The Belem Tall Ship in Cannes 2026: the legendary 19th-century three-masted vessel opens to the public

The charm of traditional sailing returns to the French Riviera with the arrival of the Belem tall ship in Cannes, one of the most iconic and longest-living three-masted ships in European maritime history.

From May 1 to 3, 2026, the historic French sailing ship will be docked at Port Canto, opposite the capitainerie, and will exceptionally open its decks to the public, offering visitors the rare chance to step aboard a living piece of maritime history.

A rare and captivating event that turns Cannes into an open-air floating museum.

Visiting the Belem in Cannes: opening hours and tickets

During the three-day opening period, the Belem will be accessible as follows:

• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Last entry at 5:30 PM

Tickets can be purchased:

• online in advance
• directly on the quay
• by card or cash payment

Part of the proceeds will contribute to the preservation and maintenance of this extraordinary maritime heritage.

A traveling boutique will also be available on site, offering official souvenirs and merchandise, with proceeds supporting the ship’s conservation efforts.

Accessibility and boarding conditions

Visiting the Belem requires good physical mobility.

Due to the ship’s structure:

• wheelchairs are not allowed on board
• the vessel is not accessible for wheelchair users

• visitors with mild mobility issues may board with crew assistance

During low tide, gangway slopes can reach up to 15%, so an accompanying person is recommended.

The Belem: history of a legendary French sailing ship

Launched in 1896 at the Dubigeon shipyards in Chantenay-sur-Loire, the Belem was originally built as a cargo ship transporting cocoa to France.

Measuring 58 meters in length, it has crossed oceans, changed names and roles, and undergone several transformations over more than a century.

From merchant ship to yacht and training vessel

In 1914, the Belem was converted into a luxury yacht by the Duke of Westminster.

In 1921, it was acquired by Sir Arthur Ernest Guinness, who renamed it Fantôme II and used it for a world voyage between 1923 and 1924.

Its Italian connection began in 1951, when it was purchased by Senator Vittorio Cini and transformed into a training ship in Venice under the name Giorgio Cini, training young sailors for over fifteen years.

Return to France and modern legacy

After a period of uncertainty and risk of abandonment, the ship returned to France in 1979 and regained its original name: Belem.

Today, it is considered the last 19th-century French sailing ship still in active service, a true floating museum that continues to sail and tell over a century of maritime history.

Belem in Cannes: a journey through maritime heritage

The arrival of the Belem in Cannes is more than a tourist event—it is a rare cultural experience.

For three days, Port Canto becomes a living connection between past and present, offering visitors the chance to board one of the world’s most historic sailing ships still in operation.