Cannes aims for 90% adoption of cryptocurrency payments by summer 2025, aiming to attract wealthy customers. The city’s initiative involves training sessions for local merchants and positions Cannes as a pioneer in France for crypto payments alongside cities like Toulouse. This trend reflects a shift in consumer habits and a race among cities worldwide to adopt cryptocurrencies in various sectors, including taxes.
Cannes is gearing up for a significant shift in its payment landscape, with plans for nearly 90% of local merchants to accept cryptocurrency by summer 2025. This initiative is being driven by Mayor David Lisnard, who is keen to attract a wealthier international customer base. The goal is particularly ambitious given the city’s high-profile edge, thanks to events like the Cannes Film Festival.
The local government has already begun laying the groundwork for this initiative. In February, Mayor Lisnard conducted training sessions aimed at helping local business owners to understand and implement crypto payment systems. These sessions are crucial for ensuring that merchants on the famous shopping street, Rue d’Antibes, can smoothly transition to this new payment method.
Artem Shaginyan, strategy manager at Lunu Pay, highlights the broader implications of Cannes embracing cryptocurrencies: “It is a strong signal when a city with global recognition for its commerce and culture starts integrating this technology on such a large scale. It shows that Web3 payments are moving beyond just a niche market.”
Cannes is positioning itself as a forerunner in the crypto race, joining other global cities making strides in currency reform. For instance, Lugano in Switzerland has started accepting Bitcoin for municipal taxes since December 2023, while cities like Colorado and Vancouver in North America are on board too. Panama City recently announced its plans to allow cryptocurrency payments for local taxes by April 2025.
In France, this trend is also gaining traction. Toulouse has been leading the charge; its Tisséo transport network began accepting crypto payments for bus and metro tickets back in March 2025. A recent survey found that about 39% of French small and medium-sized business leaders have invested in cryptocurrencies. This suggests a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour and municipal strategies aiming to stay competitive globally.
For Cannes, this effort isn’t just about enhancing payment options; it’s about revitalising the local economy by attracting tech-savvy customers with high spending potential. If this innovative approach succeeds, it could serve as a blueprint, encouraging other French tourist cities to adopt similar measures, thereby speeding up the widespread acceptance of crypto payments across the country.
