How to attend the Cannes Film Festival 2026 with Ricasoli Travel

The 79th Cannes Film Festival runs from 12 to 23 May 2026. It transforms the French Riviera into the most glamorous stage in world cinema. Every year, executives, UHNW individuals, families and personal assistants to industry figures arrive from across the globe. Twelve days of premieres, private screenings and invitation-only events await. For those attending, how well the journey is planned defines the quality of the experience.

What is the Cannes Film Festival?

The Festival de Cannes is the world's most prestigious film event. It is held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès on La Croisette. The festival combines red carpet premieres with one of the most active social and business calendars in Europe. Beyond the films, it draws yacht parties, private dinners and hospitality that demands equally considered travel. For executives, UHNW families and industry professionals, Cannes requires a travel partner who understands both the event and the client.

Plan your Cannes Film Festival experience with Ricasoli Travel.

How to get to Cannes Film Festival 2026

Cannes is served by two main airports, each suited to a different type of arrival. A third option, helicopter, is the preferred choice for clients arriving from Monaco, Nice or nearby destinations.

For clients flying commercially, Ricasoli Travel arranges business and first class ticketing directly. A dedicated travel advisor manages complex itineraries and last-minute changes, not a self-booking platform. For those preferring full schedule flexibility, we coordinate private jet charters into Cannes Mandelieu. It is the closest airport to the Palais des Festivals. Helicopter transfers from Nice or Monaco take approximately seven minutes. They offer an arrival that begins long before you step onto La Croisette. Arrange your transfer from Nice, Cannes Mandelieu or by helicopter.

Moving through Cannes during the festival

During the festival, La Croisette and the surrounding streets operate at full capacity. Access to the Palais des Festivals is restricted, and standard transport becomes unreliable. As a result, how you move through Cannes each day defines whether your programme runs to schedule or doesn't.

At Ricasoli Travel, we coordinate two distinct ground services. A private chauffeur handles point-to-point transfers, airport to hotel, hotel to the Palais, venue to venue. Each transfer is timed precisely to your confirmed schedule. A driver at disposal is available by the hour or for the full day. This is the preferred option for executives with back-to-back appointments, families moving between locations, or assistants coordinating a larger group. Both services use drivers briefed on Cannes access routes, restricted zones and festival timing. Book a private chauffeur or driver at disposal for the full week.

Where to stay during the Cannes Film Festival

Hotels along La Croisette fill six to twelve months before the festival opens. The most sought-after addresses, Le Majestic Barrière, Hôtel Martinez and JW Marriott Cannes, require early commitment and, ideally, a partner who can negotiate directly. For UHNW families and clients requiring complete privacy, private villas in Cap d'Antibes and the surrounding hills offer an alternative to hotel living, with dedicated space and full discretion throughout the stay.

Ricasoli Travel secures priority hotel reservations and villa arrangements on your behalf, negotiating rates, suite upgrades and amenities. Furthermore, because accommodation is coordinated alongside flights, transfers and ground transport, every element connects: check-in times, driver schedules and event logistics all align from the moment you land. Secure your hotel or villa before availability runs out.

Arriving at the Palais des Festivals

The red carpet entrance at the Palais des Festivals is one of the defining moments of any Cannes visit. For evening premieres and gala events, timing is everything. A chauffeur arrival coordinated to the minute separates a composed entrance from a rushed one. Ricasoli Travel plans these arrivals as part of the wider itinerary. Every detail — vehicle, timing and route — is confirmed in advance. Coordinate your red carpet arrival with Ricasoli Travel.

Why Ricasoli Travel for Cannes Film Festival

Most travel providers cover one part of the journey. A chauffeur company handles the car. A jet broker handles the flight. A hotel concierge handles the room. Ricasoli Travel coordinates all of it under one roof. One point of contact. Every element aligned from departure to return.

We are an IATA-accredited travel agency operating in 30+ countries, with 500+ corporate clients. Our dedicated team is available 24/7. We manage the complexity of Cannes so your focus remains entirely on the festival. We also offer full white-label support for personal managers and assistants to high-profile clients. All arrangements are handled discreetly, under your brand if required.

Plan your Cannes Film Festival 2026 with Ricasoli Travel

Whether you are attending as an executive, travelling as a family, managing arrangements on behalf of a high-profile client or coordinating logistics for a corporate team, Ricasoli Travel provides a single point of contact for every element of your stay.

Ricasoli Travel has coordinated travel for executives and high-profile clients attending the Cannes Film Festival, managing transfers, hotel reservations and private jet arrangements across the French Riviera. We coordinate:

• Airline ticketing — business and first class flights, multi-city itineraries, last-minute re-routing
• Private jet charter — into Cannes Mandelieu, on your schedule
• Helicopter transfers — Nice, Monaco and beyond, approximately seven minutes to Cannes
• Private chauffeur — point-to-point transfers timed to your programme
• Driver at disposal — hourly or full-day, for executives, families and large groups
• Hotel reservations and villa rentals — secured and negotiated on your behalf

Your programme is set. Let us handle the rest. Speak to a travel advisor

Frequently asked questions about Cannes Film Festival travel

How do I get from Nice airport to the Cannes Film Festival?

Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is 28 kilometres from Cannes. A private transfer takes approximately 45 minutes. It is the most reliable option during the festival, when public transport and taxis are severely limited. Ricasoli Travel arranges meet-and-greet transfers timed to your flight arrival.

What airport do private jets use for the Cannes Film Festival?

Private jets land at Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ). It is located just 6 kilometres from the Palais des Festivals, approximately 20 minutes by private transfer. The airport is exclusively reserved for private aviation.

How far in advance should I book travel for the Cannes Film Festival?

Book hotels on La Croisette six to twelve months before the festival — demand fills them fast. Secure private jet slots and helicopter transfers two to three months in advance. The earlier you engage a travel partner, the more options you have.

Ready to attend the Cannes Film Festival 2026?

The Cannes Film Festival is defined by prestige, timing and atmosphere. Travel during this period should reflect the same standard. Whether you are attending premieres, hosting clients on the Croisette or managing arrangements for a high-profile guest, Ricasoli Travel coordinates every element so that your focus remains on the festival.

Plan your journey to Cannes Film Festival