A heady mix of music, dancing and fireworks in Cannes
The visitors are flocking to Cannes' beaches as the summer season reaches its peak.
However, you'll find there’s much more to do than relaxing on a sun lounger all day here, as the events calendar is jam-packed in July. Here's a sneak peek at some of the events we're particularly looking forward to.
July is the hottest, driest month in Cannes and is the height of the season. Average temperatures generally sit between a low of 18ºC in the evenings and a high of 27ºC during the day. There is very little chance of rain and the sun shines for roughly 15 hours a day, with sunrise around 06:00 and sunset after 21:00. Sea temperatures have warmed up to an average of 22ºC. You get the picture: it's hot - day and night!
The famous Palais des Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival takes place in May, hosts a pop-up cinema museum every summer. Here you'll learn how films are made and even be able to participate in dedicated workshops for kids and adults. A good taster of what the Cannes Museum of Cinema, set to open in 2028, will be like.
One of THE events of the summer, the International Fireworks Festival has been stunning audiences since 1967. Hosted on various dates throughout July and August, teams of pyrotechnical wizards light up the bay with amazing colour and sensational effects, competing for coveted 'Vestale d'Argent' prize. Each display has a different theme and musical accompaniment from famous movie soundtracks.
Classical music takes over at the end of the month with the Nuits Musicales du Suquet in the Old Town of Cannes. One of the most magical events in the city's festival calendar and a must for music lovers. For nearly a week, a public square in the heart of the old town is transformed into an open-air concert hall. From Mozart to Chopin, piano to strings, the performances vary each night and include orchestras, soloists and a number of talented young musicians.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang. Well, several bangs in fact, as fireworks always feature heavily. There will be a spectacular fireworks show with lights and sound/music.
The night markets begin in Cannes in July, the perfect place to buy souvenirs, including arts, crafts and local produce. Every Wednesday night throughout July and August from 19:00 to midnight the streets of Cannes La Bocca will spring to life with the wonderful La Bocca Night Market. Then, on Thursday nights, the Quai Saint-Pierre fills with stalls and a lively atmosphere.
For some tradition and culture, as well as a hefty dose of jousting fun, then don't miss the Joutes Provençales, a traditional nautical combat in the old fishing port of Cannes. Here you'll find two opponents standing on rowing boats and trying to topple one another into the water. What could be more fun?
Every summer, large outdoor screens spring up in the neighbourhoods of Cannes for the Ciné Quartier. Recent releases will be screened alongside classics. Free and open to everyone.
One thing's for sure, you won't have far to go to find a cold glass of rosé to take the heat out of the day, whatever you've been up to. A variety of bars, restaurants and beach clubs will happily welcome you with live music, acoustic sets and much more.
The beach club is a quintessential Cannes experience, from the uber-swanky to the family friendly ones, they range in character and price, so pick one that suits your tastes and budgets.
Although it may seem that July is the month of evening entertainment and music, you shouldn't forget that there are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy during the day. Cannes is a wonderful choice for a holiday in July - check our events calendar for a full run down. Find some accommodation for your stay on our hotels page.
Find out all about what is happening in Cannes and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, fabulous beaches, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this glamorous city.
See allLatest News & ReviewsYou will not be short of entertainment in this beautiful French Riviera town, especially during the summer. Perhaps the best known of all the events is the highly glamorous Cannes Film Festival – certainly worth a day trip to the city just to see which celebrities you can spot. There are also markets, international fairs and plenty of cultural and musical festivals.
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