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

Should you visit Avignon or Arles?

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 Arles. 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. 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.

Arles

Arles is a charming, compact, and quaint town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon and Arles: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Avignon or Arles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avignon than Arles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Avignon is very popular for its food and small town charm, while Arles attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Arles and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes. Arles is famous for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Avignon different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon
Arles

You'll find a number of first-rate museums and attractions in both Arles and Avignon.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Avignon has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.


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

Avignon
Arles

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Avignon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Arles. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

Is Avignon or Arles Better for Nightlife?

Avignon
Arles

Arles 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 Arles. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles Better for its Old Town?

Avignon
Arles

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

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.

Arles offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.


Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Arles?

Avignon
Arles

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Avignon and Arles.

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.

Arles is a great destination for shopping. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Avignon or Arles Better for Families?

Avignon
Arles

Avignon is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles 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, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Avignon or Arles Better for Couples?

Avignon
Arles

Avignon and Arles both high quality 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 Arles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.


Is Avignon or Arles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon
Arles

Avignon is very good for backpackers. However, Arles is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Avignon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Arles is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels and apartments in the area.

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

Avignon
Arles

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Avignon and Arles.

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

You'll find some public transit in Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

Is Avignon or Arles a more walkable city?

Avignon
Arles

Avignon is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles 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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Avignon or Arles to fill your time. In our opinion, Avignon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Avignon than Arles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Avignon than Arles. 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 Arles. 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 Arles 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.


  • How many days in Avignon or Arles? Ideal Length of Stay
    Avignon 1-2 
    Arles 1-2

One day in Avignon or Arles?

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, 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 museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Avignon or Arles?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Arles, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Arles has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Arles?

Avignon is a fun place to experience. Avignon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles 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 Arles?

Avignon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Arles. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Arles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Arles or Avignon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Avignon is €700, while the average daily cost in Arles is €142. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Avignon and Arles in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Avignon 647
    Arles 71
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Avignon 1,294
    Arles 142
Compare Hotels in Avignon and Arles

Looking for a hotel in Avignon or Arles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Avignon


Hotels in Arles


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Avignon Hotel Prices and Arles Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Avignon 21
    Arles 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

Also for Avignon, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $133
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $92
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $247
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $92
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $247
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $133
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $236
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $118
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $434
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $166
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $166

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arles

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Arles:

  • Arles to Marseille Airport (MRS) - Departure Private Transfer: $118

Is it cheaper to fly into Avignon or Arles?

Prices for flights to both Arles and Avignon change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Avignon 33
    Arles 52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Avignon

For Avignon, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Avignon Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $105
  • Cooking lessons: $215
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $409

Typical Food Prices in Arles

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Arles:


  • Cooked Clams
    4.50
  • Ice Cream
    1.00

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Avignon 15
    Arles 31

Tours and Activities in Avignon

For Avignon, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glanum Archaeological Site Entrance Ticket: $9.92
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $10
  • Ticket for the Gourmet Journey at Maison Brotte: $18
  • All About Avignon Tour: $18
  • Orange Roman Theatre & Museum E-Ticket with Audio Guide: $25
  • Around The Palace Tour: $28
  • La Noctambule du Pape Night Tour: $31
  • Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: $44
  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Half-Day Tour from St Rémy-de-Provence by Electric Bike with Carrière de Lumiere: $50
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $75
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $76

Typical Entertainment Prices in Arles

Here are a few typical costs in Arles for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Castle Entrance Fee
    5.50

Tours and Activities in Arles

Here are a few actual costs in Arles for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Arles 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $179
  • Arles Private guided walking tour from Marseille: $347
  • Arles, Saint-Rémy & Les Baux De Provence: Guided Tour: $1,194
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour: $198
  • Art and History Walking Tour: $304
  • City tour 1 hour of the city, its history, its monuments,: $80
  • City tour 30mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $43
  • City tour 45mn of the city, its history, its monuments,: $65
  • From Avignon: Arles, Les Baux-de-Provence & Saint-Rémy Tour: $108
  • Private Guided Tour of Arles: $220
  • Provence Region Roman Abbey of Montmajour Entrance Ticket: $7.71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Avignon 16
    Arles 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Avignon

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Avignon:

  • Wine tasting in Sablet: $3.30
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $66
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $66
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $88
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $92
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $95
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $103
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $105
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $132
  • Full Day Pont du Gard, Orange theatre, Wine tour from Avignon: $133
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $166
  • Full-Day Wine Tour around Châteauneuf-du-Pape: $174

Sample the Local Flavors in Arles

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Arles:

  • Lavender Field & Distillery Tour between Nimes & Arles: $6.30


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avignon and Arles, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Arles much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arles would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arles 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 Arles.

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


Which is Bigger, Avignon or Arles?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Arles. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles and Avignon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Arles in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Arles, 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 Arles. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Arles. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Avignon 24°C (75°F) 
    Arles 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Avignon or Arles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Arles. Many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Arles for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Arles receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Avignon 16°C (61°F) 
    Arles 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Avignon or Arles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Arles because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

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

Avignon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Arles. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Avignon 7°C (44°F) 
    Arles 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Avignon or Arles in the Spring?

Both Arles and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Arles this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Arles. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Avignon 13°C (56°F) 
    Arles 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Arles and Avignon

Avignon Arles
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)