Revitalizing a Famous Promenade

Curving around the Bay of Cannes in the South of France, Boulevard de La Croisette is one of the world’s most iconic waterfront promenades, synonymous with the glamour of the French Riviera and the International Film Festival held in the city every year. 

The 2km-long walkway is lined with high-end shops, restaurants and hotels on one side, and beaches and sea views across the Mediterranean on the other, with visitors and residents drawn by its unique charm and attractions. Constructed in the 19th century, it has evolved from a coastal road to a thriving public zone, setting the scene for international events such as the annual real estate conference MIPIM, held at La Croisette’s Palais des Festivals. 

When the legendary boulevard – largely untouched since the 1960s – needed restoring, the City of Cannes embraced the opportunity to transform it into a more open, accessible and sustainable place. An international architecture competition was launched to find the right team to deliver an extensive renovation programme, and WSP is proud to be part of the winning team.  

Our landscape architects and engineers are working alongside urban designers Atelier d’Urbanité Roland Castro and architects Snøhetta to upgrade and modernise the area, while preserving its history. The design proposal – ‘Spotlight’, is inspired by La Croisette’s Art Deco architecture, Cannes old town and surrounding natural landscapes, including the nearby Estérel Mountains.  

With the Mediterranean region warming 20% faster than the global average, a key focus of the project is creating cool spots along the promenade to make it safer and more enjoyable for residents and visitors. To achieve this, umbrella pine trees and shaded structures will be located all along the boulevard. Light red granites will be implemented into the new surface to reflect more sunlight away from walking paths, while landscaped areas will be added to provide more shade, including new water features.  

Our landscape architects are planting local ornamental species. Existing palm trees will be transplanted along the route and new palm trees will be added to complement the landscaping. As well as providing shade, natural beauty and tranquil rest areas for promenade-users, the landscaping will also create a green corridor and provide an additional 300m2 of green space, supporting biodiversity. For example, the new umbrella pines will provide nesting spots for European greenfinches, helping to increase their numbers, while nature-sensitive LED lighting will be used to protect insects and birds.  

La Croisette is being refurbished with an urban “red carpet” – a new paved surface made of red granite inlaid with gold Art Deco-style motifs. Reflecting the film festival that brings stars of cinema to the city every year, these “spotlights” will guide visitors along the boulevard, highlighting places of interest like beaches, former palaces and hotels.

Overall, the design aims to encourage social interaction and physical activity for health and wellbeing. Our engineers are helping to enhance pedestrian walkways, create a new two-lane cycle path along the route and increase access along both sides of La Croisette. New stairs and ramps will lead to the beaches and port, enhanced by new and improved pedestrian crossings in front of hotels and public buildings.  

Landscaping is also at the heart of new attractions for residents and visitors, including an amusement pavilion in Reynaldo Hahn Square with a restaurant, carousel and redesigned gardens linking the Palais des Festivals with the promenade.  

Phased construction to minimize disruption  

One of the biggest logistical challenges is working around the famous international events taking place in Cannes during the project, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. To navigate the city’s packed calendar, the renovation work will be carried out in multiple construction phases and is due to be completed in 2028.  

The City of Cannes has already upgraded the area’s underground wastewater networks and is in the process of creating a system that uses renewable marine energy to heat and cool many local buildings and hotels.  

The “Spotlight” project will build on the work being done to make Cannes a more sustainable and inclusive city, while enabling more people to enjoy one of its best-loved public places.  

La Croisette in the spotlight  

Designed for accessibility  

• Urban red carpet with gold pavement motifs highlights points of interest along the promenade, north and south sidewalks and bike path.  
• New stairs, ramps and improved pedestrian crossings provide safe, convenient access from the hotels, the city and seafront.  

Nature-led solutions

• Landscaped gardens and walkways, shaded seating areas and water features.  
• Native plants create a green corridor to support biodiversity and create cool, shaded areas.  

Encourages walking and cycling  

• Sustainable mobility prioritised with new walking and cycling routes.  
• Public highway reorganised to improve the experience for pedestrians and cyclists, charging stations added for electric vehicles.