WhatPyrotechnic art competition on the bay
When6 shows · 4 Jul–24 Aug 2026
Start10:00 pm (14 Jul: 11 pm)
Length~20–25 min, set to music
PriceFree from the beaches
WhereBay of Cannes, La Croisette
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What is the Cannes Fireworks Festival?
Running since 1967, the Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique is one of the oldest and most prestigious fireworks competitions in the world. Each evening a different national team takes over the bay and choreographs roughly 20 minutes of fireworks to an original soundtrack. The shells are launched from barges moored offshore, so the whole curve of La Croisette becomes a front-row seat. A jury and the public score each show, and the best team takes home the festival’s coveted trophy, the Vestale d’Argent.
It is, quite simply, the biggest free night out of the Riviera summer. Expect well over 100,000 people on the busiest dates, especially the 14 July Bastille Day show.
2026 dates & full line-up
Six evenings, six countries. All shows start at 10:00 pm except Bastille Day (14 July) which starts at 11:00 pm. It doubles as the Bastille Day fireworks, which makes it the single busiest night of the whole festival.
| Date | Country | Pyrotechnic team |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 4 July | 🇷🇸 Serbia | Pyro-Team D.O.O. |
| ★Tue 14 July (11pm) | 🇵🇱 Poland | Nakaja Art |
| Wed 22 July | 🇨🇳 China | China Galaxy Pyrotechnics |
| Tue 4 August | 🇫🇷 France | SARL Aquarêve |
| ★Sat 15 August | 🇫🇮 Finland | Joho Pyro Professional Fireworks AB |
| Mon 24 August | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | Flash Barrandov (out of competition) |
★ Busiest nights: arrive 1–2 hours early for 14 July & 15 August.
Best places to watch
The fireworks go off in the middle of the bay, so anywhere with an open view of the water works. Some spots are better than others:
🎆 Plan your fireworks night
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Watching from a boat or yacht
Nothing beats watching the show from the sea, with the fireworks bursting right above you and the crowds’ noise drifting across the bay. Whether it’s a small private boat for two or a yacht for a group, anchoring offshore turns the festival into a once-in-a-summer night: no fighting for a spot on the sand, no traffic getting home.
Want to watch the fireworks from a boat?
We arrange private boats and yachts in the Bay of Cannes for the festival nights, from a sunset cruise with drinks to a full evening on the water. Tell us your date and group size and we’ll sort the rest.
Chat with Léa
Nice Party Life · private boats, yachts & events on the French Riviera
Getting there from Nice
Cannes is about 30–40 minutes from Nice. The train is by far the smartest option on festival nights: the Nice–Cannes line runs late and drops you a 5-minute walk from La Croisette, with none of the parking nightmare. If you drive, park on the edge of town (or at a park-and-ride) and walk in. Central car parks fill up early and roads around the Croisette close.
Good to know before you go
- Arrive 1–2 hours early on 14 July and 15 August, which are the busiest.
- Bring a towel or small blanket to claim a spot on the beach.
- Cafés and beach bars get packed; grab drinks and snacks beforehand.
- Shows run rain or shine in normal conditions, but can be postponed in high wind.
- Leaving is the slow part, so have a plan for the train or a meeting point.
FAQ
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Thomas
I’m Thomas, founder of Nice Party Life. We share the best tips, from hidden gems to must-sees, to make your stay in Nice unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking nightlife or city adventures, we’re here to guide you! 🌴✨
