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

Should you visit Zermatt 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 Zermatt and Cannes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a breathtaking, charming, and stunning town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and skiing.

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.

Zermatt and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Cannes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Cannes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, museums, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cannes is more popular for its food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping. Zermatt is well known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Cannes is well known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for snow skiing. However, Cannes is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Cannes is not a skiing destination.

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

Zermatt is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

Zermatt offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Both Zermatt and Cannes are very good when it comes to partying.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Zermatt or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is very popular for live music. However, Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is not a live music destination.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is very popular for its resorts. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Zermatt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Zermatt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cannes is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Zermatt is not a beach destination.

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.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Cannes?

Cannes is very popular for shopping. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Is Zermatt or Cannes Better for Families?

Zermatt is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zermatt is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Cannes is a family-friendly town. 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 Zermatt or Cannes Better for Couples?

Both Zermatt and Cannes are fantastic destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Cannes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Zermatt or Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Zermatt is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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

Both Zermatt and Cannes offer notable public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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

Is Zermatt or Cannes a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Zermatt or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zermatt due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cannes than Zermatt. 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Cannes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Cannes, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Zermatt or Cannes?

Zermatt 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.

In Cannes, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cannes has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cannes is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Zermatt or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Cannes. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, 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, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Cannes. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cannes in the Autumn?

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

Zermatt is cooler than Cannes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Cannes. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cannes in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. In the winter, Zermatt is much colder than Cannes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Cannes averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Zermatt usually receives less rain than Cannes. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cannes in the Spring?

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

In April, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Cannes. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Cannes. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Zermatt