Work is well underway on the ambitious redevelopment of IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, a landmark €82 million project set to transform one of the French Riviera’s most iconic marinas. Designed to enhance infrastructure, expand capacity, and integrate sustainable innovation, the multi-year development aims to position the port as a future-proof hub for Mediterranean yacht charters and global maritime events alike.
Spearheaded by the City of Cannes under Mayor David Lisnard, in partnership with Fayat Group and IGY Marinas, the project will see Vieux-Port evolve into a modern, world-class facility while maintaining its rich maritime heritage.
Once complete in 2027, the upgraded port will offer 686 berths across 4,817sqm, supported by 5,200sqm of dockside space for large-scale events and expanded yacht operations, an exciting development for the ever-growing French Riviera yacht charter scene.
According to Emmanuel Messiaen, Port Director of IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes, the redevelopment reflects a deep respect for the site’s maritime legacy while introducing world-class advancements in sustainability and design.
Our vision is to celebrate the heritage of Vieux-Port while giving Cannes the modern, world-class infrastructure it deserves. Every element has been designed to respect the city’s historic character while ensuring it thrives as a vibrant, sustainable destination for decades to come.
Sustainability is at the heart of the build, with features including solar panels, electric charging stations for both vehicles and yachts, a carbon offset programme, and the use of recycled and locally sourced materials. Impressively, 90% of materials from the original Fisherman’s Village structures were reused, a benchmark for responsible marina development.
Major works are now focused on the Quai Laubeuf area, where construction includes a new shipyard for vessels up to 30 metres, a cruise and ferry terminal, underground parking for over 500 vehicles, and landscaped public gardens. The shipyard is expected to open by late 2025, with the cruise terminal following in early 2028.
On the Jetée Albert Edouard, the port’s breakwater is being extended to add nine new berths for superyachts up to 75 meters, as well as a prestigious alongside berth capable of hosting yachts up to 140 meters.
This strategic expansion significantly strengthens Cannes’ standing within the superyacht charter market, providing greater flexibility for large private yachts and motor yacht charters cruising along the French Riviera.
For charter clients planning itineraries or charter routes in the South of France, these new facilities promise enhanced accessibility and a wider range of embarkation options, from Cannes and Antibes to Monaco and St Tropez, cementing the Riviera’s position at the heart of charters in the West Mediterranean.
Perhaps most excitingly for the yachting community, the redevelopment is expected to have a major impact on future editions of the Cannes Yachting Festival, one of the world’s premier showcases for new superyachts and luxury charter yachts.
With additional berths and improved infrastructure, Vieux-Port will be able to accommodate a broader selection of large yachts and new builds, enhancing both the visitor experience and exhibitor potential to welcome some of the largest yachts for charter on the market.
The festival already draws the world’s leading yacht builders, charter brokers, and clients seeking the next standout addition to the Mediterranean charter fleet.
With these new facilities, future editions of the Cannes Yachting Festival could see an even greater diversity of charter-ready yachts, offering prospective clients firsthand insight into the latest designs and technologies before planning their next French Riviera or Cannes yacht charter.
Even amid construction, Vieux-Port remains fully operational, continuing to host Cannes’ signature global events, including MIPIM, the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, and the Régates Royales. Once the redevelopment is complete, the marina will offer a reimagined waterfront experience combining environmental stewardship, technical excellence, and the elegant spirit of Cannes.
It’s a project rooted in respect for the past. We’re reimagining spaces with sensitivity, creating a balance where tradition meets innovation and where Cannes’ maritime soul continues to shine.
For charter guests, yacht owners, and industry professionals, the new IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes promises to become not just a port of call, but a destination in itself, perfectly positioned at the heart of the Côte d’Azur yacht charter circuit, and ready to welcome the next generation of superyachts to one of the Mediterranean’s most storied shores.
The transformation of Vieux-Port aligns with a broader wave of infrastructure investment sweeping across the Mediterranean, reinforcing the region’s status as one of the world’s most desirable superyacht charter destinations.
In neighbouring Antibes, Port Vauban is completing a major refit of its superyacht quay, while Monaco’s Port Hercule continues to refine its luxury facilities with expanded services for visiting France yacht charters. Further afield, destinations such as Port Adriano in Mallorca and Limassol Marina in Cyprus are enhancing their offerings with new berths and high-end hospitality developments tailored to large yachts.
Together, these initiatives are creating a new golden age for the Mediterranean yacht charter scene, one defined by seamless connectivity, sustainability, and next-generation amenities. And at its centre, the redeveloped IGY Vieux-Port de Cannes stands as a flagship example of how heritage, innovation, and world-class hospitality can converge to shape the future of charters in the West Mediterranean.
With many luxury yacht charters already taking bookings for the forthcoming 2026 summer Mediterranean season, now is a great time to reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker for the latest availability and information on special early booking offers.
For further inspiration to find your dream yacht, browse over 4,000 yacht rentals on YachtCharterFleet, home of the largest curated collection of luxury yacht charters.
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