Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique de Cannes
Six summer nights when rival nations paint the Bay of Cannes with fireworks set to music.
Why it's worth the trip
What actually happens
An international pyromusical competition over the Bay of Cannes. Across six nights each summer, different countries' pyrotechnic teams stage large-scale fireworks shows choreographed to music and judged on artistry and synchronisation. It isn't a nightly event - these are six separate, hand-picked nights.
World-class teams competing, not just a display - judged on music, colour, rhythm and choreography
Fired over the water and mirrored in the Mediterranean off La Croisette
Free to watch from the beach
Bastille Day (14 July) turns one night into a full French celebration
Watch from the sand, from Le Suquet's old town, or from a boat in the bay
At a glance
- Best date
- 14 July (Bastille Day)
- Best view
- Croisette beach
- Best special experience
- From a boat in the bay
- Best photo spot
- Le Suquet (wide: La Californie)
- Best area to stay
- Cannes Centre
- Ideal length
- 2 days / 1 night
- Entry
- Free
- Biggest thing to know
- Only six selected nights - not every summer night
- 2027 status
- Dates not announced yet
6 separate nights — not a continuous festival
Pick your night
This isn't one festival running every day. It's a set of individual shows on specific dates — each a different team, theme and soundtrack. Choose the night, not the week.
4 Jul 2026
22:00Pyro-Team D.O.O · “Immersive”
Watch from: Croisette beach
Good if you mainly care about the fireworks over a special holiday atmosphere.
14 Jul 2026
23:00Nakaja Art · “Ad Astra Ex Amore”
A love story of travelling towards the stars - separation, and reunion.
Watch from: Croisette beach
Alternative: Boat for romance; Le Suquet for photography
🏆 Best date overall
22 Jul 2026
22:00China Galaxy Pyrotechnics · “Love Across the Galaxy”
Based on Niulang and Zhinu, separated by the Milky Way and reunited across a bridge of magpies.
Watch from: Croisette beach
Alternative: Le Suquet
Best story-driven show
4 Aug 2026
22:00Aquareve · “Lux Abyssus - The Song of the Ocean”
A descent from the ocean surface into the abyss - marine life, storms and the fragility of the sea.
Watch from: Boat
Alternative: Croisette beach
Best show-and-location combination
15 Aug 2026
22:00JoHo Pyro · “Mist into Fire”
Watch from: Croisette beach
Alternative: Port Canto; Boat
Best alternative to 14 July for a big summer weekend
24 Aug 2026
22:00Flash Barrandov · “All Is in the Stars”
Watch from: Le Suquet or Croisette
Out of competition / finale - the 2026 finale was postponed for weather and sea conditions.
Best if you specifically want the closing show
Which night, by what you want
When should you actually go?
Pick your day
Every day of a festival like this feels different — here's how to time it.
If you only have one day
14 July (Bastille Day)
It pairs the fireworks with Bastille Day, peak-summer Cannes and a later 23:00 start. If you can only make one night, make it this one.
A perfect single day, hour by hour
- 13:00Arrive in Cannes
- 14:00Check in and lunch
- 15:00-18:00Beach, or explore Cannes
- 18:00-20:00Le Suquet or the Croisette, then dinner
- 20:30Head to your viewing spot
- 22:00 (23:00 on 14 Jul)Fireworks
- AfterwardsDrinks, a walk through Cannes, back to the hotel
2026 edition - six nights: 4, 14 & 22 Jul and 4, 15 & 24 Aug. 2027 dates not yet announced. · Dates last checked August 2026.
Where to watch
The best vantage points
Croisette beach
First visit · Atmosphere · Music · Maximum impact
You're close to sea level and facing straight at the firing area, with the fireworks mirrored in the Mediterranean.
Arrive ~20:30-21:00 for a 22:00 show; earlier on 14 July.
Boat in the Bay of Cannes
Romantic · Special occasion · Unique
You watch the coastline and the fireworks from the Mediterranean itself. Best on 4 August, the ocean-themed show.
More expensive, weather-dependent, and you need a legitimate operator. Operator, price and departure details to come.
Le Suquet
Photography · Couples · Old-town views
You see Cannes, the harbour, the sea and the fireworks together - the shot that clearly says 'Cannes'.
Port Canto
Waterfront · Harbour atmosphere · Quieter than the Croisette
La Californie
Wide cityscape · Photography · Elevated views
An elevated view takes in the whole Cannes coastline beneath the fireworks.
How to experience it
Doing it right
Do you need a ticket? No - but pick your night.
Watching from the beach and public spots is completely free.
The one thing to get right is the date. This is not a festival that runs every night through July and August - there are only six selected fireworks nights. Check the exact date before you book, and confirm the show is still on the day, since weather can postpone it.
The shows are pyromusical
The music is part of the competition - teams are judged on synchronisation, music, colours, rhythm, originality, choreography and overall artistic impression. It's a contest, not just a display.
You can vote
Public voting is available after the eligible competition shows - you're part of choosing the winner.
The Croisette gets very crowded
Bring something comfortable to sit on if you're on the beach, and arrive early if you care about your spot.
Don't assume every summer night has fireworks
There are only six selected nights across July and August. Check the exact date before booking anything.
Weather can postpone a show
Strong wind, storms and rough seas affect the firing barges. Check the event status on the day - the 2026 finale was postponed for weather.
Don't rely on driving
Parking and traffic are brutal and everyone leaves at once. Staying within walking distance makes the whole trip far easier.
Trip planning
Where to base yourself — and how
Cannes Centre
Best overall
Around the station, Rue d'Antibes, the Palais des Festivals and the Croisette - you can walk to the fireworks and walk home afterwards. Ideal for a one-night fireworks trip.
Le Suquet
Best for character
Historic old Cannes with the best restaurants and easy access to the harbour and panoramic viewing. Great for a two-night trip or a couple.
Antibes / Juan-les-Pins
Budget alternative
Cheaper beds nearby - but you depend on late transport after the show, so factor that in.
La Croisette
Luxury & convenience
Waterfront hotels right on the action - the priciest option.
Nice
For a bigger Riviera trip
Fine if Cannes is one stop on a wider Cote d'Azur trip - not ideal if the fireworks are the whole reason you're travelling.
Getting there
Train + walking. Cannes station is close to the Palais des Festivals, and extra rail services often run after fireworks nights. Expect big queues after the show.
Don't drive
Traffic, parking restrictions and huge numbers leaving at once make driving a bad idea - stay within walking distance if you can.
Cost
Watching is free. You pay for accommodation, food, transport, a boat cruise if you choose one, and other Cannes activities.
Ideal 2-day trip
Day 1: arrive, beach and old town, dinner and fireworks. Day 2: Ile Sainte-Marguerite, a boat trip and lunch before leaving.
Weather can postpone it
Strong wind, storms or rough seas can affect the firing barges - the 2026 finale was postponed. Check the event status on the day.
Discover more
Where it happens
Bay of Cannes (La Croisette)
Make it real
Travel for Festival d'Art Pyrotechnique de Cannes
Accommodation near the action sells out early for these dates — lock the stay first, then the tickets.
Same energy
