
Even in the colder months, Cannes continues to surprise with a packed calendar of events that blend art, music, dance, and local traditions. Famous worldwide for its glamour and the Film Festival, the city on the French Riviera offers cultural offerings and performances that captivate every kind of audience during the winter season.
Strolling through Cannes at this time of year means immersing oneself in a perfect balance of culture, flavor, and beauty, among fragrant markets, fascinating exhibitions, and concerts that echo through the streets of the city center.
Carlton Fest (until February 28, 2026) is one of the most exclusive events of the season, held at the elegant Hôtel Carlton on the Croisette, a symbol of Cannes luxury. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the refined atmosphere of the city, with meetings, concerts, and performances in one of the most iconic hotels on the Riviera.
At the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, the Assises ORL Face et Cou runs until January 24, 2026. This major medical conference attracts professionals from all over the world. It highlights the versatility of the city, capable of hosting events of all kinds.
On January 25, 2026, a day full of cultural appointments awaits. First, Mon Schubert Bien-Aimé – Episode 1 will take place at the Auditorium les Arlucs in Cannes La Bocca, where Schubert’s music will blend with performances combining emotion and technique. On the same day, the Cannes Urban Trail offers a unique experience with a race through the city’s natural beauty, while at the Palais des Festivals, La Folle Journée ou le Mariage de Figaro – Philippe Torreton will captivate the audience with a theatrical interpretation of Mozart’s famous masterpiece.
The Théâtre de la Licorne will also host Carmencita – Extraits de l’Opéra-comique de Georges Bizet on January 24, 2026, a night of moving opera celebrating one of France’s greatest composers.
Cannes is not just about theater and music: in winter, the city offers a rich program of exhibitions ranging from local history to international culture. Until May 24, 2026, the Musée des Explorations du Monde, located in Place de la Castre, presents “Demons and Goddesses: From Life to Death”, a fascinating journey through myth, spirituality, and universal symbols, inviting visitors to reflect on life’s great existential questions.
Not far away, the Musée du Masque de Fer et du Fort Royal on Île Sainte-Marguerite hosts an exhibition titled “The Origins of Cannes – Fishing and Other Treasures of the Sea” (until April 26, 2026), telling the maritime history of the area, from fishing traditions to the mysterious stories of the island.
For those interested in temporary exhibitions, the Gare Croisette – Gare Maritime offers a captivating series of events and exhibitions until February 7, 2026, overlooking the sea and providing a more enchanting atmosphere.
No visit to Cannes is complete without immersing yourself in its typical markets. The Marché de La Bocca, with its lively and authentic atmosphere, is the perfect place to discover the everyday life of Cannes, while the Marché Gambetta delights with its colors, the aromas of spices, and the freshness of local products. Each stall tells a story of the Riviera’s culinary traditions, offering both local delicacies and seasonal treats.
Experiencing Cannes in winter is an experience that goes beyond the usual tourist visit. With exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, exclusive events, and markets, every corner of the city becomes a discovery, an opportunity to connect with the culture and tradition of the French Riviera. Cannes offers a more intimate yet equally enchanting side, where art, music, and tradition merge in a kaleidoscope of emotions that stay in the heart. It is not only a summer dream destination but a city that knows how to enchant with its Mediterranean magic even in the colder months.