Cannes Film Festival Yacht Charter Guide: Luxury, Glamour, and Unmatched Access
Elevate your Cannes Film Festival experience with a luxury yacht charter that puts you at the center of the action. Host unforgettable gatherings, access exclusive VIP events, and indulge in world-class amenities—all while cruising the iconic Côte d’Azur aboard your private superyacht.
The Cannes Film Festival (13–24 May 2025), or Festival de Cannes, is one of the most anticipated and talked-about events on the French Riviera each year.
For most of the year, Cannes is a refined resort town that draws a sophisticated crowd of holidaymakers. But in May, it transforms into the global capital of cinema. The iconic La Croisette promenade—lined with opulent Belle Époque hotels, stylish bars, and elegant seafront restaurants—becomes the epicentre of the action. The highlight for many? Ascending the famed red carpet steps of the Palais des Festivals.
Alongside the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, the film festival serves as a cultural bookend to the summer season on the Riviera. While the yachting festival marks a stylish close to the season, the film festival signals a vibrant new beginning, creating an electric atmosphere that’s impossible to resist.
A Cannes yacht charter offers unmatched access to the French Riviera’s celebrated cruising grounds and serves as a luxurious base from which to soak up the excitement of the festival and its many VIP events.
Sun-drenched days on the Côte d’Azur don’t get more exclusive than unwinding in your private beach club—especially when you can change the backdrop at a moment’s notice. Enjoy pre-event drinks on the upper deck terrace as you take in the buzz of the bay below—an effortlessly glamorous way to kick off the evening. And of course, a Cannes Film Festival yacht charter sets the scene for hosting your own unforgettable celebration, complete with private chefs, attentive crew, and spectacular onboard amenities ready to welcome your guests.
The Birth of the Cannes Film Festival
Although its roots trace back to the pre-war era, the first official Cannes Film Festival took place in 1946, ushering in a new chapter for the world of cinema. From the outset, Cannes established itself as a platform for celebrating bold creativity and cinematic excellence.
In 1955, the festival introduced its most iconic accolade: the Palme d’Or—a gold-leaf trophy crafted by Chopard, awarded annually to the best film. It quickly became one of the most prestigious and sought-after prizes in the film industry, solidifying the Cannes Film Festival as the ultimate stage for global recognition.
Today, the festival has lost none of its post-war glamour. It continues to draw A-list stars and industry icons to its sophisticated Riviera backdrop each spring, just as the Mediterranean yachting season begins to unfold.
Why a Luxury Superyacht Charter Is the Ultimate Way to Experience the Cannes Film Festival
While wandering along La Croisette and through the cobbled lanes of Cannes’ Old Town during the festival buzz is undeniably charming, a Cannes Film Festival yacht charter is truly about making the most of this extraordinary setting.
Cannes’ proximity to other Mediterranean hotspots is its biggest appeal. On a luxury French Riviera yacht charter, you have the freedom to explore the beautiful Côte d’Azur, from Nice to St Tropez and Monaco to its fullest. A Cannes Film Festival yacht charter is perfect for enjoying the best of the Mediterranean each season, from sparkling seas and clear blue skies to exclusive restaurants, top-class marinas, and fashionable hangouts.
Pop along the coast to Nice for a dose of culture in the city’s wonderful museums and galleries, or head to St Tropez or Monaco to party with the fashionable set. Alternatively you can embrace the calm and the traditional way of life of some of the area’s beautiful hilltop villages.
Back in Cannes, you can berth quayside to immerse yourself in the electric festival energy, or anchor in the bay for a more private experience—using your yacht’s sleek tender to transport guests to and from elegant cocktail parties, champagne receptions, or decadent poolside soirées.
Your Cannes yacht charter comes with beautifully appointed accommodation tailored to your needs—whether you’re seeking a flexible, family-friendly layout or a secluded private deck where you can unwind away from the spotlight. For those looking to entertain, choose a yacht with generous dining spaces—whether indoors with panoramic views or alfresco to fully embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle.
When it’s time to cool off, enjoy the thrill of your yacht’s water toys, take a dip in the pool, or indulge in a little pampering in the onboard spa and salon—perfect for getting red-carpet-ready ahead of the Riviera’s most exclusive events.
Top VIP Events to Attend at the Cannes Film Festival
But an event as prestigious as the Cannes Film Festival also calls for lots of other extravagant events, from private parties to dinners, and securing an invite to some of the most in-demand events is top of everyone’s wish list.
Of course, Cannes also has its legendary haunts—places that become events in their own right during the festival. One such spot is the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez on La Croisette. Its sea-facing, two-Michelin-starred restaurant—named in tribute to the Palme d’Or—has been a stylish Riviera institution since the 1920s. Just a little further along the promenade and closer to the Palais des Festivals, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic is another Cannes cornerstone, frequently hosting the festival’s glamorous opening and closing night parties.
For a more intimate and authentic French dining experience, slip away from the limelight to a charming Provençal restaurant such as La Brouette de Grand-Mère—a beloved classic brasserie known for its warm atmosphere and timeless cuisine.
To round off the evening, before retreating to the refined comfort of your Cannes charter yacht, make your way to Gotha Club. It’s one of the Riviera’s most exclusive nightlife destinations, where world-renowned DJs and high-profile VIP events keep the party going well into the early hours.
Book Your 2025 Cannes Yacht Charter Now for the Ultimate Festival Experience
Whether you’re seeking an intimate charter for relaxed Mediterranean island-hopping between festival highlights, or to host unforgettable post-screening celebrations on a show-stopping superyacht charter, Cannes film festival will add beauty, culture and excitement to your itinerary From the Edmiston fleet, AHPO, MALAHNE, MAC ONE and ALEGRIA II are currently available for the Cannes Film Festival.
To secure your luxury superyacht in the Mediterranean in time for the Cannes Film Festival, contact your Edmiston charter broker today.
Each year during the the Cannes Film Festival there is a packed calendar of official events, from master classes with the crème de la crème of the film industry to events celebrating honorary Palme d’Or – Michael Douglas, Tom Cruise, and French director Agnes Varda are among those to be given honorary awards for their contribution to film.