You’ve probably heard of the glamorous Cannes Film Festival, but the French city’s name can trip up English speakers. It looks like it might rhyme with “canes” or “cans,” yet the French pronunciation is softer.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic spelling (French): /kan/
Simplified English approximation: kahn

Breaking it down• Start with a crisp “k” sound.
• The vowel is a short open “ah” like in “father.”
• End with a soft “n.” No audible “s.”
Say it quickly in one syllable: kahn.

Common Mispronunciations

• “CANZ” with a hard z sound
• “CAN‑es” with two syllables
• “kaynz” rhyming with “canes”

Practice Sentences

• “The Palme d’Or is awarded each year in Cannes.”
• “She walked the red carpet at the Cannes premiere.”
• “We spent the afternoon on the beach in Cannes.”

Cannes in Culture and Travel

Beyond the film festival, Cannes hosts luxury trade shows, yachting events, and summertime visitors who stroll La Croisette promenade. Its pronunciation remains the same year‑round: one quick syllable, no final ‘s.’

Cannes is a resort city on France’s Côte d’Azur, famous for its annual international film festival, luxury hotels, and Mediterranean beaches. The name comes from the Provençal word for “reeds.”