A practical guide to choosing the best spot

Every summer, on 4, 14 and 22 July, as well as on 4, 15 and 24 August, the Cannes Fireworks Festival transforms the bay into a vast open-air stage. Over the course of these six evenings, the world’s finest pyrotechnicians present original displays combining fireworks, music and emotion as part of a prestigious international competition.

Each show attracts up to 100,000 spectators who come to admire this unmissable highlight of the Cannes summer.

Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience on the beach, a panoramic viewpoint, a quiet spot for children or an exceptional evening out at sea, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for you.

CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
The Fireworks Festival can be enjoyed from a thousand different angles. Up close to the launch barges, from the hills above Cannes, in a natural setting or on board a boat… every vantage point offers a different experience. Follow the guide to find the spot that’s right for you.

The beaches of La Croisette

At the heart of the show

This is the unmissable spot for fireworks displays. Set on the beach, facing the bay, you’ll enjoy a direct view of the launch barges and the synchronised soundtrack broadcast by Cannes Radio. The atmosphere is festive, friendly and particularly immersive: you experience the show to the rhythm of the music and the audience’s applause.

For added comfort, several private beaches and restaurants along the ‘ Croisette ’ offer packages specially designed for the Festival evenings. Depending on the venue, you can choose from a dinner with a view, an aperitif on the terrace, a sun lounger package with a drink, or an evening with your feet in the sand.

Why choose this spot?
• The most immersive experience: enjoy the show up close
• A front-row view
• The Festival’s iconic atmosphere
• Free access to public beaches

Good to know
• This is the busiest area.
• The best spots are snapped up quickly.

Our tip
Arrive before 8 pm to enjoy the sunset and settle in comfortably. Remember to bring a towel or a blanket if you’re heading to the public beaches.

An evening with a view – The rooftops of the Croisette

To enjoy the fireworks in a more exclusive setting, several rooftops in the ‘ Croisette ’ offer a privileged view of the Bay of Cannes. Settled on the terrace, with a drink or a meal in hand, you can enjoy the show with a unique view of the Mediterranean.
Among the must-visit venues are Le Panorama Rooftop (JW Marriott Cannes), Le Marea Rooftop (Canopy by Hilton Cannes) and Café Olympe, situated on the roof terrace of La Malmaison, the City of Cannes’ centre for contemporary art.
Depending on the venue, various options are available on show nights: dinner, cocktails, tapas or a lounge evening with panoramic views of the fireworks.

Why choose this spot?
• A breathtaking view of the Bay of Cannes
• An elegant and intimate atmosphere
• An ideal experience for an evening with your partner or friends

Please note
• Places are limited and events are often fully booked.
• Packages and entry requirements vary by venue.

Our advice
Book several days, or even several weeks, in advance during the high season. Arrive before sunset to make the most of the view and see the bay take on its most beautiful colours before the show begins.

Port Canto and the beaches along Boulevard du Midi

With the family, in a peaceful setting

Would you like to enjoy the display with children or simply avoid the busiest areas? The Port Canto and the beaches along the Boulevard du Midi offer a lovely alternative to the Croisette.

The atmosphere is calmer there, the spaces are more spacious, and it’s often easier to settle in comfortably whilst still enjoying a brilliant view of the fireworks.
Located at the tip of the Croisette, Bijou Plage is a favourite spot amongst Cannes locals for its friendly and more intimate atmosphere. You can settle down on the sand or on the jetty to enjoy an unobstructed view of the bay and the fireworks, in a more peaceful atmosphere than in the heart of the Croisette.

Bonus tip: rather than staying in the middle of the crowd, head to Quai Laubeuf, where the Joséphine Baker Promenade is an excellent alternative. Perched right by the water’s edge, you can enjoy the show to the full and, during the grand finale, it almost feels as though a shower of multicoloured stars is raining down on your head.

Why choose this spot?
• More space to settle in
• A relaxed atmosphere
• Smoother access before and after the show

Please note
• The soundtrack may be less audible depending on where you’re sitting.
• The best spot is along the stone blocks at the ‘ Port Canto ’. Facing the sea, surrounded by the silhouettes of the boats, you’ll have a great vantage point from which to watch the fireworks.

Our tip
Don’t hesitate to bring a picnic or a few games to keep the little ones entertained whilst waiting for the show to start.

Suquet, and California

Cannes at your feet

Fancy a spectacular view? Head up high.
From Place de la Castre, at the top of the Suquet, the view takes in the whole of Cannes Bay, with the fireworks standing out against the Mediterranean.
The La Californie neighbourhood, perched on the hillside, also offers magnificent vantage points, particularly popular with photographers.
These spots allow you to capture the spectacle with the illuminated city, the yachts and the coastline in the foreground.

Why choose this spot?
• A panoramic view of the display
• Spectacular photos
• A more peaceful atmosphere than by the sea

Good to know
• The sound experience is less immersive.
• The most sought-after seats are snapped up quickly.

Our tip
Before the show, take the opportunity to stroll through the historic streets of the ‘ Suquet ’ and admire the sunset over the Bay of Cannes. A lovely way to make the evening last a little longer before the sky lights up.

High up in La Californie, the route along the Canal de la Siagne also offers an excellent vantage point. In a quieter setting, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of Cannes and the Mediterranean, where the fireworks are reflected on the water. Other vantage points are available along the Route de Vallauris and the Chemin des Collines.
For photographers, find your spot before nightfall so you can set up your composition and equipment. You’ll also be able to make the most of the magnificent sunset light to take your first shots.

Everything you need to know about the Suquet

Croix-des-Gardes Park

Between nature and panoramic views

Just a few minutes from the city centre, the Croix-des-Gardes Park offers a peaceful retreat amidst 80 hectares of Mediterranean countryside.
From its viewing points, the view stretches across the whole of Cannes Bay, the îles de Lérins and the Estérel mountains. An ideal setting for those who wish to take in the spectacle away from the hustle and bustle of the Croisette.

Why choose this spot?
• An exceptional natural environment
• A 360° panoramic view
• A peaceful atmosphere

Good to know
• The park is less well lit after the show.
• Some areas are a few minutes’ walk away.

Our tip
The best tip is to park near the gendarmerie barracks. In less than five minutes’ walk, you’ll reach a superb viewing platform offering a panoramic view of the bay and the show.
A little-known secret: along the main path, there’s a secluded bench overlooking the Mediterranean, perfect for watching the fireworks in peaceful surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of the seafront.

Everything you need to know about the Croix des Gardes

The view from the sea

An experience right up close with the pyrotechnicians

Watching the Fireworks Festival from the Bay of Cannes is undoubtedly one of the most memorable experiences. Right next to the launch site, you’ll enjoy a completely unobstructed view of the fireworks, whilst their reflections light up the Mediterranean. A spectacular show, made all the more magnificent by the horizon and the calm of the sea.

Shuttles and cruises
Several ferry companies offer specially organised trips on the evenings of the shows, departing from the Vieux-Port or neighbouring ports.
• Trans Côte d’Azur
• Horizon
• Black Tenders Events
• Rivage Croisière

Depending on the package, the excursions range from a simple boat trip to more comprehensive packages including an aperitif or a meal.

Premium Rafting Trip on a Rigid Inflatable Boat
For those seeking thrills and exclusive experiences, Black Tenders Events offers an evening out on a RIB. After watching the sunset opposite the ‘ îles de Lérins ’ whilst enjoying an aperitif, the boat heads to the viewing area closest to the fireworks team to watch the display.

Night-time snorkelling & fireworks
Organised by Nature Essentielle, this experience begins with a night-time snorkelling excursion to discover bioluminescent plankton and marine life. After a gourmet break on board, the boat takes up position in the bay to admire the fireworks, complete with a live broadcast of the official soundtrack.
A unique evening combining a discovery of nature with a pyrotechnic display.

Cocktail Lounge on a catamaran
On board a 20-metre catamaran, Nomad Catamaran offers an evening of pure relaxation: a welcome cocktail, platters to share, a lounge atmosphere and a large hammock suspended above the water. When the display begins, the boat heads to the heart of the bay to offer a prime view of the fireworks.
A particularly popular option for birthdays, groups of friends or private events.

Please note
• Places are limited and bookings are strongly recommended.
• Bring a light jacket: even in summer, it gets cooler out at sea once night falls.
• Remember to check sailing conditions in the event of bad weather.

LISTEN TO THE SHOW JUST AS IT WAS CONCEIVED

The fireworks displays are designed as true works of art, with each effect synchronised to a musical score.

To get the full experience, tune in to Cannes Radio, which is broadcasting the official soundtrack live.

You can tune in:

on 91.5

on your smartphone or a portable speaker

A small detail that makes all the difference… and one that many visitors only discover after their first evening.

SAFETY & LOGISTICS ADVICE

What time should I arrive?

Would you like to…

To get settled on the beach: We recommend arriving before 8 pm

Have dinner before the show: We recommend arriving around 7 pm

To find a seat easily: We recommend arriving before 7.30 pm

Shows usually start around 10 pm (times to be confirmed depending on the programme).

How to get here

By train: Cannes SNCF station is just a few minutes’ walk from the Croisette. This is the easiest way to get there on busy evenings.

By bus: The bus network serves the main areas of Cannes as well as neighbouring towns. Remember to check the return timetables.

By car: Car parks are available in the city centre, but they fill up quickly. It’s best to use out-of-town car parks and then walk to the Croisette.

How to get to the fireworks display

“MADE IN CANNES” TIPS
✔ Arrive early and enjoy the sunset over the bay.
✔ Bring a towel or a blanket so you can get comfortable on the beach.
✔ Don’t forget a bottle of water, especially on the hottest evenings.
✔ The show lasts about 25 minutes: make the most of the moment rather than just watching it through your phone.
✔ After the fireworks, take some time to stroll around before heading back. You’ll avoid the traffic jams whilst soaking up the night-time atmosphere of Cannes.