What to pack for the Festival
What you’ll need: a first-timer’s guide to Cannes Lions
Our complete checklist of travel‑ready essentials for your time in Cannes. Packing for your trip can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time at the Festival. We’ve put together some tips on what to bring so you can feel prepared for the week.
What to take
- Comfortable footwear: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, such as trainers or flats. We also recommend that you bring blister plasters if wearing new shoes!
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: Don’t forget to protect yourself from the French Riviera sun. In June, average temperatures are around 23.8°C (74.8°F), with lows of approximately 17.7°C (63.9°F). However, in some years temperatures can rise as high as 30–34°C, especially during heatwaves. We recommend packing sunscreen with a high SPF and sunglasses with strong UV protection. As our networking spaces are both indoors and outdoors, you may also wish to bring a hat if you prefer extra shade during the day. To avoid higher prices in Cannes during Festival season, we suggest purchasing sunscreen and other suncare essentials in advance, or picking them up at the airport before arriving in the city.
- Warm layers: Evenings in Cannes can feel noticeably cooler, particularly if you’re spending time on the waterfront. We recommend packing a lightweight jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during cooler evenings and in air‑conditioned indoor spaces. It’s also worth being prepared for the occasional rain shower, so a light, packable layer or water‑resistant jacket can be useful during the Festival week.
Dress code
- What to wear during the day: The dress code is business casual for warm summer weather. There is no strict dresscode; you will likely see a mix of styles from t-shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts, trainers and sandals and more. Check out our Cannes Lions instagram for some wardrobe inspiration from last year's Festival.
- What to wear for Award Shows and the Closing Party: There’s no strict dress code for the evening events. Wear whatever you’re comfortable in – but feel free to pack your party outfit for the Closing Party. The Carlton Beach, where the Closing Party takes place, is decked, which may help you choose which shoes to wear.
Useful things to bring
- Portable phone charger: These are a must, as you’ll want to capture as much content as possible! If you don’t have one or forget to bring one, don’t worry. We have plenty of charging spaces across the Festival, which will be signposted in the Cannes Lions 2026 app.
- European adapter: Travelling from outside France? Don’t forget to pack a European travel adapter if you need one to charge your electronics.
- Mobile data: Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the Festival grounds, so you don’t have to rely on mobile data – but it will be useful when you’re not in and around the Palais (main Festival venue).
- Notebook and pen: While devices are handy, having a physical notebook and pen can be invaluable for jotting down important notes, contacts or sudden bursts of inspiration during sessions and networking.
- Recyclable water bottle: You’ll find water refill stations signposted on the Map, so it’s useful to bring a water bottle to fill up. Look out for our very own on-site merch shop at the Festival, as we’ve got Cannes Lions branded bottles available. Tap water in Cannes is safe to drink unless marked otherwise.
Now that you're all packed and ready to go, explore our Insider Top Tips or get in touch with the Delegates team via email, phone or live chat if you have any questions – we’re here to help.
More top tips and guides to help plan your trip
Insider top tips
Attending Cannes Lions for the first time? Here’s everything you need to know.
Inclusivity & Accessibility
All the information you need on inclusivity and accessibility in and around the Festival and Cannes.
Solo traveller top tips
Travelling on your own? Read our guide for useful info that'll help you as a solo traveller in Cannes.
The practical guide to Cannes
Sticking to a budget this year? Here are our top tips for a cost-effective Cannes Lions.
Family top tips
All the best advice and top tips on how to have the best experience if you’re bringing family.
Got any questions?
Get in touch with the Delegates team so we can further assist you. We’re available via phone, email and live chat and will get back to you within one working day.
+44 0 20 7046 1155
delegates@canneslions.com
Contact us via live chat
You may also find our booking support, help & FAQs useful if you have questions.