If you’ve ever wandered the docks at a boat show, you’ve no doubt been impressed – maybe even a little envious --at the gleaming yachts, the dazzling array of the latest nautical equipment, and, let’s face it, the people who exhibit and buy them.
But nothing can compare with the breathtaking luxury, vibrant atmosphere, and cultural richness you’ll experience when you participate in InterMarine’s exclusive, Club Prestige VIP Escapade to the Cannes Yachting Festival. After all, it’s Provence. It’s the French Riviera. And it’s the largest boat show in the world, attended by the international who’s who in the yachting world.
And if you’re an InterMarine Club Prestige member, you’re invited.
Cannes Yachting Festival Highlights
Since 1977, the Yachting Festival has been recognized as the official kickoff of the yachting season. Every September, yacht and powerboat manufacturers like Prestige and Jenneau use the opportunity to debut their latest models to the world in this elegant setting
The 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival will run Tuesday, September 10 through Sunday, September 15. Exhibits will be open at 10:00 a.m. every day. Tuesday through Thursday, the exhibits will close at 7:00 p.m. On Friday, September 13, the exhibits will stay open until 10:00 p.m. All of the festivities end and the festival will shut down on Sunday, September 15, at 6:00 p.m.
This year, the festival is expecting over 51,000 people to attend, and will feature 638 boats ranging from 2.10 meters to over 55 meters long. 542 exhibitors will unveil 219 new items, and yacht manufacturers will premier 122 new boats.
There are two exhibit areas: Vieux Port and Port Canto.
Port Canto will host sailboats, as well as the brokerage area for pre-owned yachts.
Vieux Port is the dedicated area for motor yachts, and the site of two special areas you won’t want to miss.
The Luxury Gallery is dedicated to luxury, crafts, and lifestyle brands in watchmaking, jewelry, spirits, fashion and accessories, household linen, decoration, furniture, design, art, high-tech products and services that appeal to the upscale market.
The Palais des Festivals is where you’ll find exhibitors from shipyards, architects and designers, interior layouts, ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, tourism companies and marinas, financial and insurance service companies, as well as the new, dedicated Tender and Toys area that features the latest innovations for fun on the water.
The Festival provides shuttles (by bus or motor launch) between the venues, for your convenience.
One of the highlights of the Cannes Yachting Festival has to be the Concours d'Élégance, a parade of vintage motor boats of under 12 meters. Featuring not only classic boats with elegant lines, but classically and elegantly attired crew as well, the parade pays tribute to the rich history of yachting in the French Riviera.
As one of our Club Prestige members, you’ll be able to enjoy it all.
Escapade Highlights
We’ll entertain you in luxurious style, hosting a variety of private events, tours, soirees, dinners, and after-parties that will take your breath away and create a lifetime of memories.
Along with upscale VIP treatment at many of the fine yacht exhibits (particularly Prestige Yachts and Jeanneau) you’ll enjoy spectacular outings on the Mediterranean and access to our manufacturer VIP lounges.
One of these outings is Happy Hour aboard Nuova Jolly luxury rigid inflatable boats out to the Iles de Lerins, a group of islands just a short ride away from Cannes. Now known as a picturesque and historic yacht destination, these islands once boasted a state prison that housed “the Man in the Iron Mask” for 11 years in the 17th Century. But relax, you’ll only be sentenced to toast the spectacular Mediterranean sunset among happy, like-minded friends.
Another InterMarine Club Prestige tradition is a spectacular scenic ride along the French Riviera to Mandelieu-la-Napoule for an al fresco dinner at Le Repere (The Landmark). The restaurant sits on a cliff overlooking Cannes and offers a view of the castle at Mandelieu. Enjoy fine French and Mediterranean cuisine, sip a perfectly chilled wine, and take your time over dinner as you bask in the atmosphere and experience an unforgettable meal.
In your free time, you will definitely want to explore the area in and around Cannes. There’s so much to do, you might even want to extend your stay!
Cannes Highlights
Here are some of the best things to do in this paradise in the South of France.
The Rue D'Antibes, just a few blocks inland from the waterfront Boulevard de la Croisette, is the primary shopping street in Cannes, and home to luxury brands like Hermes, Rolex, Cartier, Missoni, and others, is a great place to shop and people-watch.
If you’d like to experience the way the locals live, shop, and eat, wander over to Le Suquet, the old quarter. Stroll through the Marché Forville, where you’ll find row upon row of stalls from local vendors featuring fresh-from-the-garden fruit, vegetables, and flowers by the armful. Spend a few Euros, pack up a few delicacies and a bottle of local wine, and head up to the castle at the top of the hill, Le Castre, for an informal al fresco picnic at one of the best viewpoints in Cannes. Afterward, poke your head into the Castle Museum or the Notre Dame Esperance Church for a taste of local history.
Breakfast or lunch in the old quarter is also a treat. As you ramble among the alleys, you’ll find quaint outdoor cafes jutting precariously out along the curb and some of the best food in the city, away from all the bustle and noise down at the harbor. Enjoy local fish, mussels in white wine, and locally made gelato, then explore one of the many tiny, quaint gift shops that highlight local crafts like perfume, soap-making, textiles, and lavender products.
If you’d like to go further afield, you can book a half-day or full day guided tour by luxury minibus to Eze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. Eze is an enchanting medieval walled village perched on a hill that offers a stunning view of the entire French Riviera, perfect for experiencing the magical air of Provence. You can schedule your tour to arrive at the Palace in Monaco in time to watch the Changing of the Guard, as well as time to imagine yourself as James Bond as you try your luck at Monte Carlo’s storied casino.
One of the best excursions available is a trip to Grasse, the perfume capital of the world. It’s home to three large perfume factories including Galimard, the third oldest perfumery in the world, Molinard, who traditionally bottled their perfumes in Lalique and Baccarat crystal, and Fragonard, site of the International Perfume Museum. All three offer daily tours, demonstrations, and workshops (by appointment) for you to design and blend your own custom fragrance. When your nose becomes exhausted, you can walk over to Notre Dame du Puy, a cathedral founded in the 11th Century that features three works by Rubens and one by local French painter Jean-Honore Fragonard.
For the arty, foody, or golfing set, we recommend an excursion to Mougins, one of France’s “Vieux Villages.” It’s just a short 15 minutes from Cannes along the highway to Grasse, and easily reachable by taxi, train, or bus. The village is often the destination of choice for celebrities during the Cannes Film Festival, and was a favorite of notables like Yves Saint Laurent, Winston Churchill, Édith Piaf, and Catherine Deneuve, as well as the home of Pablo Picasso for the last twelve years of his life. Mougins features art galleries, museums of classical and modern art, gourmet restaurants, and a wine bar that houses over 1000 French wines including fine vintages. And as if that weren’t enough, there are two golf courses nearby.
If you prefer a water-based adventure, book a tour to the Calanques of the Esterel, secret coves you can only reach by boat. Tour operators use high-speed RIBs, stopping for snorkeling and swimming among the picturesque coves, and providing refreshments along the way.
Seeing the French Riviera from the air is also an option. Book a helicopter flight over to San Tropez or Monaco for a thrilling, breathtaking view of the entire Cote d’Azur.
And, if all the hustle, bustle, and excitement of the boat show, our own InterMarine events, and your private sightseeing become too stressful to bear, you can always take the day off and pamper yourself at one of the many world-renowned thalasso (seawater) spas in Cannes, conveniently located in major hotels including the Radisson Blu, the Grand Hyatt, the Hotel le Majestic, and the Hotel Montaigne. Check your Escapades itinerary brochure for details and links to book your appointment.
Boats. History. Food. Wine. Art. Culture. Spas. Who could ask for more? Joining us for this amazing, exclusive Escapade offers a lifetime of memories.
If you are already planning to attend, we share your excitement, and we’re looking forward to joining you for an incredible adventure. If you are interested in joining our yachting family, we'd be happy to connect and offer you our yachting expertise. Find the InterMarine nearest you or email sales@intermarineboats.com to book an appointment.
September 07, 2019
