Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Events center · Cannes, Provença-Alpes-Costa Azul
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
Home of the Cannes Film Festival since 1983, with the red-carpet steps and the Allée des Étoiles bearing filmmakers' handprints.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the building where the Cannes Film Festival takes place in May, since it opened in late 1982. Throughout the year it hosts congresses and professional fairs, such as television and music market events.
Internal access is restricted to accredited participants. For visitors, what is accessible is the exterior: the steps where the red carpet is laid out, where many people take photos, and the Allée des Étoiles du Cinéma, a pavement around the building with the handprints of actors and directors.
The festival is not open to the general public: official screenings require accreditation or an invitation. The city organises, on some evenings, outdoor screenings on the beach; check the programme. Cannes' tourist office is located in the same building.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes to see it from the outside.
Best time
Outside festival days and large congresses, when the steps are free for photos. In May the area is closed off and very crowded.
How to get there
It's located at the start of the Croisette, about a 10-minute walk from Gare de Cannes and next to the Vieux Port.
Tip
Look for the handprints of filmmakers you know on the Allée des Étoiles. The tourist office inside the building has maps and information about boats to the Îles de Lérins.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
Can you enter the Palais des Festivals?
Generally no: the interior is reserved for events and accredited participants. The staircase and the Allée des Étoiles outside are open to the public.
Can a tourist attend the Festival de Cannes?
Official screenings require accreditation or an invitation. On some evenings there are outdoor screenings on the beach open to the public; check each year's schedule.
When is the Festival de Cannes?
In May, for about two weeks. The city fills up and accommodation prices rise.