Staying safe at Cannes Lions

Safeguarding

We are committed to creating a festival environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.

Safe Zones: There are three designated Safe Zones across the Festival, each staffed by trained safeguarding professionals. These are safe, confidential spaces available to anyone who feels uncomfortable or needs support. Locations for the safe zones are below and within the Cannes Lions Official festival app.

Alert Buttons in Cannes: You’ll find Alert Buttons located throughout the city of Cannes—these are discreet, easily accessible tools that connect directly to local police and emergency services for immediate assistance.

Empower Café: More than just a place to connect, the Empower Café is a welcoming, inclusive hub where wellbeing and psychological safety come first. The team are briefed in safeguarding and equipped to escalate issues appropriately.

Reporting Incidents

We’re proud to be working with trusted partners to ensure everyone can participate in the Festival free from harm or harassment. In the event of a safeguarding concern, we have a clear triage system in place to ensure swift, appropriate, and confidential support. All incidents can be reported via our designated Safe Zones, where trained professionals will assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

Our triage process involves the following stages:

  • Safe Zones – Initial concerns can be raised at designated Safe Zones, where trained professionals are available to listen, assess, and offer immediate support.
  • Security – If further action is required, our team will work with on-site Festival security to help manage the situation appropriately and discreetly.
  • Local Authorities – In serious or urgent cases, we will escalate to local authorities to ensure all parties are protected and the matter is handled according to local legal protocols.

Special thanks to our Community Safeguarding Committee which includes: timeTo, Brixton Finishing School, Vingt Sept Magazine, Milk Honey Bees, ITAV, DCM, Backlight and the Empower Cafe.

Getting help

We want everyone to have a great time at the Festival, so we’ve put together some guidance to help you feel safe in and around the grounds.

Head to any of the information desks around the Palais for general directions or advice or if you need specific assistance. If you have a safety concern while at the Festival or one of the fringe events, please contact a member of staff at the venue or let us know at feedback@canneslions.com.

Support for people who are unwell

If someone looks unwell or seems in need of assistance and you’re concerned for their safety, explain your concern to a member of staff and ask that they help the person get home safely.

  • Inside the Palais - we have trained medical staff and security staff on site to assist.
  • Inside a hotel, bar, beach, yacht - speak to a member of staff.
  • In a public place - call the police on 112.

If someone is extremely unwell and incapable of walking or standing, call an ambulance immediately on 112.

Water and sun cream

These are your two essentials. It’s hot in Cannes, so stay hydrated and top up your sun cream regularly. There are water coolers throughout the Palais, and unless marked otherwise, Cannes tap water is safe to drink – so carry a bottle with you and fill up as you go.

Medical assistance

There are trained medical staff and first-aiders on hand in the Palais and at the Cannes Lions Beach during the Closing Party. There are also a number of local pharmacists and doctors in Cannes, and the Cannes General Hospital has an after-hours and weekends GP service. Remember to carry your health card if you’re an EU resident, or medical insurance details if you’re an international visitor. (UK included).

Pedestrian crossings

Please take care when crossing the Croisette. Remember to look both ways and use the pedestrian crossing, as traffic can be travelling faster than you think.

Staying together

As you would in any major city, please take precautions to stay safe and protect your possessions at all times. If you’re planning to attend one of our events, an Awards Show or a party run by our partners, please make sure you’ve planned your journey home. Don’t travel alone where possible. Book a taxi or walk with co-workers or trusted friends, especially late at night.

Valuables

Leave your passport and any valuables in your room, and use a safe if there is one. Remember to close all windows before you go out. While out and about, keep bags fastened and don’t carry them facing to the roadside. For misplaced valuables within the Festival, onsite lost and found is at the reception of the organisers' office. Find us on the left hand side of the red carpet steps, Palais I.

Festival security

Be aware that we’ll be checking bags at the entrances to all of the main venues, and large suitcases/luggage will not be permitted inside the Palais. If you have any concerns during your time at the Festival, please just ask any Cannes Lions Official or alert a police officer.

Emergency services

In the event of a serious incident or emergency, please call 112. Trained operators will either deal with your request directly or transfer you to the appropriate emergency service.

Address Book

Useful contacts to know (Please refer to the official Cannes website for emergency numbers)

Hospital

Hospital Centre Cannes 13 Avenue des Broussailles +33 4 93 69 70 00 Accident & Emergency, open 24 hours

Police Station

Cannes Central Police Station 1, Avenue de Grasse, 09400, Cannes

Taxi

Reservations for all distances 24/7 Central Taxi Riviera +33 (0)4 93 13 78 78 Book a taxi in advance +33 (0) 899 70 08 78

Tourist Office

La Croisette Tourist Office Palais des Festivals, 1, Boulevard La Croisette, 06400, Cannes, France +33 (0)4 92 99 84 22 Monday - Saturday, 9am - 7pm

Lost & Found

Lost & Found Office in Cannes 11, Avenue Saint Louis, 06400, Cannes +33 (0)4 97 06 40 00 Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm