In Cannes, Modernity Arrives at the Table: A Restaurant Now Accepts Cryptocurrency Payments
In Cannes, modernity is making its way to the dining table. La Piastra, a restaurant located on Boulevard Alexandre-III, has become the first establishment in the city to accept cryptocurrency payments. Since October 2024, customers have been able to pay their bills in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or USDC—an unprecedented initiative on the French Riviera that is already attracting part of the clientele, particularly international visitors.
Key Points to Remember
- La Piastra is the first restaurant in Cannes to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC.
- Payments are made via a QR code scanned from an app on a tablet.
- Fees (up to 2.5%) are borne by the customer, while the merchant receives euros converted instantly.
- The mayor of Cannes encourages local businesses to adopt cryptocurrency payments.
- The Palais des Festivals also accepts cryptocurrency, a first for a convention center in France.
- This trend reflects a global movement toward the democratization of crypto payments.
A First in Cannes: “Simple and Efficient”
Behind this initiative is Alexandra Barbulovic, manager of La Piastra, who explains her approach:
“I have a tablet with an app that generates a QR code. The customer scans it, completes the payment, and within seconds it’s done. I don’t pay any fees, unlike with traditional card terminals. The cryptocurrency is converted into euros and deposited directly into my business account. It’s simple, efficient, nothing was stopping me from implementing it.”
For her, this innovation primarily responds to customer demand. “I have a regular Russian client who is delighted: he now only pays this way,” she says. The trend is growing with the influx of international tourists and major global events.
Cannes, a Pioneer in Crypto Adoption
La Piastra’s experience is not isolated. At the initiative of Mayor David Lisnard, the city of Cannes encourages local merchants to adopt cryptocurrency. A training workshop held in February 2025 brought together nearly 400 professionals.
The Palais des Festivals et des Congrès has even become the first center in France to accept this payment method, offering more flexibility to organizers and exhibitors. This is a strategic choice, as Cannes regularly hosts international events—from the Film Festival to cryptocurrency-focused conferences—attracting a clientele familiar with this type of payment.
Benefits for Merchants
For restaurateurs and shopkeepers, accepting cryptocurrency payments offers several advantages:
- Attract international customers accustomed to this payment method.
- Reduce banking costs: no subscription or expensive terminals, only fees charged to the customer.
- Gain speed: transactions are confirmed within seconds.
- Enhance image: adopting crypto positions the business as modern and innovative.
The Cannes-based company Blockbrain helps professionals make this transition by providing easy-to-use technical solutions.
Challenges Still Present
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges remain. Cryptocurrency volatility worries some merchants, although current solutions convert payments instantly into euros to limit risk. Moreover, adoption remains limited in France compared to countries like Switzerland or the United States, where many businesses already accept crypto payments.
Taxation is also a hurdle: in France, converting crypto into euros incurs a 30% capital gains tax, discouraging some users.
A Trend Likely to Spread?
Globally, more and more businesses—hotels, cafes, travel agencies—are accepting cryptocurrency payments. Some projections estimate that 8% of the world’s population could hold cryptocurrencies by 2025. Cannes, as an international city and a showcase of luxury, appears to be a favorable ground for this adoption.
As Alexandra sums it up: “Cryptos are a payment convenience. I receive them like bank transfers. It’s the future, especially in Cannes, where clients come from all over the world.”
