Nice or Cannes: which city should you choose for your stay on the French Riviera?

Are you undecided between Nice and Cannes for your next trip to the French Riviera? They are two iconic destinations, but with very different atmospheres. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose based on your travel style , your desires , and your budget .

General atmosphere

Nice is a large, lively, dynamic, and popular city. Cannes is smaller, more chic, with a quieter atmosphere during the off-season.

Nice is lively all year round, Cannes seduces with its exclusive side.

Beaches

In Nice, the beaches are pebbled, but the sea is splendid. Cannes offers sandy beaches, which are more comfortable, but often more expensive (especially private beaches).

Activities

Nice offers more diversity: museums, guided tours, food tours, running tours, cocktail workshops, hikes, etc.

Cannes is more about relaxation, walks, islands, cocktails, shopping.

Nightlife

Nice wins hands down: bars, clubs, pub crawls, student and international nights.

Cannes is more limited, but some places like the Barrel Pub (after midnight club) or the private rooftops can be surprising.

Gastronomy

Nice is more “authentic” in its local cuisine (socca, pan bagnat, etc.), while Cannes plays on refinement with its bistros and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Price

Nice is generally more affordable in terms of accommodation, food and going out.

Cannes is more upscale, especially during events like the Cannes Film Festival.

Transportation and accessibility

Nice is very well served (international airport, tram, train, bus).

Cannes is accessible, but you generally have to go through Nice.

For whom?

Choose Nice if you want to:

• An urban, local and festive atmosphere

• An active stay with lots of activities

• Travel on a budget

Choose Cannes if you are looking for:

• Calm, luxury, romance

• A more exclusive atmosphere

• A more relaxing and summery stay