The coastal city of Cannes, in the South of France, is defending its title in 2025 as the best European destination for organising and hosting festivals and events. Voting closes today (Sunday, 7 September 2025).
The City of Cannes – which is competing against other cities like London, Munich, Barcelona and Dublin – has urged locals to vote. (See link at bottom of page.)
The World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to reward excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries; and is today recognised as the “ultimate hallmark of industry excellence”.
Cannes has been voted Best Destination in Europe since 2021; and has – since 2022 – been crowned World’s Best Destination for Festivals and Events three times.
Festivals & Events in Cannes, France
According to Cannes, hosting and organising events is part of its DNA. It’s where the “greatest events were born”, including:
- the Cannes Film Festival which this year celebrated its 78th anniversary
- the Cannes Lions, in its 72nd edition
- MIPIM
- CANNESERIES (with its wonderful pink carpet)
- Tax Free World Exhibition
- MIPCOM
- Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September 2025)
- the Pyrotechnic Art Festival (with incredible fireworks displays)
Cannes says with the famous Palais (Palais des Festivals et des Congrès) at its heart, and its beachfront location, it’s the premier congress centre in France, outside of Paris.
The city is constantly developing its activity with new events. For example, the WAICF (World Artificial Intelligence Cannes Festival) is becoming an annual must-visit. In February it celebrated its fourth edition.
“Cannes is a city of solidarity around events activities, all the professionals bring their talents together to make it shine internationally,” says Cannes.
Vote for Cannes here.
