A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Southampton vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Southampton or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, 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.

Southampton and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Southampton. While Southampton is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Southampton is known for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Southampton 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. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Southampton 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 Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a great resort city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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 Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its live music scene. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not a live music destination.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not a resort destination.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Southampton is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a great resort city for the beache. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not a beach destination.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a great resort city for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Cannes?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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 Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Cannes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Cannes.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

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 Southampton or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is an amazing resort city to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Southampton is a very popular place to visit for couples. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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

Cannes is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

While Cannes offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel around the city.

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Cannes a more walkable city?

Cannes is a great resort city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Southampton or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Southampton, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

Families should spend more time in Cannes than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Cannes?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the opulent 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 Southampton or Cannes?

Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent 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 Southampton or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Southampton. 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 luxury 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 Southampton or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Southampton. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Southampton and Cannes, we can see that Southampton 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Cannes?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Southampton 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, Southampton is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Southampton usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Southampton gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Cannes. Many travelers come to Southampton for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Southampton is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Cannes. Southampton gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Southampton or Cannes in the Winter?

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

Southampton can get quite cold in the winter. Southampton is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Southampton gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Southampton or Cannes in the Spring?

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

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

In April, Southampton usually receives less rain than Cannes. Southampton gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Southampton