All you need to know about the Cannes Film Festival (2025)

The Cannes Film Festival is, without a doubt, the most prestigious event in world cinema. Each year in May, the Croisette transforms into a glamorous stage where the greatest film stars, influential industry figures, visionary creators, and the most coveted luxury brands come together. Cannes becomes more than just a city—it becomes a stage where refinement, creativity, and emotion are celebrated in their purest form.

From May 13 to 24, 2025, the Croisette will once again pulse to the rhythm of this global celebration of cinema. For its 78th edition, the Festival promises to be exceptional, marked by the year’s most anticipated screenings, groundbreaking artistic discoveries, and an unmatched energy that radiates far beyond the walls of the Palais des Festivals. Presided over by Juliette Binoche, icon of French cinema with global acclaim, the official jury will award the next Palme d’Or in a competition where cinematic excellence meets cultural diversity.

How to get to the 78th Cannes Film Festival?

Gaining accreditation to access the heart of the Festival is a privilege reserved for film professionals, journalists, partners, or guests of production houses. Among the most coveted accreditations are VIP and platinum badges, which grant exclusive access to major screenings, Producers Network conferences and workshops, as well as private lounges and beach clubs such as Plage des Palmes. These badges also provide access to the Festival’s most confidential venues—the backstage of true Cannes glamour.

But Cannes is not limited to official badges. The show also happens in the streets, along the Croisette, at the foot of the red carpet, where hundreds of photographers capture the magic of every appearance. Without accreditation, it is still possible to soak up the Festival’s atmosphere, whether by strolling among the crowd, or attending off-events, private cocktail receptions and parties hosted by luxury brands and production companies. Some are by invitation only, others accessible through insider connections or private partners.

What to see or do during the Cannes Film Festival?

Beyond the red carpet, Cannes offers a full expression of the Riviera lifestyle. Temporary Cannes’ beach clubs spring to life from early morning, inviting guests to relax, indulge or celebrate in style. The luxury boutiques lining the Croisette become the playground of haute couture lovers, while the terraces of grand hotels host sun-drenched lunches and impromptu meetings overlooking the Mediterranean.

To escape the bustle, nothing compares to a day at sea. Chartering a yacht offers a spectacular view of the Bay of Cannes and its luxury hotels, with the possibility to cruise to the Lérins Islands for a private lunch or to Saint-Tropez for an effortlessly chic afternoon. Some guests host private soirées on board, under the stars, while others use their yacht as a luxurious floating residence during the Festival. Complement your stay with a chauffeured sedan or a high-performance car rental to explore the Riviera at your leisure, from Monaco to the Estérel.

When night falls, Cannes transforms into a glamorous playground. Beaches, rooftops, and private villas become the setting for the Festival’s most coveted events. The Club by Albane, held at the JW Marriott, draws the most influential figures in the film world in an ultra-exclusive setting. At La Plage du Martinez, glittering dinners curated by Chef Jean Imbert are followed by international DJ sets in a setting where cinema and celebration blend seamlessly. Meanwhile, the Carlton Beach Club, extending the spectacular rebirth of the Carlton – A Regent Hotel, promises to be one of the 2025 Festival’s essential hotspots.

How to get to the Cannes International Film Festival?

Located in the heart of the French Riviera, between Nice and Saint-Tropez, Cannes is easily accessible via several premium travel options.

The most common route is via Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport. From there, guests can travel to Cannes by luxury car rental or chauffeured vehicle, with journey times ranging from 40 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic. For an even more exclusive experience, a helicopter transfer brings you to central Cannes in just 10 minutes, offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.

For the ultimate in convenience and prestige, private jet travel is the preferred choice. The Cannes Airport, dedicated to business aviation, is in high demand during the Festival, so early booking is essential. A private chauffeur will then escort you to your hotel, villa, or yacht moored in the heart of the city.

And for those seeking the most prestigious way to travel and stay, chartering a yacht offers the ultimate freedom and comfort. Docked in the Vieux Port, your yacht becomes your private sanctuary and the ideal base for hosting gatherings, attending screenings, or simply enjoying the magic of Cannes from the water.

Where to stay during the Cannes Film Festival?

Cannes is home to an exceptional collection of palaces and refined hotels, each offering their own interpretation of Riviera luxury. The Carlton Cannes, a Belle Époque masterpiece transformed into a contemporary icon, remains the most emblematic hotel of the Festival. Just steps from the Palais, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes attracts guests with its strategic location and refined ambiance. The Hotel Martinez Cannes, with its art deco façade, continues to play a key role during the Festival—it is here that the official jury traditionally gathers for a private gastronomic dinner at the Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or.

Tucked between Rue d’Antibes and the Croisette, the Five Seas Hotel Cannes offers a more intimate stay, with rooftop pool overlooking Le Suquet, its spa, and a calm, design-driven atmosphere. For those seeking complete privacy, the legendary Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, perched on the Cap d’Antibes, remains a sanctuary of timeless elegance, just minutes from the energy of the Festival. And for an even more discreet and exclusive experience, many guests choose to rent a private villa in the hills above Cannes—ideal for hosting elegant or confidential soirées far from the spotlight of the Croisette.

The Cannes Film Festival is far more than just an event—it is an immersion into a world where cinema meets excellence, and every moment becomes an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a film industry insider or a connoisseur of Riviera living, the 2025 edition is your chance to step into the legend.