Cannes, November 3 and 4
MAPIC returns to Cannes
Every November, the Palais des Festivals welcomes the people who shape tomorrow's shopping streets and destinations: retailers, developers, investors, landlords and city representatives gather in Cannes for MAPIC, the leading international event for retail real estate.
The 2026 edition runs on Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4. Two packed days of meetings, conferences and deal-making, in a city that is itself a showcase for destination retail.
This guide covers the essentials: what MAPIC is, who attends, how to make the most of Cannes between meetings, where to shop, and why Le Shop 17, a women's multi-brand concept store a few minutes from the Palais, deserves a place on your list.
What is MAPIC?
MAPIC bills itself as the International Retail Leasing Hub: the place where property owners, developers and cities meet retailers from around the world to build the next generation of shopping and leisure destinations. The Palais des Festivals describes it as the international market for retail location and distribution. In practice, it is where store openings are prepared, where shopping centre, retail park and high street projects are presented, and where concepts ready to travel get spotted.
For 2026, the organizers expect around 4,000 participants from 75 countries, including 1,800 retailers and some 200 exhibiting companies. The program focuses on international retail expansion, with a spotlight on fast-growing brands from Asia and the Americas, and sessions dedicated to Latin America, India, the Middle East and South Africa.
Two new features stand out this year: a High Street Initiative zone for town-centre retail, local players and SME brokers, in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield, and a Retail Parks Summit dedicated to out-of-town retail parks.
Why MAPIC takes place in Cannes
Cannes is no accidental choice. The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, set at the end of the Croisette overlooking the Old Port, hosts several of the world's major professional markets every year, from MIPIM to MIPCOM. The city offers exactly what international delegations need: a convention centre steps from hotels, restaurants and beaches, Nice international airport around 30 kilometres away, and a train station right in the city centre.
For retail professionals, Cannes has another advantage: it is an open-air shopping destination. Between the flagship boutiques of the great luxury houses on the Croisette, the stores of rue d'Antibes and the independent addresses tucked into the side streets, MAPIC takes place in the middle of a living retail laboratory.
Who attends MAPIC?
MAPIC is a trade-only event. Attendees include expansion directors from fashion, beauty, food and leisure brands, landlords and investors, shopping centre and retail park developers, city representatives promoting their town centres, as well as advisers and letting agents. International delegations are well represented, and for some of them the show is a chance to rediscover Cannes.
What they share is a trained eye for retail. These visitors look at a shop window, a store layout or a brand mix with a professional's attention, which turns every stroll through town into a natural extension of the show.
Things to do in Cannes during MAPIC
The show fills most of the day, but Cannes is easy to explore on foot, early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The Croisette, lined with palm trees, grand hotels and beaches, runs from the Palais all the way to the Pointe Croisette. On the other side of the Old Port, Le Suquet, the old town perched on its hill, offers one of the finest views over the bay from the Château de la Castre.
At the foot of Le Suquet, the Forville market and rue Meynadier capture the everyday life of the city. For a proper break, a short boat ride from the Old Port takes you to the Lérins Islands. In the evening, the restaurants of Le Suquet and the Old Port are perfect for continuing the day's conversations in a more relaxed setting.
Cannes shopping and fashion: the neighbourhoods to know
Shopping in Cannes revolves around a handful of key streets, all close to the Palais. On the Croisette, the boutiques of the great luxury houses face the sea. Running parallel, rue d'Antibes is the city's main shopping street, lined with fashion, shoe and beauty stores. Around them, the side streets of the centre hide independent boutiques and concept stores, where you come for rarer pieces and more personal advice.
For MAPIC attendees, it is a chance to see destination retail at work on the ground, and to pick up a piece to take home from Cannes. Our Cannes shopping guide covers the neighbourhoods and the best addresses in detail.
Why visit Le Shop 17 during your stay
Le Shop 17 is a women's multi-brand concept store on rue Notre-Dame, just steps from the Croisette and rue d'Antibes, a few minutes' walk from the Palais. The boutique brings together a tight edit of French and international labels: the tailoring of DMN and Veronica Beard, the rock leather of Barbara Bui, the Parisian rock chic of IRO and bags by Jérôme Dreyfuss.
For retail professionals, it is also a concrete example of independent retail at its best: a selection curated piece by piece, personal styling advice and a team that knows its clients. Between meetings, you can find the blazer missing from your suitcase, a bag that goes from the show floor to dinner, or an outfit for the evening cocktail.
The 10 latest arrivals
Le Shop 17's newest arrivals, worth a look before you plan your show outfits: leather, dresses, wide-leg trousers and statement pieces fresh on the shelves.
See the full Le Shop 17 selection
Practical tips for your stay
Badge and access. MAPIC is open to accredited professionals only, so collect your badge before your first meeting. What to wear. The dress code is business, but the days are spent on your feet: go for a structured blazer, wrinkle-resistant fabrics and comfortable shoes, as detailed in our guide what to wear at MAPIC.
Weather. In early November, Cannes often keeps an autumn mildness, but evenings get cooler and rain is possible: pack a light jacket and a compact umbrella. Getting around. Everything is walkable between the Palais, the Croisette, rue d'Antibes and Le Suquet, and Cannes train station is right in the city centre.
Planning. Two days go by fast: book your dinners ahead and keep a free slot at the end of the day for a walk along the Croisette or a boutique visit. If you are staying longer, our 48 hours in Cannes itinerary has plenty of ideas.
Visit the boutique
Le Shop 17 is open at 15 rue Notre-Dame, 06400 Cannes, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm, just a few minutes' walk from the Palais des Festivals. The team can be reached at +33 (0)4 93 39 46 46, by email at info@leshop17.com, or on WhatsApp. You can also follow the boutique's news on Instagram, @leshop17.
Book an appointment during the show
Also read: what to wear at MAPIC and our fashion addresses on the French Riviera.
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