The Cannes Film Festival, running from May 12 to 23, 2026, transforms the French Riviera into the ultimate billionaires’ playground. Superyachts dominate the Vieux Port, Port Pierre Canto, and the Bay of Cannes, serving as floating luxury suites, exclusive party venues, and powerful status symbols for the ultra-wealthy, celebrities, film producers, and global brands. Berths along the Croisette are fiercely contested, forcing many vessels to anchor offshore and rely on tenders for access to the red carpet events.
These magnificent yachts offer a parallel world of glamour far from the festival’s crowded walkways. They host private screenings, brand activations, post-premiere celebrations, and high-stakes networking sessions. Charter rates during the event surge into the hundreds of thousands of euros per week, with prime spots often reserved for those with deep industry connections or deep pockets.
Standout Superyachts Spotted This Year
Among the most impressive vessels making waves in 2026 is Just J’s, a 61-meter Royal Hakvoort built in 2016. One of the largest in port, it boasts a striking semi-circular owner’s suite with 180-degree panoramic views and a private Jacuzzi terrace. Its interiors elegantly blend contemporary and classical elements, featuring marble, onyx, and rich blue tones. Expansive decks include a sundeck pool, whirlpool, and spacious lounges ideal for Riviera entertaining. The yacht was recently listed for sale.
Paris, a 56.2-meter Amels from 1991 (formerly Katamarino), returns as a Cannes regular. Accommodating up to 16 guests, this classic Dutch-built yacht offers elegant spaces perfectly suited for festival crowds.
The Gigagi (55 meters, Amels 2016, ex-Elixir) stands out from the Limited Edition 180 series with exterior design by Tim Heywood. Notable features include fold-down balconies, a beach club with sauna and dive center, a skylounge cinema, and a sundeck featuring an onyx bar—creating the perfect setting for relaxed luxury.
For those who appreciate classic elegance, Eleonora E (49.5 meters, Van der Graaf, 2000) is a standout. This sailing schooner is a faithful replica of the 1910 Westward, complete with twin masts, teak decks, and a rich regatta heritage that turns heads in the anchorage.
Innovation takes center stage with ArtExplorer, a 46.5-meter sailing catamaran built by Perini Navi in 2024. As the world’s largest aluminum sailing catamaran, it returns for its second Cannes appearance. Commissioned by French tech entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset, the vessel functions as a floating art gallery aimed at bringing art to wider audiences. Its massive beam provides expansive decks, and it is also available for charter.
Another eye-catching multihull is This Is It, a 43.5-meter Tecnomar catamaran from 2024. Its radical design features an angled central glass pool with a cascading waterfall between the hulls, appealing to a younger owner seeking bold, modern luxury. The yacht is making its second appearance and is available for charter.
Other notable mentions include established favorites like the 45-meter Feadship Secret Life and the 44-meter Benetti Grand Mariana. Larger charter options from leading fleets—such as O’Ptasia, Lady S, and Kismet—also frequently appear, adding to the spectacle.
The Enduring Allure
Historically, Cannes has welcomed even larger icons, including Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse, Alisher Usmanov’s Dilbar, and David Geffen’s Rising Sun. The 2026 fleet continues this tradition, mixing powerful motor yachts, timeless sailing vessels, and cutting-edge catamarans. Beyond their opulence, these yachts represent a key social and business hub where deals are made, relationships forged, and wealth quietly displayed against the backdrop of the Mediterranean.
As the festival unfolds, the true pulse of Cannes often beats not on the red carpet, but on the decks of these floating palaces—where the billionaires’ playground reaches its dazzling peak. Whether for those fortunate enough to be aboard or the spectators watching from shore, the superyacht scene remains one of the most captivating spectacles of the annual event.
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