A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. La Rochelle for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or La Rochelle, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a relaxing, nature-oriented, and peaceful spa town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baden-Baden and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

You'll generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Baden-Baden. La Rochelle is bigger than Baden-Baden, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm, while Baden-Baden is more popular for its impressive beauty. Baden-Baden is well known for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Baden-Baden different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Rochelle and Baden-Baden. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


Is the Food Better in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

Foodies will find both Baden-Baden and La Rochelle both to be fantastic destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Baden-Baden is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

Many restaurants in La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

Both Baden-Baden and La Rochelle are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.


Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

Baden-Baden and La Rochelle are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Baden-Baden has hiking trails worth exploring. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

Both Baden-Baden and La Rochelle are notable shopping destinations.

Baden-Baden offers some nice shopping areas. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.


Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

Baden-Baden is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baden-Baden is very family-friendly. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for couples.

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Baden-Baden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.


Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

La Rochelle is a good coastal town to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Baden-Baden Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Baden-Baden or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Baden-Baden 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 La Rochelle.


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    La Rochelle 2-4

One day in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic spa town of Baden-Baden. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this spa town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

The peaceful spa town of Baden-Baden offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Baden-Baden. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle or Baden-Baden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in La Rochelle is €114. 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 Baden-Baden and La Rochelle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    La Rochelle 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    La Rochelle 134
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and La Rochelle

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or La Rochelle? 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 Baden-Baden


Hotels in La Rochelle


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: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices and La Rochelle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    La Rochelle 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

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

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

Prices for flights to both La Rochelle and Baden-Baden 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
    Baden-Baden 41
    La Rochelle 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    La Rochelle 13

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Baden-Baden are as follows:

  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373

Tours and Activities in La Rochelle

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for La Rochelle.

  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers: $12
  • La Rochelle Towers Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Les Minimes and Bay Boat Tour: $18
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • Planet Exotica entrance ticket: $23
  • Coastline Sailing Cruise: $27
  • 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise: $31
  • 3-Hour Sailing cruise: $37
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Lighthouse at the End of the World Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    La Rochelle 16


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baden-Baden and La Rochelle, we can see that Baden-Baden is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 Baden-Baden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baden-Baden than you might in La Rochelle.

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


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden and La Rochelle, 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 Baden-Baden or La Rochelle?

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 Baden-Baden or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Baden-Baden is around the same temperature as La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baden-Baden this time of the year. In the summer, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Baden-Baden is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Baden-Baden in October average around 11°C (52°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baden-Baden usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Baden-Baden during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

The weather in Baden-Baden can be very cold. In January, Baden-Baden is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 2°C (35°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    La Rochelle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and La Rochelle. The natural beauty are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm.

Baden-Baden is cooler than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    La Rochelle 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden La Rochelle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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