Is Cannes a Good Place to Live? Exploring Life in this French Riviera Gem

If you have ever thought about moving to France, save a spot for Cannes in your heart. Nestled along the glamorous French Riviera, Cannes exudes an undeniable allure with its sunlit beaches, luxury boutiques and vibrant culture. With all the eyes turning in its direction due to the proximity to the annual film festival in May, it’s more than our obligation to highlight this destination as a top choice for where to live next. With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, historic charm and the Cannes Film Festival, all the stars and film enthusiasts prepare for Côte d’Azur. But despite all these offerings, potential newcomers and visitors might still wonder: Is Cannes a Good place to live? Let’s find out by reading this article and uncover the essence of life in Cannes.

What is Special About Cannes?

Given the number of tourists brought annually, it is no surprise that Cannes holds a special place globally. Boasting many attractions and being a desirable destination for expats and tourists, it welcomes more than 10 million visitors annually. The city offers natural beauty and cultural richness, from its stunning Mediterranean coastline to its picturesque Old Town. Additionally, Cannes is renowned for its gastronomic scene, with many Michelin-starred restaurants serving exquisite cuisine. As if all that wasn’t enough, the place will be filled with movie stars and cinema enthusiasts this month.

Cuisine: If you’re a foodie passionate about seafood, Le Vieux Port is the place for you. Then we have the Marche Forville, a 3000 m2 market, the most renowned market in Cannes. Exploring and finding seasonable fruits and vegetables, fresh fish, and delicious cooking items is a treat, many of which help you maintain a budget. To finish in grand style, your path should lead you to La Croisette, where premium restaurants are located along the Cannes Coastline. It’s of such importance that it’s even included in the general inventory of Frances’s cultural heritage.

Nightlife: The Casino, Le Croisette Casino Barriere, can take you on an exciting night in Cannes. It’s situated in the northwest corner of the Le Palais des Festivals. If you don’t feel like gambling, you can simply enjoy the food and drinks the place has to offer and feel like you are on a set for a movie, as the place was used to shoot scenes from movies in the sixties.

Shopping Areas: The Rue D’Antibes is the main shopping area in Cannes. Here, you can find a variety of high-end stores and gorgeous jewellery. The neighbourhood is also known for the number of celebrities around. You can perhaps pass by a few of them while visiting.

Luxury: Known as the global centre of cinema, Cannes is famous not only for its business markets but also for its cinematic streets filled with luxurious hotels, such as Le Martinez and Le Carlton, which attract film celebrities and affluent travellers. The city is best known for the Palais des Festivals, the primary venue for the glamorous annual Cannes Film Festival, the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Datacloud Global Congress, and the NRJ Music Awards, which rolls out the red carpet annually to welcome the stars of international cinema.

Outdoor Adventures: La Croix des Gardes (Natural Forest Park), you can find lovely villas, trails and forests covering more than 80 hectares around here. It’s worth the hike with all its breathtaking vistas. We can also mention The Lérins Islands and The Croix des Gardes Park. But if you’re more of a historical person, the number of stories you can find around the city is outrageous. To begin with, you can find chateaus that date more than a thousand years, chapels, museums, and so much more around here. Plus, these regions are known to be preferred among the British for their exceptional natural beauty.

Education: Cannes offers a diverse educational landscape for children, teens, and adults. Public and private schools provide quality education with a French national curriculum. Bilingual international schools cater to expatriates and offer instruction in English and French. The city has specialised schools focusing on the arts, sports, and technology, helping students explore their interests. Teens can pursue a general, technical, or vocational path in high school, leading to the French Baccalauréat (An internationally recognized diploma that marks the successful completion of high school studies). Cannes is close to renowned universities and institutes in nearby cities like Nice for higher education, providing film, business, and hospitality management opportunities.

Job opportunities: The glamour and international reputation of Cannes offers diverse job opportunities, particularly in tourism, hospitality, and events management. The annual Cannes Film Festival drives demand for event planners, hospitality staff, and media professionals. Luxury hotels, restaurants, and high-end boutiques often seek skilled workers. Additionally, the city hosts several international trade fairs and conferences, creating marketing, sales, and logistics positions. Tech and finance sectors are also growing, with business hubs attracting startups and established firms. Proficiency in multiple languages, especially French and English, is advantageous for securing these opportunities in Cannes’ competitive job market.

Is Cannes Expensive to Live?

Cannes ranks amongst the most expensive cities in the world. The average cost per person is €150 per day, including double accommodation, food, liquor, transportation, and entertainment. These are approximated numbers cause it depends a lot on personal preferences as well. Although one of the foremost considerations for anyone contemplating a move to Cannes is its cost of living, the city pays for its luxury and extravagance, breathtaking views and experiences, plus the famous Cannes Film Festival captures. All these factors can give you the essence of upscale sophistication if that’s what you aim for. All things to consider, if it’s your dream, with careful budgeting and discerning choices, it is possible to live comfortably in Cannes without going broke.

Is Cannes More Expensive Than Paris?

A resounding yes to this question. The average cost per person in Cannes can be approximately € 137, while in Paris the costs would jump to € 232 per person. Comparing Cannes to the capital city of Paris is inevitable for those weighing their options in France. While Paris certainly has its allure, Cannes offers a unique quality of life that may appeal to a different demographic. Regarding cost, Cannes can be on par with or slightly more affordable than Paris, particularly regarding housing and dining out.

How Much is a Train Ride From Cannes to Paris?

For those craving a change of scenery, the convenience of travel from Cannes to Paris is a significant factor to consider. Fortunately, France’s efficient railway system makes this journey easily accessible to many other cities not only Paris, whether you decide to make a weekend scape to Nice, Marseille, Montpellier or Lyon the modals available guarantee you’ll make it back and forth without problems. The cost of a train ride from Cannes to Paris varies depending on factors such as travel class and time of booking, but fares typically range from €50 to €150 for a one-way ticket.

Is Cannes a Walkable City?

One of the charms of living in Cannes is its pedestrian-friendly layout. The idea of being able to explore the historic areas and the coastline easily on foot is stimulating. With its compact size and well-maintained sidewalks, the city is eminently walkable, allowing residents to explore its many delights on foot. From strolls along the Promenade de la Croisette to meandering through the bustling markets, Cannes invites you for a walk.

What is the Reputation of Cannes?

Cannes enjoys a prestigious reputation as a playground for the rich and famous, thanks in part to its annual film festival, which attracts cinephiles and industry insiders from around the globe. Beyond its ostentatious, however, Cannes is recognised for its cultural heritage and commitment to preserving its natural environment.

Cannes and the Film Festival

Its origins date back to the 1930s. Jean Zay, the Minister of Fine Arts, wanted to compete with the Venice Film Festival, but the project took place 16 years later due to political issues. After WWII, things started to be reborn, and the first festival was held in 1954. Attendance was very low in the first ceremonies, perhaps due to the period they took place, so they decided to change the date to May in the summer. Many disruptions occurred in 1968 due to political issues, but the Cannes Film Festival had already consolidated its international reputation, maintaining its glory worldwide.

Relocating Internationally: Your Gateway to Cannes

So, to understand if Cannes is the place for you ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. While the city certainly has its drawbacks, such as high living costs and seasonal tourist crowds, its undeniable charm and quality of life make it a compelling choice for many. Whether you’re drawn to its sun-drenched beaches, cultural scene, or prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival. Now the thing is, how to make feasible? Relocating overseas demands through organisation and the right assistance, for that part feel free to contact us at VanOne International Movers for a free quote or any advice you need to start moving you way to France as soon as possible, there’s still time to catch the festival. Good luck in your next chapter. Au revoir!