Cannes 2026 Cinéma de la Plage offers 11 free outdoor screenings at 21:30, from 13 to 23 May, on Plage Macé (Boulevard de la Croisette). Entry is entirely free — no ticket, no badge, no booking required. Up to 800 deckchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. From 18 May 2026, the beach is officially renamed the « Brigitte Bardot Beach ». To secure a deckchair, arrive at least 90 minutes before the 21:30 start.
Picture yourself stretched out on a deckchair, feet in the sand of the Croisette, with a 24-metre wide screen in front of you showing a masterpiece of world cinema — restored in 4K. And all of it free, no badge, no dress code, no booking. That is exactly what Cinéma de la Plage offers every evening during the Cannes Film Festival — and in 2026, for its approximate 25th edition, the programme is truly exceptional.
This year, the 79th Cannes Film Festival (12–23 May 2026) gives the general public a selection of 11 films: a world premiere by Michel Leclerc, the inauguration ceremony of the Brigitte Bardot Beach (18 May), and confirmed guest appearances including Claude Lelouch, Ken Loach, and singer Jeanette. Whether you are travelling to Cannes from London, making a road trip along the Riviera, or simply exploring the South of France — here is the full day-by-day programme and everything you need to know to make the most of these unique evenings.
A note on naming: this article originally referenced « Cinéma du Soleil ». After thorough research, no official source confirms that section exists in 2026. Only Cinéma de la Plage (evening screenings, 21:30) is confirmed for this edition — we clarify this in the FAQ below.
Cinéma de la Plage: open-air magic on the Croisette
History, atmosphere and infrastructure
Founded in 2001 by the Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Cinéma association and the City of Cannes, Cinéma de la Plage has become one of the most popular events of the festival fortnight over the past 25 years. According to Wikipedia and the official festival press release, the setup is remarkable: a 24 × 6 metre giant screen, 800 deckchairs with complimentary blankets, and a sound system equivalent to that of the Palais des Festivals screening rooms. The only interruption since its launch: 2020, due to the pandemic.
The venue is Plage Macé, Boulevard de la Croisette, opposite the Majestic Hotel — a 7-minute walk from Cannes train station. From 18 May 2026, this beach will be officially renamed the Brigitte Bardot Beach by Mayor David Lisnard, in tribute to the actress’s deep connection with Cannes and her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. A commemorative plaque will be unveiled at the inauguration ceremony, according to Riviera Radio.
Highlights
- Entirely free entry — no booking, no accreditation badge required
- No dress code — jeans, summer dress, shorts — all welcome
- Deckchairs and blankets provided (800 seats)
- Musical warm-up by DJ duo TwinSelecter from 20:30
- The only official festival screening accessible with absolutely no paperwork
Full day-by-day programme — 13 to 23 May 2026
11 official screenings at 21:30
Programme verified from the official Cannes Film Festival press release (FR and EN), confirmed by Deadline, radioducinema.com and ecrannoir.fr. The 11 films span seven decades of world cinema.
| Date | Film | Director / Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 13 May | Top Gun | Tony Scott / 1986 | 40th anniversary. Coinciding national re-release (13–19 May) |
| Thu 14 May | Shinkansen Daibakuha (The Bullet Train) | Junya Sato / 1975 | 4K restoration. Japanese railway thriller — inspiration for Speed |
| Fri 15 May | Les Caprices de l’enfant roi | Michel Leclerc / 2026 | ⭐ World premiere. Full cast and crew present. Released 24 June 2026 |
| Sat 16 May | A Man and a Woman (Un homme et une femme) | Claude Lelouch / 1965 | 60th anniversary — Palme d’Or 1966. 4K restoration. Lelouch present |
| Sun 17 May | All the President’s Men | Alan J. Pakula / 1976 | 50th anniversary. Exceptional 8K restoration. 4 Academy Awards 1977 |
| Mon 18 May | Viva Maria! | Louis Malle / 1965 | ⭐ Special evening: inauguration of Brigitte Bardot Beach by Mayor Lisnard |
| Tue 19 May | Land and Freedom | Ken Loach / 1995 | Ken Loach in attendance. 4K restoration. FIPRESCI Prize 1995 |
| Wed 20 May | Cría Cuervos (Raise Ravens) | Carlos Saura / 1976 | ⭐ Jeanette sings « Porque te vas » live. 50th anniversary. Jury Prize 1976 |
| Thu 21 May | Signore & Signori (The Birds, the Bees and the Italians) | Pietro Germi / 1966 | Grand Prix Cannes 1966 (shared with A Man and a Woman). 60th anniversary |
| Fri 22 May | Je hais les acteurs (I Hate Actors) | Gérard Krawczyk / 1986 | 40th anniversary. 2K restoration. Krawczyk in attendance |
| Sat 23 May | Mon Oncle (My Uncle) | Jacques Tati / 1958 | ⭐ Closing night. 4K restoration. Special Jury Prize Cannes 1958 + Oscar 1959 |
Our top picks from the 11 screenings
The must-see evenings according to Pixidia
Friday 15 May — Les Caprices de l’enfant roi (world premiere)
For the first time in several years, a world premiere is being screened on the beach. Michel Leclerc chose this popular outdoor venue to unveil his historical comedy — set in 1651, with young Louis XIV hiding in Molière’s acting troupe. Starring Artus, Doria Tillier and Franck Dubosc. This is the only 2026 film in the programme — a rare chance to see a brand-new work under the Cannes sky, before its general release on 24 June.
Monday 18 May — Viva Maria! (Brigitte Bardot Beach inauguration)
This evening is doubly historic: before the screening of Louis Malle’s film starring Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard will officially inaugurate the Brigitte Bardot Beach (formerly Plage Macé) and unveil a commemorative plaque. Bardot, who turns 91 in 2026, has had a deep connection with Cannes since the 1950s. According to Riviera Radio, the beach will also become dog-friendly from autumn 2026 — a nod to the actress’s animal welfare campaigning. This article is among the first to cover this official renaming.
Wednesday 20 May — Cría Cuervos with Jeanette performing live
Carlos Saura’s masterpiece (Jury Prize Cannes 1976, 50th anniversary) screened in a 4K restored version — with Jeanette performing Porque te vas live before the screening, in the presence of the late director’s children. A unique combination of music, Spanish cinema and posthumous tribute. To secure a deckchair, aim to arrive by 19:30.
Sunday 17 May — All the President’s Men (8K)
The 8K restoration of All the President’s Men (Alan J. Pakula, 1976) is one of the most ambitious in recent history. Woodward, Bernstein, Nixon, Watergate — a timeless political thriller that resonates with particular force in 2026. Four Academy Awards, a screening at Cannes in 1976: a film to (re)discover in the best technical conditions ever assembled.
Saturday 23 May — Mon Oncle / My Uncle (closing night, Jacques Tati 4K)
The closing evening of Cinéma de la Plage is the perfect occasion to enjoy Jacques Tati’s comedy in a 4K restoration by L’Image Retrouvée, as part of a complete re-release of the Tati catalogue by Studiocanal and Carlotta Films. Special Jury Prize at Cannes 1958, Academy Award 1959 — Mon Oncle on the beach, on the last night of the festival, is an image you will not forget.
For other free and semi-open screenings at the festival (Cinéphiles, Quinzaine des cinéastes, Semaine de la Critique), see our complete guide to public screenings at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
How to get to Cinéma de la Plage: practical guide
Opening times, transport and logistics tips
Plage Macé (future Brigitte Bardot Beach) is located on Boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, opposite the Majestic Hotel. According to Palm Déplacements and the official festival website, several options are available:
On foot (recommended)
- From Cannes train station: 7 min walk (~500 m) — follow the Croisette westwards towards the Majestic
- From the Palais des Festivals: 3–4 minutes along the Croisette
By train from the region / flying from the UK
- Nice → Cannes: 35–40 min, approx. €10, frequent departures from Nice-Ville station
- Antibes → Cannes: 10 min, approx. €2–3
- Nice Airport T2 → Cannes station: Express Bus 81 (Zou!), approx. 45 min
Flying from the UK: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the gateway to Cannes — direct flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester take 2h–2h15. Fares rise sharply 3 weeks before the festival; book early.
By Palm Bus
Lines A, 1 and 2 are reinforced during the festival. Standard fare: €1.80 per trip. Night lines (n10, n20, n21) are extended until 03:00. Accredited festival-goers benefit from free QR code access on the entire network.
By car
Strongly discouraged: the Croisette is partially closed to traffic during the festival. Car park P1 under the Palais des Festivals costs €30–40 per day. The train or bus is far preferable.
What to bring
- A light jacket or cardigan (temperatures drop to 16–18°C after 23:00)
- Dinner before the screening — beach refreshment stands are light on options and busy
- Nothing else: deckchairs, blankets and the musical warm-up are all complimentary
Want to experience the festival without a professional accreditation? Read our full guide: Cannes Film Festival 2026 without a pro badge — everything you can see and do.
All of Cannes in one week: our other festival guides
Cinéma de la Plage is just one of many ways to experience the Cannes Film Festival without accreditation. Explore our companion guides:
Cinéphiles, Quinzaine des cinéastes, Semaine de la Critique — all screenings open to the public without a professional badge.
How to experience the festival to the full without accreditation: red-carpet moments, happenings, Croisette atmosphere.
Hotels in Cannes rise by +203% on average during the festival. Our smart alternatives to avoid paying over the odds.
Planning your trip to Cannes
Stay connected on the Croisette without roaming charges. A France eSIM you can activate in minutes — even before boarding your flight.
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From $56 / 4 weeksNice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the gateway to Cannes — just 45 minutes from the Croisette. Compare flights from London, Manchester or Edinburgh and book at the best price. Fares typically rise 3 weeks before the festival starts.
Flights from £49Frequently asked questions about Cinéma de la Plage 2026
Do you need to book for the Cinéma de la Plage at Cannes 2026?
No. Entry to Cinéma de la Plage is entirely free and requires no booking. No ticket or accreditation badge is needed. The 800 deckchairs are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most sought-after evenings (guest appearances on 15, 16, 19 and 20 May), it is strongly advised to arrive between 19:30 and 20:00 to secure a seat. If it is full, it remains possible to watch the film standing from the Croisette promenade. Source: festival-cannes.com.
What is « Cinéma du Soleil » at Cannes — does it exist in 2026?
No, there is no section called « Cinéma du Soleil » at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. After thorough verification of official sources (festival-cannes.com, cannes.com), no free daytime screenings of that type are scheduled this year. Only Cinéma de la Plage offers free outdoor screenings, every evening at 21:30 from 13 to 23 May. Source: official press release — festival-cannes.com.
Can children attend Cinéma de la Plage?
Yes, Cinéma de la Plage is open to all ages with no restrictions. The 2026 programme includes family-friendly films such as Top Gun (13 May), A Man and a Woman (16 May) and Mon Oncle by Tati (23 May). Do check the age ratings for your children’s ages: some films such as All the President’s Men (17 May) or Land and Freedom (19 May) are adult films. Screenings begin at 21:30 and finish between 23:00 and midnight, which may be quite late for young children.
Which film screens on the last evening of Cinéma de la Plage (23 May 2026)?
The closing evening of Cinéma de la Plage 2026 (Saturday 23 May) is dedicated to Mon Oncle (My Uncle) by Jacques Tati (1958), presented in a 4K restoration carried out at L’Image Retrouvée with CNC support, supervised by Les Films de Mon Oncle and Studiocanal. Macha Makeïeff, Jérôme Deschamps (founders of Les Films de Mon Oncle) and Juliette Hochart (EVP Catalogue, Studiocanal) will be in attendance. The film received the Special Jury Prize at Cannes 1958 and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1959. Source: festival-cannes.com.
What is happening on 18 May on Plage Macé in Cannes?
18 May 2026 is a doubly historic evening. Before the screening of Viva Maria! by Louis Malle (starring Brigitte Bardot and Jeanne Moreau), Cannes Mayor David Lisnard will officially inaugurate the renaming of Plage Macé as the Brigitte Bardot Beach, with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque. This is the first time a public beach in Cannes has been named in Bardot’s honour, recognising her historic connection with the city and her decades of animal welfare campaigning. The beach will also become dog-friendly from autumn 2026. Sources: Riviera Radio, festival-cannes.com.
How much does a hotel in Cannes cost during the 2026 festival?
Hotel prices in Cannes rise by an average of 203% during the festival (source: Business Immo). A standard hotel room in the town centre costs between €150 and €400 per night, with an average of €406/night. Smart alternatives exist: budget hotels (Ibis Budget, B&B Hôtel) in Cannes Le Cannet charge €60–90/night with a bus connection. It is also possible to stay in Nice or Antibes (normal off-festival prices) and take the SNCF train to Cannes (35–40 min, approx. €10). For accommodation options during the festival, see our guide where to stay during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Sources
- Films on the Beach 2026 — Official EN Press Release — Cannes Film Festival, primary source
- Cinéma de la Plage 2026 — Official FR Press Release — Cannes Film Festival
- Cinéma de la Plage — City of Cannes — Official town hall agenda
- Cinéma de la Plage — Wikipedia — History, capacity, infrastructure
- Cannes Unveils Cinéma de Plage — Deadline — Programme and guest appearances confirmed
- Cannes 2026: 11 Films at Cinéma de la Plage — Ecrannoir.fr
- Cinéma de la Plage programme — Radio du Cinéma
- Cannes to Rename Beach After Brigitte Bardot — Riviera Radio
- Cría Cuervos 50th anniversary 4K — Infobae
- Palm Bus transport during the 2026 festival — palmdeplacements.fr
- Cannes hotel prices +203% during the festival — Business Immo
- Cannes Film Festival accessibility — Faire-Face
Research carried out on 13 May 2026. Programme certified by official Cannes Film Festival sources.
Plan your Cinéma de la Plage evening
The programme is exceptional, the screenings are free, and places are limited. The earlier you plan, the more you enjoy. Browse all our Cannes 2026 guides to prepare your festival visit without any nasty surprises.
Complete visitor guide to Cannes 2026