• Stunning new upgrade of IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes.
• Reimagined waterfront with new cruise & coastal ferries terminal, shipyard, gardens and fisherman’s quarter.
• The perfect harmony of tradition, modern and sustainable facilities.
Something special is happening in Cannes, the sparkling iconic port in the South of France, renowned for its international film festival, palatial hotels and golden sands.
The buzz around the city isn’t from the latest film launch or star-studded gala. It’s something far more ambitious: the spectacular transformation of the waterfront and redevelopment of the Vieux-Port de Cannes, one of the world’s premier destinations.
This engaged €82 million redevelopment project due for completion by end 2027, will create an exciting new waterfront with a unique port including premium marina facilities in one of the most iconic destinations in Europe with 9 berths for superyachts up to 75 metres and an alongside berth for yachts up to 140 metres.
The IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes remains open for business and continues to stage prestigious events throughout its transition. During the development, berths of up to 50m remain available at the North JAE and up to 140 mts at the Quai du Large with a brand new supercharged 1600 amp pedestal, but berths are limited, and early booking is highly advisable.
The upgrade is being thoughtfully managed to modernize the historic port sustainably, while preserving the charm and elegance that make Cannes such a delightful place to visit any time of the year. The focus on sustainability includes features such as a carbon offset program, electric vehicle and boat charging stations, use of sustainable building materials, solar panels and an eco-friendly crew lounge.
“Our vision is to celebrate the heritage of Vieux-Port while giving Cannes the modern, world-class infrastructure it deserves,” explains Emmanuel Messiaen, Port Director of IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes. “Every element of this redevelopment has been designed to respect the city’s historic character, while ensuring it continues to thrive as a vibrant, sustainable destination for decades to come.”
The first stage in the transformation has already been completed, with the opening of the Fisherman’s Village – a new beating heart of Cannes and its fishing community. The redeveloped area was built using repurposed materials from the original fishing quarter, where 90% of the materials from the demolition have been re-used.
“It’s a project rooted in respect for the past,” adds Emmanuel. “We’re reimagining spaces with sensitivity, creating a balance where tradition meets innovation – and where Cannes’ maritime soul continues to shine.”
Focus has now switched to extending and enhancing the facilities on Quai Laubeuf. Highlights include a state-of-the-art, modernized shipyard for vessels up to 30m, a sleek new cruise and ferry terminal, new capitainerie offices, underground parking with over 500 spaces, and 5000 sqm of landscaped gardens for the public to enjoy the waterfront.
The new shipyard is expected to have a soft opening by the end of 2025, while the new cruise terminal is due to open early 2028. The existing terminals will continue to operate until then.
Work is also well underway to extend the breakwater along Jetée Albert Edouard to provide nine new berths for vessels up to 75m and an exclusive berth for ships up to 140m on the Quai du Large. To improve water quality, polluted sediments are removed during the breakwater works. As well as extending capacity, the enhancements will provide a calmer water environment with more room to manoeuvre in the port.
Led by David Lisnard, the Mayor of Cannes, and driven by Fayat Group in partnership with IGY Marinas, the redevelopment will bring Cannes firmly into the 21st Century without losing the charm and authenticity of the Vieux-Port.
When complete, IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes will provide one of the most advanced superyacht berthing facilities in the world, in one of the most iconic locations. But there’s much to enjoy from the port before then, including several world-leading events.
IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes has already welcomed guests attending spectacular events such as MIPIM, Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, Cannes Yachting Festival and Régates Royales. Also, a short walk brings you to the famous Boulevard de la Croisette home to the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès de Cannes, where the Tax Free World Exhibition for leading brands has taken place.
IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes will expand its event capabilities as a premier venue for world-class events, with expanded facilities set to enhance its offerings following recent development works. Upon completion, the JAE (North and South) and Quai Esterel docksides will offer up to 5,200 square meters (56,000 sq. ft.) of usable dock surface. This area, located directly behind 49 of the most exclusive super yacht berths, will provide a versatile and high-capacity space to support major events in partnership with the City of Cannes and the Palais des Festivals. At the end of the works, there will be 686 berths, increasing the berth area to 4,817sqm.
In addition to the main docks, other areas across the marina and port, which include the newly elevated gardens on Quai Laubeuf, may also be made available for select events. These enhancements underscore IGY Marinas commitment to positioning Cannes as a dynamic destination for global events, offering world-class infrastructure and a setting steeped in prestige.
The facility is superbly positioned just a few steps from the atmospheric old town, new fisherman’s facilities and nearby the Boulevard de la Croisette, which follows the curve of the bay and is lined with chic boutiques and brasseries.
Away from the events, explore the charming historic district Le Suquet, cruise to the nearby Lérins Islands, discover the Grasse perfumery heritage, hop over to Nice or Monte Carlo, or venture a little further to the Italian Riviera and the colourful Cinque Terre fishing villages.
With so much to enjoy, and with demand for berths at a premium in IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, don’t leave it too late to plan your visit to this super-chic, forward-looking city.
