A weekend in Cannes by private jet: guide and airport

Reaching Cannes by private jet: Cannes-Mandelieu or Nice

Cannes has its own business-aviation airport, Cannes-Mandelieu (code CEQ), one of the busiest in France for private aviation, about 5 km from the centre and twenty minutes from the Croisette. Its runway, however, imposes a weight limit: it handles light and midsize jets, as well as some long-range aircraft that stay under 35 tonnes, such as the Falcon 7X or Falcon 8X. Heavy and ultra-long-range jets, like the Global 7500 or the Gulfstream G650, land in Nice. The airport also applies noise restrictions and does not operate at night.

Nice Côte d'Azur accepts all aircraft types, 24/7, about thirty kilometres from Cannes. The journey takes around thirty minutes by road, or roughly seven minutes by helicopter, a popular option during busy periods. Our teams weigh the airport against your aircraft, your timing and the traffic.

From Paris, allow about 1h15 to 1h20 of flight to Cannes or Nice, around 1 hour from Geneva and close to 2 hours from London, depending on the aircraft and the winds. You can review the suitable categories in our aircraft fleet, and find more on each airport on our Cannes-Mandelieu airport and Nice airport pages.

Where to stay: the Croisette palaces

Cannes is home to some of the finest hotels on the French Riviera, most of them lined up along the Boulevard de la Croisette, facing the sea. The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, reopened in 2023 after a full renovation that restored its Belle Époque façade. The Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic and the Hôtel Martinez, home to the Michelin-starred La Palme d'Or, are among the most sought-after addresses, alongside the JW Marriott Cannes and the Hôtel Barrière Le Gray d'Albion.

Each has its own private beach on the Croisette, from the Carlton Beach Club, open since 1932, to the Majestic beach. It is one of the pleasures of a Cannes weekend: lunch with your feet in the sand, just steps from your hotel.

A weekend on the Croisette and in Le Suquet

The Croisette promenade sets the tone: palaces, luxury boutiques and private beaches follow one another along the seafront. For shopping, Rue d'Antibes gathers the major houses, while the covered Forville Market offers a more authentic interlude from Tuesday to Sunday.

Overlooking the Old Port, the Le Suquet district, the old town of Cannes, is worth the climb: cobbled lanes, the Musée de la Castre in the former castle and a panorama over the bay from the bell tower. Below, the Old Port lines up yachts and fishing boats, and the Palais des Festivals displays, along its Allée des Étoiles, the handprints of the personalities who have walked its red carpet.

Dining and addresses

Gastronomy is part of the Cannes experience. La Palme d'Or, at the Martinez, led by chef Jean Imbert, is the city's only starred table, awarded one Michelin star. For a livelier mood, La Môme and its beach address, the Bâoli, open from April to October, or Astoux et Brun, a seafood institution since 1953, are among the safe bets.

Those after a timeless lunch head to La Guérite, on Île Sainte-Marguerite, reached by boat from the port. This island interlude, just minutes from the Croisette, captures the contrast that makes Cannes so appealing.

Excursion: the Lérins Islands

Facing the Croisette, the Lérins Islands offer a short escape into nature. Sainte-Marguerite, the larger one, is home to the Fort Royal and the cell where the Man in the Iron Mask was held. Saint-Honorat, more secluded, is occupied by a Cistercian abbey whose monks tend vines and produce their own wine. Both islands are reached in fifteen to twenty minutes by boat from the Old Port.

When to visit: the Cannes calendar

Cannes lives to the rhythm of its major events. The Cannes Film Festival, every year in May, remains the most iconic, but the calendar also includes MIPIM in March, Cannes Lions in June, the Cannes Yachting Festival in September and MIPCOM in October. These periods concentrate strong demand, tighten the availability of hotels and airport slots alike, and make it worth planning several weeks ahead, flight included.

Planning your weekend with IBC Aviation

As an independent broker, IBC Aviation compares the aircraft available on the market and arranges your entire weekend to or from Cannes: the flight, the choice between Cannes-Mandelieu and Nice, and the transfers to your hotel. Our Nice office gives us a close knowledge of the French Riviera. You can discover our approach on our private jet charter page, see our Cannes by private jet page and extend your stay to Saint-Tropez.

Private jet charter with IBC Aviation:

Our teams advise you on the aircraft best suited to your itinerary and your needs, and arrange your weekend in Cannes. Available 24/7:

• Nice: +33 4 93 21 48 88
• Email: contact@ibc-aviation.com

Frequently asked questions

Which airport for Cannes by private jet?

Cannes-Mandelieu (CEQ) is the business-aviation airport for Cannes, about twenty minutes from the Croisette, for light and midsize jets. Heavy and ultra-long-range jets land at Nice Côte d'Azur, around thirty minutes away by road.

Can a private jet land in Cannes?

Yes, at Cannes-Mandelieu, within a 35-tonne limit: light jets, midsize jets and some long-range aircraft such as the Falcon 7X or 8X. Heavier aircraft use Nice.

How long is the flight from Paris to Cannes by private jet?

Allow about 1h15 to 1h20 between Paris and Cannes or Nice, around 1 hour from Geneva and close to 2 hours from London, depending on the aircraft and conditions.

How do you reach Cannes from Nice airport?

Nice is about thirty kilometres from Cannes, roughly 30 minutes by road, or close to 7 minutes by helicopter, a popular option during major events.

Where to stay in Cannes?

The reference addresses are the Carlton Cannes, the Barrière Le Majestic, the Martinez, the JW Marriott and the Gray d'Albion, most of them on the Boulevard de la Croisette, with a private beach.

What to do on a weekend in Cannes?

Stroll the Croisette and Rue d'Antibes, climb up to the old town of Le Suquet, enjoy the private beaches, dine at La Palme d'Or and escape by boat to the Lérins Islands.