A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avignon vs. Varenna for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Avignon or Varenna?

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 Varenna. 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 quaint, charming, and scenic town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Avignon and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avignon. Although Avignon and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Avignon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avignon is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm, while Varenna is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also home to Palais des Papes. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Avignon different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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 Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Avignon and Varenna.

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, Varenna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Is Avignon or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Avignon and Varenna.

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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Avignon or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Avignon is revered around the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Avignon or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna 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 Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Varenna?

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

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.

Varenna is a great destination for shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Avignon or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Avignon and Varenna are good family-friendly destinations.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Avignon or Varenna Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon and Varenna 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 Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Avignon or Varenna a more walkable city?

Avignon and Varenna are terrific when it comes to 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.

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Avignon or Varenna to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon than Varenna 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 Varenna?

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village 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 Varenna?

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

In Varenna, 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 Varenna has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Varenna?

Avignon 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.

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Varenna?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In July, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 24°C (75°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In July, Avignon usually receives less rain than Varenna. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Avignon or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Avignon during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Varenna. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Varenna. Many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Avignon is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Avignon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Avignon usually receives less rain than Varenna. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Avignon or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Varenna. Many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 13°C (56°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Varenna. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Avignon usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Avignon