Cannes Embraces Crypto, Aiming for Mass Adoption by Summer 2025
The glitzy French Riviera city of Cannes, renowned for hosting the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, is making a bold move towards embracing cryptocurrency. According to Artem Shaginyan, founder and head of strategy at Web3 payment company Lunu Pay, a significant portion of Cannes‘ merchants are expected to start accepting crypto payments by summer 2025.
This initiative is driven by the city’s desire to attract affluent clientele and modernize its commercial payment ecosystem. The Cannes municipal government aims for a 90% adoption rate among local businesses, signaling a strong commitment to integrating digital assets into the city’s financial landscape.
A Sign of Crypto Mainstream Adoption?
Shaginyan emphasizes the significance of this move: “This is a big signal. When a city like Cannes, known globally for culture and commerce, starts integrating crypto at scale, it shows that Web3 payments aren’t just a niche thing anymore. It’s about proving that crypto can work in everyday settings, not just online or in theory.”
Cannes‘ proactive approach mirrors the broader trend of cities, states, and federal governments worldwide adopting cryptocurrencies. These jurisdictions recognize the potential of blockchain technology and digital assets to enhance financial systems, attract investment, and maintain global competitiveness.
Other Cities Leading the Way
- In December 2023, Lugano, Switzerland, implemented a program allowing citizens to pay taxes and municipal fees using Bitcoin (BTC) and stablecoins, establishing itself as a crypto hub.
- Colorado, USA, took a similar step in September 2022, enabling residents to pay taxes with cryptocurrencies.
- Vancouver, Canada, passed a motion in December 2024 to become a “Bitcoin-friendly city,” exploring the integration of BTC into its financial system.
- In April 2025, Panama City announced its acceptance of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether (ETH), USDC, and USDT, for taxes and municipal fees.
These developments highlight the growing acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies on a global scale. As more jurisdictions embrace digital assets, the path toward a more inclusive and interconnected financial future becomes increasingly clear.
