Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Cannes audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~40 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~40 min
- Cannes Cannes guide
About Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
The angular waterfront palace that hosts the Cannes Film Festival each May, with its famous red-carpet staircase and the star handprints of the Chemin des Étoiles set around it.
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is the great convention centre on the Cannes waterfront and the home of the Cannes Film Festival, held here every May. Designed by the architects Hubert Bennett and François Druet, it opened at the end of 1982 on the site of the former municipal casino, and the Festival has gathered here since the 1983 edition. Its massive angular concrete bulk has earned it the affectionate nickname of the Bunker.
The building's ceremonial staircase, the montée des marches, is commonly counted at twenty-four red-carpeted steps, climbed each May by the stars of world cinema. Inside, the main auditorium, the Grand Théâtre Lumière, seats about 2,300, with the Salle Debussy and smaller screening rooms alongside. Set into the forecourt and esplanade around the Palais is the Chemin des Étoiles, Cannes's walk of fame, where well over a hundred film stars have left their handprints in cast plaques; it is free and open every day. The Palais also hosts Cannes Lions and other big trade fairs.
Did you know? The present Palais opened at the end of 1982 and the Film Festival moved in for the 1983 edition; its blunt concrete shape earned it the local nickname of the Bunker.
How long should you spend at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès?
Plan about ~40 min at Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Palais des Festivals et des Congrès worth visiting?
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Cannes, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Cannes
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Palais des Festivals et des Congrès and read more:
Day 1 of the Cannes in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Palais des Festivals et des Congrès
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