Cannes Lions 2026: Getting There, Around, and In
Updated: February 19, 2026
Cannes, France: globally recognized for its Boulevard de la Croisette, upmarket boutiques, and palatial hotels.
It’s also famous as the host of the world’s biggest award festivals, including the prestigious Cannes Lions, where “The advertising and communications industry meets to see the world's best work”.
Whether your first time or your fifth, it can be a daunting affair, heavy with logistics and planning.
This comprehensive guide will let you in on everything you need to know to get to Cannes Lions 2026, including where to go, how to get there, and even what to pack.
Table of contents
Traveling there: Visa and travel options
The journey to Cannes will set the tone for the week. In 2026, travel logistics have become more digitized and demanding than ever.
Visas and the ETIAS requirement
The big news for 2026 is the Entry/Exit System (EES), which became mandatory across the Schengen Area this April.
When non-EU/Schengen citizens (including those from the UK, US, and Canada) land at Nice, they will no longer receive a physical passport stamp. Instead, your arrival is recorded digitally through self-service kiosks where you’ll provide fingerprints and a facial scan.
If it’s your first time entering Europe since the system went live, expect an extra 10 to 15 minutes at border control for the initial biometric registration. Because this applies to every international delegate, be prepared for far longer border queues during the Monday morning festival rush.
ETIAS Update: You may hear rumors about a European Visa (ETIAS). It’s been pushed to late 2026, so travelers from the US, UK, and Canada can still enter in June with just a valid biometric passport; no pre-travel authorization or €20 fee is required for this year’s festival.
Airports: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) vs. Cannes Mandelieu (CEQ)
Nice Airport (NCE): The primary international gateway. During Lions week, NCE is a beehive of activity. If you’re arriving at Terminal 2, look for the dedicated "Lions Welcome Desk" for initial badge registration to save time later at the Palais.
Cannes Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): Exclusively for private aviation and helicopters. If you’re flying private, CEQ offers a discreet entry just 15 minutes from the Croisette.
The rail alternative (TGV): If you’re coming from Paris, the TGV is often more efficient than a short-haul flight. The journey takes about five hours and gets you to Gare de Cannes, which is just a short walk from the Croisette.
Getting from the airport
Helicopter Transfers: To bypass the extra Nice to Cannes trip, which can take 90 minutes in festival traffic, some delegates choose a helicopter transfer.
Flights depart every 15 to 30 minutes from NCE. After just seven minutes, you’ll land at the Quai Max Laubeuf helipad at the Old Port, right next to the Palais. Expect to pay around €190 to €250 for a shared seat on services like Blade or Monacair.
Blacklane: For those who prefer the ground, a pre-booked Blacklane chauffeur is the gold standard. While taxis and ride-shares face surge pricing and long wait times, a Blacklane ride offers a fixed-rate, air-conditioned sanctuary.
Your driver will meet you at the arrivals hall with a personalized sign, helping you bypass the chaotic queues and providing a quiet space to take your first conference call of the week.
How to prepare: Packing tips
Drawing from the Cannes Lions official first-timer advice, remember these three pillars:
1. Plan: As tempting as it may be, don't try to see everything. Decide if you are there for the Content (Palais sessions), the Network (Beach houses and yachts), or the Awards (Evening ceremonies). Make sure your calendar is fully prepared for what the week will bring.
2. Hydrate: The festival runs on "Cannes Water" (Rosé) and the sun is relentless. To endure, follow the golden rule: one glass of water for every glass of wine.
3. Recharge: Your phone is your lifeline. Between scanning LinkedIn QR codes, using the Lions Connect app to find meetings, and taking photos, your battery will drain before you know it. Carry a high-capacity portable charger; you’ll thank us later.
Clothing Packing: Cannes Chic 2026
Remember: put away your regular business trip packing list! The 2026 aesthetic is a blend of high fashion and extreme practicality. Remember the heat – pack linen and lightweight cotton fabrics, but dress elevated for the prestige of the awards.
Try pairing black lightweight cotton and linen with white-and-blue accents that echo the Mediterranean's nautical heritage. Something professional enough for a pitch meeting but stylish enough for a sunset yacht party.
Shoes are naturally an important consideration. Any Cannes veteran will swear by this: never wear new shoes! You’ll walk anywhere between 15 to 20,000 steps a day. High-end, clean sneakers or well-broken-in loafers are your best bet.
Finally, the Palais des Festivals is kept cool to combat the outdoor heat. Always have a light layer in your bag to avoid the Palais cold.
Accommodation: Where to stay
The iconic hotels of La Croisette, The Carlton, Martinez, JW Marriott, and Le Majestic are the heart of the action.
Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic
Directly opposite the Palais des Festivals, the Majestic is arguably the most strategically positioned hotel in Cannes. Many award winners walk from ceremony to celebration without ever leaving its orbit.
Expect polished Belle Époque architecture, sea-facing suites, and a constant flow of industry leaders in the lobby. If convenience is your priority, this is hard to beat.
InterContinental Carlton Cannes
Fresh from extensive renovation, the Carlton blends Riviera heritage with modern refinement. Its terrace is a meeting point throughout the week. It’s equal parts business and theatre.
Staying here means you’ll never be out of the loop.
Hôtel Martinez (Hyatt Unbound Collection)
Slightly further along the Croisette, the Martinez carries a sharper, Art Deco energy. Its beach club and terrace events attract a younger executive crowd, and many brands host receptions here.
It offers scale without losing prestige and a little breathing space from the Palais bottleneck.
JW Marriott Cannes
Modern, central, and highly practical. The rooftop pool and bar are popular informal meeting spots, and their mid-Croisette position keeps walking distances manageable in both directions.
Le Suquet, The Old Town
Cannes’ Old Town sits slightly above the port, offering winding cobblestone streets and a more "Provençal" feel.
You’ll trade immediate Croisette access for atmosphere and perspective. But be aware that charming cobblestones and elevation mean extra walking!
With hotel prices soaring, many stay in Antibes or Juan-les-Pins. The regional TER train runs frequently and takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
For insider trips on the surrounding area, see our guide on how to explore the French Riviera like a local.
Apartment and villa rentals
Many agencies, holding groups, and production companies choose private villas in the hills above Cannes or high-end apartment rentals near the Croisette.
The advantages are clear: privacy for client meetings, control over guest access, space for branded activations, and the ability to host on your own terms.
The trade-off is transport coordination: villas require reliable car service, especially late at night when taxis are scarce.
If you’re hosting clients, a villa can function as a private headquarters. If you’re attending solo, the spontaneity of a hotel lobby may serve you better.
The social scene
The festival footprint stretches roughly two km along the Croisette, from the Palais through Beach Houses and into hotel terraces. This is where you’ll be spending most of your time.
Our hot tip: As already covered, Cannes is a walking city. Always plan a 30-minute walking buffer. The crowds, together with the incredible heat, turn a five-minute stroll into a 20-minute hike.
The beach houses
Major tech and media giants take over the private beaches along the Croisette, transforming them into immersive brand experiences.
Pinterest Manifestival: Typically located at Carlton Beach, this is a hub for creativity and inspiration.
Stagwell’s Sport Beach: A massive 2026 highlight, focusing on the "LIONS Sport" track with athlete appearances and high-energy networking.
Spotify Beach: Famous for its evening concerts and A-list talent, this is one of the hardest invites to secure.
But beach house entry rules are a vital consideration! A festival badge doesn’t guarantee entry to these houses; most require an advance RSVP or guest-list confirmation. Play it safe and confirm these weeks before your flight.
Yacht Row (Jetée Albert Édouard)
The harbor, specifically the Jetée Albert Edouard, is where deals are struck on multi-million dollar superyachts.
These function as floating boardrooms during the day and elite cocktail lounges by night.
The etiquette is important to note: Almost all yachts have a no-shoes policy. You’ll be asked to leave your shoes in a basket on the dock. Wear socks you’re comfortable with, or be ready to go barefoot.
The hotel terrace circuit
Midday networking often gravitates toward the hotel terraces. The Carlton Terrace is the most famous, where you can spot every major industry leader over a plate of club sandwiches.
The Majestic Terrace is equally high-powered, often serving as the base for major agency networks.
The after-hours rituals
The Gutter Bar (72 Croisette): No trip to Cannes is complete without a 2:00 AM visit to the Gutter Bar (officially the Petit Majestic). It’s loud, crowded, and unapologetically un-glamorous. This is the ultimate industry equalizer, where the hierarchy of the trade disappears.
Sunset Sessions: Many of the best networking happens during sunset (around 8:00 PM) on hotel terraces or beach lounges like Annex Beach or La Plage du Martinez.
For more ideas on where to spend your downtime, check out our list of the best things to do in Cannes.
And one final tip: If you need a break from it all, take a 15-minute ferry to the Îles de Lérins. These islands offer total serenity, pine forests, and a break from the rosé-fueled networking.
Or maybe you’re thinking of staying for a bit after Cannes Lions ends? For more ideas on nearby escapes, take a look at our South of France travel guide.
The best way to experience Cannes Lions 2026
Cannes compresses a year’s worth of opportunity into five days.
How you move through those five days determines what you carry forward. By choosing a Blacklane professional chauffeur, you ensure your travel between the airport, your villa, and the Palais is handled with total excellence.
Book your premium Cannes Lions 2026 transfer with Blacklane today.
