Palace of Festivals and Congresses of Cannes, Cannes Travel Guide

The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, located on the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes, is a landmark renowned for hosting the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. However, it's more than just a movie palace; it's a versatile venue that hosts a wide array of international events, including trade shows, conferences, and live performances. The original Palais des Festivals was built in 1949, but as the Film Festival grew in popularity, a new, larger venue was needed. The current six-story Palais opened in 1982, designed in the modernist style by architects Sir Hubert Bennett and François Druet. Often referred to as “the bunker” by journalists due to its stark architecture, the Palais has since undergone renovations and expansions to modernize its appearance and functionality. The Espace Riviera, adding 10,000 square meters of space, was constructed in 1999.Inside, the Palais boasts numerous halls and auditoriums, the largest of which, the Grand Auditorium Louis Lumière, seats 2,300. The Chemin des Étoiles, Cannes' version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, surrounds the Palais, showcasing the handprints of over 150 stars. The famous 24 steps leading up to the entrance are covered with a red carpet each year for the Cannes Film Festival, providing a backdrop for celebrity photographs.Throughout the year, the Palais hosts events such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, MIPIM, and the NRJ Music Awards. The building also houses the Casino Barrière le Croisette. Visitors can take guided tours of the Palais to learn about its history and see its key spaces.