Summary

  • Cannes offers much more than just its famous Film Festival, from beautiful beaches to luxury boutiques along the Boulevard de la Croisette.
  • Saint-Tropez is a vibrant vacation spot with slightly warmer weather and enjoyable beaches, attracting millions of visitors annually.
  • Cannes has a more quintessential Cote d'Azur vibe, attracting a quieter crowd and offering better beaches than Saint-Tropez.

The French Riviera, or Cote d’Azur, stretches along the southern coast of France and is a truly glamorous travel destination. In fact, it is one of the first modern vacation spots: the British have been ardent visitors since the 18th century. Nice, the biggest city on the Azure Coast, is a must-stop while touring the Riviera, and it's just one of the many towns worth stopping in. Cannes and Saint-Tropez are located only an hour and a half from each other. Cannes is known mostly for the glamorous and fashionable Cannes Film Festival, while Saint-Tropez is the go-to spot for chic jet-setters.

Since public transportation between the two spots is time-consuming, travelers can find themselves having to choose one over the other. Which one would you pick?

UPDATE: 2023/07/14 16:59 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Are Endless Reasons To See Cannes And Saint-Tropez!

This article has been refreshed with new reasons to come to Cannes and Saint-Tropez and new photos of each vacation destination. Whether someone wants to have a quieter trip in Cannes or party all night in Saint-Tropez, we've got you covered!

23 Cannes Is So Much More Than Its Film Festival

Cannes, France
Photo by AGNES BARRAUD on Unsplash
Boats at marina in Cannes
  • There's plenty to see in Cannes besides the Film Festival.
  • The Boulevard de la Croisette to Cannes' has its own walk of fame: the Alée des Stars.

The Cannes Film Festival is the international event that put Cannes on the map for the broader public back in 1946 and made it an artistic, cinema, and fashion center. The French Riviera is, of course, an amazing location for a movie star meet-up, but Cannes has much more to offer than that, from beautiful beaches to luxury boutiques along the Boulevard de la Croisette to Cannes' own Walk of Fame, the Alée des Stars.

22 Taking A Stroll Around Saint-Tropez

Walking in Saint-Tropez
Photo by Chahriar Hariri on Unsplash
Walkway in Saint-Tropez, France
  • Saint-Tropez is one of the French Riviera's best vacation spots.
  • 6 million plus people come here annually.

Saint-Tropez, another resort town on the French Riviera, has its own perks. As the city lies even more south than Cannes, its climate is slightly warmer, and the beaches more enjoyable. Once a fishing village, this charming town’s narrow streets and boutiques attract 6 million visitors a year.

21 Cannes Beaches Attract Visitors Year-Round

Cannes France
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
Cannes beach in France
  • Cannes' beaches are considered better than Cannes.

Cannes has a more quintessential Cote’d’Azur vibe to it. It is much bigger than Saint-Tropez, so you won’t run into as many tourists there. Plage de la Boca is one of the most popular beaches in Cannes, and it attracts different crowds than the Saint-Tropez beaches.

20 Saint-Tropez Has A Lovely Port For Sailors And Yachts

Boats in Saint-Tropez
Photo by Clemens van Lay on Unsplash
Boat yard in Saint-Tropez
  • Yacht-watching in Saint-Tropez is a fun pass time for visitors.
  • The quaint marina has little room but is filled with mega boats.

The port of Saint-Tropez is located at the very heart of the village, and it is where people meet and socialize. This quaint marina has quite a lot of room but not enough to satisfy the demand. Every yacht owner in the Mediterranean would probably like to moor their boat there.

19 La Croix-des-Gardes In Cannes Is A Peaceful Place

Cannes France
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
Beach resort in Cannes, France
  • Many tourists to Cannes find peace at La Croix-des-Gardes.

There are so many sights to see in and around Cannes. La Croix-des-Gardes is an area with hiking trails and luxurious villas. If chasing beautiful views is your thing, you must check it out. Try seeing Cannes through several viewpoints and visit the botanical garden.

18 Saint-Tropez Is A Perfect Vacation Spot For Young People

Club 55 Saint-Tropez
Photo by Valentin B. Kremer on Unsplash
Club 55 in Saint-Tropez, France
  • Saint-Tropez is more shifted towards young tourists.
  • Cannes brings an older, quieter crowd.

Saint-Tropez is more hectic and vibrant than Cannes. The downside of that is that it requires more flexibility (it has no train station), which is something that younger crowds seem to manage better. Getting to Saint-Tropez might be a hassle, but it is definitely worth it.

Related: 8 Attractions To Explore In Côte d'Azur (AKA The French Riviera)

17 Visiting Lérins Islands Is A Must While Vacationing In Cannes

Cannes
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
Old building in Cannes
  • Visiting Lérins Islands is a must-see while in Cannes, France.
  • The biggest attraction here is the Museum of the iron mask.

Lérins Islands are four islands that surround Cannes. The biggest attraction on the Île Sainte-Marguerite (Saint Margaret Island) is its museum dedicated to the mysterious man in the iron mask. Île Saint-Honorat is home to a monastery where monks make their own quality wine.

16 Saint-Tropez Welcomes Party People

Saint-Tropez
Photo by Fabrice Villard on Unsplash
Brown wooden pier in Saint-Tropez
  • The parties are undeniably more grand in Saint-Tropez.
  • Nightlife here is some of the best in the world.

DJ Antoine’s song "Welcome To St Tropez" became a true hit in 2009, and it describes the Saint-Tropez party scene quite accurately. It is highly exclusive, glamorous, and trendy. Nightlife in Saint-Tropez is always buzzing, attracting even the rich and famous.

15 Work Up Your Appetite At The Marché Forville Food Market

Cannes France
Photo by Lidija Jakovljevic on Unsplash
French Riviera Cannes France
  • The Marché Forville Food Market is one of the best in Cannes.
  • Fresh food is the best here, including meat, cheese, pasta, and other French delights.

A visit to Cannes is not complete without checking out Marché Forville, the city’s covered market, located very close to the port. Treat yourself to fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. You can also buy pasta, curated meat, cheese, and other French delights.

14 Saint-Tropez Also Played A Big Role In Cinema History

Saint-Tropez
Photo by Valentin B. Kremer on Unsplash
Chairs on the beach Saint-Tropez
  • Saint-Tropez is also known for television and film.

Cannes is not the only resort town on the French Riviera to play a big role in cinema history. From The Swimming Pool (1969) to The Gendarmes of Saint-Tropez (1964) and many others, Saint-Tropez has often been the background and inspiration for French cinema, which solidified it as a charming, trendy place to be.

13 Cannes Shopping Is Some Of The Best In France

Cannes water view
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Cannes, France
  • Cannes offers the best shopping in all of France.
  • There is a better variety of stores in Cannes than in Saint-Tropez.

Shopping in France is on the travel itinerary of many visitors, and the better spot for shopping is definitely Cannes, as it has more variety and bigger shops than Saint-Tropez. You can find so many prestigious brands while roaming the city’s center.

12 Most Who Visit Saint-Tropez Are Pretty Wealthy

Beach in Saint-Tropez
Photo by Valentin B. Kremer on Unsplash
Umbrella in Saint-Tropez
  • People heading to Saint-Tropez often are wealthier than those at Cannes.

Saint-Tropez is one of the most expensive destinations in France. Luckily, it can be fully experienced in just a day or two. The rich, who like to hire boats and drink cocktails, feel the most at home there. Saint-Tropez has that true vacation spirit going on non-stop.

11 Cannes Has That True French Feel To It

Cannes France
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
Cannes France street
  • Cannes has an authentic French feel to it.
  • Compared to Saint-Tropez, Cannes feels truer to French style/culture.

While Saint-Tropez is a glitzy bubble, Cannes is an embodiment of French class and style. Consider sitting down in one of the charming cafés and just people-watch. Observing the fashion sense of the locals with your own eyes is a great pass time.

10 You Can See Many Impressive Boats And Yachts In Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez
Photo by Samuel C. on Unsplash
Street is Saint-Tropez, France
  • Saint-Tropez is a yacht-heavy location, often bringing boat owners from across the globe.

Those who are into sailboats and yachts must definitely enter the marina and walk around the docks. Chances are you won’t see yachts like the ones in Saint-Tropez anywhere else. There are also many boats, catamaran excursions, and luxurious yachts you can rent – for a tiny fortune, of course.

9 People Like To Gather On Promenade De La Croisette During Sunset

Cannes marina
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
Cannes marina in France
  • The Promenade De La Croisette is where the Cannes Film Festival takes place.
  • This is also one of the best places to see the sunset.

Most known as the location of the film festival, Promenade de la Croisette is a boulevard that runs for 2 kilometers along the coast. The view of the sunset is absolutely amazing from the beaches that accompany the promenade. People like to stay even after the sun has already set.

Related: 10 Best Beaches To Visit In France

8 Saint-Tropez Is A Great Spot For A Couple's Vacation

Saint-Tropez
Photo by Renan Brun on Unsplash
Buildings in Saint-Tropez, France
  • Couples often prefer heading to Saint-Tropez.
  • This is the perfect vacation destination for couples.

Saint-Tropez welcomes all kinds of travelers, solo or group. But it is especially couples looking for a romantic getaway who might enjoy the chic vibe of Saint-Tropez’s hotels the most. French cuisine certainly has a romantic feel to it as well, and those who love seafood should definitely check it out.

7 After The Beach, You Can Hit Casinos In Cannes

Beach with umbrellas and lots of people
Photo by Diane Picchiottino on Unsplash
Cannes, France 
  • Cannes is known for having fun casinos and great gambling opportunities.
  • Most casinos in Cannes are close to the old port.

If anything has been established so far, it is that there is money on the French Riviera. And where there is money, there should also be casinos. They are all located very close to the old port, so they have quite a strong presence in town.

6 Musée De L’annonciade In Saint-Tropez Is A Must For The Art Crowd

Saint-Tropez, France
Photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis on Unsplash
Saint-Tropez yachts
  • The Musée De L’annonciade is one of Saint-Tropez's crown jewels.
  • Art and culture flood this vacation destination.

Musée De L’annonciade is a museum where visitors can see works of great (mostly impressionist) artists, such as Matisse, Picasso, and Seurat. Most paintings feature local vistas and the French Riviera, so tourists can see first-hand how artists interpreted this beautiful part of France.

5 Cannes Attracts Millions Of Visitors A Year For A Good Reason

  • Cannes brings millions of visitors yearly: many being celebrities and socialites.
  • Prior to normalized travel, wealthy people would come to Cannes on holiday.

Cannes has so many people swarming in as it is a resort history with rich history and tradition. Before traveling the world was so easy, the upper class flocked to Cannes. The upper-class clientele still seems to be the norm today, but not as much as in Saint-Tropez.

4 Maison Des Papillons In Saint-Tropez Is For All Who Love Butterflies

Saint Tropez, South of France
Shutterstock
Saint Tropez, South of France
  • Maison des Papillons is a place for butterflies.
  • Seeing some of the world's most colorful butterflies is surprisingly affordable.

Maison des Papillons is a place for those who have an interest in butterflies. A private collection of butterflies in Saint-Tropez might be the most budget-friendly thing you can visit, and it houses butterflies from all over the world, even the most colorful ones from Amazonia.

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