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

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Should you visit Marseille or Cannes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Cannes, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

How is Marseille different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Marseille or Cannes better for Food?

Foodies will find both Marseille and Cannes both to be unique destinations.

Known for it's food scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination. 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 Marseille or Cannes better for Nightlife?

Both Marseille and Cannes have similar vibes after the sun sets.

People head to Marseille just to party. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Cannes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Marseille or Cannes better for Beaches?

Both Marseille and Cannes have beaches worth visiting.

Marseille has a beach worth visiting. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

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.

Is Marseille or Cannes better for its Old Town?

Marseille and Cannes both have historical old towns that attract visitors.

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cannes. 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 Marseille or Cannes better for Shopping?

Shoppers can find a variety of stores in both Marseille and Cannes.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Cannes is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.


Is Marseille or Cannes better for Families?

Marseille and Cannes are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

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 Marseille or Cannes better for Couples?

Marseille and Cannes are both fun to visit as a couple.

Marseille makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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 Marseille or Cannes better for Public Transit?

Visitors will find public transit in both Marseille and Cannes.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

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

Is Marseille or Cannes a more walkable city?

Marseille and Cannes are similar when it comes to walkability.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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


Marseille and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Marseille
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Cannes
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular with backpackers


Should I spend more time in Cannes or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Marseille or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Marseille is 2-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Cannes is 2-4 days.


  • How many days in Marseille or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Marseille 2-3 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Marseille or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. 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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort city of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Cannes?

Marseille 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.

You'll find live music and food around the lavish destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort city has to offer. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Cannes?

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

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the luxury resort city of Cannes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic destination of Marseille. This 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.

Cannes is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Which city is cheaper, Cannes or Marseille?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Marseille is €117, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €110. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Marseille and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Marseille €56
    Cannes €60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Marseille €112
    Cannes €120

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Marseille €23
    Cannes €13
Typical Local Transportation prices in Marseille

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Marseille:


  • Metro Pass
    €3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Marseille

Also for Marseille, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Ultra - Marseille Private Transfer from City Centre to Marseille Cruise Port: $9.41
  • Ultra - Marseille Private Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port to City Centre: $9.41
  • Ultra - Marseille Private Airport Transfer from Cruise Port to Marseille Airport: $9.41
  • Ultra - Marseille Private Airport Transfer from City Centre to Marseille Airport: $9.41
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port to Marseille City Center: $29
  • Private Departure Transfer from Marseille City Center to Marseille Cruise Port: $29
  • Private Business Car Arrival Transfer: Marseille Cruise Port to Marseille city: $41
  • Private Business Car Departure Transfer: Marseille city Marseille Cruise Port: $41
  • Private Airport Transfer: from Marseille to Marseille Airport (MRS): $50
  • Private Transfer from Marseille Cruise Port Terminal to Marseille Airport (MRS): $51
  • Private Business Van Departure Transfer: Marseille city to Marseille Cruise Port: $55
  • Private Business Car Transfer: Marseille city or Port to Marseille Airport MRS: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Ultra - Private Airport Transfer from Cannes City Centre to Nice Airport: $9.41
  • Transfer from Cannes to Nice airport: $111
  • Round-Trip Ferry Transfer to St Tropez from Cannes: $80
  • Private transfer from Cannes to Nice City or Nice Airport: $80
  • Private airport transfer Mandelieu to Cannes: $53
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Cannes - Mandelieu Airport (CEQ): $89
  • Private Transfer: Cannes - Mandelieu Airport (CEQ) to Cannes: $89
  • Private Departure Transfer from Cannes to Nice Airport: $55
  • Private Departure Transfer from Cannes to Nice Airport: $148
  • Private Airport Transfer: Cannes to Cote D'Azur Airport (NCE): $59
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Van: $114
  • Nice Airport departure private transfer from Cannes - Mónaco - Cap d Antibes in Luxury Car: $140

Is it cheaper to fly into Marseille or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Marseille change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Marseille €34
    Cannes €36
Typical Food prices in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Orangina
    €2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Marseille

For Marseille, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3-Hour Shore Excursion Walking Food Tour: $85
  • Cool Food Tour and Street art Marseille: $106
  • Great Marseille Food Tour Experience: $107
  • Walking Food Tour with Tastings: $108
  • Food Tour Excursion in Provence !: $771

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cannes

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cannes.

  • Summer Fireworks and Dinner Catamaran Cruise from Cannes: $135
  • Small-Group Evening Tour and Dinner in Monte Carlo from Cannes: $223
  • Unforgettable night photos of the French Riviera and dinner in Monaco: $622

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Marseille €30
    Cannes €24

Tours and Activities in Marseille

For Marseille, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Marseille Walking Tour - The Other Side: $1.24
  • Marseille Walking Tour - La Panier: $1.24
  • Mucem Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket: $12
  • Le Panier - Walking Tour of Marseille's Historic Neighborhood: $15
  • City Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way: $25
  • Marseille Segway Tour - Explore the Panier neighborhood in an unexpected way: $25
  • Panier Neighborhood 1-Hour Segway Tour: $34
  • City Segway Tour - Discover the beauty of the Pharo Palace and its neighborhood: $37
  • Marseille Segway Tour - Discover the beauty of the Pharo Palace and its neighborhood: $37
  • Marseille Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $39
  • Marseille Smalll Group Electric Bike Tour: $41
  • Calanques Picnic Cruise: $44

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • 4-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour of Nice from Cannes: $547
  • All French Riviera For One Day Sightseeing Tours From Cannes: $1,011
  • Antibes, St. Paul-de-Vence, St. Jeannet, and Gourdon Private Tour from Cannes: $675
  • Best of Riviera Tour: Coastal Day trip from Antibes (Nice, Monaco, Cannes): $747
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $67
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $43
  • Cannes Private Walking Tour: $338
  • Cannes Private Walking tour: $214
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: French Riviera Private Tour of Nice - Eze - Monaco - Monte Carlo: $827
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Half-Day Tour to Saint-Paul de Vence, Cannes and Nice: $658
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Luxury Motorboat Cruise with Personal Skipper: $2,009
  • Cannes Shore Excursion: Private Tour of the French Riviera: $783

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Marseille €22
    Cannes €14

Sample the Local Flavors in Marseille

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Marseille:

  • Aix en Provence Full-Day Wine Tour from Marseille: $137
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Luberon from Marseille: $137
  • Full-day Wine Tour around Bandol & Cassis from Marseille: $137
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $137
  • Marseille Shore Excursion - Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence: $348
  • Provence wine tour of vineyards & the best foods & wine of Provence private tour: $404
  • Provence Private Wine Tasting Tour from Marseille: $435
  • Wine tour of Châteauneuf du Pape, gastronomy, wines & joie de vivre private tour: $435
  • Aix en Povence Private Half Day Tour including Wine Tasting from Marseille: $523
  • Coteaux d'Aix: Ste Victoire Wine Tour & Cezanne Mill Visit: $567
  • Bandol Wine Tour - 4 hour Private tour: $650
  • Coteaux D'Aix : Half Day Wine Tour: $650

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $132
  • Provence Wine Tour - Private Day Tour from Cannes: $342
  • Private Day Trip: Wine Tasting Tour Including Pinic Lunch From Cannes: $559
  • 5-Hour Private Cannes Shore Excursion: Eze, Nice, Wine Tasting: $658

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Cannes, we can see that Marseille is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Marseille vs. Cannes Travel Comparison

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