The first private French port in Europe, Port Canto is a marina that can accommodate 553 ships afloat. Located in Cannes, it was inaugurated on July 19, 1965 and is the city's second port. Now managed by the municipality since 2002, this marina was long under private operation.

Throughout the year, Port Canto, also known as Port Pierre Canto, offers a multitude of services to improve the comfort of boaters and their boats. Indeed, this port offers water and electricity supply services, as well as sanitary services. In addition to the clean points and their waste sorting, the pumping of waste water is a service offered by the port. In addition, bicycles are made available free of charge to boaters for their travels in the port.


Located at the Pointe de la Croisette, the Port Pierre Canto basin covers approximately 11 hectares. It has six jetties and a wharf of honor. In addition, the harbor master's office is located to the southeast of the basin, near a careening area.

The latter is protected by two rock jetties, themselves reinforced by a shelter wall.
Furthermore, the north pier and the south pier are 560 metres and 450 metres long respectively. They are both doubled on the internal face by concrete quays.


The construction project of Port Pierre Canto began in 1955. This project of the municipality of Cannes aimed to create a port reserved for pleasure boating and navigation towards the Pointe de la Croisette. On the other hand, Pierre Canto had the idea of establishing the first private port in Europe, provided by the public domain, financed by private funds and managed by the co-ownership.

After the extension of some jetties to protect the entrance to the port, the city council finally accepted the project in September 1963. Between 1964 and 1968, the northern and southern breakwaters were built and completed and the jetties were put in place. The inauguration of the second port of Cannes took place on July 19, 1965.

Christened "Port Pierre Canto" in September 1966, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco were named Godfather and Godmother of the port.

A true model in terms of design and operation, Port Pierre Canto has inspired other port infrastructures on the Côte d'Azur. Furthermore, in 1990, the sea wall and quay were consolidated in order to be able to moor large yachts there.

To this day, Port Pierre Canto represents a real holiday resort, where luxury and discovery are combined. Indeed, this marina offers various shops, restaurants and activities that can satisfy everyone. On the other hand, its landscapes adorned with sumptuous yachts offer magnificent panoramas of the Mediterranean.

© photos of the city of Cannes http://www.cannes.com/