Cannes has announced it will introduce quotas on Airbnb rentals in two key areas of the city, making it one of the first French cities to implement such restrictions under new legislation. 

Mayor David Lisnard confirmed the measures will apply to La Banane district, which includes Boulevard de la Croisette, and Le Suquet, the city’s historic quarter. The quotas will come into force between summer and autumn 2026.

The decision is enabled by France’s Le Meur law, adopted in November 2024, which permits local councils to limit short-term rental properties in areas facing housing pressure.

“We are going to set a maximum percentage of Airbnb-type rentals allowed in the most affected neighbourhoods,” Lisnard told Actu Nice.

Cannes has already implemented several restrictions on short-term rentals, including banning lockboxes, limiting rentals to 120 days per year, and prohibiting buildings that consist entirely of Airbnb properties.

“When we identify clusters of Airbnb properties held by a single individual or company, we reclassify them as undeclared hotels,” said the mayor.

But this latest move represents a major escalation.

According to Lisnard, the policy is not aimed at Airbnb itself but rather at limiting the broader impact of short-term rentals on housing availability for locals.

“In our city, 92% of these (short-term) rentals are in second homes,” said Lisnard. “Rather than leaving those homes empty, it’s a good thing to rent them out, generate activity and contribute to the tourist tax. Thankfully, we have this rental supply for all Cannes events, because not everyone can afford 15 days in a five-star hotel.”

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life