City in French Riviera, France
Cannes
Compact Riviera resort town with sandy beaches, a pretty old quarter and quick trains along the coast. Expensive, quiet outside festivals, and prices spike during Cannes events.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,930–4,050Comfortable, one person · €2,600–3,600Details
- Value for money15/100Better value than 14% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Air quality19.9 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2010) · PollutedDetails
- Internet332 MbpsFixed broadband, France medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe and drinkable.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–68Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and phones work nearly everywhere; carry a little cash for markets and beach vendors.Details
Where to stay in Cannes
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Le Suquet (Old Town) | Atmospheric, restaurants, steep streets, short stays |
| Croisette / Palais | Beach, luxury hotels, festival crowd |
| Rue d'Antibes / Centre | Shops, trains and cheaper mid-range hotels |
| Le Cannet | Quieter residential, cheaper rent, bus links |
Apps that work in Cannes
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- SNCF Connect: Train tickets and timetables nationwide
- Bonjour RATP: Paris Métro routes and tickets on phone
- BlaBlaCar: Cheap carpools between cities
- Taxis: Taxis are metered and expensive during festivals; book ahead or walk.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in France.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and phones work nearly everywhere; carry a little cash for markets and beach vendors.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: French bank ATMs rarely add fees; avoid Euronet machines in Paris tourist areas and decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: Service is included by law. Round up or leave €1–5 for good service; nobody expects 15–20%.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; card contactless limit €50. Lydia and Wero need a European bank.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 17 · Ambulance 15 · Fire 18 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, E · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Orange's Holiday SIM or eSIM, or prepaid SIMs from phone shops and tabacs, cost about €20–40 a month; passport needed to activate. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in France
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.