Cannes Lions Yacht Charter

Inspired by the Cannes Film Festival, the first edition of the Cannes Lions celebration was held in Venice and was previously named the ‘International Advertising Film Festival’.

Designed to recognize the creative minds in marketing, the event offered an award for the most impressive advertisement designed for cinema.

• Location: Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France
• Event type: Global creative and marketing festival
• Audience: Brand leaders, agencies, media executives, tech innovators
• Duration: Typically 5–7 days in June
• Known for: Industry-defining awards, keynote speakers, brand activations
• Yacht focus: Corporate hospitality, networking, private client entertaining

Cannes Lions delivers a fast-paced programme blending thought leadership, award ceremonies, and immersive brand experiences. Throughout the week, visitors to the esteemed event can expect:

• High-profile keynote speakers from global brands and media
• Insight-led panels covering creativity, AI, data, and storytelling
• Interactive brand activations along the Croisette
• Exclusive networking events and private receptions

From early-morning seminars to late-night gatherings, the festival offers continuous opportunities to connect, collaborate, and gain strategic insights across the evolving creative landscape.

Starting out as an event that alternated each year between Venice and Cannes for a few years, the Cannes Lions permanently settled at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in 1984 and has since become a pivotal award ceremony that acts as an ideal stop for French Riviera yacht charters.

Styled on the ‘lion of Venice’ statue, which occupies a large part of the eastern column in the Piazza San Marcos, the now iconic trophy at the Cannes Lions was first awarded to a team of Italian filmmakers for a commercial about Chlorodont toothpaste, and has now affirmed itself as a coveted accolade in the media industry.

A charter destination renowned for its busy social calendar and idyllic location, sailing and motor yacht charters attending the Cannes Lions will enjoy picturesque berths in Vieux Port, situated adjacent to the Palais des Festivals and La Croisette.

Home to the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, Vieux Port can comfortably accommodate luxury yacht rentals up to 213ft (65m), making it an ideal stopover for family and event yacht charters. 

Awards and Competitions

Cannes Lions Awards: The festival's main event, these awards honor outstanding creative work across various categories, including Film, Titanium, and Integrated Lions. 

Young Lions Competitions: Targeting professionals under 30, this competition spans seven divisions—Print, Digital, Film, Design, Young Marketers, Media, and PR—offering young talent a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.

Lion of St. Mark: A prestigious lifetime achievement award presented to individuals for their enduring contributions to creativity in communications.

Seminars and Workshops: Visitors can participate in a variety of sessions led by industry leaders, covering topics from innovative marketing strategies to the latest in creative technology.​

Academies and Scholarships: Programs like the Cannes Lions Brand Marketers and Creative Academies offer immersive learning experiences. The Lions Scholarship provides fully funded access to these academies for selected young professionals.

See It Be It Program: Aimed at promoting gender equality, this initiative supports the advancement of women in the creative industry through mentorship and exposure.​

Brand Activations: Major brands like Pinterest and Netflix create interactive installations and experiences, offering attendees engaging ways to connect with the latest in creative marketing.​

Equality Lounge: A dedicated space focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, featuring discussions and networking opportunities aimed at fostering a more inclusive industry.

A yacht charter during Cannes Lions offers a distinct advantage over traditional venues. Those onboard can make the most of a wide array of benefits that heighten the experience of the celebrated festival. Some of the perks include: 

• Privacy: Secure environment for confidential meetings
• Flexibility: Host events on your own schedule
• Prestige: Elevate brand presence in a highly competitive environment
• Convenience: Walkable access to the Palais and Croisette
• Hospitality: Tailored dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences

This combination makes charter yachts one of the most effective platforms for networking and deal-making during the festival.

Cannes Lions operates as a delegate-based event, with access granted through official passes.

Typical pass options include:

• Full-week delegate passes
• Day passes (limited availability)
• Programme-specific access (workshops, academies)

Due to high demand, early registration is strongly recommended, particularly for premium access and exclusive sessions.

Local Highlights

• Boulevard de la Croisette - The vibrant backbone of Cannes, La Croisette stretches along the coastline and comes alive during Cannes Lions with brand activations, beachfront events, and pop-up experiences, alongside luxury boutiques and iconic hotels.
• Île Saint-Honorat - Just a short tender ride from the mainland, this peaceful island offers a striking contrast to the high-energy festival, with historic monastic buildings, scenic walking trails, and locally produced wines.
• Musée sous-marin de Cannes - A unique underwater attraction featuring a series of submerged sculptures, this eco-museum provides an unforgettable snorkelling or diving experience just off the Cannes coastline.

• La Palme d'Or - A two-Michelin-starred restaurant synonymous with cinematic flair, La Palme d'Or delivers refined French cuisine in an elegant setting, making it a standout choice for client entertaining during the festival.
• Baoli Cannes - Blending fine dining with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, Baoli Cannes is an institution where Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine meets DJ-led evenings, attracting a global crowd during Cannes Lions.
• Le Park 45 - Overlooking the Croisette, Le Park 45 offers a sophisticated dining experience focused on seasonal ingredients and modern French gastronomy, ideal for more relaxed yet refined business lunches or evening meals.

Combining the Cannes Lions with an indulgent South of France yacht charter, the seaside town of Cannes becomes a captivating stopover thanks to the immersive atmosphere produced by the wide number of glamorous receptions, parties, and dinners.

In addition to the main event at Palais des Festivals, West Mediterranean yacht charters incorporating the Cannes Lions offer abundant opportunities to get a real taste of the Mediterranean with all the cosmopolitan highlights that the Cote d'Azur is famous for.

While attending the show, charter guests can explore stunning sites of historical significance like Lerins Abbey (Abbaye de Lerins) and make the most of a water toy garage by plunging into the depths to visit the Cannes Underwater Eco-Museum (Musée sous-marin de Cannes).

For more ideas on the best things to see and do during a luxury MIPIM yacht charter vacation, take a look through our complete guide to Cannes and browse some sample Cannes yacht charter itineraries.

When should I book a yacht for Cannes Lions?
Ideally, 6–12 months in advance due to limited berths and high demand.

Are yachts suitable for corporate use during the festival?
Yes, they are widely used for meetings, receptions, and brand activations.

Can I attend Cannes Lions without a yacht charter?
Yes, but yachts offer a significantly more exclusive and flexible experience.

Demand for yacht charters during Cannes Lions remains consistently high, particularly for prime berths in Vieux Port.

For the latest availability and offers on Mediterranean yacht charters that coincide with the Cannes Lions, and to secure a berth at the forthcoming event, get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker today.

Alternatively, you can view the entire global fleet of luxury yacht charters on YachtCharterFleet.