Cannes Film Festival

Cannes Film Festival

May 19–25, 2025

Pricing: $7,295 per person; For a single room add $1,850
Trip is limited to 25 participants

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For more information, contact ATA at 877-298-9677 or Reservations@academic-travel.com

Overview

Since 1946, the Cannes Film Festival has celebrated the art of filmmaking around the globe, becoming one of the most prestigious—and exclusive—annual film events in the world. The Festival has long held a reputation for showcasing a diverse range of independent films and thrusting little-known filmmakers onto the world stage.

Through special accreditation granted to the Chautauqua Institution by the Festival, enjoy access to dozens of screenings of some of the most daring, promising, and topical films of the year. Stay at a hotel just a short walk from the Palais des Festivals and enjoy seven days to attend as many screenings as you wish. With your Festival badge, you’ll have access to restricted areas and hear from film professionals about their craft.

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Questions?

Please contact ATA at:
Toll-Free Number: 877-298-9677
Reservations@academic-travel.com

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Trip Highlights

  • Go behind the scenes of the film industry.
  • Join Ann Hornaday, film critic at The Washington Post, in conversation about the festival as she shares her insider knowledge with the group.
  • Take in films from the Official Competition as well as those by up-and-coming filmmakers in the Un Certain Regard competition. Join industry professionals as directors introduce their short films and hear from the creative teams about a newly restored Cannes Classic.
  • Visit the Film Market where the business of film is conducted and enjoy refreshments at the American Pavilion and tour the International Village — only accessible with your Festival badge.
  • Learn about the inner workings of the festival from your Chautauqua Travels Expert Marta Lamperova, Vice Dean at FAMU (Europe’s top film school) and Artistic Director of Febiofest, Prague International Film Festival.
  • Gather for a viewing party of the televised festival awards ceremony, including the Palme d’Or.
  • Through your included membership to the American Pavilion, enjoy the prime beachside location and relax between screenings with a refreshment on the terrace or attend one of the many panels or talks with film industry professionals.

Trip Host: Jill McCormick

Director of Communications and Special Projects Jill McCormick brings a passion for storytelling to her role as your host for this trip to the Cannes Film Festival. She also heads the Chautauqua Travels program.     

During her years in broadcasting as a TV news journalist, Jill covered a wide range of topics, from breaking news to in-depth features, always striving to uncover the stories behind the headlines. At Cannes, Jill will use those skills combined with her passion for film to lead conversations with various film experts and critics, including Film Critic for The Washington Post Ann Hornaday.   

Jill McCormick's headshot

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Days 4–5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 1

Arrival in Cannes

Arrive in Cannes today and transfer from the Nice Côte d’Azur airport to the Hôtel Montaigne & Spa, located just a few minutes’ walk from the Vieux Port and beaches. Gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the hotel followed by a three-course welcome dinner. You will receive your accreditation badge this evening and can take in a late-night screening if you wish!

Included Meals: Reception, Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel Montaigne & Spa or similar

Day 2

Bienvenue: An Introduction to the Festival

After breakfast this morning, your Chautauqua Travels Expert will offer an introduction to the history and organization of the Cannes Film Festival as well as an overview of the schedule and the featured films. Then head to the Palais des Festivals for a walking orientation of the various Festival venues with your Expert. Following the tour, you are free to pursue films of your choice for the rest of the day. The last showing is at midnight!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hôtel Montaigne & Spa or similar

Day 3

Cannes Film Festival Screenings & An Insider’s Scoop

Review today’s screenings with your Chautauqua Travels Expert during breakfast, then set out for the Palais des Festivals to watch as many films as you wish throughout the day. Early in the evening, gather for a presentation by a film professional and private reception exclusively for Chautauqua travelers at the American Pavilion. Later, return to the theaters to catch an evening screening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Reception

Accommodation: Hôtel Montaigne & Spa or similar

Days 4–5

Cannes Film Festival Screenings

Enjoy two more full days filled with the screenings of your choice, including those from the Cannes Classics, Un Certain Regard categories, or a series of short films. Between screenings, you may choose to attend information sessions with industry professionals or emerging filmmakers at the American Pavilion. There will be an opportunity to attend a presentation on the key directors and their work at the Festival with your Chautauqua Travels Expert.

In your free time, stroll past the elegant Art Deco hotels and haute couture boutiques along La Croisette, or find a prime people-watching spot to grab a coffee or lunch. Take a walk through the narrow lanes of Le Suquet, Cannes’ historic district or, if you wish, take advantage of the spa at the hotel to unwind.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hôtel Montaigne & Spa or similar

Day 6

The Wrap Party

During a leisurely last day in Cannes, gather for a final session with your Chautauqua Travels Expert to share your thoughts, experiences, and film critiques. Celebrate your cinematic discoveries this evening at a farewell dinner followed by a viewing party for Le Palmarès, the Festival’s awards ceremony.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Reception, Dinner

Accommodation: Hôtel Montaigne & Spa or similar

Day 7

Au Revoir

Depart hotel for individual flights home at Nice Côte d’Azur airport

Included Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included?

  • All accommodations for the duration of the tour
  • Meals, as noted in the itinerary
  • All sightseeing and visits as noted in the itinerary
  • Expertise of a Chautauqua expert, ATA-hired travel director, and local guides throughout the tour
  • All gratuities for on-tour guides, drivers, hotel, and restaurant staff as part of the group program
  • All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
  • A group transfer from the airport for those arriving according to the
    designated itinerary
  • Quietvox listening devices to facilitate audibility and social distancing on tour
  • The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
  • Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
  • Emergency evacuation insurance

Accommodations

Hôtel Montaigne & Spa
The Hôtel Montaigne & Spa is stylish, comfortable, and is well-situated in a quiet location off a major boulevard, a 7-minute walk from the heart of Cannes—including the seaside boulevard of La Croisette, the Palais des Festivals, the restaurant-and shop-studded Rue d’Antibes, and the old port and historic district of Le Suquet. The property features a lobby bar, outdoor patio, and breakfast room. The modest-sized rooms are bright and feature modern décor, with hairdryers, safes, and bathrooms of varying size. Views from the rooms are of the small street or overlooking the hotel’s sunny interior courtyard. Service is friendly and accommodating, eager to welcome guests during the excitement of the Festival!