Comparison · Cannes vs Marseille · France
Cannes vs Marseille
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Spike, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Cannes for Cannes Film Festival and La Croisette; choose Marseille for Vieux-Port, Calanques and lower day-to-day costs. Marseille is generally less expensive, and the two are about 136 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 136 km
- Less expensive
- Marseille
- Best time for Cannes
- June and September
- Best time for Marseille
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Cannes | Marseille | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | France | France |
| Known for | Cannes Film Festival, La Croisette and Palais des Festivals | Vieux-Port, Calanques and Bouillabaisse |
| Best time to visit | June and September | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $230–$420 | $160–$260 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 28°C (82°F) | July, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 13°C (55°F) | January, 12°C (54°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 12 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Plage du Midi | Plages du Prado |
| Airports | NCE | MRS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Cannes for…
Cannes Film Festival and La Croisette. Cannes is a compact Riviera resort strung along the Bay of Cannes, best known for the film festival held each May in the Palais des Festivals. Its seafront Boulevard de la Croisette runs about 2 km from the Palais to Pointe Croisette, lined with private…
Choose Marseille for…
Vieux-Port, Calanques and lower day-to-day costs. Founded by Greek sailors around 600 BC, Marseille is France's oldest city and its second largest, a working Mediterranean port wrapped around the Vieux-Port harbour. The golden statue of Notre-Dame de la Garde watches over the old Panier quarter, the MuCEM…
Top sights compared
| # | Cannes | Marseille |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulevard de la Croisette | Notre-Dame de la Garde |
| 2 | Palais des Festivals et des Congrès | Vieux-Port |
| 3 | Le Suquet old town | MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean |
| 4 | Musée des Explorations du Monde | Le Panier |
| 5 | Marché Forville | Vieille Charité |
Food compared
| Cannes | Marseille |
|---|---|
| Socca | Bouillabaisse |
| Pan bagnat | Panisse |
| Bouillabaisse | Chichi frégi |
| Pissaladière | Navettes |
Which is cheaper?
Marseille is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $160–$260 per person there, against $230–$420 in Cannes (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Marseille on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Cannes and Marseille are about 136 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Cannes and 4 in Marseille.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Cannes or Marseille cheaper?
Marseille is usually less expensive: about $160–$260 a day mid-range against $230–$420 (estimates).
+Is Cannes or Marseille better for a first trip?
Pick Cannes for Cannes Film Festival and La Croisette, or Marseille for Vieux-Port, Calanques and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Cannes from Marseille?
About 136 km in a straight line.