In a significant step for mainstream crypto adoption, Binance Pay has partnered with French fintech firm Lyzi to enable cryptocurrency payments at over 80 establishments across the French Riviera. The integration, announced in a Wednesday press release, spans iconic cities such as Cannes, Nice, Antibes and Monaco key hubs of tourism, luxury and international visitors.
The collaboration allows customers to make purchases in cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins, across hotels, restaurants, luxury boutiques, beach clubs, and even fitness centres. The process is simple: scan a QR code, approve the transaction, and complete payment, all without gas fees. Merchants, on the other hand, enjoy instant euro settlements thanks to Binance Pay’s backend support.
Cannes Takes the Lead in Web3 Push
Cannes has emerged as a strong advocate for crypto-friendly commerce. Earlier this year, Cannes Mayor David Lisnard publicly called on local businesses to accept cryptocurrencies, warning that those who fail to adapt risk falling behind.
“We will be encouraging and especially training Cannes merchants in the integration of cryptocurrencies for payments, as part of our Web3 strategy,” Lisnard shared on LinkedIn.
Cannes Mayor David Lisnard asked businesses to accept crypto payments. Source: LinkedIn
His proactive stance highlights the city’s ambition to embrace blockchain technologies beyond just speculation integrating them into everyday consumer experiences and tourism infrastructure.
Secure, Seamless Payments with 100+ Cryptos
Binance Pay supports over 100 cryptocurrencies, including euro-backed and dollar-backed stablecoins like EURI and USDC. The platform promises high security with encrypted transactions, two-factor authentication, and real-time confirmation systems, ensuring both users and merchants are protected.
Among the prestigious venues now accepting crypto are Cannes’ JW Marriott and Hotel Gray d’Albion, Palais Stéphanie Beach Club, Monaco’s Parker and Smith luxury retail store, and Palm Gym in Antibes. These early adopters reflect a blend of luxury, leisure and lifestyle businesses, all catering to crypto-savvy tourists and locals alike.
To promote early adoption, Binance Pay is also running a limited-time campaign, offering a 5 EURI bonus to shoppers who make a crypto payment of at least €20. The campaign runs until Sunday.
Tourism-Focused Crypto Adoption Goes Global
This development is part of a broader global trend where crypto is increasingly intersecting with travel and tourism. Earlier this year, Bhutan launched its own crypto payments programme for tourism, in partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank. It allows travellers to use Bitcoin, USDC, BNB and other cryptos for hotels, local experiences and transit, all through QR-based transactions.
Thailand, another major tourist destination, has also signalled interest in crypto. In May, the country unveiled a plan to link tourists’ crypto wallets to credit cards, allowing for seamless local transactions. Importantly, merchants would receive Thai baht payments without needing to know whether crypto was used removing barriers to entry.
A New Era for Crypto Utility
Binance France CEO David Princay believes the French Riviera initiative is more than just a novelty. “The adoption of crypto payments in a world-class destination like the French Riviera shows that digital assets are becoming part of everyday life,” he said.
The move reflects a wider shift in the crypto industry from trading and speculation to real-world use. With luxury destinations leading the way, crypto may soon become a standard payment option in global tourism hubs.
For the French Riviera, this means more payment flexibility for international visitors and a modernised retail experience for merchants. For crypto as a whole, it marks one more milestone on the road to everyday adoption.
