Conferences, congresses, trade shows, receptions and hybrid events can be organised at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, on the Croisette in Cannes. The largest auditorium seats 2,309 people, and the reception rotunda holds 1,728. Spaces can be hired privately and set up to the organiser's brief.
Seminars and company events
The Palais hosts international congresses, B2B trade shows, conferences, product launches and receptions, as well as film and television recordings. Organisers choose between plenary auditoriums, smaller meeting rooms, exhibition halls and reception spaces, then combine them over one or several days. In-house technical and operations teams cover carpentry, electricity, stage management, lighting, sound, reception staff, security and logistics. Wi-Fi 6 is available throughout the building.
For hybrid events, the Hi5 Studio offers a 120 m² set and a connected 350-seat cinema-style auditorium, and the building streams sessions to remote audiences. The Palais also runs a sustainability support service for organisers and states that it uses 100% green electricity.
Rooms and capacities
The Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière is the main plenary room, with 2,309 seats across the orchestra, boxes and balcony. Further auditoriums, including the Théâtre Claude-Debussy and the Auditorium Jean Mineur, cover audiences from 147 to 2,309 across the building. The sub-commission rooms on levels 3 and 4 range from 36.5 to 78.5 m² and can be arranged in meeting, classroom or theatre layouts. The Salon Croisette / Pierre Viot covers 260 m², and the Verrière Californie on level 5 opens onto a terrace.
For receptions, the Rotonde Lérins offers 2,150 m² with a 360-degree sea view and a capacity of 1,728 people. The Salon des Ambassadeurs covers 1,127 m² with large glass bays, and the Verrière of the Auditorium Louis Lumière suits cocktails. Eleven terraces total 5,774 m², and the famous steps of the Palais can be used for arrivals and photos.
For exhibitions, the Hall des Expositions exceeds 13,000 m², and the Hall Riviera with the Salon Riviera totals 4,253 m². The Palais states that about 35,000 m² can be made available for shows.
Catering
Catering is optional and handled by referenced caterers listed by the Palais, so organisers pick the format that fits their event, from a coffee break to a seated dinner. Signage, extra lighting and reception services are also offered as options.
History and setting
The Palais stands on Boulevard de la Croisette, facing the Mediterranean, and was opened in the early 1980s. It is best known as the home of the Cannes Film Festival, whose red-carpet steps lead to the Grand Auditorium. The same building now serves as a year-round congress and exhibition centre. Off-site options in town include the Esplanade Pantiero, the Gare Maritime and the Suquet quarter.
Getting there
The Palais is on the Croisette, within walking distance of Cannes station and the old port. Nice Côte d'Azur airport is the main airport for international delegates. The Palais does not offer bedrooms on site, so participants book hotels in Cannes.
