A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Lake Garda for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a fun, energetic, and scenic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lake Garda. Although Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Lake Garda has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lake Garda is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its food and shopping. Lake Garda is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. It is also home to Sirmione. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Lake Garda is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Lake Garda is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Lake Garda is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is well known for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Lake Garda is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

Aix-en-Provence is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Aix-en-Provence draws large crowds to its stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors go to Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Lake Garda is terrific for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Lake Garda is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Lake Garda is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lake Garda is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Lake Garda can get you to most places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda both are very good when exploring on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

Lake Garda is very walkable. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda. In our opinion, Lake Garda has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Lake Garda than Aix-en-Provence. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Aix-en-Provence. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lake Garda, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lake Garda than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake Garda that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Aix-en-Provence if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lake Garda.

One day in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

With museums and food around the laid-back town of Aix-en-Provence, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The playful destination of Lake Garda offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

With food and shopping around the destination of Aix-en-Provence, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

The lake of Lake Garda offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

Aix-en-Provence, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lake Garda. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Aix-en-Provence much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aix-en-Provence would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aix-en-Provence and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Aix-en-Provence.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 24°C (75°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lake Garda. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the summer, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Aix-en-Provence is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aix-en-Provence usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lake Garda. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda in the Winter?

Both Lake Garda and Aix-en-Provence during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In the winter, Aix-en-Provence is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in January than Lake Garda. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Lake Garda. The natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Aix-en-Provence is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 13°C (56°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Aix-en-Provence