Should you visit Avignon or Aix-en-Provence?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare 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. So, let's dig into it.
Avignon
Avignon is a beautiful medieval walled city southeast of Paris. Often referred to as the City of Popes due to the large number of popes who have resided there over the years, Avignon boasts a wonderful history of art and culture. Located on the leafy banks of the Rhone, it is probably best-known these days for the children's song - Sur le pont d'Avignon. But for several decades in the 14th century it was the capital of Christendom, after Pope Clement V moved his court here to avoid the chaos in Rome. The legacy of that papal schism can be seen today in the city's Unesco-protected architecture, including the vast Palais des Papes. And nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape, site of a now-ruined castle built by a later pope, still produces acclaimed red wines. The city's intact ramparts and pedestrianized center lend Avignon a small-town, medieval feel. Yet each summer, the city goes totally 21st century, as thousands of visitors descend for a contemporary performing arts extravaganza, the Festival d'Avignon. History surrounds you, sharing its secrets as you roam Avignon's quiet, shaded, cobblestone streets. Decorated with gorgeous fountains, avenues and squares, although Avignon is quite a big township, you'll see that this beautiful walled city still maintains its small town charm.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cezanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. The city is all class with its flourishing boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois relax on terraces sipping espresso. While Aix-en-Provence is a student hub, its upscale appeal make it more unique and charming to visit than some university towns.
Which city is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Avignon?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Avignon is €560, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Avignon and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.
Accommodation
For a normal double-occupancy room in Avignon, €1,036 is the average cost for a hotel room. Also in Avignon, the typical price for a place to stay for one person is €518, such as in a hostel.
A hotel room in Aix-en-Provence is about €130 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
The price of a meal in Avignon can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is €27 per person, and a typical meal will cost around €11 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
Food in Aix-en-Provence costs travelers about €26 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Avignon €27
Aix-en-Provence €26
Typical Food prices in Aix-en-Provence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.
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Fresh market food tour:
$31
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Small-Group Walking Food Tour in Aix-en-Provence:
$106
Local Transportation
Avignon's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €17 per person, per day on transportation in Avignon.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €26 per day to get around in Aix-en-Provence.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon
Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van:
$148
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Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car:
$101
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Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus:
$182
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Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car:
$102
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Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus:
$182
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Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van:
$148
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Private Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport:
$269
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Private transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport:
$297
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Private transfert: Marseille Airport Avignon / 7/7 / 24H:
$202
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Transfer Avignon Center to Marseille Center:
$338
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Transfer Avignon Railway station to St Remy:
$149
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Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings:
$177
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:
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Private Transfer to Cassis & Calanques:
$361
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Private Transfer Gare TGV to Aix-en-Provence:
$75
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Private Transfer Airport:
$100
Entertainment
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Avignon can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €12 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €18 per person, per day in Aix-en-Provence. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Avignon
For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Sunset Walking Tour:
$11
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Palace of the Popes and Avignon Bridge Combined Ticket:
$18
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1-Hour Segway Tour:
$37
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Guided Night Canoe Tour to Pont du Gard:
$43
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Guided E-Bike Tour in Provence:
$62
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Luberon Valley Lavender Road Half-Day Tour:
$68
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From Half-Day Afternoon Lavender Tour:
$68
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From Half-Day Morning Lavender Tour:
$68
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Avignon Walking Tour including Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Pope's Palace:
$70
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5-Hour Stone Monuments of Provence Tour:
$74
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Lavender Beauty Small Group Half Day Tour from Avignon:
$81
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Côtes du Rhône Great Vineyards Day Tour from Avignon:
$87
Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1-Hour Sightseeing Flight around Aix-en-Provence:
$139
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Aix en Provence Big tour by e-bike + Wine and cheese tasting break:
$77
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Aix en Provence City Walking Tours. English Language:
$37
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Aix en Provence Gourmet Walking Tour:
$42
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Aix en Provence Historical & Gourmet Walking Tour:
$81
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Aix en Provence Walking Tour with Author:
$44
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Aix–en–Provence: Half–Day Winery Tour:
$97
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Aix-en-Provence Private Walking Tour:
$214
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Aix-en-Provence Private tour | Fountains & Gardens:
$305
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Aix-en-Provence street-market experience fine food & wine of Château Grand Boise:
$740
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Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne, Mt Sainte Victoire & the Wine of Provence private tour:
$404
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Highlights from the capital of Provence on an audio tour:
$5.99
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Avignon spend on average €13 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Aix-en-Provence may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €11 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:
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Avignon 3-Hour Walking Tour & Wine Tasting:
$68
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Tavel and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tour:
$81
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From Avignon : Culture & Wine Tour in Châteauneuf-du-Pape:
$83
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Half-Day Wine Tasting Initiation Tour:
$87
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Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon:
$87
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Rhone Valley Wine Tour with Chateauneuf-du-Pape & Tavel from Avignon:
$89
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Rhône Valley Wine Tasting and Education Tour:
$143
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From Marseille: Provence Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tasting:
$161
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History, Chocolate and Wine Tour of Provence from Avignon:
$162
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Marseille Shore Excursion : Avignon & Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour:
$179
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Full Day Pont du Gard, Orange theatre, Wine Tasting including lunch from Avignon:
$212
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Private Rhone Valley Wine Tour from Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Tavel:
$265
Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:
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Food Tasting, Wine Tasting & Farmers Market in Aix en Provence:
$86
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Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence:
$89
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Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence:
$89
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Half day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix and Luberon from Aix en Provence:
$89
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Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence:
$101
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Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence:
$139
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Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence:
$360
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.
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