Chartering During the Cannes Film Festival 2026 - A VIP Guide to Yacht Charters

Directly book a yacht with direct port access and a spacious deck for on-deck events. For Cannes 2025, this choice guarantees exclusivity from day one. Look for vessels located near the Palais des Festivals, which reduces transfer times and puts you within walking distance to red-carpet venues, with a private crew ready to handle peak festival demand.

Choose a contemporary fleet offering personalised décors to match the mood of your party. Pick options with american terms for chartering contracts, flexible payment, and a transparent guest list. The interior should be refined with a symbol of luxury, and the exterior styling should be bold and cohesive with the event.

Plan a window of 4–6 festival days, aligning with screening times and VIP events. Select a yacht located within a short tender ride to Cannes harbour, with an retreat on deck and a private lounge, plus a crew trained for discreet service. Include day trips to nearby ports and private anchorages to maximise privacy while staying on schedule.

To maximise exclusivity, hire a charter explorer who can craft private screenings, on-board catering by a top chef, and a personalised onboard programme. Ask for a direct contact at the management company to confirm port, speed, and tender arrangements and to deliver a day-by-day plan. This approach creates a wonderful, seamless experience on the water.

When contracting, verify deck space, air conditioning, Wi-Fi coverage, and stabilisers. Ensure the yacht’s exterior is bold and the interior design reflects the festival tempo. If you need options quickly, here is a curated shortlist of vessels that can be chartered within 48 hours of confirmation, each located in Antibes or Cannes and ready to sail at sunrise for a compact program.

What to ask a broker before booking a Cannes charter

Recommendation: Request a written, line-by-line proposal that itemizes base rate, crew, meals, port dues, fuel, taxes, and disbursements, so you can compare yachts without guesswork and secure pricing before Cannes demand spikes.

Transparency on inclusions: Clarify what the base charter covers–berthing, meals, crew, and onboard service–and identify any items that fall under extra charges. Ask the broker to spell out how the service levels are delivered from embarkation to disembarkation, ensuring there are no surprises for your party.

Fleet details and feature: For each yacht you consider, request a feature list: hull type, deck space, stability, tender size, water toys (toys), and whether the yacht supports on-board filming for filmmakers.

Security and insurance: Request a current COI and proof of hull and liability coverage. Confirm crew licenses and safety training, and ask about secure storage solutions for valuables or equipment on board.

Crew and base staffing: Confirm the captain’s Cannes-area experience, total crew count, and language capabilities. If you need a bilingual steward or a dedicated chef to match your brand, specify this early so it’s built into the plan.

Itinerary flexibility and Monaco connections: If you plan to attend events in citys and Monaco, verify geographic flexibility, permit requirements, and the broker’s ability to adapt the route quickly while keeping the schedule easy for your guests. Most itineraries should include buffer time for transfers and security checks; confirm who handles those adjustments.

On-board production logistics: For filmmakers on the crew, ask about power supply, data lines, privacy controls, and space to prep gear. Ensure a seamless base for shoots, with a dedicated area for equipment and a smooth hand-off to your production team.

Parties, décor, and branding: Discuss on-board glamour and décor options, including color schemes, branding placements, and custom touches. If you want a manu brand vibe or a sleek, green aesthetic, state this clearly to avoid last-minute changes.

Vendor and operations base: Inquire who handles customs, provisioning, berthing coordination, and gear storage. Confirm the broker can tap a trusted base of contacts to secure green options and reliable service on short notice.

Contract specifics and risk management: Request a sample contract, cancellation terms, and a clear plan for deviations caused by weather or event shifts. Ask for straightforward re-scheduling options with minimal penalties to keep your Cannes stay flexible.

References and track record: Ask for recent charters with routes and guest lists similar to yours, especially those involving film-related work. Contact two references to verify responsiveness and reliability, so your plan awaits a proven, practical partner.

Best routes and on-water experiences during festival week

Perhaps the best first move is to book a direct charters transfer from Cannes to the Îles de Lerins at dawn to catch light on paintwork and shadow, creating a wonderful atmosphere before the crowds arrive. After this calm start, you can structure a week where sleek on-water experiences set the pace for every day.

• Direct dawn hop to Île Sainte-Marguerite (morning)

  Distance: about 3.5 NM; time: 20–35 minutes at a comfortable 12–18 knots. Moored in a sheltered cove off Fort Royal, you enjoy a quiet breakfast service on deck as the forest fringe glows in light. Features include calm bays, shaded inlets, and quick tender access to shore for a private walk to the Man in the Iron Mask cell. Experiences are tailored for your wants: a guided shore visit, a snorkeling option, and a photographer-friendly route along the cliff faces. Jeff, our captain, spotted dolphins early and the atmosphere never fails to impress.

• Île Sainte-Honorat for a private wine tasting (midday)

  Distance: 2.0–2.5 NM; time: 15–25 minutes. Moored off the northern quay enables a discreet tender transfer to the monastery. Features include historic wine cellars, monastery gardens, and private tasting sessions focused on Saint-Honorat blends. Experiences on deck pair with light catering and sea-breeze ambiance, giving your party a personal touch while master sommeliers guide a short on-water lesson. The annual wine event adds a gala flavor; this is a perfect spot to immerse without rushing crowds.

• Cap d’Antibes coastal loop (afternoon)

  Distance: 5–8 NM; time: 25–40 minutes. A sleek circuit along the Estérel shadow and the crystal shoreline offers dramatic scenery and photo-ready angles of villa paintwork. On board, try wakeboarding or a light water-sports session, then sip champagne as the coastline unfurls. Direct routes keep you out of busy harbor channels, and the deck becomes a stage for sunset silhouettes against the rugged sea and stone promontories.

• Offshore golf and deck experiences (late afternoon)

  Distance: 8–12 NM; time: 35–50 minutes. Begin with a private golf net and a short clinic on deck using a specialist simulator, then switch to a relaxed round with a sea breeze. Features include a collapsible driving net, loft/lie analysis, and on-board caddie tips. Immerse in a playful competition with your group while the boats glide along the coast. An ideal contrast to land-based venues and a clever way to keep energy high before evening events.

• Moonlit marina loop for gala evenings (night)

  Distance: 2–4 NM; time: 15–30 minutes depending on wind. After the gala on land, return to the water for a private, softly lit cruise past moored superyachts and the glow from Cannes’ shoreline. Features include low-energy lighting, a curated soundtrack, and a quiet deck space to discuss highlights of the day. This route never feels crowded; it’s designed for immersion and discreet celebration with friends.

Planning tip: line up two charters for the week–one early in the week to establish rhythm and another midweek for a relaxed re-set. On-water experiences can be combined with shore visits for seamless transitions between gala parties and private moments. The atmosphere shifts with light, so book sunrise or sunset slots whenever possible, and have a flexible tender schedule to adapt if a spotted pod or a sudden weather change appears. For Jeff and the masters on board, the aim remains simple: deliver a standout sequence of routes that keeps your crew energized and never overwhelmed by crowds.

Crew, catering, and on-board services that elevate VIP charters

Get a sleek, full-service crew led by a dedicated service captain, a bilingual purser, and a private chef who tailors tasting menus to the Cannes schedule. On board, pair a sommelier with two experienced stewards to ensure impeccably timed service during the annual festival crowds. A single point of contact on board coordinates tender runs, shore reservations, and guest requests, keeping every moment smooth and predictable. A split-level salon and shaded decks create discreet zones for business conversations and glamorous celebrations alike, helping everyone stay comfortable even in busy ports. This combination generally yields higher guest satisfaction and fewer misses for last-minute changes. It delivers unparalleled service and the ultimate guest experience.

Premier crew profiles for Cannes VIP charters

Assign a service captain who acts as the board’s primary liaison, supported by two stewards, a deck lead, a chef, a sommelier, and a purser. Multilingual capability–English and French at minimum, plus Italian or Spanish for shore calls–speeds transfers, dining service, and shore-side bookings. Training highlights include privacy protocol and crisis-ready procedures; staff rehearsals before arrival reduce delays during peak hours. A crew ratio of 1:2, or 1:3 for longer charters, keeps service attentive without feeling crowded. For a yacht in the 24–40 m range, this translates to a five- to seven-person team; larger yachts scale accordingly and still maintain a smooth flow.

Gourmet catering and on-board experiences

Design menus that celebrate Provence and the turquoise Côte d’Azur: seafood platters, herb-studded grilled fish, grilled vegetables, and light canapés for cocktail hours. Offer two tasting menus daily, plus a chef’s surprise plate for clients who crave something national and exclusive. Provide a private wine-tasting led by the sommelier, featuring both local vintages and a curated list from national vineyards; ensure a silky service pace to match sunset views. For casual moments, split-level dining areas transition to a lounge with loungers and a shadow for conversation, while a cinema or outdoor theatre setup delivers classic film nights under the stars. The on-board spa, gym, and water toys add thrill between events, and a reliable bar team keeps cocktails and non-alcoholic options flowing through late-night hours, making every moment glow with glamour.

Timing, permits, and marina access during the festival

Reserve a prime berth and all permits at least 8–12 weeks ahead to secure your dock. Cannes marinas like Vieux-Port and Port Pierre Canto offer berths for yachts from roughly 12m to 60m, with larger yachts needing early confirmation. Arrive during a midweek window or after the opening ceremonies to miss crowds and enjoy smoother check-in. For American yachts, coordinate directly with the harbor master via your broker to streamline clearance and dock allocation, then secure access passes for crew and guests. Ask for electricity, fresh water, and security services in advance; those services are often limited on peak days, so secure them while you can. From the yard to the quay, your team should confirm the exact mooring plan to avoid delays and to never block adjacent yachts. A brand concierge can coordinate guest arrivals and refine the on-board experience.

Processing permits works like a river you navigate: start early, gather documents, and submit with clarity. The submission should include all documents, including your yacht's registration, insurance, owner contact, crew list, and passport copies for all on board. The harbor master requires these for festival clearance; a licensed broker helps secure slots and confirm dock assignments. To miss the crunch, book a berth well in advance and keep a flexible schedule with a 7–14 day window around peak days. Once on site, avoid mooring in restricted zones and follow marina instructions so your yacht can take care of guests without delays. After you arrive, unwind on deck with river views, enjoy the prime location, and never miss the unforgettable Cannes energy.

Budget ranges, payment terms, and cancellation policies for Cannes charters

Recommendation: secure a refundable hold on a 30–40 m state-of-the-art motor yacht for Cannes week, with a 60-day flexible cancellation option and a clear APA plan. This ensures you stay in prime spots while maintaining predictable costs for corporate and american charter teams. Immerse your guests in top-tier service from day one, and keep the crew aligned with events along the river and harbor, located close to the best spots and bars around Cannes. The yard awaits your team; next-day meetings can be arranged on board.

Budget ranges and peak-season premiums

Small yachts and catamarans (10–25 m) typically range €15,000–€40,000 per week, before expenses. During Cannes, festival premiums add about 10–25% and the APA is commonly 15–25% of the base rate. Mid-size yachts (25–40 m) run €40,000–€180,000 per week, with APA 15–30% and festival surcharges around 15–25%. Larger options (40–60 m) average €180,000–€420,000 per week, with 15–30% APA and a 10–20% Cannes premium. Superyachts (60–100 m+) start at €500,000–€2,000,000+ per week, APA 20–35%, with the strongest berths commanding a further premium. For corporate and american buyers seeking an elite experience, a single-ship charter with a private chef and on-board events can add value and simplify logistics, especially when films and campaigns run back-to-back.

Payment terms and cancellation policies

Booking generally requires a 30–50% deposit to confirm, with the balance due 4–8 weeks prior; some operators request 100% payment 30 days before start. Currencies are typically EUR, USD, or GBP, and bank transfer is standard; cards may be accepted on smaller yachts with a surcharge. In Cannes, crowds around the port can affect berthing windows, so plan accordingly. The standard Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is 15–30% of the base rate and is payable with the balance or at booking, per broker terms. Cancellations follow a tiered pattern: more than 60 days before start often yields a refund in the 50–90% range; 30–59 days yields roughly 20–50%; under 30 days usually incurs little to no refund. Certain contracts offer credits for future charters instead of cash refunds, a feature that can be valuable if Cannes plans shift. Force majeure clauses cover events like port closures or travel restrictions; review the contract for credits, refunds, or rescheduling options, and consider adding travel insurance to protect deposits. burgess-arranged charters typically include clarified terms on crew, included services, and what the APA covers, helping you keep costs predictable and avoid last-minute surprises. Know what to expect with a burgess partner.