Cannes Yachting Festival, Maritime exhibition at Vieux Port and Port Canto, France

The Cannes Yachting Festival displays more than 650 vessels ranging from 5 to 48 meters across two port locations in Cannes. Motorboats are moored at Vieux Port while sailing yachts occupy the separate docks at Port Canto.

Launched in 1977 as Le Salon de la Navigation de Plaisance, the show was soon renamed Le Festival International de la Plaisance de Cannes and took its current name in 2014. Jacqueline Bourey served as commissaire général from 1977 to 2000, followed by Eric de Saintdo, Renaud Jourdon and, from 2013, Sylvie Ernoult. The 2013 edition gathered 400 international exhibitors and 450 boats afloat.

The event brings together boat manufacturers and dealers from around the world to showcase their latest designs. You can observe firsthand the current trends shaping the maritime industry and what catches the attention of serious buyers.

The event takes place in early September, so arrive early to avoid long waits at busy times. Both port locations are accessible by foot, though you should allow several hours to explore all the vessels and exhibition areas.

The 2013 edition alone presented 450 boats and yachts afloat, among them 169 yachts measuring 20 to 70 metres. Nearly 140 models were shown as world premieres that year, which is why the show opens the international yachting calendar each September.