A Travel Price Comparison for France Cannes vs. Annecy for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cannes or Annecy?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cannes and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cannes and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Cannes and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Cannes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cannes is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Annecy is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cannes is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Annecy is popular for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting.

How is Cannes different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy and Cannes. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cannes or Annecy?

Annecy is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cannes or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Annecy can be difficult as they are each fantastic in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a great resort city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cannes has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Music?

Cannes is renowned for its live music scene. However, Annecy is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Cannes. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Annecy is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Resorts?

Cannes is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cannes is a perfect choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Annecy is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a great resort city for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Cannes is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Annecy?

Cannes is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Cannes draws large crowds to its stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Many visitors go to Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Annecy is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Cannes is a family-friendly resort city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Annecy are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Annecy is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Annecy is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

Is Cannes or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Cannes and Annecy offer good public transit options.

Cannes has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Cannes or Annecy a more walkable city?

Cannes and Annecy both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

Annecy is very walkable. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Cannes Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Cannes or Annecy. In our opinion, Cannes has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cannes than Annecy. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Cannes. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Annecy, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Annecy. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cannes that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Cannes if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Annecy.

One day in Cannes or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cannes or Annecy?

Cannes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cannes or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cannes or Annecy?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the lavish destination of Cannes. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cannes and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Cannes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cannes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cannes and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Annecy would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Annecy than you might in Cannes.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cannes Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Annecy?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Cannes and Annecy, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Cannes or Annecy?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cannes or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Annecy. The summer months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In July, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 23°C (73°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

Cannes usually gets less rain in July than Annecy. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cannes is a little warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Cannes. In October, Cannes usually receives more rain than Annecy. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cannes or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Cannes during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Cannes is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cannes in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Cannes usually gets more rain in January than Annecy. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Annecy. Many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Cannes is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 13°C (56°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Cannes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Cannes