A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Toulon or Cannes?

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 Toulon and Cannes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and real world port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cannes

Cannes is a luxury, lavish, and glitzy resort city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Toulon and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Cannes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cannes than Toulon. While Toulon is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cannes is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is more popular for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulon 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 Toulon. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cannes is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Toulon is not a live music destination.

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Toulon is not a live music destination.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Cannes?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Cannes.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Cannes is a family-friendly port 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 Toulon or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

Both Toulon and Cannes offer notable public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Cannes a more walkable city?

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

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Toulon 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 Toulon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

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

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.

A weekend in Toulon or Cannes?

Toulon 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.

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.

Five days in Toulon or Cannes?

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

A week in Toulon or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the off-the-beaten-path destination of Toulon. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the opulent 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Cannes, we can see that Cannes 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 Toulon Expensive? and Is Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Cannes?

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

Both Cannes and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Toulon because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In July, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Cannes. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Toulon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Cannes. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Cannes. Many travelers come to Toulon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Toulon is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Toulon usually receives less rain than Cannes. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Cannes. Many visitors come to Toulon in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Cannes. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Toulon