Should you visit Biarritz or Aix-en-Provence?
Should I visit Biarritz or Aix-en-Provence? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Biarritz
Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on southwestern France's Basque coast that has been a popular resort since European royalty started visiting the area in the 1800s. It is located on France's Atlantic Coast in the Bay of Biscay. Half ritzy coastal resort, half summer surfer's hang-out, the seaside resort of Biarritz has been a favorite seaside getaway ever since Napoleon III and his Spanish-born wife Eugenie arrived during the mid-19th century. To entertain her court, the empress built a grand palace, which is now a luxurious hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Other than this exquisite villa by the sea, the names of the streets in Biarritz also hint at the city's royal past: Avenue de l'Imperatrice, Avenue de la Reine Victoria, and Esplanade Elizabeth II. Mansions decked with steeples and spectacular windows recall the city's 19th-century splendors. Though the royal influence of Biarritz has faded, the city is still a popular tourist destination for those looking for a classic summer holiday. Pristine sandy beaches, beautiful coastal villas, and stylish restaurants offer a sophisticated ambience. Wide seafront promenades and well-placed benches allow visitors to soak up the stunning natural landscape. Biarritz is also the capital of surfing in Europe.
Aix-en-Provence
Aix-en-Provence is a city in the south of France about 20 miles north of Marseille. It was the birthplace of Post-Impressionist painter Paul Cezanne. A walking trail links sites including his childhood home, Jas de Bouffan, and his former studio, Atelier Cezanne. The white limestone mountain Sainte-Victoire overlooking the city as well as the surrounding countryside were frequent subjects of his works. The city is all class with its flourishing boulevards and public squares are lined with 17th- and 18th-century mansions, punctuated by gurgling moss-covered fountains. Haughty stone lions guard its grandest avenue, cafe-laced cours Mirabeau, where fashionable Aixois relax on terraces sipping espresso. While Aix-en-Provence is a student hub, its upscale appeal make it more unique and charming to visit than some university towns.
Which city is cheaper, Aix-en-Provence or Biarritz?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Biarritz is €105, while the average daily cost in Aix-en-Provence is €111. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Biarritz and Aix-en-Provence in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €118 in Biarritz For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
A hotel room in Aix-en-Provence is about €130 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
The price of a meal in Biarritz can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is €27 per person, and a typical meal will cost around €11 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
Food in Aix-en-Provence costs travelers about €26 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
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Food
Meals for one day
Biarritz €27
Aix-en-Provence €26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Basque Cooking Class in Biarritz:
$136
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Dinner at a local s home in Biarritz:
$174
Typical Food prices in Aix-en-Provence
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Aix-en-Provence:
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.
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Fresh market food tour:
$31
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Small-Group Walking Food Tour in Aix-en-Provence:
$106
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Biarritz than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend €31 on transportation in Biarritz on average per day.
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around €26 per day to get around in Aix-en-Provence.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz
Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle:
$62
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Biarritz Airport Private 1-Way Transfer:
$114
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Private Transfer BIQ Biarritz Airport to Biarritz Downtown:
$93
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Logroño:
$404
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Logroño Airport:
$404
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Pamplona:
$239
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Pamplona Airport:
$239
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian:
$135
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport:
$135
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Santander:
$452
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Santander Airport:
$452
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Private Transfer from Biarritz city to Vitoria:
$267
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aix-en-Provence
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aix-en-Provence:
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Private Transfer to Cassis & Calanques:
$361
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Private Transfer Gare TGV to Aix-en-Provence:
$75
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Private Transfer Airport:
$100
Is it cheaper to fly into Biarritz or Aix-en-Provence?
Prices for flights to both Aix-en-Provence and Biarritz 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.
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Biarritz, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of €13 per day, per person.
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around €18 per person, per day in Aix-en-Provence. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Tours and Activities in Biarritz
For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Walking Historical Tour of Biarritz:
$59
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Walking Historical Tour:
$61
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Segway Tour: Biarritz Discovery:
$62
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Electric Bike Tour Biarritz to St.Jean de Luz:
$73
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Private Walking Tour of Biarritz:
$75
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2-Hour Biarritz Tour by night:
$101
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50km Basque Country Cycling Tour w/Bicycle Rental:
$128
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From Half Day Guided Surf Tour:
$161
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4 Hour Basque Villages Guided Tour:
$166
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Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Biarritz with official tour guide:
$224
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Private Guided Walking Tour of Biarritz:
$285
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Private Tour of Game of Thrones from Biarritz (Two towns) with optional guide:
$613
Tours and Activities in Aix-en-Provence
Here are a few actual costs in Aix-en-Provence for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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1-Hour Sightseeing Flight around Aix-en-Provence:
$139
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Aix en Provence Big tour by e-bike + Wine and cheese tasting break:
$77
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Aix en Provence City Walking Tours. English Language:
$37
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Aix en Provence Gourmet Walking Tour:
$42
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Aix en Provence Historical & Gourmet Walking Tour:
$81
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Aix en Provence Walking Tour with Author:
$44
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Aix–en–Provence: Half–Day Winery Tour:
$97
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Aix-en-Provence Private Walking Tour:
$214
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Aix-en-Provence Private tour | Fountains & Gardens:
$305
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Aix-en-Provence street-market experience fine food & wine of Château Grand Boise:
$740
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Aix-en-Provence, Cézanne, Mt Sainte Victoire & the Wine of Provence private tour:
$404
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Highlights from the capital of Provence on an audio tour:
$5.99
Alcohol
Typically, people visiting Biarritz spend on average €6.44 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Aix-en-Provence may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €11 per day on alcoholic beverages.
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:
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Food Tasting, Wine Tasting & Farmers Market in Aix en Provence:
$86
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Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence:
$89
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Half day Wine Tour in Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire from Aix en Provence:
$89
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Half day Wine Tour in Coteaux d'Aix and Luberon from Aix en Provence:
$89
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Half day Wine Tour in Bandol & Cassis from Aix en Provence:
$101
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Full day Wine Tour around Luberon from Aix en Provence:
$139
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Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence:
$360
When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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