Where to watch the Cannes Pyrotechnic Festival

Every summer, the Cannes Pyrotechnic Art Festival transforms the bay into a vast open-air stage.

The displays combine fireworks and music, with shows created by teams from several countries. In 2026, six evenings are scheduled between 4 July and 24 August.

Where you choose to watch from can completely change the experience. Some people prefer to stay close to the sea, while others look for a panoramic view or a quieter setting.

Here are five options to help you choose the right viewpoint for your evening.

 

1. The beaches of the Croisette, close to the action

The beaches along the Croisette remain the most obvious place to watch the fireworks.

Sitting on the sand facing the bay, you can fully enjoy the colours, the music and the reflections on the water. Being close to the launch area also makes the show feel more intense.

This is the best option for experiencing the event at the heart of the Cannes atmosphere. The beaches fill up quickly, however, so it is better to arrive early enough to find a comfortable spot.

 

2. Place de la Castre, for a view from above

At the top of Le Suquet, Place de la Castre offers an open view over the Old Port and the Bay of Cannes.

From this higher position, you can see the display as a whole. The fireworks appear above the city, with the harbour, rooftops and coastline in the foreground.

The walk up requires a little effort, and the location is especially popular on festival nights. It is therefore best to arrive early and wear shoes suited to the district’s cobbled streets.

 

3. Port Canto, for another perspective over the bay

Located at the far end of the Croisette, Port Canto offers a more distant view from the city centre.

The atmosphere is different from the beaches near the Palais des Festivals. The extra distance makes it easier to appreciate the overall composition of the display as it unfolds above the bay.

It is an interesting option if you would like to combine the fireworks with a walk along the Croisette while discovering another part of the seafront.

 

4. A boat in the bay, for an evening on the water

Watching the fireworks from the sea is probably the most unusual experience.

Several companies offer special boat trips during the festival. Once out in the bay, the view is largely unobstructed, and the colours reflected across the water add another dimension to the display.

This option requires more planning and should be booked in advance. You should also check the departure point, boarding time and conditions provided by the operator.

 

5. La Croix-des-Gardes, for a more natural setting

Away from the city centre, La Croix-des-Gardes offers another elevated viewpoint.

The park overlooks Cannes and provides several views across the bay, the Lérins Islands and the Estérel mountains. The fireworks are seen from farther away, but they form part of a much wider panorama.

This option is better suited to those looking for a quieter setting away from the crowds. You should plan the journey in advance, find your viewpoint before nightfall and check the park’s access conditions.

 

How to choose the right location

For the liveliest atmosphere and the full impact of the display, the beaches of the Croisette remain the best option.

Place de la Castre is better suited to those looking for a panoramic view. Port Canto offers a good balance between the seafront and a little distance, while a boat provides a more exclusive experience.

La Croix-des-Gardes is more suitable for visitors who would rather watch the fireworks from a natural setting away from the city-centre crowds.

 

An easy evening from Hotel 7Art

From Hotel 7Art, the beaches of the Croisette, the Old Port and the beginning of the walk up to Le Suquet are all within walking distance.

This makes it possible to enjoy the evening without having to drive through central Cannes. After the display, you can simply walk back to the hotel through the city-centre streets.

Port Canto is farther away, but it can still be reached by walking along the Croisette. For boat trips, make sure to check the exact boarding point given by the organiser.

 

Cannes Pyrotechnic Festival 2026 dates

Six displays are scheduled in the Bay of Cannes:

• Saturday 4 July at 10 pm;
• Tuesday 14 July at 11 pm;
• Wednesday 22 July at 10 pm;
• Tuesday 4 August at 10 pm;
• Saturday 15 August at 10 pm;
• Monday 24 August at 10 pm.

The displays can be watched free of charge from public areas. If the weather is uncertain, it is best to check the latest information published by the City of Cannes before heading out.

 

Five viewpoints, five different experiences

The Pyrotechnic Festival feels completely different when watched from the sand, the heights of Le Suquet or the water.

Each location offers its own view of the show: close to the action, overlooking Cannes, from the harbour or with the fireworks reflected across the sea.

All that remains is to choose the atmosphere you prefer and arrive early enough to make the most of the evening.

 

CREDIT

@longbeachcannes