Nice vs Cannes: Which French Riviera City Should You Visit?
Nice and Cannes – two gorgeous, glittering cities on the French Riviera, full of beautiful beaches, a historic old town, delicious restaurants, and Mediterranean vibes.
However, despite the fact that on the surface they seem very similar, there are actually a lot of differences between the two cities, and each stands out for different reasons.
Cannes is all about that glitzy, upscale, luxury life – there are fancy hotels and Michelin-star restaurants all over the city, and large yachts moored in the pier. Plus, Cannes is known for big events like the Cannes Film Festival, which brings a host of stars every May, and the Cannes Yachting Festival in September.
While Nice is also very beautiful and upscale (the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the fact that it was the first “resort city” for European royals and nobles), Nice also has a rich Roman history and a much more laidback feel.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting both Cannes and Nice on a few different occasions, and I’ve traveled extensively around Provence and the Riviera. Because of that, I definitely feel qualified to weigh in on the topic of whether you should visit Cannes vs Nice on your trip to southern France.
In this post, I’m comparing Nice and Cannes in 10 different categories, weighing in on the differences between each city, and giving my overall recommendation of which city I think is more worth visiting.
(Need the spoiler? Nice is without a doubt my top pick)
Nice vs. Cannes: Which Cote d’Azur City Should You Visit
1. Location
As I mentioned in the intro, both Cannes and Nice are located on the French Riviera. This region, known as the Cote d’Azur, is the very southeastern section of France, which sits right on the Mediterranean Sea.
The French Riviera is a subsection of the larger region of Provence, which extends farther north and west, and includes cities like Marseilles.
Nice and Cannes are about 33 km (20 miles) from each other, and it takes about 25 minutes to get between the cities by train, and anywhere from 45 minutes – 1 hour by car, depending on traffic conditions.
2. How Easy Is It To Get To?
Both cities are well-connected within France by train, and you can get from Paris to either city within about 5 hours. Within the French Riviera, both cities are very well-connected to the region, with a main train line along the coast running through both cities.
However, if you are flying into southern France, Nice has an international airport (NCE), while Cannes has no commercial airport. You’ll need to fly into Nice and then transit by train or car.
You could also fly into Marseilles and then take the train or drive over to Cannes, although Marseille is about 2 hours from Cannes.
Winner: Nice
3. Beaches
While some people take a holiday to the Cote d’Azur specifically to relax on beaches and others want a combination of city break + sand and waves, there’s no denying that the Mediterranean beaches are a big part of any trip to either city.
Both cities have long stretches of coastline filled with beaches, and a nice, wide promenade lining the beach.
When it comes to actual beaches, Cannes is unmatched. Many beaches in southern France are rocky, but Cannes has beautiful, soft, powdery sand and wide beaches, perfect for relaxing.
The main promenade and beach area in Cannes is La Croissette, and a large percentage of the beach space is filled with beach clubs. These clubs require an entrance fee, but you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, and order food and drink.
Public beach space can be found on either end of La Croisette, or at other beaches in Cannes, such as at Plage du Midi.
However, Nice’s promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, is absolutely incredible for the sweeping coastline views and the quality of the walkway.
The Promenade extends for 7 km (4 miles), is lined by palm trees, and is extra wide, creating plenty of space for walkers and a dedicated bike lane. Walking up and down the Promenade is one of the best things to do in Nice and is a total vibe, particularly at sunset.
- Winner for Sandy Beach: Cannes
- Winner for Promenade and Views: Nice (I didn’t think La Croisette was nearly as nice – it wasn’t as wide and the beach views were hampered by the roofs on the beach clubs.)
4. Cuisine
Both cities enjoy cuisine that has French, Mediterranean, and Provencal influences. Fresh fish can be found on restaurant menus and both cities have Michelin star restaurants. However, Cannes definitely has a higher number of upscale and Michelin-star restaurants.
When it comes to unique cuisine, though, Nice definitely takes the cake. Nicoise cuisine is its own sub-culture, with unique dishes like socca, pissaladière, salade Nicoise, pan bagnat, and tarte de blettes.
In fact, one of my favorite activities in Nice is going on a food tour and sampling a couple dozen Nicoise and Provencal specialties.
And while Nice doesn’t have as many upscale establishments, the city is filled with delicious and high-quality restaurants to eat at.
Winner: Cannes for fine dining, Nice for regional specialties
5. Markets
A fun activity when visiting Cannes or Nice is to visit their local markets. Both markets are filled with delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese and meat, flowers and herbs, and other items like honey, jam, hot foods for a quick snack or lunch, and other specialty items.
In Nice, you’ll find the Marché aux Fleurs, an outdoor market on the streets of Old Town.
In Cannes, there’s the Marché Forville, an open-air but covered market near the Old Town.
Personally, I think Nice’s Marché aux Fleurs for sure has the edge – it is huge, there are so many interesting foods for sale here, and because it’s outside in the Old Town, the setting is really beautiful.
Both markets are closed on Mondays, but between June and September, the Marché aux Fleurs in Nice becomes an antique market on Mondays.
Winner: Nice
6. Old Town
Both Nice and Cannes have a charming Old Town, filled with pedestrian-only streets, little alleys, cute architecture, and shops and restaurants. Strolling through Old Town is a must-do in either city.
In Cannes, Old Town is known as Le Suquet, and is situated on a small hill overlooking and adjacent to the port.
In Nice, the Old Town is simply known as “Vieille Ville” (aka Old Town).
While the Old Town in Cannes is lovely and charming and worth spending time walking through, Nice FOR SURE wins in this category. In fact, Nice is pretty unmatched when it comes to its Old Town.
For starters, Nice’s Old Town is quite large, and you can spend a long time exploring it. While some streets are narrow, there are also some broad streets, and many little squares dot the area. You can also find multiple grand churches, the old Opera House of Nice, and the beautiful Palais de Justice.
And while there are plenty of souvenir shops, you can also find local boutiques selling olive oil, lavender products, chocolates and candy, soaps and handmade goods, dried herbs, clothing, and more.
Finally, dozens and dozens of small, delicious restaurants fill Nice’s Old Town, as well as a large selection of high-quality gelato stands.
The area is bustling and vibrant, full of life and people out shopping or eating.
Winner: Nice, hands down
7. Safety
Both Cannes and Nice are considered very safe destinations, whether you’re traveling with a group, as a couple, with children, or as a solo traveler. While petty theft (i.e. pickpocketing) can occur in any touristy area, the areas of Nice and Cannes that you’ll be visiting as a tourist are considered very safe.
Some neighborhoods that are much farther out from the city center are more dangerous and should be avoided, but you won’t be going anywhere near these areas as a visitor to the city.
Winner: A tie
8. Street Art
While Nice and Cannes both have beautiful buildings and epic views, if you’re looking for some interesting street art murals, Cannes is the place to visit. There are 15 “Mur Peint” – literally, “painted walls” around the city that pay homage to the film industry and the icons of cinema.
For example, the Cameramen, found in Old Town, is a favorite:
Or this Cinema Cannes mural by City Hall celebrates some of the great movie icons, including Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock!
Winner: Cannes
9. Proximity to Other Villages and Cities in Southern France
While visiting the big cities is certainly very fun, one of the best things about visiting southern France is discovering all the adorable towns and villages that dot the region.
You’ll find sunny beach towns, with buildings painted in warm, pastel hues, and charming “perched” hilltop villages filled with cobblestoned streets and city walls.
It’s easy to visit a variety of these villages as day trips from either city. Grasse, the perfume capital of France, is very close to Cannes, while Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat are just a stone’s throw from Nice.
Other great villages to explore are Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Eze, La Turbie, and Menton, as well as the larger city of Antibes and the country of Monaco.
Winner: A Tie
10. Attractions and Things to Do
Top 7 Things to Do in Cannes
- Visit Le Chemin des Etoiles, where movie’s stars handprints are embedded in the sidewalk
- See the red carpet at the Palace of Festivals, where the Cannes Film Festival is held every year. During July and August, you can tour the palace.
- Admire all the yachts and sailboats in Old Port
- Visit La Malmaison, an art museum located in the only remaining wing of the historic Grand Hotel
- Stroll down La Croisette and relax at the beaches accessible right off the promenade
- Admire the views from the top of the historic tower in the Museum of the Explorations of the World.
- Explore Old Town and find as many Mur Peint as you can
Top 7 Things to Do in Nice
- Walk, run, or bike down the Promenade des Anglais, where you have access to the beaches and proximity to the Old Port
- Explore all the nooks and crannies of Old Town – don’t miss the Marché aux Fleurs or Place Rossetti.
- Climb up to Castle Hill – the castle is long gone, but the views over Nice are incredible
- Stop by the very unique Place Massena, a large square with the Fontaine du Soleil (fountain and statue of Neptune), black and white checkered ground, and striking red buildings.
- Stroll through the Jardin Albert I and the adjoining Promenade du Paillon park for a beautiful greenspace with lots of benches, a cool reflecting basin, statues, and a playground.
- Visit Villa Massena to admire a gorgeous old manor and learn about the history of Nice
- Visit the neighborhood of Cimiez, known for the Roman ruins and Chagall and Matisse museums.
Both Nice and Cannes have similar types of attractions (beaches, the promenade, Old Town, the port, etc), but they also have some unique things to do and places to visit as well.
If you’re big into film, then you’ll probably get a bigger kick out of visiting Cannes. (Although unless you visit in July or August, you very likely will just get to look at the Palace of Festivals and Chemin des Etoiles, not visit or even stand on the red carpet).
I do think that overall Nice has more things to see and do, as there are many museums and other attractions in the city not listed here.
Nice vs Cannes: My Overall Recommendation
Okay, after all that, which city would I recommend you visit?
When it comes down to Cannes versus Nice, remember, it’s not just about what you see; it’s about the feel of the place.
For that reason, Nice is 100% my preferred city.
Cannes is beautiful, full of glitzy locations, fancy hotels, and incredible beaches, but Nice has this beautiful yet relaxed vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else.
You sense it as you meander through the Old Town’s history-laden lanes or while you’re taking that leisurely walk down the Promenade des Anglais. It’s a city that’s alive with charm and energy but doesn’t overwhelm you with hustle and bustle.
So, while Cannes might have its own style and sophistication, Nice brings you a mix of beauty, relaxation, and authentic experiences. It’s a city that doesn’t just impress you with its sights but also wins you over with its laidback, welcoming atmosphere.
I recently took my mom to Nice after gushing about the city to her for years, and after a day, she was like, “Okay, I get it. Nice really is amazing.”
That being said, if you really just need some sandy beaches on your getaway, Cannes is the place to prioritize. And if you have more than a week in the French Riviera, I think you can definitely visit both cities (if you have under a week I would prioritize other places).
For a trip that combines sightseeing with the chance to really soak in the Riviera lifestyle, Nice is the place to be.
