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

Should you visit La Rochelle or Cannes?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Cannes? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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.

La Rochelle and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although La Rochelle and Cannes 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, shopping, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than La Rochelle and 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. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is La Rochelle different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Cannes?

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both La Rochelle and Cannes offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Cannes for the nightlife scene. 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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a live music destination.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great 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.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is great for the beache. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the beach.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is an amazing coastal 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.

La Rochelle offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Cannes?

Cannes is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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 La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Cannes.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both La Rochelle and Cannes make for a world-class place to visit.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle or Cannes Better for Students?

La Rochelle is very good for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle and Cannes both offer good public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or Cannes a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Cannes are great when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Cannes?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Cannes?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the glitzy resort city of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Cannes?

La Rochelle 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxury destination of Cannes. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This resort city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

The opulent resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Cannes?

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Cannes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Rochelle and Cannes, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes than you might in La Rochelle.

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Cannes?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle and Cannes, 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 La Rochelle or Cannes?

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 La Rochelle or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and La Rochelle during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Cannes. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Cannes. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Cannes. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

La Rochelle is cooler than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

La Rochelle usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cannes. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Cannes. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and La Rochelle