Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Cannes Fireworks Festival Starts Tonight


The annual Cannes International Fireworks Festival kicks off tonight, to celebrate La Fête Nationale or Le Quatorze Juillet. As in years past, the huge display will be launched from three barges in the bay facing the Croisette and I hear that the synchronization of music and fireworks is extraordinary. Shows begin around 10 pm and last 30 minutes. The fest is run as a competition among top pyrotechnic teams from around the world.

Six shows will be featured throughout the summer. To open the competition tonight, Azerbaijan will be represented by the Baku Firework Group. The festival continues on Tuesday July 21st (Poland), Thursday July 30th (France, the group called Intermede), Friday August 7th (Great Britain), Saturday August 15 (Argentina) and Monday August 24 (France again, with the company called Prestatech). For all the info including an access map, click here.

As in years past, the American Club of the Riviera will host a reception and dinner during the festival...this year it's August 15. They've reserved at one of Cannes' best beach restaurants for the event, the 3.14 Plage Beach, located very centrally opposite the Carlton Hotel. The evening starts at 8 pm with a welcome drink and nibbles, followed by a three-course dinner including wines, mineral water and coffee. Prices: 90€ for members; 97€ for non-members;  40€ for children. This event will almost certainly sell out so reserve your spot early by clicking here. No payments will be accepted at the door. Questions? Contact Burton: +33 (0) 6 20 40 11 28 or president@americanclubriviera.com.

Finally, if you're just looking for a place to have a drink and watch the fireworks, the 3.14 Plage Beach offers a lounge chair and a welcome drink for 15€ per person. They're fully booked for tonight but may have space for future evenings. You need to call +33 (0) 4 93 94 25  a couple days in advance to reserve and arrive by 9 pm to get your spot.


Photos: Scenes from fireworks past...and the restaurant called 3.14 Plage, where the American Club of the Riviera will host their party on August 15.

5 comments:

  1. Julie, I've been to this event 2-3 times + the Bastille Day celebrations. It is the most spectacular & beautiful specticle I've ever witnessed. Dining on the beach with a tableful of friends, and then the fireworks is beyond wonderful. Good for you posting this !! xx's

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  2. Love the fireworks! I used to attend in Firework celebration every new year.

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  3. Julie, I'm experiencing this festival each year: -) it's wonderful. However, these days, because of the weather conditions, fireworks got rescheduled (as it happened on July 29). So, checking out the local update of the Cannes Tourist Office is worthwhile before heading to the beach: -)

    All the best from Cannes, Maya

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    1. Maya, great advice, thank you! I know this week's show was switched from Wed to Thurs due to wind. Hope all is well with you! :)

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  4. Spectacular fireworks! I have been in a beautiful fireworks at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Bangladesh. That was an unforgettable experience.

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