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

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Lucca?

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 Lucca, 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 laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Lucca

Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence and Lucca: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Lucca than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Lucca, Lucca has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Lucca is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its food and shopping. Lucca is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is known for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. It is also well known for The Guinigi Tower. Aix-en-Provence is famous 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 Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca 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 Lucca?

Lucca is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Lucca can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

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

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Lucca is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Lucca has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

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 Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Lucca has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Lucca?

Aix-en-Provence is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Aix-en-Provence is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lucca Better for Families?

Lucca is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Lucca. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

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 Lucca Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence and Lucca are both high quality 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.

Lucca is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

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

Aix-en-Provence and Lucca are nice 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.

Lucca is a good town to visit for backpackers. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lucca Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for students. However, Lucca is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Lucca is not popular with students.

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

Aix-en-Provence is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Lucca a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence and Lucca both are high quality 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.

Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

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

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aix-en-Provence or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aix-en-Provence than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than Lucca 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Aix-en-Provence or Lucca?

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The historic destination of Lucca offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Lucca?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The city of Lucca offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Lucca?

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lucca is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city 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 Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aix-en-Provence and Lucca, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. And not only is Lucca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucca 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence than you might in Lucca.

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 Lucca Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Lucca?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and Lucca, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.