Cannes Classic, 2026
ANNUAL VINTAGE CAR RALLY FROM CALAIS TO CANNES LIONS
THE ROUTE IN IMAGES
Some of the places we should see
THE ROUTE
June 18th - 21st, 2026
The early part of the drive is all about getting down to the interesting roads as quickly as possible. From Calais to Dijon, via Troyes.
From Dijon, we start to get off the major roads, following scenic routes as we head east to Bourge-en-Bresse, from where things start to get really interesting.
A long, twisty pass takes us to Aix-les-Bains; from there we wind our way through Grenoble before hitting the best bits of the famous Route Napoleon, down to Grasse, and on to Cannes.
Total distance, just over 1200 km.
In total, 1289km, with close to 600km of amazing roads
A distance of 98km
A distance of 224km
In total, 1289km, with close to 600km of amazing roads
THINGS TO KNOW
Without doubt there are things to think about that haven't made it onto the site yet; in the meantime here are a few things that have.
PARKING
Parking
Depending on where you're staying, you may need to reserve your parking, here:
It's well worth thinking about a car cover for parking; they can be bought here.
EUROTUNNEL
For those travelling from the UK, we'll agree departure times for the train nearer the time. To get a sense of the cost, click the logo above.
HEADING BACK
The Route Back
The date and time you choose to head back is up to you. That said, we'll be able to share plans via the WhatsApp group and arrange to run up in sub groups.
SPONSORS
We are hugely grateful to our initial sponsors. Should you like information on sponsorship packages available, please get in touch via the entry form.
THE PARADE
Monday Parade
The last leg is only 2.5 hours, so we can arrive onto La Croisette at some point early Monday. Perfect opportunity for a parade and perhaps a cold one.
CHARITY PARTNERS
As the event draws closer, we will announce our chosen charity partner for 2025. We'll also share thoughts on how we intend to raise funds along the way.
THE RULES
The Cannes Classic rally is open to fine individuals from the world of creative, tech and media, and according to these rules:
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The Cannes Classic rally is open only to those working in media, creative, and technology for advertising, including investors in the sector. The organisers reserve the right to qualify in entries based on evidence supplied.
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Cars entering must be more than 30 years' old at the time of the event. In the UK, a car becomes 'historic' after 40 years, but we're running on French time, so that means 30 years.
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You are responsible for your own associated costs.
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A maximum of two people per car.
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This is NOT a race. The purpose of the rally is to take in the sights, share a love of classic vehicles, eat and drink well, and arrive at our destination in one piece.
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Drivers are responsible for the mechanical sure-footedness of their vehicles, and must have breakdown & repatriation cover in place.
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You must bring a copy of your insurance certificate and V5. We may need to evidence that our cars are over 30 years' old for Crit'Air purposes.
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Any additional rules, together with accompanying forms will be shared with you no later than a month before the event date.
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Your individual numbers, car stickers, rally plate, and other items will be posted to you in good time ahead of the event date.
ENTER THE RALLY
To be considered for the Cannes Classic 2026 rally, please fill in your details here.
By doing this you agree to abide by the rules, which can be found here
Deadline for entries is midnight on Friday 10th April 2026.
To cover merchandise, car decals and admin support, there is a entry fee of £150, payable on acceptance.
NEED A CAR?
Obviously, tagging along on this adventure requires a suitable car, and if you don't own one but really want to come, you still have time.
Classic car ownership is much fun. And, if you buy well, a great investment; a quick search on the market will confirm.
In the UK, once a car is 40 years' old, it passes to 'historic' status, and that means: no road tax, no ULEZ or congestion charge, and super-cheap insurance.
The lifetime carbon footprint of classics is also remarkably low compared with modern cars and the production processes of today. More on that here.
And there are a lot of lovely old cars to choose from. Clearly buying into the market requires disposable funds, but you may find there's a car out there for you for less than you might imagine. Click on the image on the left and dive in; you can filter the results, top right of the page.
If you think buying your own classic is something you'd like to do but don't really know where to start, drop me a line and I shall be pleased to help.
James
THANK YOU
For some of us, a road trip through France in a beautiful vintage car, with good friends and likeminded people, is pretty special. Add to that Cannes Lions as the final destination, and I believe it's a recipe for a spectacular time.
That is what Cannes Classic is all about. Four days, three nights, and some of the most glorious roads and scenery Europe has to offer.
2025 was our first year. This is now an annual event, with a varied route each time; and we're building a solid community in the process.
So, thank you for taking time to have a look; do please sign up if you think it's for you.
James