of the European yacht season—it’s a precise snapshot of the future of luxury on water. With more than 700 boats, dozens of global debuts, and a guest list that reads like a directory of yachting’s elite, the show once again sets the pace for the year ahead.

More than a boat show, it's a statement of where design, technology, and luxury are headed next—on water.

Here's what you need to know:

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Mark the Calendar

Scheduled for September 9–14, 2025, the festival unfolds across two iconic harbors:

• Vieux Port: The core of the event, home to motor yachts, day boats, superyachts, and the latest in propulsion and design.
• Port Canto: The quieter, more refined side—dedicated to sailing yachts, yacht brokerage, and the growing marine tech and toys sector.

Daily opening hours are:

• Tuesday–Thursday (Sept 9–11): 10 AM–7 PM
• Friday (Sept 12): 10 AM–10 PM
• Saturday (Sept 13): 10 AM–7 PM
• Sunday (Sept 14): 10 AM–6 PM

A dedicated water shuttle service runs throughout the show, making it easy to navigate both sites and maximize your viewing schedule.

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Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 is tiered to suit different levels of access and experience:

• General Admission: Includes access to both Vieux Port and Port Canto, ideal for casual visitors and enthusiasts.
• Riviera Card: Fast-track entry, private shuttle service, and access to VIP areas and lounges.
• VIP Card: Reserved for professionals and premium guests; includes concierge service, premium hospitality spaces, and exclusive on-board invitations.

Advance booking is strongly recommended—especially for those planning to tour vessels. Appointments are mandatory for most superyacht viewings, typically coordinated via brokers or exhibitors. Expect heightened security and professional protocols onboard.

Digital ticketing and ID verification are required at entry. For returning guests, loyalty benefits and early-access packages are often available.

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What to See & Do

At its core, the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 is a curated tour of global yachting innovation. Over 700 boats will be on display—ranging from 5-meter day boats to 50-meter superyachts. Expect world and European premieres across both motor and sailing categories, with many models making their public debut here before heading to Monaco or Fort Lauderdale.

Key Exhibits:

• Motor yachts & superyachts at Vieux Port, including hardtop cruisers, flybridge models, and explorer vessels.
• Sailing yachts & catamarans at Port Canto, with an emphasis on performance design and eco-conscious innovation.
• Yacht Brokerage Zone: High-end pre-owned yachts from leading global brokers.
• Water Toys & Marine Tech: Everything from jetboards and submarines to electric tenders and next-gen navigation systems.

Don’t miss the Concours d’Élégance, a highlight event featuring rare and vintage boats parading in Cannes Bay—a tribute to the elegance of nautical heritage.

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Getting Around the Festival

Navigating the Cannes Yachting Festival is seamless if planned in advance. The two main venues—Vieux Port and Port Canto—are located at opposite ends of the Croisette, and while both are walkable, the show’s dedicated water shuttle is the preferred method of transport.

Key Notes:

• Water Shuttles operate continuously throughout the day and are included with your ticket.
• Entrances are controlled with strict access depending on badge level—general entry, press, exhibitor, and VIP zones are all clearly marked.
• On-site signage is bilingual (French and English), and mobile apps typically provide real-time schedules and maps.
• Sea trials must be scheduled with exhibiting shipyards or brokers—book early, as spots are limited and reserved for verified prospects.

Comfortable footwear is essential; the show spans two large marinas, with most yachts accessible via floating pontoons and temporary docks.

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Where to Stay

During the Cannes Yachting Festival, accommodations fill quickly—especially those within walking distance of the show’s harbors. For a stay that matches the event’s tone, book early and book smart.

Recommended Stays:

1. Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic: A staple on the Croisette with private beach access, sea-facing suites, and a reputation for hosting high-profile guests during festival season.
2. Hôtel Martinez – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: Art Deco luxury with exceptional service and terrace views over the Bay of Cannes.
3. Five Seas Hotel Cannes: Boutique, modern, and steps from Vieux Port—ideal for those seeking intimacy and style.

Private villas and serviced apartments are also available through premium rental platforms, offering discretion and flexibility for extended stays or group bookings.

Proximity matters. If your schedule includes early yacht tours or evening events, aim for accommodations near La Croisette, with easy access to both Vieux Port and shuttle points for Port Canto.

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Dining & Social Scene

The Cannes Yachting Festival doesn’t end when the docks quiet down. Evenings spill into beach clubs, terrace dinners, and private yacht events—where the networking is as important as the view.

On-Site Options:

• Both harbors offer gourmet pop-ups and champagne bars—ideal for midday meetings or quick lux refreshment.
• VIP ticket holders gain access to exclusive hospitality lounges with elevated menus and quieter service areas.

Around Town:

• La Môme and Le Roof: Rooftop dining with sea views, a favorite among yacht crews and design teams.
• Baoli Cannes: Where the day transitions to night—dining turns into dancing in an ultra-chic garden setting.
• Palm Beach: Reimagined as a social hub, often hosting branded yacht parties and invite-only show events.

Reservations are essential throughout the week, especially for seaside spots. Yacht invitations circulate privately—your broker or host may hold the key to the most coveted gatherings.

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Travel & Logistics

Getting to the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 is straightforward—if you plan with the precision the event deserves.

Arrival by Air:

• Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport (NCE) is the nearest major hub, just 30 minutes from Cannes by car.
• For private aviation, the Cannes-Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) serves private jets and helicopters, with dedicated festival transfers available.

Transfers:

• Chauffeured cars and car services (pre-booked) are recommended—Cannes traffic is tightly controlled during show week.
• Helicopter transfers from Nice take under 10 minutes and land just outside the town center.

In Town:

• Walking remains the most efficient way to move between hotel, showgrounds, and restaurants along La Croisette.
• Taxis are limited; rideshare availability fluctuates during peak hours.

Dress codes lean business-casual by day, elevated casual by night. Sun protection is a must, but bring evening wear—many events transition to formal dress after sunset.

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Booking & Insider Tips

If you’re attending the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 with intention—whether as a buyer, investor, or enthusiast—preparation pays dividends.

Secure Viewings Early:

• Yacht appointments are typically required for onboard access, especially for superyachts and new launches. These are coordinated through the exhibiting shipyard or a yacht broker.
• Last-minute requests are rarely accommodated—serious inquiries should be made weeks in advance.

Use a Broker:

• If you're in the market, partner with a broker ahead of time. They can arrange access, fast-track meetings with shipyards, and provide behind-the-scenes guidance.

Timing Matters:

• Tuesday and Wednesday are the quietest days for serious conversations and private tours.
• The Concours d’Élégance typically runs midweek—check schedules in advance if attending.

Bring Business Cards:

• While it’s a show, it’s also a summit. Spontaneous introductions and dockside deals are part of the experience.

Lastly, check the official festival app (released closer to the date) for updates, floor plans, and appointment management.