A Travel Price Comparison for France Avignon vs. Annecy for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Avignon or Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 scenic, picturesque, and historical town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Avignon and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Avignon and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is known for its museums. Annecy is more touristy than Avignon and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Avignon different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Avignon or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Avignon and Annecy.

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, Annecy is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the first-rate old town areas in both Avignon and Annecy.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Annecy?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Avignon and Annecy.

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Annecy is a great destination for shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Annecy. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Annecy is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon and Annecy are both good 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 Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Avignon or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Avignon and Annecy.

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

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Avignon or Annecy a more walkable city?

Avignon is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its ease of walking around.

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Avignon or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy 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 Annecy.

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

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

One day in Avignon or Annecy?

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Annecy, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This alpine 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 Annecy?

Avignon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Annecy, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Annecy has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Annecy?

Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Annecy. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Annecy, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Annecy much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Annecy would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Annecy 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 Annecy.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Avignon Expensive? and Is Annecy Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Annecy?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Avignon or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Annecy. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Annecy. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 24°C (75°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Avignon usually receives less rain than Annecy. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Avignon or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Avignon is a little warmer than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Avignon receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Avignon usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In the winter, Avignon is much warmer than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Avignon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Avignon usually receives more rain than Annecy. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Avignon or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Avignon during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In April, Avignon is generally a little warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 13°C (56°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. In the spring, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Avignon