20 Essentials to Bring to Cannes Lions Festival

Because Cannes is beautiful, inspiring, chaotic, and also… really expensive. Let’s be honest: Cannes Lions is equal parts creative summit and social marathon. Between the panels, yacht meetings, villa parties, and spontaneous 3AM beach hangs—it’s easy to get overwhelmed, under-hydrated, and over-budget. Here’s your no-fluff, road-tested list of what to pack, carry, and keep in mind so you survive and thrive on the Croisette. And be fully prepared for the festival, covering everything from networking tools to personal items.

A comprehensive packing list combining professional essentials (business cards, chargers, networking tools) with personal care items for Cannes' unique climate and social atmosphere.

1. Business Cards

Yes, they still matter. Cannes is the Olympics of networking. Hand out cards like it’s confetti—you never know who’s next to you at the bar.

2. Portable Phone Charger (Bring Two)

Wi-Fi is spotty. Outlets are rare. You’ll need juice all day. Don’t be that person begging for a charger at midnight.

3. Backup Cash + Extra Bank Card

Cannes is expensive. €16 cocktails are normal. Taxis rarely take cards. Some beach bars are cash-only. Plan accordingly.

4. Hangover Kit

Trust us, it’s very easy to get dehydrated. You hang-over kit should at least include.

• Rehydration tablets
• Vitamin C
• Electrolyte sachets
• Eye drops
• A smile (Pro tip: take two ibuprofen before bed.)

5. Comfortable, Stylish Shoes

You’ll be walking 10,000+ steps a day on cobblestones, sand, and dance floors. Think sleek, breathable, broken-in. No one likes a limping networker.

6. Smart Casual Outfits + 1 ‘Wow’ Look

Daytime = relaxed, light layers. Evenings = step it up. One killer outfit for that rooftop or yacht invite? Essential.

7. Swimwear & Sunglasses

You will end up on a beach. Even if you swore you were “just here for the panels.”

8. Hydrating Face Mist + SPF Lip Balm

Heat, rosé, and networking sweat do a number on your face. Keep your glow intact.

9. Sunscreen (Not the Sticky Stuff)

Get a lightweight 50+ SPF you don’t hate wearing. You’ll thank yourself by day 2.

10. Headphones / AirPods

For your decompression walks, hangover recovery, or that one Zoom call you can’t skip.

11. Notebook or Notes App Ready to Go

Yes, you’ll get insights. Yes, you’ll forget them. Write it down—or lose the gold.

12. A Refillable Water Bottle

Because rosé is not hydration. Many venues have refill stations, and French tap water is great.

13. Phone with Great Camera

You’ll be snapping everything, from panels to parties. A solid camera = social content gold.

14. Mints, Gum, and Mini Deodorant

The heat is real. The breath may not always be fresh. Come prepared.

15. The Cannes Lions App (and screenshot your schedule)

It glitches. The Wi-Fi drops. Print or screenshot your most important events just in case.

16. Taxi App (Uber & Local Taxis)

Uber works, but it’s limited and surge-priced. Download Taxi Cannes or Bolt as backups. Or—get ready to walk.

17. Accommodation Close to the Action

If you haven’t booked yet, aim for walking distance to the Palais or beach.
Trust us, 20-minute uphill walks at 2AM in summer heat are not fun.

18. Power Adapter (EU plug)

Especially if you’re coming from the UK, US, or Asia. Cannes Lions isn’t the place to shop for last-minute tech.

19. A Small Bag (Crossbody or Mini Backpack)

Carry your essentials, keep it light. Bonus points if it matches both your day & night outfit.

20. A Good Attitude

Be open. Be present. Be kind. Cannes is intense, but it’s also magic if you lean in and go with the flow.

Bonus Pro Tip: Don’t overschedule. 

Leave space for the unexpected—because that’s where the best moments happen. A random beach drink could turn into your biggest new partnership.

Final Tips to make Cannes Lions unforgettable:

Here are some final tips to make your Cannes Lions experience truly unforgettable:

• Book your accommodation early (like, now)

• Keep a mix of day and evening events

• Stay flexible for spontaneous opportunities

• Network authentically, not aggressively

• Take breaks when needed
  

Need help planning your event or activation at Cannes Lions?

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