A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bern vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Bern or Aix-en-Provence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Bern and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bern than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than Bern, Bern has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bern is better known for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food and shopping. Bern is well known for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. Also, Bern is famous for The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Bern different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bern can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.


Is the Food Better in Bern or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Bern has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bern to see the historical old town. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for shopping. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Bern is well-known for its shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Bern is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

With fun activities for couples, both Bern and Aix-en-Provence make for a very good place to visit.

Bern is a very popular place to visit for couples. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

Aix-en-Provence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.


Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bern is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

Aix-en-Provence is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a well-known place for students. However, Bern is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Bern is not popular with students.

Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern is well known for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Bern can get you to most places easily. There are trams and buses that run around town.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.


Is Bern or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Bern
Aix-en-Provence

Bern and Aix-en-Provence both are very good when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable city. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bern Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Bern?

How long in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bern than Aix-en-Provence. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bern that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bern than Aix-en-Provence 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 Bern.


  • How many days in Bern or Aix-en-Provence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bern 1-3 
    Aix-en-Provence 2-4

One day in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

The beautiful destination of Bern offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Bern offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Aix-en-Provence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Bern is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The vibrant town of Aix-en-Provence offers museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Switzerland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Bern?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bern is $249, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is $150. 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 Bern and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bern $161
    Aix-en-Provence $88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bern $322
    Aix-en-Provence $176
Compare Hotels in Bern and Aix-en-Provence

Looking for a hotel in Bern or Aix-en-Provence? 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 Bern


Hotels in Aix-en-Provence


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: Bern Hotel Prices and Aix-en-Provence Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bern $33
    Aix-en-Provence $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bern

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bern:

  • Private Car Departure Transfer from Bern to Bern Airport BRN: $73
  • Private Direct Transfer From Bern to Basel: $191
  • Private Transfer From Bern To Basel With a 2 Hour Stop in Olten: $213
  • Private Transfer From Bern to Zurich, English Speaking Driver: $227
  • Private Transfer from Bern to Zurich with 2h of Sightseeing: $300

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Aix TGV transfer to Marseille Port or Airport or Aix city: $93
  • Marseille Cruise Port Transfer to Aix en Provence: $118
  • Aix en Provence Transfer to Marseille Cruise port: $118
  • Marseille Airport Transfer From/To Cassis Van 7 pax: $269
  • Aix en Provence: Guided Driving Tour with Hotel Transfer: $1,390

Is it cheaper to fly into Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Bern 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
    Bern $60
    Aix-en-Provence $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bern

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bern.

  • Cooking delicious Spanish paella in Switzerland.: $57
  • Bern Food Market: Brunch & Local Food Tour: $62

Typical Food Prices in Aix-en-Provence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:


  • Dinner for 2
    $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Aix-en-Provence

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Aix-en-Provence.

  • NO DIET CLUB - Best food tour in Aix en Provence (En / Fr): $62
  • Food Tour: $102
  • Aix-en-Provence Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bern $34
    Aix-en-Provence $24

Tours and Activities in Bern

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Bern Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $7.43
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.56
  • Self-Guided Tour of Bern's Fountains, Clocktowers, and Legends: $9.99
  • Beautiful Bern's Old Town: Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • City Sightseeing Self-Guided Walking Tour Game: $15
  • Bern Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Thun Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16
  • Fribourg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $16

Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Tour: $9.84
  • Provencal Market Walking Tour with Tastings: $37
  • Provençal Farmers market tour: $38
  • Guided Tour in Historical Old City: $60
  • Guided Foodie Tour with Tastings: $70
  • E-Bike tour of Sainte Victoire Mountain, Aix-en-Provence: $70
  • E-Bike Tour of Mount Sainte-Victoire: $73
  • Gourmet & Cultural Tour Aix En Provence English / Espanol: $73
  • An Aix-traordinary Walking City Tour of Aix-en-Provence: $75
  • 2-Hour Foodie Tour with 10 Tastings in Aix-en-Provence: $76
  • Time flies by on this Aixquisite Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence : $76

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bern $27
    Aix-en-Provence $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Aix-en-Provence

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Aix-en-Provence:

  • Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence: $93
  • Half Day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix: $96
  • Half day Wine Tour in Côteaux Aix from Aix en Provence: $98
  • Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence: $104
  • From Wine Tour in Cezanne Countryside: $106
  • Provence small group half-day wine tour from Aix: $107
  • Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence: $108
  • Aix en Provence: Delicious Food and Wine Tour: $117
  • Full Day Wine Tour in Luberon with Tasting: $143
  • Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence: $151
  • Provence Day Trip with Cassis Village Boat Ride and Local Wine Tasting from Aix: $164
  • From Provence Region Tour with Wine Tasting: $166


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bern Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Bern or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Bern or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Aix-en-Provence. Many travelers come to Bern for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bern is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 21°C (70°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Bern 21°C (70°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Bern or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bern is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Bern often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Bern 13°C (55°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Bern or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

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

Bern can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bern is much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bern in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Bern usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Bern 3°C (37°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Bern or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Bern because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In April, Bern is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 11°C (52°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bern often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Bern 11°C (52°F) 
    Aix-en-Provence 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Bern

Bern Aix-en-Provence
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 51 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 76 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 20°C (69°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 4°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)