La Licorne Theatre

La Licorne Theatre Cannes: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the lively La Bocca district of Cannes, France, La Licorne Theatre is a beacon of cultural innovation and community engagement. As a “Scène conventionnée d’intérêt national – Art, Enfance et Jeunesse,” this theatre is dedicated to multidisciplinary programming, especially for children, youth, and families. Its modern architecture and accessible location make it an essential stop for both residents and visitors looking to experience Cannes beyond its famed luxury tourism and film festival scene. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of La Licorne Theatre’s history, cultural significance, visitor information, and practical tips to help you plan your visit (Var Matin; cannes.com).

Historical Evolution

Origins and Development

Cannes’ transformation from a small fishing settlement to an international arts hub set the stage for the creation of La Licorne Theatre in the 20th century. As part of municipal efforts to democratize culture and decentralize artistic offerings, the theatre was established in La Bocca to expand access to high-quality performances, especially for families and youth (Cannes History; Cannes History Facts).

Architecture and Community Impact

Strategically situated at 25 avenue Francis Tonner, La Licorne’s contemporary design stands in contrast to historic neighborhoods like Le Suquet. The theatre has played a vital role in revitalizing La Bocca, fostering cultural pride and providing a community-centric alternative to central Cannes’ more tourist-driven venues (Côte d’Azur France).

Cultural Significance

National Recognition and Mission

La Licorne Theatre has been recognized since 2019 as a “Scène conventionnée d’intérêt national – Art, Enfance et Jeunesse” by the French Ministry of Culture. This status underscores its excellence in multidisciplinary programming and commitment to educational outreach, with a special focus on young audiences and families (Var Matin; Marie-Celine Interview).

Theatre staff work closely with local schools, offering artist residencies, workshops, and outreach activities that involve over 25,000 spectators annually. Community engagement extends beyond the theatre walls, with “off-site” performances and workshops in public spaces, markets, and squares, promoting creativity and social cohesion (Marie-Celine Interview).

Artistic Innovation

La Licorne’s programming is noted for its adventurous spirit, featuring avant-garde theatre, contemporary dance, jazz, puppetry, and immersive experiences. Resident companies and guest artists contribute to a vibrant calendar of events, making the theatre a laboratory for new creative forms (Nice Matin).

Accessibility and Inclusion

Affordability and accessibility are core values at La Licorne. Standard ticket prices are around €10, with discounts for youth, students, job seekers, and large families. The venue is fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, and staff provide multilingual assistance for Cannes’ international visitors (Côte d’Azur France).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Regular Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday, with most performances at 20:00. Additional matinees and workshops are often scheduled on weekends and school holidays.
Box Office: Open Tuesday to Saturday, 14:00–19:00, and one hour prior to performances. Always check the official website for up-to-date information.

Tickets

Standard: €10
Reduced: €5 (under 26, students, families, social structures)
Group: €7 (groups of 10+, teachers outside school hours, cultural professionals)
Festival Rates: e.g. Festival P’tits Cannes à You: €6 (full), €4 (reduced)
Free Admission: Job seekers, disability cardholders and companions, war veterans, ASPA recipients
Where to Buy: Online at Cannes Ticket, at the box office, or through authorized platforms (recreanice.fr)

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible: Reserved seating and accessible restrooms
Companion Admission: Free for assistants of visitors with disabilities
Special Needs: Contact the theatre at least 48 hours in advance to arrange accommodations (Semaine de la Critique)

Facilities

Seating: Italian-style, intimate, excellent sightlines (Cannes City Life)
Restrooms: Accessible
Cloakroom: Available during major events
Refreshments: Occasionally available at intermissions
Wi-Fi: Not guaranteed

Getting There

Address: 25 avenue Francis Tonner, 06150 Cannes La Bocca
By Bus: Palm Bus lines 1, 2, A (stop: Mairie Annexe) (Palm Bus)
By Train: Cannes la Bocca station (short walk)
By Car: Exit A8 motorway at 41; parking at Verrerie, Correia, or Place du Marché (limited during events)

Season Highlights: 2024–2025

Programming

41 shows scheduled from October 10, 2024, to June 29, 2025, including theatre, dance, music, circus, puppetry, and immersive digital experiences (La Strada)
Family Focus: Performances for children as young as six months, Saturday matinées, and interactive workshops
Multidisciplinary Events: Jazz concerts (“Les Jeudis du Jazz”), contemporary plays, VR-enhanced performances (“The Ordinary Circus Girl,” “Hold On”)
Signature Events: Festival P’tits Cannes à You, open house days, and community outreach programs

Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your trip by exploring Cannes:

Le Suquet Old Town: Historic district with panoramic views
Palais des Festivals et des Congrès: Iconic film festival venue
La Croisette: Glamorous seafront promenade
Local markets and eateries in La Bocca for authentic Cannes experiences

FAQ

Q: What are the theatre’s visiting hours?
A: Tuesday to Saturday, with evening performances and weekend matinees; box office open 14:00–19:00.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online at Cannes Ticket, at the box office, or via authorized vendors.

Q: Is the theatre accessible?
A: Yes—wheelchair access, reserved seating, and free companion admission.

Q: Are there family-friendly shows?
A: Yes, with dedicated programming for children and families throughout the season.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Limited street parking and public lots nearby; early arrival is recommended.

Leadership and Contacts

Director of Cultural Affairs: Maud Boissac
Head of Live Performance Production: Benjamin Brégeaut (Marie-Celine Interview)

Contact:

Phone: +33 (0)4 97 06 40 00
Official Website: Cannes.com – Théâtre de la Licorne
Tickets: Cannes Ticket

Tips for a Memorable Visit

Book Early: Popular shows sell out quickly—reserve tickets in advance.
Plan Your Route: Use public transport for convenience during busy events.
Check Age Recommendations: Some performances have age guidelines.
Respect Theatre Etiquette: No photography or recording during shows.
Explore the Neighborhood: Enjoy local dining and cultural sites before or after performances.

Visuals and Media

Browse high-quality images and video previews on the theatre’s official site and social media. Visuals are provided with descriptive alt text such as “La Licorne Theatre exterior in Cannes La Bocca” and “Children participating in a theatre workshop at La Licorne” for accessibility (La Licorne Theatre Programme).

Summary

La Licorne Theatre is a testament to Cannes’ commitment to accessible, innovative, and community-driven cultural experiences. With affordable tickets, comprehensive accessibility, and a vibrant program, it stands as a model venue for families, youth, and culture enthusiasts. Its La Bocca location offers a refreshing counterpoint to the city’s more touristic sites, enriching any visit to the French Riviera (Nice Matin; Côte d’Azur France).

Plan Your Visit

Explore the official programme for upcoming shows, reserve tickets early, and consider becoming a member for exclusive benefits. For real-time updates, exclusive content, and easy ticketing, follow La Licorne on social media or download the Audiala app. Enhance your Cannes itinerary with a visit to this dynamic hub of creativity and community.