Cannes Lions 2015 is a festival that celebrates global creative communications and is being hosted at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes between 21-27 June 2015.
The festival welcomes over 12,000 creative individuals each year who get the opportunity to experience industry networking, inspirational talks and awards.
Bespoke Yacht Charter has over 12 years’ experience in helping companies hire a yacht at Cannes Lions and we are able to assist with every detail in ensuring you and your company the ultimate Cannes Lions Yacht Activation!
Our yacht charter brokers take care of all aspects of your event from helping you choose the perfect yacht, obtaining the best berth on “Yacht Row” in Cannes, assisting with catering arrangements, branding, additional staff, DJs, transfers etc.
Bespoke Yacht Charter have compiled Five Top Tips for Creatives in Cannes for the Cannes Lions Festival to help you navigate this great French Riviera destination.
1. Useful smartphone downloads for visitors to Cannes Lions 2015
Download the free bilingual French and English ‘Cannes is Yours’ apps available on the App Store and Google Play. They have invaluable information for visitors to Cannes Lions including tourist maps, sightseeing itineraries and restaurants.
Download the official free English language ‘2015 Cannes Lions’ apps available on the App Store, Google Play and Windows. The apps are only downloadable for festival attendees as you need to log-in with your delegate number.
2. General tips for Cannes Lions 2015
Ensure you pre-purchase your Festival pass prior to arrival in Cannes – if not, you will be subject to an administration fee of €80 + TVA if you choose to pay on arrival.
If you’re traveling with your partner or spouse, there are special ‘Companion Passes’ available for purchase on request so they can attend the Galas and Awards Ceremonies with you. Email delegates@canneslions.com for further information.
If you have two events that cross over or you miss a session, there will be plenty of resources available online after the festival ends.
Need Wifi at Cannes Lions? You’ll find some Wifi hotspots in Cannes at Mocca Café (directly opposite the Palais des Festivals), New York New York restaurant (Allée de la Liberté Charles de Gaulle) and Factory Café (Gray d’Albion shopping arcade).
Pre-book your transport in the evening during Cannes Lions as taxis will be limited, and public transport schedules are reduced especially after 8pm.
If you intend on dining out on the opening day of Cannes Lions 2015 (Sunday 21 June), be aware that this year this coincides with the date for Fête des Pères (Fathers Day) in France which is traditionally a popular day for family celebrations at restaurants. Advance restaurant reservations are highly recommended on this day.
3. Getting to and around Cannes
At Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, taxis are located at each terminal at the arrivals level. Approximate oneway fare to Cannes is €85 (dependent on traffic). Cash only, no credit cards.
The nearest train station to the airport is Nice St-Augustin station (a 5-minute taxi ride from the airport). Trains run regularly to Cannes with reduced timetables on weekends; a oneway journey takes around 40 minutes.
Rapides Cotes d’Azur (RCA) operate an express bus service every day between the airport and Cannes. The bus is number 210 and travels partially on the highway; a oneway journey takes around 50 minutes. The Cannes 210 bus stops are the Gare Routiere (near Hôtel de Ville and the port), and outside Hotel Gray Albion. (There is another bus that travels between Nice and Cannes – number 200, but it is extremely slow and passes through local towns so the oneway journey takes around 2 hours).
Central Cannes itself is walkable, and the Palais des Festivals and Croisette is just 5 minutes from the train station or the main bus stops. If you don’t fancy walking around central Cannes, there is a small bus called City Palm that travels a loop circuit regularly between Hôtel de Ville, the length of the Croisette, rue d’Antibes, the train station (Gare SNCF), and rue Félix Faure. It costs €0,60 per trip, or is free all day if you show a parking ticket.
4. Restaurants and bars
Inside the Palais des Festivals, Cannes Lions delegates will find a caféteria on level -1. There are also many restaurants the length of the Croisette though prices reflect the prime waterfront location. Here are some other suggestions for places to eat and drink during Cannes Lions 2015:
Le Cirque, 30 rue Hoche
Modern café/bistro situated on a corner site. Good coffee and dishes of the day.
Volupté Anytime, 32 rue Hoche
Open Monday to Saturday from 9am-7.30pm, recommended for breakfast, tea, coffee, lunch (they have an excellent range of well-priced salads and sandwiches).
Ma Nolan’s, 6 rue Buttura
Close to the Palais des Festivals, grab an outside table for a pint of beer. They often have live music and serve all types of pub food including English breakfasts.
Le Tube, 10 rue Florian
Highly recommended for apéritifs or networking cocktails, Le Tube is stylish and offers French food with a modern twist. Try their menu du marché.
Astou et Cie Brun, 27 rue Felix Faure
A mecca for seafood lovers, look beyond the uninspiring décor and head here for freshly shucked oysters or seafood platters. Reservations essential as it gets busy.
Le Bâoli, Port Pierre Canto
Located at the far end of the Croisette from the Palais des Festivals, Le Bâoli is a big player for Cannes nightlife so ensure you take a table reservation (dinner is in 2 seatings). A cross between a slick restaurant and club, sit back and dine on pasta, sushi or meat dishes – many with a strong Asian influence – and order champagne. Open late, and they also serve a Sunday brunch.
5. Things to see and do during Cannes Lions 2015
Outside of Cannes Lions sessions and networking, here are some suggestions for things to see and do:
Musée de la Castre, Château de la Castre
Situated at the top of the hill of Le Suquet, this museum has an eclectic collection including ethnographic artefacts, ancient musical instruments and paintings. Don’t miss climbing to the top of the tower for panoramic views across Cannes, the Esterel mountains and the Lérins Islands.
Marché Forville
Cannes crowning glory is Marché Forville – a bustling place comprising of a central covered market with vendors selling everything from fruit, vegetables, fish, tapenades, olive oil and herbs to food specialty shops retailing salmon, caviar, duck and roast chicken.
You’ll also find a handful of supermarkets here and lots of caféterias perfect for a quick coffee or glass of wine in the sun.
Open daily from 7am-1pm, excluding Monday. We recommend taking cash in denominations under €50 and take along your own shopping bags – which of course you use to fill up with truffle oil, fresh figs, Provençal olives and Roquefort cheese.
Lérins Islands
When in Cannes, do as the Cannois do and cruise over to the picturesque Lérins Islands.
Situated just off the coast of Cannes, La Guérite restaurant on Île Sainte Marguerite offers an exceptional location for lunch and you can anchor just off the bay as you dine. Afterwards, visit the nearby fortress where you can see the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask was imprisoned and other naval artefacts.
Or, take your tender to the smaller island of Île Saint-Honorat where you can walk the perimeter of the island in no time past the small working vineyard and ancient fortifications. The island is still inhabited by Cistercian monks and Brother Antoine himself often welcomes visitors to La Tonnelle restaurant where you can eat seasonal Provençal dishes and sample the island’s own wine and lérina (a citrus and herb-distilled liqueur).
Fête de la Musique
Held annually on 21 June throughout France, Fête de la Musique is a fantastic day of free concerts and musical performances across all genres. On Sunday 21 June in Cannes, immerse yourself in an aural selection that includes pop rock, classical music, electronica and show tunes. Our pick is the Super 8 Liveband at the Palais des Festivals.
Useful Links:
Official Cannes Lions 2015 website: www.canneslions.com
Official Facebook page for Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity: www.facebook.com/Cannes.Lions.Festival.of.Creativity
Twitter: @Cannes_Lions
This article was written by Rebecca Whitlocke, who with over 10 years travel industry experience loves to share ‘must-do’ destination tips and hidden spots to discover in France and beyond.
To discuss yacht charters and boat rentals at Cannes Lions, please contact Rachel Coles at Bespoke Yacht Charter:
