The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès stands at 1 Boulevard de la Croisette at the western end of the seafront in Cannes, on the French Riviera in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It is the home of the Cannes Film Festival and also hosts MIPIM, MIPTV and other major trade fairs and congresses. The current building opened in 1982, and its pale, rectilinear concrete and glass design is much photographed because of the red-carpet staircase of 24 steps at its front entrance.
Most visitors come to the exterior. The red steps are normally open for photographs outside festival periods, and the steps are marked with a red carpet only during events. Next to the building, the Allée des Étoiles lines the esplanade with handprints of film stars, and a short walk leads on to the Old Port and Le Suquet. The interior, which includes the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière, the Debussy theatre and exhibition halls, is accessible only during events or guided visits arranged through the Cannes tourist office, so interior access should be confirmed in advance.
A visit to the exterior and esplanade takes 30 to 45 minutes. The best photographs are from the foot of the steps looking up, from the esplanade on the Croisette side, and from the quay of the Old Port looking back toward the building. Mornings are the calmest, with few people on the steps. Crowds build up in the afternoon, and the building and the surrounding streets become extremely busy and restricted during the Cannes Film Festival in May, when access is limited to accredited guests and the public gathers behind barriers.
The building is about ten minutes on foot from Cannes station and is easily combined with a stroll along the Croisette. Entry to the exterior is free, and no ticket is required unless attending an event or a guided tour.
| Admission | Exterior free (~$0) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Exterior and red-carpet steps open daily; interior only during events or guided visits (check Cannes tourist office) |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Morning for fewer people; avoid film-festival week unless attending |
| Getting there | On foot; 10 minutes from the station |
| Address | 1 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France |
Location
1 Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France
43.5507, 7.0177 View on map
Highlights
- Pose on the famous red-carpet steps at the main entrance
- Handprints of film stars along the Allée des Étoiles
- Modern 1982 architecture beside the seafront
- Guided visits of the auditorium arranged through the tourist office
- Easy walk to the Old Port and the Croisette
Tips for visiting
- Arrive in the morning for photographs without crowds on the steps.
- Check the festival calendar; access is restricted during the May film festival and major trade fairs.
- Ask the Cannes tourist office about guided interior visits before arriving.
- Combine the visit with the Allée des Étoiles on the esplanade.
- Avoid expecting a red carpet outside events; it is laid only for screenings.
When to visit
Mornings are the quietest for photographs. Avoid festival week in May unless attending, as the area is closed to the public.
Accessibility
The esplanade and main approaches are paved and mostly level. The red-carpet steps themselves are a staircase, but ramps and lifts serve the building during events.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Around 30 to 45 minutes covers the exterior, the red steps and the star handprints. A guided interior visit, when available, adds extra time.
Can visitors go inside?
Usually only during events or on guided visits arranged via the tourist office. Confirm availability ahead of time.
Is it worth it for kids?
The red steps and handprints appeal to children, but the visit is short and mostly about photographs.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior and steps is freely allowed. Rules apply inside venues during events.