CANNES FIREWORKS: SEE THEM FROM A BOAT

Every summer, the Bay of Cannes becomes the stage for a unique spectacle. From a boat, the fireworks can be seen from a privileged angle, between calm sea, sunset and light on the Croisette.

Watching the Cannes fireworks from the sea is a particularly popular summer experience on the Côte d'Azur. On several evenings between July and August, the Bay of Cannes hosts the famous International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art. From a boat, it is possible to enjoy the show in a privileged setting, within the framework of a yacht charter on the French Riviera.

The Cannes International Pyrotechnic Art Festival

Every summer, the Bay of Cannes lights up during the International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art, one of the world's most prestigious fireworks competitions.

For several evenings between July and August, teams from all over the world present their creations in a show synchronized to the music.

Each performance lasts approximately 25 minutes, transforming the bay of Cannes into a veritable stage of light facing the Croisette.

The lights are fired from barges anchored in the bay, usually facing the iconic Carlton Hotel, This is a spectacle perfectly visible from the shore... or even better, from the sea.

Cannes fireworks dates - Summer 2026

Exact dates and official information on the International Festival of Pyrotechnic Art are published each year by the City of Cannes.

The confirmed dates for the 2026 edition are as follows:

  • July 4, 2026
  • July 14, 2026
  • July 22, 2026
  • August 4, 2026
  • August 15, 2026
  • August 24, 2026

Participating pyrotechnic companies are usually announced a few months before the event. Each evening attracts several thousand spectators to the Croisette and the whole bay of Cannes.

Bay of Cannes

August 4, 2026 10 PM

Theme

Abyssal Light

The Song of the Ocean

Designer: Mathieu Infanti

This show invites the public to dive into the heart of the ocean, from the first visible glimmers at the surface to the mysterious depths of the abyss. Pyrotechnics and music compose a declaration of love for the sea, a source of life, a space of freedom, and a territory still largely unknown.

The light gradually reveals the richness of the marine world before the ocean unveils its full power. The colors, textures, and rhythms evoke in turn the birth of life, the fragility of ecosystems, the storm, and a return to a more poetic breathing.

« Lux Abyssus – The Song of the Ocean » concludes as an ode to this fascinating immensity, whose precious beauty and balance connect us all.

Music Selection

  • Abysses — Scylla
  • Our Origin - Armin van Buuren
  • The Big Blue Overture — Éric Serra
  • Aquarium — Gisle Martens Meyer / Camille Saint-Saëns
  • The Ocean Is Not Infinite — Armand Amar
  • Storm - Worakls & Rusanda Panfili
  • The Great Wave off Kanagawa — Sven Gerrlich
  • The Sea — Charles Trenet
  • How Far I’ll Go — Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Bay of Cannes

August 15, 2026 10 PM

Theme

Smoke on the Water

Designer: Johan Hollander

A low mist rises as the first notes of Cry of the Celts emerging from silence. Red and gold fires come alive to a tribal rhythm, before giving way to a more electric sequence inspired by Beethoven, traversed by silver and white lightning.

The show then evolves into more sensitive atmospheres. Blue and purple hues accompany a light rain, then golden sparks slowly descend from the sky to the sound of The Lonely Shepherd.

The second part regains a vibrant energy, alternating red, pink, neon colors, and deep tones. The finale on Tattoo amplifies progressively until it envelops the bay in gold, white, and electric pink.

Music Selection

  • Cry of the Celts — Ronan Hardiman
  • Beethoven — Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • Children — Alex Christensen & The Berlin Orchestra
  • The Lonely Shepherd — Gheorghe Zamfir
  • I Was Made for Lovin’ You — Yungblud
  • On and On and On — Klara Hammarström
  • Black Velvet — Erik Grönwall
  • Tattoo — Loreen

Bay of Cannes

August 24, 2026 10 PM

Exhibition

Theme

Everything is in the stars

Designer: Jaroslav Stolba

The stars embody the past, the future, the wishes we entrust to them, and the mysteries of destiny. This non-competitive show explores this cosmic imagination through a spectacular pyrotechnic creation.

The first part draws on the epic compositions of Thomas Bergersen, founder of Two Steps From Hell. The universe then becomes more mysterious with reinterpretations inspired by the series Stranger Things and its retro-futuristic aesthetic.

References to Guardians of the Galaxy, to Twenty One Pilots, and several great rock songs extend this journey between light, space, and destiny.

Music Selection

  • Our Destiny — Thomas Bergersen
  • Heart of Courage — Thomas Bergersen
  • Two Hearts - Thomas Bergersen
  • Running Up That Hill — Kate Bush
  • We Care a Lot - Faith No More
  • Separate Ways — Journey / Brice Miller Remix
  • Heathens - Twenty One Pilots
  • I'm Always Chasing Rainbows — Alice Cooper

🚤 Yachts available for departure from Cannes

Discover the best models for watching the Cannes fireworks from the sea.

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Why see the fireworks from a boat?

During the festival evenings, the beaches and Croisette fill up quickly. The best vantage points are often occupied several hours before the show.

From a boat, the experience is totally different.

  • Panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes
  • Ideal shooting distance
  • Quiet, privileged setting
  • A friendly atmosphere on board

The sea becomes a veritable natural amphitheatre facing the show.

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Where are the boats positioned during the fireworks?

Boats are generally positioned in the bay facing the Croisette.

The most common zones are :

  • Opposite the Palais des Festivals
  • Between the Croisette and the Lérins islands
  • Within a safety distance defined by the maritime authorities

During these evenings, the bay welcomes many yachts and boats to enjoy the show in the best conditions.

A typical evening on a boat during the fireworks display

A fireworks outing usually starts at the end of the day.

  • Late afternoon departure from Cannes or Antibes
  • Sailing to the Lérins Islands
  • Anchor in the bay before the show
  • Aperitif or light dinner on board
  • Fireworks in front of the Croisette
  • Return to port in the evening

This format allows you to enjoy sunset over the bay and fireworks.

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A typical evening on a boat during the fireworks display

A fireworks outing usually starts at the end of the day. Departures are usually from Cannes or Antibes, as part of a boat rental between Cannes and Antibes.

  • Late afternoon departure from Cannes or Antibes
  • Sailing to the Lérins Islands
  • Anchor in the bay before the show
  • Aperitif or light dinner on board
  • Fireworks in front of the Croisette
  • Return to port in the evening

This format allows you to enjoy sunset over the bay and fireworks.

The best places to see the fireworks in Cannes

La Croisette

The most popular viewpoint, but also the busiest.

Le Suquet

The old town of Cannes offers panoramic views across the bay.

The Lérins Islands

An exceptional natural setting, but further away from shooting.

From a boat in the bay

The best way to admire the fireworks with a clear view and without the crowds.

Other fireworks on the Côte d'Azur

Several Riviera towns also organize fireworks displays during the summer:

  • Antibes at local festivals
  • Nice on the Baie des Anges
  • Monaco during certain seasonal events

Watching the fireworks from a boat also offers a unique perspective, with an unobstructed view of the coastline and the illuminated city.

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See Cannes fireworks with Clapi Boats


Watching fireworks from the sea is a particularly popular summer experience.

Clapi Boats organizes sea trips from Cannes, Antibes, Nice or Monaco to enjoy the show in the best conditions.

Our team can help you with :

  • Choose your boat tailored to your group
  • Organizing the program of the evening
  • Provide a aperitif or a dinner on board
  • Coordinate schedules with the fireworks display

These outings can also be part of the organization of’events at sea on the Côte d'Azur, Whether it's a birthday party, an evening with friends or a private event.

Want to see the Cannes fireworks from the sea?

Let us know your preferred date and the number of participants: we'll suggest the most suitable boats to enjoy the show in the Bay of Cannes.

Want to extend the experience?

If you are on the French Riviera, discover our selection of yachts available departing from Cannes, Antibes, Nice, Monaco and Saint-Tropez.

→ View all our available yachts
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