Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: VIP Guide & Luxury Concierge Services

Cannes Yachting Festival 2026: The World's Premier Gathering for Prestige Boating

From September 8 to 13, 2026, Cannes once again becomes the world capital of yachting. The Cannes Yachting Festival — Europe's largest in-water boat show — returns to the city's two iconic marinas, transforming the French Riviera into an open stage for some 700 exhibited vessels and nearly 55,000 visitors from every corner of the globe. Builders, owners, brokers, collectors and discerning enthusiasts converge for six days of rare intensity, where every pontoon becomes a showcase of contemporary nautical excellence.

For those who wish to experience this event beyond a simple visit — gaining access to world premieres ahead of the crowds, boarding a superyacht for a sea trial, or staying at a Cannes palace hotel with views over La Croisette — AC Private, a prestige concierge service on the French Riviera, orchestrates every detail of a stay worthy of the occasion.

Two Marinas, One World: The Festival's Geography

Understanding the layout of the Cannes Yachting Festival is already the first step toward optimising your experience. The event unfolds across two complementary venues, each with its own identity and distinct offering.

The Old Port: The Kingdom of Motor Yachts and Superyachts

Cannes' Vieux-Port hosts the show's most spectacular concentration of motor yachts. This is where the Superyacht Extension takes centre stage, dedicated to vessels ranging from 25 to 55 metres — steel and composite giants whose very presence at the dock is enough to redefine the idea of life at sea. World and European premieres from the great shipbuilding houses are presented here in a setting that blends the intimacy of the historic port with the ambition of the most forward-thinking yards. Exclusive lounges reserved for VIP visitors are also located here, offering a welcome retreat between on-board tours.

Port Canto: Sailing Yachts, Brokerage and Tenders

A short distance away, Port Canto embodies an altogether different philosophy of the sea. Sailing yachts of every size hold court here, from elegant day-boats to large offshore cruising vessels. The brokerage section — dedicated to carefully selected pre-owned vessels — draws a clientele of serious buyers accompanied by their brokers. Luxury tenders and dinghies complete a panorama that covers the full spectrum of high-end boating. Priority shuttles run continuously between the two marinas, ensuring smooth movement between the two worlds — a service that VIP visitors particularly appreciate during peak hours.

The Luxury Gallery: Where the Sea Meets High Jewellery

The Cannes Yachting Festival extends well beyond the pontoons. At the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Luxury Gallery presents a dedicated space for the art of living that naturally accompanies life on board: fine jewellery, prestige watchmaking, fashion and luxury accessories are showcased in a setting befitting their ambition. Swiss watch houses, Parisian jewellers and fashion designers follow one another within a carefully curated scenography, a reminder that owning a yacht means embracing a complete art de vivre.

For visitors who wish to extend this experience through acquisitions or private appointments with the brands in attendance, AC Private can arrange exclusive preview meetings, outside of public opening hours.