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

Should you visit Rouen or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Rouen 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.

Rouen

Rouen is a compact, impressive, and relaxing city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Rouen and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rouen or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Rouen. While Rouen is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Rouen is known for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Rouen and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Rouen is popular for its architectural history, historical monuments, and sense of culture.

How is Rouen different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rouen 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 Rouen. You'll find the highest concentration of sights in the city's pedestrian zone. Highlights that you should check out include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, Musée des Beaux-Arts, Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, and Aître Saint-Maclou.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Rouen has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local specialties found in town. Make sure you try the Passe Crassane, which is a French pear. The town is also known for its cheese, chocolate, and pastries.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Cannes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rouen. You'll find wine bars, trendy cocktail bars, and local pubs where you can grab a drink.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Rouen is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Cannes The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Rouen is not a live music destination.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a resort destination.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Rouen 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.

Rouen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is notable for the beache. However, Rouen is not a beach destination.

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.

Rouen is not a beach destination.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is notable for its old town. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Rouen has an old town worth visiting. The old town is where you'll find spectacular Gothic churches and the most charming streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Rouen or Cannes?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Cannes make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Rouen has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Some of the city's best shopping is found along the Rue du Gros-Horloge in the old city center. You'll find independent boutiques and well as upscale vendors.

Is Rouen or Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Rouen or Cannes.

Rouen is a family-friendly place to visit. This beautiful city is filled with nice parks, free museums, and towers that offer views over the city. Kids will enjoy climbing the clocktower, eating pastries, or riding a bike around town.

Cannes is a family-friendly 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 Rouen or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Rouen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Rouen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful city makes a great retreat for couples who enjoy good food and nice architecture. There are many hidden gems around town that make this a favorite French city for many couples.

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

Rouen is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Rouen offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has two agencies that offer public transportation. Métro du Rouen is a tramway that runs north to south from Boulingrin in the north to Saint-Sever, where it branches off into two lines (one to Technopôle and one to Georges Braque). There are also buses and rail connections to town.

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

Is Rouen or Cannes a more walkable city?

Rouen and Cannes both are great when exploring on foot.

Rouen is a very walkable city. There are many parts of town that can easily 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 Rouen Worth Visiting? and Is Cannes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Rouen?

How long in Rouen or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Rouen or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Rouen, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

Families should spend more time in Cannes than Rouen. 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 Rouen. 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 Cannes than Rouen 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 Cannes.

One day in Rouen or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Rouen. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cannes, many people enjoy the live music and food that this luxury destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Rouen or Cannes?

Rouen 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Rouen or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rouen. 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.

Cannes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Cannes. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Rouen or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Rouen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy destination of Cannes. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rouen and Cannes, we can see that Cannes is more expensive. And not only is Rouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rouen 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 Rouen.

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

Which is Bigger, Rouen or Cannes?

Rouen has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Rouen 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 Rouen or Cannes?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Rouen or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Rouen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rouen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Rouen is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Rouen in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Rouen usually receives more rain than Cannes. Rouen gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Rouen or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Rouen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Rouen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Rouen is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Rouen average around 12°C (53°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rouen usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Rouen gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rouen or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rouen and Cannes. Many visitors come to Rouen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Rouen can get quite cold in the winter. Rouen is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Rouen averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Rouen usually receives less rain than Cannes. Rouen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Rouen or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rouen as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Rouen for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Rouen is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Rouen in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Rouen usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Rouen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Rouen