A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avignon vs. San Remo for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Avignon or San Remo?

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 San Remo. 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 charming, scenic, and picturesque town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Avignon and San Remo: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Avignon or San Remo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avignon than San Remo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Avignon is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while San Remo attracts visitors for its nightlife, beaches, and impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also well known for Palais des Papes. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Avignon different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon
San Remo

Avignon is terrific for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Avignon
San Remo

Avignon is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Avignon or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Avignon
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo Better for Beaches?

Avignon
San Remo

San Remo is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

Many people visit San Remo for it's beautiful beaches. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Avignon is not a beach destination.


Is Avignon or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Avignon
San Remo

Avignon is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or San Remo?

Avignon
San Remo

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

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.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Avignon or San Remo Better for Families?

Avignon
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have 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.


Is Avignon or San Remo Better for Couples?

Avignon
San Remo

Avignon and San Remo both superb 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Avignon or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon
San Remo

Avignon is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

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

Avignon
San Remo

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Avignon and San Remo.

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

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.


Is Avignon or San Remo a more walkable city?

Avignon
San Remo

Avignon is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Avignon or San Remo 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 San Remo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Avignon than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo? Ideal Length of Stay
    Avignon 1-2 
    San Remo 1-2

One day in Avignon or San Remo?

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In San Remo, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city 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 San Remo?

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In San Remo, you'll find nightlife and food. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Remo has to offer.


Five days in Avignon or San Remo?

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Remo?

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting San Remo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Avignon 647
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Avignon 1,294
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Avignon and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Avignon or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Avignon 21
    San Remo 46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Avignon

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

  • Transfert Avignon Marseille : $273
  • Transfer Vaison la Romaine and surroundings to Avignon: $164
  • Transfer Avignon to Vaison la Romaine and surroundings: $164
  • Private transfer Marseille - Avignon: $428
  • Private Departure Transfer from Avignon to Marseille Airport MRS: $117
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) to Avignon - Round-Trip Transfer: $233
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Van: $132
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Departure Private Transfer Avignon City to Avignon Airport AVN by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Minibus: $241
  • Arrival Private Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Business Car: $91
  • Arrival Priate Transfer Avignon Airport AVN to Avignon City by Luxury Van: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Avignon or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44

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 : $98
  • Cooking workshop with an exceptional chef in Avignon: $207
  • Cooking lessons: $213
  • Cooking Class and Lunch with a Local Chef: $403

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Avignon 15
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Avignon

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

  • A Tour in Provence in a typical French motorized bike : the Solex: $46
  • Aix en Provence and Avignon city of Popes Private Tour: $1,486
  • Arles and Camargue Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon: $98
  • Avignon : Half-Day Walking Tour with Private Guide: $160
  • Avignon Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Avignon Walking Tour including Pope's Palace: $75
  • Avignon private guided tour: $273
  • All About Avignon Tour: $21
  • Around The Palace Tour: $31
  • City Walking Tour with Popes Palace Entry: $74
  • Emblematic Squares Tour: $267
  • Historic District Guided Food & Wine Walking Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Avignon 16
    San Remo 14

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: $3.26
  • THE CUBE: Private Tour Of Semi-Gravity Cubist Cellar with Wine Tasting: $11
  • Provence and Wine Tasting by E-Bike from Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: $65
  • E-bike tour and wine tasting from Vaison la Romaine: $65
  • Half-Day Provence Pont du Gard and Wine Tasting Tour from Avignon: $87
  • From Morning Wine Tour to Châteauneuf du Pape: $95
  • Morning Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $97
  • From Afternoon Wine Tour Châteauneuf du Pape: $102
  • Afternoon Wine Tour to Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon: $104
  • Roman heritages and Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Tour from Avignon: $131
  • Chateauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Wine Tour from Avignon: $152
  • 8 Hours Private Wine Tour in Châteauneuf du Pape: $164


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

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


Which is Bigger, Avignon or San Remo?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Avignon is around the same temperature as San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Avignon usually receives more rain than San Remo. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Avignon 24°C (75°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Avignon or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Avignon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Avignon is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Avignon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and San Remo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually gets more rain in October than San Remo. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Avignon 16°C (61°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Avignon or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and San Remo. Many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Avignon is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 7°C (44°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Avignon usually receives less rain than San Remo. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Avignon 7°C (44°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Avignon or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Avignon as well as San Remo. Most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In the spring, Avignon often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for San Remo and Avignon

Avignon San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 11°C (51°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)