Central Cannes

Festival Congress

The majority of business conventions, conferences and exhibitions take place in Cannes' world-class convention center, Le Palais des Festivals et des Congres, which sits on a peninsula between the Old Port and the famous Croisette beach.

While the Film Festival is certainly Cannes' main event, it is by no means the only significant event taking place throughout the year. Designed by Bennett and Druet, constructed on the site of the municipal Casino and opened in December 1982, the Palais was initially not well received by the locals in Cannes. In fact, they hated it. However, it was expanded in 1999 with the construction of the Espace Riviera giving a total capacity of 25,000 square metres of exhibition space along with 18 auditoriums and numerous multi-purpose rooms. It brings so much business to Cannes now that the locals have learnt to live with it!

A visit to Cannes during one of its many festival or congress dates is an exhilarating experience. A lively, excited atmosphere takes over the entire town and the bars and restaurants are brimming, full of people. Just make sure you have a restaurant reservation in advance, if you are in Cannes during the film festival!