A Travel Price Comparison for France Avignon vs. Aix-en-Provence for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avignon

Avignon is a picturesque, historical, and quaint town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Avignon and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Avignon than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Avignon, Avignon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Avignon is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes. 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 Avignon different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Avignon on the map. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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.

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

The reasonable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Avignon. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Aix-en-Provence is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Avignon or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

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

Avignon has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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

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

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. 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.

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

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

Avignon 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 Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

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 Avignon or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Avignon and Aix-en-Provence both great destinations for a couple.

Avignon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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.

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

Avignon and Aix-en-Provence are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

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

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Avignon and Aix-en-Provence.

Avignon has some public transit options. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

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.

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

Avignon is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Avignon or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Avignon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon 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 Avignon.

One day in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aix-en-Provence has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?

Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Aix-en-Provence. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

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

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Aix-en-Provence, 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.

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

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 Avignon or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Avignon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Avignon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the summer. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Avignon. In the summer, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in July than Aix-en-Provence. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Avignon is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Avignon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. Avignon usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Avignon usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Aix-en-Provence. The winter months attract visitors to Avignon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In January, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 7°C (44°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in January than Aix-en-Provence. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Aix-en-Provence and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Aix-en-Provence in the spring. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Avignon